When parents used to tell their little girls that they could do anything they wanted when they grew up, it used to be more of an aspirational wish than an achievable reality. But things are changing, and nowhere is positive change more visible than in the home services industry. From repairs and maintenance services to pest control and property management, women are steadily advancing in historically male-dominated jobs.

Women leaders, in particular, have long been underrepresented in every industry. But for franchise business owners like Megan Lavalle, owning a home services business was the perfect fit. Female entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing to join high-quality, values-oriented teams like those at Dyer Vent Wizard due to the many advantages that home based franchises have to offer. There’s little doubt that the home services industry will continue to grow steadily, making it an enticing path to success. And for young women like Megan, launching a need-based business has helped her earn a great living while demonstrating the strengths that she (and others like her) bring to table.

Let’s talk with Dryer Vent Wizard legacy owner Megan Lavalle about her experiences as a 26-year-old entrepreneur in a predominantly male-saturated field – and why we need more owners just like her!

Hi, Megan! Female leaders in the home services industry aren’t easy to come by. Did you always know you wanted to be in business for yourself?
Definitely not! I always knew I wanted to have a great career, but I thought that probably looked like climbing the ranks of a company. Once I understood the benefits of running your own business, especially a franchise that has already laid the groundwork, it was a no-brainer for me.

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Do you find there are any challenges working as a woman in the home-service industry? What are some of the advantages?
I have run into times where I am speaking with customers who have some in-depth questions and their initial reaction is that I am a secretary. However, in situations where I have explained to customers that I am the business owner, it almost always comes with a genuine congratulations and excitement for me and the business.

What are some tips you can give fellow female entrepreneurs looking to be their own boss?
First, have strong mentors that you can counsel with. Another is to become a great delegator so that you can focus on growing your business. Finally, ask each team member how you can create a work environment that makes them happy and do your best to follow that.

What do you see for your business in the next 5 years? Any big plans?
In five years I will be 31. At that time I see the team increasing by adding more residential technicians as needed, and our multi-unit division built up and thriving with a strong foreman and a reliable crew.

What are some of the freedoms that come with business ownership? Any disadvantages?
In my previous roles in sales and marketing, I found that no matter how hard I worked, my pay would remain the same. When you own your own business, you have the freedom to earn as much as you’d like. You have the freedom to work from where you want rather than reporting to an office. The other side of that is that you can’t fully “turn off” – my phone is always on me and I have to be accessible at all times. However, it is all so worth it!

Why choose Dryer Vent Wizard? If given the chance to go back, would you do it all again?
I would choose this career path again and again. I am proud to be a Dryer Vent Wizard. I love that we are a niche market and we are the best at what we do. My recommendation, after the experience I have had with the business, is to go with a franchise every time. The infrastructure is laid out, the kinks have been addressed, and you are given a road map and support along the way.

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Whether you want to achieve your professional goals by starting your first business or have the flexibility to be your own boss, Neighborly® is ready to help you build a legacy in the home services industry.