Remote and mobile-based franchises make business ownership flexible, simple, and scalable
By Georgie Binks
For many prospective business owners, the allure of autonomy and an adaptable way of working are a prime draw for going into business for yourself. Franchise brands that offer mobile-based or remote business opportunities are a great fit for those who want freedom and flexibility, with the added benefit of low overhead and a scalable business model.
Here, Franchise Canada speaks with three mobile-based franchise brands on the benefits of thinking beyond brick and mortar.
We Wash Windows
For the We Wash Windows franchise system, it’s not just their clients’ windows that are clear, it’s the brand’s road to success as well. The brand’s owner, Jason Primmer, who also owns the Okotoks, Alberta location, says, “What sets us apart is our franchisee-first mindset—everything we do is designed to help our franchisees succeed, because their success strengthens the entire brand.”
Primmer’s father-in-law bought the We Wash Windows brand more than 20 years ago. It started with one crew, a ladder, and a dedication to service, says Primmer. “From the very beginning, it’s been mobile—meeting customers where they live and work. That model has allowed us to scale without losing our personal touch. It’s simple, efficient, and it lets franchisees build their businesses without the burden of a brick-and-mortar location.”
Primmer explains that a mobile business means there’s lower overhead, faster startup, and more flexibility. “Franchisees can grow at their own pace, respond quickly to customer demand, and adjust their schedules seasonally.” He adds, “It also means they can operate with a smaller team and fewer expenses. In our case, the mobile model opens up opportunities like seasonal snow removal, which helps boost year-round revenue.”
The company specializes in traditional, by-hand window and eavestrough cleaning, which Primmer says is delivered “with old-school professionalism and modern systems.”
As with many franchises, the biggest challenge is staffing. “Weather can also be a factor, but we help franchisees plan for and pivot during slower periods,” says Primmer.
We Wash Windows offers its franchisees personal mentorship, field-tested processes, and operational tools that reduce stress and increase profitability.
He explains that “we foster growth through one-on-one coaching, peer connection, and systems designed to let franchisees focus on what they do best—running their business.”
Plus, franchisees don’t need industry experience—they just need drive, character, and leadership skills. Primmer says, “Our most successful franchisees are hands-on, reliable, and motivated to grow something of their own. People from trades, customer service, or small business backgrounds often do well, but the common thread is a willingness to learn and a commitment to serving their community with pride.”
When researching franchise opportunities, Primmer advises prospective franchisees to “ask yourself if the franchisor is willing to roll up their sleeves with you. At We Wash Windows, we always will—because we’re a family business first, and our franchisees are part of that family. No matter how much we grow, we’ll always be a small, family-run business at heart—it’s just that our franchisees are in the family now, too.”
Primmer brings all credit back to his father-in-law who started it all. “He’d smile, seeing the work we’re doing.”
Koala Insulation
There’s nothing better than feeling warm and cozy, and homeowners know the value of quality insulation to keep their homes comfy. John Prittie, president and CEO of Koala Insulation says the brand began “as a result of increasing demand for insulation services to help customers reduce energy consumption, save money, and make customers more comfortable in their homes.”
Koala Insulation is a full-service insulation company offering batt, blown-in, and spray foam insulation along with related products and services such as air sealing, attic hatch covers, and solar mounted roof vents. The brand was started in 2018 in Melbourne, Florida as a mobile-based business and expanded to Canada in 2024.
“We differentiate ourselves by being a professional, full-service insulation company. We visit each customer or client in their home or business to clearly understand their issues and evaluate the situation,” says Prittie. Government grants are available to most residential and commercial customers which increases the demand for our services.”
The advantage of a mobile or remote business—as opposed to a brick-and-mortar location—is the opportunity for reduced operating costs, with lower (or no) rent and more autonomy.
The advantage of this flexible approach for franchisees is the ability to grow their business and add another truck and another crew when they need to. The brand provides franchisees with access to technology like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and GPS, making it easy to operate on-the-go and achieve a higher level of customer satisfaction.
When it comes to service, Prittie says, “You don’t need to be the lowest price in town. You need to provide the best solution for your customer. And like other well-developed brands, all the systems and support are in place from training, to operations, including lead generation, sales, marketing, administration, accounting, etc.”
Prittie notes that a challenge for the brand includes industry rogues who cut corners. “Noncompliance is the issue. These competitors are often not properly insured, don’t train staff properly, accept cash, and avoid making appropriate statutory payments to government and/or employees.”
But for those interested in investing in an exciting new mobile business opportunity, providing exceptional service to Koala Insulation customers, no prior experience in the insulation business is required. Prittie explains: “We teach our franchise partners everything they need to know. We look for candidates that have strong interpersonal skills with good attitudes that are motivated and driven. Individuals that understand the importance of providing excellence in customer service do well. Networking abilities are also important, since we work with so many professionals involved in the real estate and home improvement industries, like home inspectors and custom home builders.”
He says with the franchise’s Service Minder proprietary CRM, “We have selling and service down to a science. We also leverage the benefits of a third-party financing company to make the customers’ purchase decision manageable on their terms. Technology makes it all easy.”
And cozy!
Stagecoach Canada
For those interested in a business in the child enrichment sector, Stagecoach School for the Performing Arts is just the place. The brand caters to kids looking to learn performance skills—and in no time, it may have you kicking up your heels too, as a franchisee.
This extracurricular performing arts school for children integrates singing, dancing, and acting into one program. The curriculum uses performance to help students aged four to 18 become confident, resilient, and expressive.
Stagecoach Canada CEO Kristi Wenaus explains, “Our uniqueness stems from offering more than just performing arts training. Our program fosters essential life skills like collaboration, communication, and creative risk-taking within a supportive space.”
Stagecoach was founded in 1988 in Surrey, U.K., by Stephanie Manuel and David Sprigg. They wanted to create a part-time performing arts school where children could receive quality training in singing, dancing, and acting, all in one place.
Today, Stagecoach operates more than 3,000 schools across eight countries. Each school is led by a dedicated principal with a passion for performing arts and a commitment to their community.
Franchisees work from their home offices and lessons operate out of local schools, community centers, and rented spaces, where children attend regular weekend classes.
“Franchised schools offer a uniquely attractive business model for entrepreneurs seeking a flexible, scalable, and meaningful franchise opportunity,” Wenaus explains. “As a hybrid franchise, it combines the best of home-based administration with in-person, community-delivered programming—allowing our franchisees to build a thriving business without the heavy financial burden of a traditional brick-and-mortar setup.”
Many franchisees begin with one weekend school and expand over time by adding more classes or launching new locations.
Wenaus adds that staffing is often a challenge: “It’s essential to find talented teachers who are not only skilled in singing, dancing, or acting, but also work well with children and understand how to create a safe, encouraging environment. Since most classes run on weekends, it can sometimes be hard to find long-term staff who are both qualified and available.” But the brand’s proven system and cutting-edge educational programs—as well as operations, administration, and marketing support from a dedicated support office—make sure franchisees have the tools needed to succeed.
Those who enjoy working with children and are dedicated to creating a nurturing, creative environment where students can flourish make for ideal franchisees with this brand. Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach are also essential, and franchisees come from a variety of professions.
Wenaus says, “Success as a franchisee stems from more than just business acumen. It’s really about passion, community, and a love for inspiring young people through the arts.”
