The Brothers that just do Gutters

The franchisor has initiated 5 litigation cases in the past 3 years, which is 5 times the typical range for this type of franchise. What are the nature and outcomes of these cases, and what specific franchisee violations triggered legal action?

Unit count declined from 108 to 101 in the past year (-6.48%), and closures have averaged 10-17 units annually over 3 years. What factors are driving the above-average closure rate of 15.8%, and does the franchisor have a retention improvement plan?

The 3-year turnover rate of 34.8% significantly exceeds the typical range of 2.88-22.53%. Can you provide a detailed breakdown of why 35 units have turned over in 3 years, including franchisee profitability data for units that remained open versus those that closed?

Termination rate is 6.9%, above the typical range of 0.0-6.83%. How many franchisees have been terminated in the past 3 years, on what grounds, and what is the franchisor's process for determining when termination is appropriate?

Transfer rate of 10.9% exceeds the typical range of 0.0-6.35%. Why are franchisees transferring their units at above-average rates, and does the franchisor have approval requirements or concerns about unit transfers?

Median gross sales of $1,076,348 exceed the typical range for this category. How many units reported these figures, and what percentage of franchisees achieve or exceed median sales? What are the earnings after expenses for a typical performing unit?

The franchise agreement allows for a 30-year total potential term with 2 renewal options. How many franchisees have renewed their agreements, and what is the historical renewal rate for expiring franchises?

Territory is marked as protected but not exclusive. What specific encroachment protections exist, and has the franchisor encroached on any franchisee territories or opened company-owned locations in franchisee areas?

Post-term non-compete restricts any competing business for 2 years within 25 miles of the operating territory. How is this restriction enforced, and have franchisees successfully challenged or negotiated modifications to this clause?

A minimum weekly royalty fee applies regardless of sales performance, with $150 non-compliance fees plus 18% annual interest. What is the minimum weekly royalty amount, and how many franchisees have incurred late fees in the past 2 years?

Personal guarantees are required from each owner and their spouse with joint and several liability. Under what circumstances has the franchisor pursued personal guarantees against owners or spouses for franchise debts?

All disputes must be resolved through binding arbitration in New York County, New York. What are the typical costs and timelines for arbitration claims against the franchisor, and are there any pending arbitration cases?

The franchise fee is $49,500 with an additional $10,000 renewal and $10,000 transfer fee. What are the total startup costs including equipment, inventory, working capital, and real estate, and is financing available through preferred lenders?

The System Health score is 29/100, which is well below the typical range of 50.0-70.0. What specific factors contributed to this low score, and what operational or support improvements is the franchisor planning?

The Risk Factors score is 46/100, below the typical range of 58.0-76.0. What are the primary risk factors identified, and how does the franchisor mitigate or manage these risks for new franchisees?

System contracted from 92 units 3 years ago, peaked at 108 units 1 year ago, and now stands at 101 units. What is the franchisor's growth strategy going forward, and how many new franchises does it plan to award annually?

Has the franchisor been sued by franchisees, and if so, on what grounds? Separately, what disputes led the franchisor to initiate the 5 legal cases against franchisees?

What training and ongoing support are provided to franchisees, and does the Support & Training score of 88/100 reflect participation in optional or mandatory training programs?