For Immediate Release:
Local Mr. Handyman® Wins National Awards

Franchise Off to a Strong Start in the Central Maryland Region.

FREDERICK, MD - April 20, 2004 -  Rob Carpenter, local owner of Mr. Handyman of Central Maryland, was recently recognized at the national Mr. Handyman Convention in San Antonio, Texas as a multiple award winner taking home the 2004 Rookie Franchise of the Year, Team Building Award and 2^nd Fastest Growing New Franchise (new territory).

Ron Cheeks, a tech with Mr. Carpenter’s franchise, was first runner-up for Mr. Handyman Technician of the Year.

The franchise, which provides home and commercial maintenance and repair, serves Howard, Frederick, Carroll and parts of Montgomery County. There is another owner in lower Montgomery county.  Mr. Carpenter owns the business with his wife, Missy.

“Business has been exceptional as is evidenced by our awards.  But our success comes down to one basic component, customer service.  At Mr. Handyman it is our goal to take a blue collar business and give it a white collar image.  A few of the things we do to achieve this is by offering a 100% guarantee on all of our work and we guarantee to arrive on-time. Our customers truly appreciate the extra effort we give.”, added Mr. Carpenter.

Because of his strong start and success, Mr. Handyman International, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. awarded Mr. Carpenter one of their prestigious "Team Builder" awards and now uses him to help attract new franchise owners. “I spend a few hours a week speaking with prospective owners about the benefits of owning a Mr. Handyman franchise.”  Just last week he spoke via conference call with four potential owners across the nation. “It’s great.  I really enjoy doing it. It makes me feel good that the home office has the confidence to let me speak to these potential owners since I have only been in business for less than a year.”

Mr. Carpenter won his Rookie award on competition from more than 40 new franchises. Mr. Cheeks earned his award from a pool of over 350 technicians nationwide.

Mr. Carpenter's franchise was the second fastest growing new territory in the nation behind a franchise started two months earlier in Montgomery County, MD. "The Montgomery County owner and I have similar methods of doing business.  I think that is why we have been successful in building the businesses in this area.", said Mr. Carpenter.

The franchise was also been involved in the filming of a new pilot series for Home and Garden Television (HGTV) called “What Have I Done”.  “The show takes a  homeowner who begins to tackle a home improvement project and then runs into some trouble.  That’s when we, the professionals, are called in to solve the problem.  We have filmed three shows so far. ”, said Mr. Carpenter.

Mr. Handyman technicians are licensed, bonded, insured, have at least 20 years experience, have undergone criminal background checks and must pass a drug and alcohol screening. “We do that to assure our customers of a save, worry-free job that is completed by an expert.”, added Mr. Carpenter.

Some of the services offered includes, drywall repair, painting, power washing, carpentry, many of the handyman type jobs.  “We specialize in the two hour to two day type of job.”, added Mr. Carpenter.

For more information, call 301-695-3636, 410-489-2424 or 410-552-5115.  Or visit at www.mrhandymanMD.com.

About Mr. Handyman

Mr. Handyman is one of several companies launched by Service Brands International (SBI), the parent company of Molly Maid Inc., the Ann Arbor, MI-based residential cleaning service that has been ranked Number One in major business publications for the past several years. John Eggenberger, a key executive at SBI believed that home-handyman services represented a sensible extension in the home service industry.  Mr. Handyman arose in part from the founding business model and investment by Massachusetts businessman David Lavalle, who established the original company in 1996. Service Brands International acquired the rights and trademark to the company in March of 2000. The company currently has over 80 franchisees operating 350 vans in 100 territories around the U.S. and Canada.