"We're gearing up for the November Franchise Show in Vancouver," Ratchford said. "We have between 80 to 100 opportunities across Canada for Enviro Paving franchises, and we're looking at getting seven or eight more in B.C. immediately." The Canadian company is seeking to open on Vancouver Island as well as various locations in the Lower Mainland, she said.
While most the company's projects are residential and small business, large projects have been completed including an Enviro Paving contract at a major golf course in Metro Vancouver. Enviro Paving is partnered with the Professional Golf Association, and plans to be working on several more courses in the near future.
The Tire Stewardship of BC works closely with Enviro Paving on projects and a senior's centre in Sicamous, B.C., is one of their partnered projects. A grant from the Tire Stewardship provided the rubber-surfaced outdoor entryway, as well as a portion of a walkway adjacent to the building, which Ratchford said is safer for seniors to walk on.
"The Tire Stewardship of BC requires that the rubber used must be from within the province for obtaining grants," said Ratchford. "We're currently working on obtaining our LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certification and want as much of our crumb rubber to be sourced locally [as possible]."
An Enviro Paving franchise requires about $70,000 for the initial fee, plus $40,000 is required for tools, equipment and a cube van. "No related experience is needed, and training is provided," Ratchford said. "If you can paint, you can pave it."
from Western Investor October 2011
