#United States #franchise #HVAC #Richardson #Service Experts

Service Experts Honored as a Top New Franchise in 2026

Service Experts, a prominent player in the HVAC industry, has recently been featured by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Top New and Emerging Franchises for 2026, marking its entry into the franchise model after more than three decades as a corporate entity. Ranked at number 104, this annual recognition showcases Service Experts' strategic transition into franchising, leveraging over 30 years of operational experience to support future franchisees.

Unlike many brands on the list, which are relatively new to the franchising world, Service Experts is building on an extensive history of corporate operation. This differentiation empowers the brand to offer a franchise blueprint that is both established and robust, complete with national infrastructure, proven operational systems, and the ability to guarantee performance at a scaled level.

Nick Ridgway, the Vice President of Franchise Development at Service Experts, emphasized the importance of having built the business carefully before venturing into franchising. He stated, "We built the business first without rushing into it. We knew franchising was the best vehicle for continued growth. Being recognized by Entrepreneur at this stage reinforces that there's strong demand for franchise opportunities built on real operational experience. We're giving owners the ability to step into a model that's already been tested, refined, and built to scale."

The acknowledgment from Entrepreneur Magazine is part of an annual evaluation process associated with the Franchise 500 listing. The franchises selected for this year's list offer franchise opportunities developed only within the past five years and undergo rigorous assessment based on over 150 metrics. These include system size and growth, costs and fees, franchisee support, and brand reputation.

Jason Feifer, the Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur, noted the potential of newer franchise concepts, highlighting that they often provide lower initial investments and allow for more influence among the first adopters. Nevertheless, he warned that these opportunities also require entrepreneurs willing to embrace calculated risks rather than playing it safe with established brands.

As Service Experts broadens its franchise presence across the United States, its strategy centers on recruiting knowledgeable operators, multi-unit business owners, and independent HVAC professionals who seek to expand their businesses through a tested system. This franchise model fuses local ownership with national support, ensuring expertise in marketing, technology, vendor networks, and innovative programs like the Advantage Program that facilitates recurring revenues through the leasing of HVAC systems.

For those interested in following Service Experts' journey and franchise potential, the complete ranking is available on Entrepreneur's website. Moreover, insights can be found in the May/June issue of Entrepreneur, hitting newsstands on May 12, 2026.

About Service Experts

Founded in 1996 and based in Richardson, Texas, Service Experts has become a leading name in residential HVAC services throughout the United States. The company boasts a comprehensive network of locally operated service centers that deliver solutions not only for heating and cooling but also plumbing and electrical requirements. With nearly 30 years of experience, Service Experts marries localized understanding with national organizational resources to ensure excellent customer care. The company is recognized for its service quality, reflected by an enviable 4.9 out of five-star rating across numerous consumer reviews online. Under the ownership of Brookfield Infrastructure, Service Experts remains committed to operational excellence and delivering top-notch customer service, with the aspiration of expanding through its emerging franchise opportunities.