Josh Skolnick, the Co-Founder of HorsePower Brands, has built a remarkable legacy in the home services franchising industry. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive, Josh has created a platform that empowers franchisees to succeed on their entrepreneurial journeys. His journey and HorsePower Brands are testaments to his vision and dedication to helping others live out their business dreams.
Early Beginnings
Josh has never worked for someone else; instead, he channeled his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. “I started my first business in elementary school,” Josh recalls. “I was paying other kids to do my school work while I was out working.”
He spent his pre-teenage years working in the landscaping business, which he continued working in all through middle school and high school. What began as simply mowing his parents’ lawn expanded to a dozen lawns in the neighborhood, and then quickly to 50 or 60. This early enthusiasm for business and hard work set the stage for Josh’s journey, during which his capacity to generate interest and investments in his ideas has expanded.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Josh has always been highly skilled in sales. He is passionate about entrepreneurship, his passion drives people to invest in what he is building with a strong focus on the importance of developing and working with people in blue-collar industries. In 2008 Josh launched Monster Tree Service after running a multi-crew lawn service that he had started during grade school. What started as a small tree service company serving communities in southeastern Pennsylvania, grew rapidly when Josh used credit cards to spend $75,000 he didn’t have on marketing programs such as direct mail marketing and online advertising programs. Within six months, Josh paid off his credit card debt entirely through business, which came from direct referrals and marketing programs.
In 2011, Josh was introduced to the possibility of franchising his business. Despite having no prior industry knowledge, he quickly realized the potential. “One of my sales guys introduced me to franchising, and I was hooked,” he says. “I got introduced to SMB Franchise Advisors, and next thing I knew, I was in franchising, running a business doing $5 million a year.”
Josh’s early success was not without challenges. He emphasizes the importance of confidence in overcoming obstacles to potential franchisees who want to open a business. “The biggest challenge I had to overcome was just remaining confident,” he explains. “It’s all about the confidence, the opportunity, and the level of honesty.”
The Birth of HorsePower Brands
While he owned Monster Tree Service, Josh also ran and owned RedBox+, a portable toilet and dumpster rental service. Monster Tree Service had over 240 territories in 2020. However, advised by an investment firm, Josh sold the brand in September that year. A year later, he would also sell Redbox+ in June 2021. The years of experience as a Franchisor and the overall franchise industry, Josh set out to create a portfolio of home service Companies.
HorsePower Brands started with Mighty Dog Roofing in 2021, and now the portfolio consists of Blingle!, iFoam, Heroes Lawn Care, Gatsby Glass, Groovy Hues, Bumble Bee Blinds, Stand Strong Fencing and Varsity Zone Heating and Air Conditioning. “HorsePower Brands has close to 200 employees and over 1,500 territories. I believe in servant leadership and my primary role is to ensure we have great teams, franchisees, supplier, and partners in our system.” Josh notes.
The Reason Why
Despite his many business ventures and entrepreneurial journey so far, Josh still remains dedicated to his main purpose, putting other passionate entrepreneurs on the right path to building businesses.
“What I do and want to do is help as many people as possible realize their financial dreams through business ownership.” For Josh, leaving his mark is paramount. “It’s all about legacy for me,” he states. “I want to be remembered as someone who helped people live the American dream.”
Are you interested in franchising with a brand that has proven leadership? Contact them today to explore business opportunities and start your next business venture.
