Neighborly evolved from a single plumbing brand in 1981 in Waco, Texas, to a $4 billion home services giant with over 5,500 franchises across more than 30 brands worldwide. Founded by Don Dwyer Sr., the company rebranded from The Dwyer Group in 2018, fueling 39% multi-brand customer growth.
Private equity investments from Harvest Partners and KKR accelerated acquisitions and technological innovation. Their franchise model empowers local entrepreneurs while maintaining quality through robust service guarantees.
The Humble Beginnings: From Single Brand to Service Empire
Unlike many home service giants that start from corporate mergers, Neighborly‘s journey began in 1981 when Don Dwyer Sr. founded The Dwyer Group.
The first brand was Rainbow International Carpet Dyeing and Cleaning, not “Mr. Plumber,” and Dwyer built on his entrepreneurial background and military discipline to establish a culture of service excellence.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1944, Dwyer grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, shaping his business acumen and vision for a multi-brand service company. His early strategy focused on scalable brand development, much like Houston‘s rapid growth patterns in its boom years.
Waco Roots: The Texas Foundation of a Global Company
Neighborly’s headquarters has been based in Waco, Texas since its founding, operating today at 1010 N. University Parks Drive. From here, the company manages more than 5,500 franchise locations in nine countries.
Waco’s central location supports operational efficiencies for North American and global franchise networks. The Texas business climate has helped Neighborly expand from a single brand to a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse with over 30 brands.
The strong community connection and development of a modern corporate campus reflect a lasting commitment to the region. This Texas foundation shapes the company’s values of hospitality, integrity, and entrepreneurship—principles that resonate with franchisees worldwide.
The Strategic Rebrand: Why Dwyer Group Became Neighborly
After launching its consumer-facing platform in 2017, The Dwyer Group rebranded as Neighborly in 2018 to unify its service brands under a single, consumer-friendly identity.
The rebrand increased multi-brand customer penetration by 39% within the first year. By presenting a single point of access for homeowners seeking multiple services, Neighborly boosted trust and recognition across its portfolio.
The name “Neighborly” captures the company’s customer-first values while positioning it strategically within the $300+ billion home services market.
Acquisition Strategy: How Private Equity Fueled Explosive Growth
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Since 2003, private equity funding has fueled Neighborly’s growth. Harvest Partners acquired the company in 2018, followed by KKR in 2021. These investments accelerated expansion into complementary brands and international markets.
Neighborly now operates 30+ brands serving more than 12 million customers annually, integrating related services under a tech-enabled platform that offers a “one-stop” solution for homeowners.
The Franchise Model: Creating Opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs
Neighborly’s franchise system supports over 5,500 business owners, giving them independence with the backing of corporate resources. Franchisees access training, business coaching, peer networks, and vendor discounts through ProTradeNet.
This model combines entrepreneurial freedom with corporate collaboration, national conferences, and local decision-making—helping owners grow recurring revenue streams while benefiting from the brand’s national presence.
Global Expansion: Taking Texas Expertise to International Markets
Since 2012, Neighborly has expanded to six countries outside the U.S., including the UK, Germany, Austria, Ireland, and Canada. The company’s management-based franchise model respects local markets while upholding its Code of Values—Respect, Integrity, Customer Focus, and Having Fun in the Process.
In 2023, Neighborly sold 468 new franchises worldwide, supported by more than $400 million in private equity capital.
The Neighborly Promise: Building Trust Across Multiple Service Brands
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Neighborly’s Done Right Promise ensures all work is completed correctly or redone at no additional cost. Each brand sets specific timelines for service corrections—Aire Serv allows 60 days, Window Genie 7–30 days, and Mosquito Joe 14 days.
The company’s mobile app makes it easy for customers to schedule services and connect with local providers across all brands.
Behind the Numbers: Breaking Down $4 Billion in Annual Sales
In 2023, Neighborly achieved $4 billion in systemwide sales, up from $3.7 billion in 2022. This success comes from 5,500+ franchises serving over 12 million customers a year.
Revenue comes from franchise fees, royalties, and service support rather than direct service work, allowing diversification across multiple home service categories.
Future Vision: Where Home Services Meet Technology and Innovation
Neighborly’s tech transformation includes Neighborly App 2.0, AI-powered market analysis, and workforce optimization tools—earning recognition in the 2024 CIO 100 Awards.
From energy-efficient HVAC to smart home integration and solar services, Neighborly is positioning itself at the forefront of the intersection between home services and sustainable technology.
