Photo credit: Emilie Sandy Photography
All good things come to an end eventually. While one can’t help but admire the achievements of Freddie and Jan Mitman – the couple has built Drain Doctor into the UK’s largest emergency plumbing and drainage company over the course of the last 22 years – the time has now come for them to step away from the business.
Thankfully, the company is being left in safe hands: Dwyer Group, which owns Drain Doctor’s US equivalent Mr Rooter and a number of other franchise brands, has reacquired the UK master licence from the Mitmans. “This is a momentous day for the international strength and commitment we are making to support and grow our most successful franchise network abroad,” said Mike Bidwell, president and CEO of Dwyer Group.
It was back in 1993 that Freddie Mitman first acquired the master licence for Drain Doctor after hitting it off with the Dwyer Group’s founder, Don Dwyer. Mitman’s wife and EF cover star Jan eventually came on board to help recruit new franchisees but this was only after Freddie promised her a round-the-world cruise. While he is yet to fulfil his promise, here’s hoping Mitman will find the time to repay his wife as the couple move towards retirement.”
The Mitmans leave Drain Doctor with 80 franchised areas currently being operated across the UK, as well as commercial drainage partnerships with the likes of McDonald’s, KFC and JD Wetherspoon. It has also established operations in Ireland and more recently Portugal, where it had been looking to sell a master licence.”
“We wanted franchisees to have leadership that fully understood the franchising business model and could help them grow further,” said Freddie Mitman. “Dwyer Group, the original founder of the systems that have made Drain Doctor so successful, seemed to be the most obvious choice to be entrusted with that future growth.”
“We are extremely happy that Dwyer Group has taken up the challenge of building the Drain Doctor network still further,” added Jan Mitman. “Their track record proves that they will be the ideal leaders for the task ahead. Drain Doctor will, so to speak, stay in the family.”
Here’s wishing the Mitmans a very happy retirement.“
