As Jani-King Canada celebrates 40 years of franchising, the system continues to look towards the future
By Georgie Binks
For Canadians and everyone around the world, the pandemic brought a huge wave of concern about cleanliness and hygiene. Bill Cole, a master franchise owner with Jani-King Canada and the president of Jani-King Manitoba, says it was pivotal. That’s because Jani-King provides cleaning services to just about any kind of company. Cole explains, “One of the biggest tests came during the pandemic when cleaning services became critically important. Expectations around sanitation increased dramatically overnight. We responded by working closely with our franchisees, implementing enhanced training, adopting new cleaning protocols and ensuring everyone had access to the right tools and information.”
Cole says the experience reinforced the importance of strong leadership, communication, and the value of a well-structured franchise system.
Fresh on the market
Jani-King was founded in 1969 in Oklahoma by Jim Cavanagh. The franchise came to Canada in the mid-1980s. Megan MacDonald, the vice president of Jani-King Canada, explains that over the past four decades here, the brand has grown alongside the needs of its clients and franchise owners. “What started primarily as office cleaning has expanded to serve a wide range of commercial environments, including healthcare facilities, retail spaces, and large commercial buildings. At the same time, we’ve continued to strengthen the systems that support our franchise owners—everything from training programs to operational support provided through our regional offices across Canada.”
MacDonald says the goal has been to create opportunities for entrepreneurs to build their own businesses within a proven system. “The concept was built around supporting independent owners with training, operational systems, and client relationships so they could focus on delivering excellent service.”
As the master franchisor of Jani-King Manitoba, Cole provides commercial cleaning services across the province. “I have spent my career in entrepreneurship and business leadership and over the years I’ve developed a strong appreciation for systems that allow people to build their own businesses while benefiting from proven processes and support.”
He says franchising appealed to him because it creates a structured pathway to entrepreneurship. “Many people want to own a business but may not have the experience, brand recognition, or operational systems to start completely from scratch. A franchise system provides those elements while still allowing individuals to grow something of their own.”
For Cole, Jani-King stood out because of its global reputation, the strength of its operational systems, and the opportunity it provided for people, particularly newcomers to Canada, to become business owners. “In Manitoba, over 90 per cent of our franchisees are new immigrants. That entrepreneurial pathway, combined with a strong brand and proven systems made Jani-King a very compelling opportunity.”
Cole admits that there have been challenges over the years. “The commercial cleaning industry can be competitive. Maintaining high service standards across many facilities requires strong systems, communication, and accountability.”
MacDonald agrees. “Like many service industries, we’ve seen increased expectations around cleanliness, labour challenges, and rising operating costs. Our response has been to stay focused on the fundamentals that have always defined the brand—strong training, consistent service standards, and close support from our regional offices. By continuing to invest in franchisee success and maintaining strong relationships with clients, the system has remained resilient.”
A focus on franchisees
Every new franchise owner completes a structured training program before servicing their first client. The training covers cleaning techniques, equipment use, safety programs, and how to communicate with customers using the franchise’s systems. After onboarding, franchise owners receive ongoing support from their local regional office teams who assist with operations, administration, marketing, and sales support to help franchisees grow their businesses.
Cole explains, “The goal is not just to launch a franchisee successfully but to help them grow and sustain a long-term business.”
What Cole enjoys most about operating the franchise is helping people build businesses for themselves and their families. “Many of our franchisees start with the goal of creating stability and opportunity. Watching them grow their businesses, hire employees, and achieve financial independence is very rewarding. There is also a strong sense of community within the system. Franchisees support each other, share best practices, and celebrate successes together. Being part of that network is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the role.”
From a franchisee perspective, there are several key advantages. Cole says the strength of the brand and established reputation helps open doors that would be difficult for an independent startup. The systems and operational support reduce much of the uncertainty that comes with starting a business. Franchisees are not left to figure everything out on their own. Cole explains that “franchisees can start at a level that fits their circumstances and grow over time by adding more accounts and employees. For many entrepreneurs, that combination of independence and structured support is very powerful.”
MacDonald agrees. “One of the key benefits is the ability to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Franchise owners operate independently while benefiting from the support of a well-established brand, training programs, and regional office teams that help secure and support customer relationships.”
The ideal Jani-King franchise owner is someone who is motivated to build a business and committed to delivering reliable service, says MacDonald. A background in cleaning isn’t required. “Many of our most successful franchise owners come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. What matters most is a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to follow a proven system.”
Investing in opportunities
Cole’s focus is continued growth while maintaining high service standards. “We want to expand the number of opportunities available for franchisees while also investing in training, technology, and innovation within the system. Helping more individuals become successful franchise owners is a major priority.”
Jani-King operates in 10 countries worldwide and has more than 6,500 unit franchisees, approximately 700 of which are in Canada. With 12 regional offices (master franchise locations) across the country, franchise unit opportunities are available in all the areas where Jani-King operates. Undeveloped regional (or master) franchise opportunities include Newfoundland, Northern Ontario (Thunder Bay), and Saskatchewan.
For those considering franchising, Cole advises they do their research and choose a system with a strong track record, clear support structures, and values that align with their own. “Franchising works best when franchisees commit to following the system and take full advantage of the training and support available. It’s still entrepreneurship, it requires effort, discipline, and a willingness to learn but the framework of a proven system can dramatically increase the chances of success. For people who want to own a business but value guidance and structure, franchising can be an excellent path.”
MacDonald believes the success of Jani-King in Canada comes down to the franchise’s people and values. “At Jani-King Canada, our focus is to grow people in business by being leaders in honest and ethical franchising. That philosophy, combined with strong regional support and a proven system, has helped build long-term relationships with both franchise owners and clients across the country.”
As the brand celebrates 40 years in Canada, the focus is on continuing to strengthen the system for the next generation of franchise owners. “That includes supporting the growth of existing franchisees, expanding opportunities in markets where demand for professional cleaning services continues to grow, and ensuring that Jani-King remains a place where entrepreneurs can build successful, sustainable businesses for years to come.”
Learn more about franchising with Jani-King Canada
