Truly Nolen logo

Truly Nolen Franchise

Audited Financials
Home ServicesEst. 1960Tucson, AZ
www.trulynolenfranchising.com
Financing Available

Risk Score

Pending analysis

Investment Range

$50,421 - $122,207

Franchise Fee

$26,250

Min Cash Required

$10,000

Total US Locations

98

Business Summary

Truly Nolen of America, Inc. operates pest control businesses that offer termite and pest control and inspection services, along with lawn and ornamental pest and weed control services. Truly Nolen of America, Inc. utilizes comprehensive service methods, procedures, advertising formats, promotional plans, and market research methods to deliver these services.

Corporate History

Truly Nolen of America, Inc. has a rich history rooted in a family pest control business started in 1938 by Truly Wheatfield Nolen. His son, Truly David Nolen, launched his own separate pest control business in 1955. Between 1955 and 1985, Truly David Nolen formed ten corporations, one of which was Truly Nolen Exterminating, Inc., incorporated in Arizona in 1960. In 1965, this corporation acquired the assets of the senior Nolen's business. In 1985, the other nine corporations merged into Truly Nolen of America, Inc., which became the surviving entity. The company has been franchising Truly Nolen pest control businesses since 1996, while also operating its own branch offices.

Financial Overview

Investment Range

$50,421 - $122,207

Franchise Fee (Low)

$26,250

Franchise Fee (High)

$45,500

Minimum Cash Required

$10,000

Royalty %

7%

Marketing %

2%

Equipment Costs (Low)

$3,500

Equipment Costs (High)

$5,000

Working Capital

$20,000

Audited Financials

Yes

Offers Financing

Yes

Audit Opinion

Unqualified opinion

Financial Health Notes

Truly Nolen of America, Inc.'s audited financial statements received an unqualified opinion from their independent auditors, indicating that the statements present fairly the company's financial position. Management believes the company is in compliance with its financial covenants for its letters of credit and long-term debt obligations, and there were no outstanding balances on its revolving line of credit as of December 31, 2023. The auditors did not express any substantial doubt about Truly Nolen of America, Inc.'s ability to continue as a going concern. While there are inherent uncertainties in estimating self-insurance claims, this does not pose a current financial health concern.

Financing Details

Truly Nolen of America, Inc. may offer financing to qualified franchisees at its discretion. This financing can be used for the initial franchise fee, covering up to 25% of the total, or for purchasing an existing company-owned Truly Nolen Business branch. Loans for the initial franchise fee must be repaid in equal monthly installments of principal and interest over two years. The interest rate is fixed at the prime rate plus 2% (which was 10.5% as of April 30, 2024). These loans can be prepaid without penalty. For franchisees operating for 24 months or longer who need to expand, Truly Nolen of America, Inc. may also extend financing, provided they qualify and are in good standing. All loans require a personal guarantee from the individual owners of the franchise and must be secured by the franchisee's lease, leasehold improvements, vehicles, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, inventory, supplies, accounts receivable, cash proceeds, and contract rights.

Performance Metrics

Total US Locations

98

Franchised Units

25

Corporate Units

73

Avg Square Footage

950

Franchising Since

1996

Agreement Terms

Initial Term

10 years

Renewal Term

10 years

Renewal Conditions

To renew their franchise agreement, Truly Nolen of America, Inc. franchisees must provide written notice between three to six months before their current term ends. They must be in material compliance with all terms of their franchise agreement, have met minimum performance standards, and satisfied all financial obligations to the franchisor and its affiliates. Franchisees are also required to upgrade their business materials, including vehicles, to meet Truly Nolen of America, Inc.'s then-current standards for new businesses. A renewal fee of $5,000 is required, though this amount can be reduced based on the franchisee's annual gross revenue (e.g., $1,000 reduction for $250,000+ in revenue, up to $4,000 reduction for $1,000,000+ in revenue). Additionally, franchisees must sign a mutual release of claims and satisfy Truly Nolen of America, Inc.'s current qualification and training requirements. They must also be current on all financial and other obligations to their lessors, suppliers, and other business partners. Renewal involves signing a new form of franchise agreement, which may contain terms and conditions materially different from the original, potentially including higher fees and altered territorial rights.

Training & Support Program

Franchisor Assistance

Before a Truly Nolen of America, Inc. franchise opens, the franchisor provides initial training for up to two individuals (the franchisee or Controlling Owner, and one Certified Manager) at its headquarters or a designated location, which can also be completed online. The franchisor also offers pre-opening and opening supervision and assistance on-site, as detailed in its operational Manuals. Franchisees receive access to these confidential Manuals throughout the agreement term. After opening, Truly Nolen of America, Inc. provides ongoing assistance with marketing, management, and operations. Franchisees are entitled to 25 hours of free corporate support (for marketing, technology, or CSM administration) during the first three months, and 5 hours per month thereafter, which does not accumulate. Additional corporate support can be purchased at $35 per hour. Truly Nolen of America, Inc. reviews and approves all marketing materials franchisees propose to use.

Initial Training Hours

149

Training Location

Orlando, FL or Tucson, AZ

Ongoing Support

After opening, Truly Nolen of America, Inc. provides periodic assistance in the marketing, management, and operation of the Franchised Business. Franchisees are entitled to 25 hours of free corporate support (including assistance with marketing, technology, or CSM administration) during the first three months of operation, followed by 5 hours of this support each month for the remainder of the agreement term; this support does not accumulate or roll over. Franchisees can request and pay $35 per hour for any additional corporate support beyond these allocated hours. Truly Nolen of America, Inc. also reviews and approves all marketing and promotional materials that franchisees propose to use. Franchisees are required to attend annual conventions and monthly meetings, covering their own attendance costs.

Franchise Requirements

Ideal Candidate Profile

Truly Nolen of America, Inc. seeks qualified candidates for its franchise system. Prospective franchisees must pass a background and credit check. The franchisor emphasizes that the franchisee or a designated Controlling Owner must be actively and full-time involved in the management and operation of the business, devoting their best efforts to promoting and expanding services within their Protected Territory. While prior pest control industry experience is not explicitly required to become a franchisee, the business itself is highly regulated, and the operating manager and applicators must be licensed and experienced, which can be achieved through hiring a licensed individual or by completing the franchisor's training program.

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

protected

Territory Size Requirements

Truly Nolen of America, Inc. territories are defined by geographic areas such as city or county political boundaries, boundary streets or highways, or postal zip codes. These territories are typically based on U.S. Census population data and traffic patterns, and usually do not exceed a population of 1,000,000 residents. For example, the initial franchise fee is calculated based on a territory of 300,000 residents, with proportional adjustments for larger territories, such as a 450,000-resident territory. Rural territories with fewer than 300,000 residents within a 30-mile radius may receive a prorated initial franchise fee.

Staffing Notes

Truly Nolen of America, Inc. requires franchisees to maintain a competent and conscientious staff in sufficient numbers to promptly service customers, adhering to staffing and service criteria outlined in the Manual. Employees must comply with dress codes, uniform apparel, and personal appearance standards, identifying themselves with the brand marks. All customer calls must be responded to within 24 hours, or the franchisee may be required to use an outside call service at their own expense. The franchisor reserves the right to conduct background checks on franchisees and their personnel. Pest control is a highly regulated industry, requiring state licensing for the business, its manager, and applicators. While the franchisee can hire licensed individuals to manage the business, they are responsible for ensuring all staff (including managers and applicators) meet licensing, training, and continuing education requirements, as well as posting necessary bonds and maintaining commercial liability insurance with specific endorsements.