Zoom Drain

## Executive Summary

Zoom Drain has carved out a focused niche in the drain and sewer cleaning segment, offering a specialized alternative to full-service plumbing franchises. With average revenue of $701,000 per location and over 100 franchise units, the brand has achieved meaningful scale since launching franchising in 2014. The investment range of $260,000-$486,000 positions it in the mid-market, with economics that can work for operators who execute well in their territories.

## The Business

Zoom Drain specializes exclusively in drain and sewer cleaning, repair, and maintenance - a focused positioning that differentiates it from full-service plumbing competitors. Founded by Jim and Ellen Stevens, the company built its reputation on a streamlined, customer-focused approach to drain solutions.

The niche focus means less service diversification but deeper expertise in a recurring-need service category. Drains require ongoing maintenance, creating repeat customer opportunities.

## Investment Overview

| Category | Amount | |----------|--------| | Franchise Fee | $49,500 - $119,500 | | Total Investment | $259,618 - $485,641 | | Net Worth Required | Not specified | | Liquid Capital Required | Not specified | | Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales | | Brand Fund | 2% of gross sales (capped at $1,650/month) |

Note: Additional population fee of $0.16 per person applies for territories exceeding 300,000 population.

## Financial Performance (Item 19)

- Average Unit Volume (AUV): $701,000 per year - Alternate reported figure: $472,754 per unit - Estimated EBITDA (15% margin): $105,000 annually - Comparison: $396,000 average for similar waste/drain franchises

Zoom Drain outperforms the narrow drain service category average significantly, suggesting the focused model generates superior unit economics compared to generalist competitors.

## Network Statistics

- Franchised Units: 100+ locations - Geographic Coverage: Major metropolitan areas across US - Franchising Since: 2014 - Headquarters: Not specified

## Training and Support

Zoom Drain provides comprehensive onboarding and ongoing support. The franchise offers both single-territory and multi-territory development options for operators seeking scale.

## Competitive Analysis

**Strengths:** - Niche focus creates expertise differentiation - Strong AUV compared to category average - Growing network with 100+ locations - Recurring service nature builds customer relationships - Capped brand fund limits marketing costs

**Weaknesses:** - Narrower service offering limits revenue diversification - Higher investment than some plumbing franchises - Less brand recognition than full-service plumbing names - Payback period estimated at 11.7-13.7 years

**Competitors:** - Roto-Rooter (full-service, larger brand) - Mr. Rooter (full-service, Neighborly network) - Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (full-service)

## Risk Factors

1. Long estimated payback period (11.7-13.7 years) 2. Narrow service focus limits upsell opportunities 3. Competition from full-service plumbers who also offer drain service 4. Market saturation in some metropolitan areas 5. Dependent on emergency and maintenance service calls

## Investment Recommendation

Zoom Drain offers a compelling focused franchise model for operators who believe in specialization over diversification. The above-average unit economics suggest the niche strategy works, but the lengthy payback period requires patient capital. Best suited for operators who can build strong local reputation in their specific service category and develop recurring maintenance customer relationships.

The focused positioning may appeal to those who want to become the go-to drain experts rather than competing broadly against full-service plumbing giants.