Glass Doctor Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$152,900 - $323,100
Franchise Fee
$32,000
Min Cash Required
$35,000
Total US Locations
171
Business Summary
Glass Doctor operates businesses specializing in glass installation, repair, and replacement. Franchisees can choose either a Home and Business Option, focusing on residential and commercial flat glass and shower enclosures, or an Auto Option, dedicated to auto glass repair and replacement. Both options include related services and products, operating under the GLASS DOCTOR® and WE FIX YOUR PANES® trademarks for both residential and commercial customers.
Corporate History
The Glass Doctor brand's origins trace back to Glass Doctor Corporation (GDC), which began offering franchises in 1977. In 1998, Dwyer Franchising LLC (d/b/a Neighborly) acquired Glassmarks, Inc., which in turn had acquired GDC's franchise assets. Glassmarks then merged into Synergistic International, Inc. (later Synergistic International LLC, the predecessor to the current franchisor), which continued to offer Glass Doctor franchises from 1998 to 2004, and then from 2004 to March 2021. In March 2021, Glass Doctor SPV LLC was organized as a Delaware limited liability company and assumed the role of franchisor for all U.S. Glass Doctor franchises, taking over existing franchise agreements and intellectual property through a securitization transaction. Since April 2020, the system has offered two distinct franchise options: the Auto Option and the Home and Business Option. In August 2021, Nest Bidco Inc., controlled by investment funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), became the indirect parent company of Glass Doctor.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$152,900 - $323,100
Franchise Fee (Low)
$32,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$79,900
Minimum Cash Required
$35,000
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$25,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$65,000
Working Capital
$55,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Glass Doctor's direct parent, Neighborly Assetco LLC, and its manager, Neighborly Company, have both received unqualified audit opinions on their combined/consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023. This indicates that their financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, their financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The auditor's reports do not raise any substantial doubt about either entity's ability to continue as a going concern, suggesting a stable financial foundation for the Glass Doctor franchise system.
Financing Details
Glass Doctor may offer direct financing for a portion of the initial franchise fee to qualified prospective franchisees, though it is not obligated to do so. The amount financed is typically limited to less than 50% of the total financial support for the business, with standard financing covering up to 70% of the initial franchise fee, and up to 80% for those meeting certain requirements. Interest rates are credit-score dependent, ranging from 12% for scores under 600 down to 9% for scores of 700 or more. Repayment occurs in monthly installments, with the term length varying from up to 5 years for loans under $45,000, to up to 9 years for loans over $150,000. All loans are secured by a security interest in the business's assets, and require personal guarantees from owners with 5% or more interest, and potentially from their spouses. Prepayment is allowed without penalty, but a default accelerates the entire outstanding balance. While Glass Doctor may refer franchisees to third-party lenders, it currently does not earn income from such referrals. In limited cases, Glass Doctor may also finance a portion of the renewal fee at a 12% interest rate for qualified franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
171
Franchised Units
171
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
3,000
Franchising Since
1977
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
Yes
Litigation Count
3
Litigation Summary
Glass Doctor has one ongoing lawsuit that was filed in October 2024 against a former franchisee and its owners. Glass Doctor is suing for breach of contract, claiming the franchisee failed to make payments and abandoned the business. The former franchisee is countersuing Glass Doctor and its predecessor and officers for alleged violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, breach of contract, fraud, fraudulent concealment, and misrepresentation regarding the nature, opportunities, costs, and profitability of the franchised business. Both parties are seeking damages and attorney's fees, and discovery is currently underway. Additionally, there were two resolved administrative orders involving Glass Doctor's affiliates: one in 2017 with a Window Genie predecessor for failing to submit advertisements in California, which resulted in a $5,000 penalty and remedial training; and another in 2010 with a Molly Maid predecessor in Kansas concerning allegations of not documenting employee background checks and selling gift certificates post-termination, which was settled with payments totaling $50,175.
Bankruptcy History
Glass Doctor's President, Mr. Jeramy Sibley, filed a personal voluntary petition under Chapter 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on June 21, 2012, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Virginia. His debts were discharged on February 23, 2017, and the case was closed on June 29, 2017. Additionally, several portfolio companies controlled by Glass Doctor's indirect parent, KKR, have filed for Chapter 11 reorganization, including The Collected Group LLC (filed April 2021, emerged May 2021), Envision Healthcare Corporation (filed May 2023, emerged November 2023), Genesis Care Pty Limited (filed June 2023, emerged February 2024), and IPI Legacy Liquidation Co. (filed December 2023, emerged April 2024). Café Coffee Day, another KKR-affiliated company, faced an insolvency resolution filed in August 2024, which was later set aside in February 2025.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Glass Doctor franchisees must meet several conditions: they must not be in default of their current Franchise Agreement or any related agreement, have timely satisfied all monetary and material obligations, be in good standing, and have received no more than two written notices of default during the term. Additionally, franchisees must not have failed to meet the Minimum Performance Standards for any two calendar years or measurement periods. They are required to provide written notice of their intent to renew at least 180 days but no more than 240 days before the expiring term ends. Upon renewal, the franchisee and their guarantors must sign a general release of claims, pay a renewal fee of $5,000, complete all then-current training requirements, and execute the current version of the franchise agreement, which may contain materially different terms, conditions, and fees.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Glass Doctor provides pre-opening support to its franchisees, including site selection guidelines, lists of approved supplies and suppliers, electronic access to Operations Manuals, initial training programs, and direct opening support. Ongoing assistance for Glass Doctor franchisees includes maintaining the Marketing, Advertising and Promotion Fund (MAP Fund), providing updates to lists of approved supplies and suppliers, researching and developing new products and services, and conducting periodic on-site visits for consultation and guidance (typically every 18 to 24 months). The franchisor also offers refresher training courses, regional meetings, and annual conventions, which franchisees are required to attend. Furthermore, Glass Doctor provides continuous communication, support, and updates to the Operations Manuals. It may offer suggestions regarding pricing policies and negotiate Key Account arrangements. Franchisees are also required to participate in the Call Center Program for handling rollover and after-hours customer calls.
Initial Training Hours
81
Training Location
Waco, Texas or virtual training
Ongoing Support
After opening, Glass Doctor provides ongoing support through several channels. It maintains and administers the Marketing, Advertising and Promotion Fund (MAP Fund) for marketing campaigns and brand promotion. Franchisees receive updated lists of approved supplies and suppliers, and benefit from ongoing research and development of new products and services. Periodic visits (typically every 18 to 24 months) are made to the business for consultation and guidance. Glass Doctor also offers refresher training courses, regional meetings, and annual conventions, which franchisees are required to attend. Ongoing communication and support, along with updates to the Operations Manuals, are continuously provided. Additionally, Glass Doctor may offer suggestions on pricing policies and negotiate Key Account arrangements. Franchisees must also participate in the Call Center Program, which handles rollover and after-hours customer calls, including on weekends.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Commercial
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Glass Doctor territories are primarily defined by population, generally including up to 300,000 people. The maximum population for a territory typically does not exceed 400,000, although larger populations may be approved under specific circumstances, such as in densely populated urban areas or regions with a high percentage of impoverished residents.
Staffing Notes
Glass Doctor requires franchisees to employ a sufficient number of competent and trained employees to ensure efficient customer service. Franchisees are solely responsible for ensuring that all employees or subcontractors pass required background checks before entering a customer's home. Glass Doctor emphasizes that franchisees are the exclusive employers of their staff, bearing sole responsibility for all employment-related decisions and actions, including hiring, termination, tax withholdings, wages, and benefits.