Ace Hardware Store Owner Opens Rainbow Franchise

Dave Warren, of Milton, Wis., has announced that he will open a Rainbow International Carpet Care and Restoration franchise in August, which he will operate out of his Ace Hardware store on 430 S. John Paul Rd.

Warren has owned the Ace Hardware store for nine years and said the carpet cleaning services will be a great addition to what he can offer his customers in the Milton area. Warren was introduced to Rainbow and its parent company, The Dwyer Group (Nasdaq:DWYR), when the Ace Hardware Corporation began a business relationship with the Franchising conglomerate.

"I could see that The Dwyer Group served the same passion I did for quality customer service," Warren said.

Warren, who completes Franchise training this month, said his first introduction of the franchise would be promoting its services to his existing customer database of more 1,900 people in his area.

"That's one advantage I have over the ordinary franchisee trying to launch a business," Warren said of his existing customer base. He added that he expects the Rainbow and ACE Hardware businesses to work in great harmony.

Mike Bidwell, president of Rainbow International agreed, saying, "Dave really knows his territory well, which is essential to building a successful franchise." Not only has Warren owned the ACE Hardware for nine years, but also he has worked at the store since 1977 and the store has been in the area for 65 years. Bidwell said Warren and Ace Hardware are entrenched in the Milton community.

Bidwell added that Rainbow is offering franchise expansion through other interested and qualified hardware storeowners.

Since 1981, Rainbow International has become the world's leading chain for indoor restoration and cleaning services ranging from upholstery and drapery cleaning, carpet cleaning and dyeing, ceiling cleaning, air duct cleaning, deodorization and comprehensive fire and water damage restoration and cleanup.

With over 300 domestic locations, Rainbow International has been named to Entrepreneur's "Top 100 Franchises" and "Top 101 Homebased Franchises" and Income Opportunities' "Platinum 200" and "25 Homebased Franchises."

ABOUT THE DWYER GROUP
The Dwyer Group Inc., based in Waco, Texas, supports over 900 franchisees in the United States and nearly 400 franchisees in 23 countries. The Dwyer Group's franchise concepts include: Rainbow International® Carpet Care and Restoration Specialists™, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor® in the UK), Mr. Electric®, Mr. Appliance®, Glass Doctor®, Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning® and an associate company, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide™. Combined, these concepts offer a broad base of residential and commercial services. The Dwyer Group's objective is to reach 2,000 locations worldwide generating over $1/2 billion in annualized system-wide sales by December 31, 2001.