Blingle Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$177,395 - $243,495
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Min Cash Required
$20,000
Total US Locations
36
Business Summary
Blingle! offers individuals the right to operate a business specializing in commercial and residential lighting services. These services include holiday lighting and decor installation, maintenance, removal, event lighting, landscape lighting, patio lighting, permanent lighting, and lighting storage. Blingle! businesses serve both residential and commercial customers on a year-round basis.
Corporate History
HPB Lighting LLC, operating under the trade names 'Blingle!' and 'Blingle Premier Lighting,' was organized in Pennsylvania on May 12, 2020. The company began offering franchises in November 2021. Blingle!'s parent company is JEZ Investments LLC, also organized on May 12, 2020. Before becoming Blingle!, the company's predecessor, Heroes Management Services, LLC (operating as Heroes Holiday Lighting and formed in 2015), had its assets and confidential information acquired by HPB Lighting LLC on September 1, 2021.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$177,395 - $243,495
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$59,500
Minimum Cash Required
$20,000
Equipment Costs (Low)
$59,300
Equipment Costs (High)
$81,300
Working Capital
$30,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Blingle! has reported net losses for both the 2023 and 2022 fiscal years, with a net loss of $(1,545,546) in 2023 and $(1,650,387) in 2022. As of December 31, 2023, Blingle! has a Member's Deficit of $(1,454,949) and a cash balance of $71,015. While the auditors issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, they noted that management is required to evaluate whether conditions raise substantial doubt about Blingle!'s ability to continue as a going concern. This indicates financial challenges for the company.
Financing Details
Blingle! offers limited financing for a portion of the initial franchise fee, but not for the first territory. Franchisees can finance up to 60% of the initial franchise fee for a second protected territory and up to 80% for a third protected territory, with a maximum financing amount of $52,000. These loans are for up to 36 months, with a variable interest rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 2%. There are no prepayment penalties. Franchisees must sign a Secured Promissory Note and General Security Agreement, granting Blingle! a security interest in substantially all of their business assets, and all owners must personally guarantee the obligations. Blingle! does not offer direct or indirect financing outside of these specific multi-unit initial franchise fee terms.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
36
Franchised Units
36
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2021
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
2
Litigation Summary
Blingle! itself has not been involved in any pending or concluded litigation. However, there were two civil actions involving Blingle!'s parent company, JEZ Investments LLC, its affiliate SVHB Marketing LLC, and some Blingle! franchisees. In August 2023, a group of current and former Blingle! franchisees filed a complaint, known as the Waldron case, against Blingle!'s affiliate, its parent, and certain individuals, alleging claims such as fraudulent inducement, fraud, and breach of contract. This case was dismissed in March and April 2024 because the plaintiffs did not comply with a mediation requirement and through joint stipulations of dismissal. Separately, in November 2023, Blingle! filed a complaint against some of the same parties from the Waldron case for breach of contract, unpaid royalties, and abandonment. This case was consolidated with the Waldron case and was also dismissed in April 2024.
Bankruptcy History
Blingle! has no bankruptcy information required to be disclosed, meaning there is no history of bankruptcy for the company or its key management.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Blingle! franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew 12 to 18 months before the current term expires. They must prove their right to operate the business at an approved location for the renewal term, and complete any necessary updates to bring the business into full compliance with Blingle!'s current system standards 90 days before expiration. Franchisees must not be in breach of any agreements with Blingle! or its affiliates and must have substantially complied with all terms. All monetary obligations to Blingle!, its affiliates, and suppliers must be satisfied. Franchisees are required to execute Blingle!'s then-current franchise agreement (which may have different terms), meet current training requirements, sign a general release, and pay a renewal fee equal to 20% of their initial franchise fee.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Blingle! provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, Blingle! helps define the protected territory, provides the initial inventory and opening package, lists approved products, services, and suppliers, grants access to the confidential Operations Manual and Intranet, and conducts an Initial Training Program. Blingle! also offers advice and guidance for the start-up phase, provides dedicated phone numbers and email accounts, and coordinates brand optimization. After opening, Blingle! may require additional or remedial training (for a fee plus expenses), and can provide on-site training or consultation (also for a fee plus expenses). Blingle! continuously updates its System and Operations Manual, provides updated lists of approved items, and may operate a Call Center (subject to discontinuation) and a Brand Fund. Blingle! reviews alternate suppliers, conducts periodic inspections and audits, and offers ongoing advice. For advertising and marketing, Blingle! approves all franchisee-generated materials and charges a Brand Marketing Fee for services like local SEO and video production. Blingle! controls the corporate website and domain names, and requires franchisees to use a specified Computer System and Required Software (including CRM and accounting software), and may access franchisee data remotely. Franchisees also participate in pre-opening and post-opening progress meetings.
Initial Training Hours
48
Training Location
Omaha, NE
Ongoing Support
After opening, Blingle! provides various ongoing support services. This includes scheduling and potentially requiring attendance at additional or refresher training courses for franchisees, general managers, estimators, and installers, for which a fee and expenses may be charged. Blingle! may also offer remedial training if a franchisee is not complying with system standards, and can provide on-site training or consultation upon request (for a fee and expenses). Blingle! regularly modifies and updates its System and Operations Manual, providing updated lists of approved products, services, and suppliers. Blingle! and its affiliates may operate a Call Center to manage customer inquiries and work orders (though this service may be discontinued). Blingle! reviews proposals for alternate suppliers or non-approved products and conducts periodic inspections and audits of franchised businesses and financial records. Franchisees also receive periodic advice and guidance on operations and the use of the proprietary marks and system, which may be delivered through various media.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Blingle! seeks qualified individuals who are committed to actively managing and operating their franchised business with personal attention, skill, and best efforts. Franchisees are expected to promote and increase demand for Blingle!'s products and services within their protected territory. While Blingle! explicitly states that no specific prior experience in lighting services is required, a dedication to operational excellence and customer service is implied.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
A single Blingle! Protected Territory typically consists of a population of approximately 200,000 individuals, but the size may vary based on geography, demographics, and other factors. If the cumulative general population figures used to calculate a franchisee's Protected Territory exceed the figures outlined in the fee schedule, an overage fee of $0.30 per individual is required.
Staffing Notes
Blingle! requires franchisees to employ a sufficient number of qualified and competent personnel to operate the business in compliance with system standards, ensuring prompt, courteous, and efficient customer service. The franchised business must always have at least one individual who has successfully completed Blingle!'s Initial Training Program. If the franchisee chooses to employ a Designated Manager for day-to-day operations, that manager must be approved by Blingle! and successfully complete the Initial Training Program. If a Designated Manager leaves, a replacement must be trained within 30 days. The Operations Manual outlines specific job descriptions for roles such as Lighting Designer, Production Manager, Lead Installer, and Installer, implying a structured team approach to service delivery.