Screen-Repair Services Bank on Convenience

"We knew we had to improve some foundational pieces in order to build," explains Walker, who attends professional training programs, upgraded his computer system and hired a branding company to adapt the franchise to a growing market.

Replacing Mom and Pop

Mobile companies like Screenmobile fill the need for services such as screen repair and glass cutting, formerly the domain of local hardware stores before they were replaced by big-box home improvement centers, such as Lowe's(LOW Quote).

The demise of local stores in an era when dual income homeowners are too time-strapped for a trip to the strip mall or a DIY repair project is also increasing Screenmobile's appeal. "Leisure time is so valuable now," Walker explains. "People don't want to spend it doing home improvements."

Furthermore, contractors who are already providing other services to homeowners use the franchise as an additional revenue stream. "I'll be working on someone's lawn and notice they have a torn screen," says Chris Kimball, a Des Moines, Iowa-based franchisee who also runs a lawn care business. "It creates cross marketing opportunities."

Rescreening large doors that are mangled by dogs or children are the most common type of repair, says Kimball, who charges $39 for the job. Repair jobs can range from $18 to $30 to rescreen an existing window, to over $200 for a custom-built sliding door.