#United States #Columbia #Authority Brands #Trade Brands #Steve Clemente

Authority Brands Announces New President and COO

On December 15, 2025, Authority Brands, a leading name in the home services franchising sector, made headlines by announcing the appointment of Steve Clemente as the new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of its Trade Brands division. This hiring comes as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the company’s leadership team, following the recent appointments of Josh Greear as Chief Financial Officer and Jay Caiafa as Chief Executive Officer.

A Seasoned Leader in the Franchise Industry

Steve Clemente brings over three decades of experience in leadership roles across various multi-unit service and retail businesses. His impressive track record in accelerating growth, maximizing profit margins, and enhancing operational standards has earned him a stellar reputation in the industry. Before joining Authority Brands, he served as President of Primrose Schools, a prominent early childhood education franchise, where he successfully spearheaded internal operations as well as strategic growth initiatives.

Clemente has held pivotal positions in renowned organizations, including Dick's Sporting Goods and Target, as well as privately-owned companies such as Nebraska Book Company. His diverse history equips him with a robust understanding of both the public and private sectors, a valuable asset as he steps into his new role.

Focus on Expansion and Excellence

As the President and COO of Trade Brands, Clemente is set to lead efforts aimed at improving operational excellence, promoting organic growth, and exploring cross-selling opportunities across Authority Brands' four primary trade entities: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Mister Sparky Electric, and DRYmedic Restoration Services.

Clemente expressed excitement about his new role, stating, "I’m honored to join an organization as well-respected as Authority Brands and work alongside an impressive team of franchise owners and company leaders. My focus has always been on delivering results and fostering a collaborative culture, which is precisely what I'm set to bring to the table for our Trade Brands."

Preparing for the Future

Clemente holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and earned his Master's degree from Webster University. He will take over the leadership role from Lance Sinclair, who is retiring as part of the planned transition.

Jay Caiafa, the newly appointed CEO of Authority Brands, shared his enthusiasm about Clemente’s arrival. He stated, "We're thrilled to welcome Steve into our family. Our trade brands represent a significant segment of our overall strategy, and Steve’s business insights and operational finesse make him an exceptional fit to drive our franchise owners toward further success."

Authority Brands boasts over 2,700 locations and generates more than $2 billion in annual sales. The company remains committed to supporting its franchise owners through comprehensive marketing, technological support, and operational services. The leadership changes signal a robust commitment to growth and the elevation of customer experiences across all Authority Brands' services.

Commitment to Franchise Growth

The company's dedication to franchise owner success is apparent with its continued search for qualified franchisees throughout the United States. For more information about Authority Brands, its leadership team, and available franchising opportunities, interested parties can visit AuthorityBrands.com.

With Steve Clemente at the helm of Trade Brands, anticipation grows for the innovative strategies and collaborations that will shape the future of Authority Brands in the competitive home services marketplace.