Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$101,200 - $147,300
Franchise Fee
$44,000
Total US Locations
6
Business Summary
The Seals is a business specializing in the sale and installation of gaskets for refrigeration door units, freezer doors, and oven doors, as well as providing cutting boards. This business primarily serves commercial facilities such as restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, hotels, colleges, and hospitals.
Corporate History
The Seals business was founded by Andrew Dinkin in North Carolina in June 2010. The Seals Franchising, LLC was officially created in August 2019 and began offering franchises that same year. In February 2025, The Seals Franchising, LLC was acquired by Clintar, Inc., which operates as EverSmith Brands, making it the new parent company.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$101,200 - $147,300
Franchise Fee (Low)
$44,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$97,000
Royalty %
10%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$2,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$11,000
Working Capital
$37,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The Seals Franchising, LLC's financial health is guaranteed by its parent company, EverSmith Brands Holding Company. EverSmith Brands Holding Company significantly expanded its assets from 2023 to 2024 through major business acquisitions, including U.S. Lawns, Inc. and Restoration Specialties Holdings, LLC. Although EverSmith Brands Holding Company reported a net loss of approximately $17.3 million in 2024, an increase from $6.4 million in 2023, its revenue also grew to $35 million in 2024. These acquisitions were funded through equity and substantial long-term debt, such as a $36 million term loan. The financial statements received an unqualified audit opinion, and no going concern issues were identified.
Financing Details
The Seals does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own funding, and The Seals does not guarantee any loans, leases, or other financial obligations for them.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
6
Franchised Units
5
Corporate Units
1
Avg Square Footage
600
Franchising Since
2019
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
The Seals has no litigation history to report as of the FDD issuance date.
Bankruptcy History
The Seals has no bankruptcy information to disclose.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, The Seals franchisees must meet several conditions. They need to sign the franchisor's then-current franchise agreement, which might have significantly different terms. They must have fully complied with the original franchise agreement, diligently developed their franchise to its full potential, and met the franchisor's current subjective and objective standards for new franchisees, including providing all requested documentation. Franchisees must give written notice of their intent to renew between 120 and 180 days before the current term expires. They also need to complete all required training and consulting programs, attend all required meetings and events (including The Seals Annual Conference at least 6 times in the past 10 years), and execute a general release of any claims against the franchisor.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
The Seals provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, The Seals helps by designating the territory, providing location standards and guidance, recommending office layouts, and identifying necessary inventory and equipment. They offer initial training for up to two people, give access to the confidential Operations Manual, and provide advice on setting up and operating the business, including staffing guidelines. After opening, The Seals offers ongoing training courses, conducts inspections of the office, provides updated lists of approved suppliers and items, and offers guidance on pricing. A representative also visits the franchisee's location within 90 days of opening to assist with operations.
Initial Training Hours
56
Training Location
Online, Charlotte, NC, or other locations in the U.S. chosen by the Franchisor.
Ongoing Support
The Seals provides ongoing support through continuing training courses covering specific job-related issues like costing, scheduling, employee management, equipment use, and sales/marketing. This training may be on-site or through electronic learning. Additionally, The Seals offers annual general training at conferences to introduce new products, services, and equipment, and to review sales and marketing practices, which franchisees or their designees must attend. The franchisor also conducts inspections of the office, provides updated lists of approved suppliers and products, and offers guidance on pricing.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
The Seals is looking for franchisees, or their designated Principal Operators, who can dedicate full-time effort and direct supervision to managing the business. Candidates should possess relevant experience, education, licensing, and a background demonstrating compliance with laws. They must also have the financial capacity, skills, integrity, and character that meet The Seals's current subjective and objective standards for new franchisees.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
The Seals territories are defined by geographic boundaries that contain between 1,000 and 2,500 Retail Food Service Locations (RFSL). This number is used only to define the territory size and does not indicate the potential number of customers.
Staffing Notes
The Seals requires the franchised business to always have at least one dedicated, full-time, and fully trained salesperson from the opening day. Franchisees are solely responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and managing all their employees, including compensation and payroll taxes. Only the franchisee's employees can provide the services; subcontractors are not allowed. Each franchised business must be staffed by the franchisee (or a principal owner who has completed training) or an approved Designated Manager. For multi-unit owners with non-adjacent territories, each territory needs its own approved and trained Designated Manager.