Before joining Modern PURAIR, Serge Laredo owned a heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) company that provided both residential and commercial services. Serge owned that business for 11 years and then he sold it. After taking some time off, he decided it was time to get back into business for himself. This time, he wanted to go with a franchise model to accelerate the scale-up process.
We connected with Serge to find out a bit more about him and his experience with Modern PURAIR.
What did you do before owning your last business?
Prior to joining Modern PURAIR, I built an HVAC business for 11 years and then sold it. Prior to that, I was a sales manager at Lennox Industries for 22 years.
What made you want to own a business again?
I missed entrepreneurship and realized that I wanted to keep doing something where I was working with people on a regular basis.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of joining a franchise system?
The support system and processes are already in place. Scaling up is easier. It would take a lot of resources and capital to get the same processes put in place.
Tell us about the onboarding and training experience so far.
The on-boarding has been extremely positive. Sometimes a little overwhelming due to the short timeline that I was trying to achieve for launching. The support system is there the entire way through. My favourite part is having all the checklists you need to avoid missing anything. Everyone is so helpful.
Why was Modern PURAIR the right business for you?
Modern PURAIR is familiar to my previous business experience. The business is simpler than my previous business. I really like how the company always looks to find more efficient ways to do business. I like how they help franchise partners find ways to increase opportunities and profits. This business model will allow me in the future to have more flexibility in my schedule. The franchise values are very similar to my own. I appreciate that Modern PURAIR really values the customer and offers a superior service.
What are you most looking forward to about being a business owner again?
It’s a combination of things but I miss working with people….. My team and customers. I’m looking forward to helping both.
How did you first learn about Modern PURAIR?
I actually used to be a customer of Modern PURAIR in the business that I owned. What always stood out for me is the high level of customer care Modern PURAIR showed. And then, years later when I was looking for my next business, a friend reconnected me with the company.
What are your favourite things to be doing when you are not building your business?
When I am not working, I most enjoy spending time with family and travelling.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about making the leap to entrepreneurship?
Don’t miss that opportunity to follow that dream. Just make sure to have a plan and checklist going into it.
Modern PURAIR® is a full-service indoor air quality company. Modern PURAIR Franchises offer air purification equipment, HEPA Filters, indoor air quality testing, furnace and air duct cleaning, coil cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and filter maintenance programs for homes and business including offices, retail locations, property management companies, restoration companies, schools, hospitals, and more.
Modern PURAIR is Canada’s fastest growing indoor air quality company, providing indoor air quality services to thousands of commercial buildings, residential homes, high-rise apartments, hospitals, and schools.
