Klappenberger & Son is a home-services franchise specializing in painting and handyman offerings. The original company was founded in 1989 by David Klappenberger in Annapolis, Maryland. Over time, the business expanded from local painting work to include a broad array of remodeling and repair services.

Headquartered in Severna Park, Maryland, Klappenberger & Son officially launched its franchise system around 2015 after operating successfully for about 25 years as an independent business. The franchisor offers some of the largest territories in the painting and handyman niche, coupled with extensive training and ongoing support for franchise owners.

Franchisees under the Klappenberger & Son brand provide interior and exterior painting, staining, carpentry, historic restoration, drywall, flooring, remodeling, and general handyman work.

What sets this franchise apart is its emphasis on low ongoing fees, large exclusive territories, and six weeks of comprehensive training—much longer than the industry standard. It also offers a franchise fee refund program if specific revenue targets are not met within a set timeframe, reflecting the company’s confidence in its business model.

Training

Klappenberger & Son offers a structured training program to ensure franchisees and their teams operate effectively and consistently within the franchise system. The Franchisor provides the following training programs:

1. Initial Management Training
   Before opening, the Franchisee or its Designated Manager must complete an initial training program at the Franchisor's headquarters. This program is required for business operation, and while there's no fee for the first two attendees, travel and living expenses are the responsibility of the Franchisee. If more than two individuals attend, there's a $250 per person per day fee.
2. Ongoing Annual Training
   Each year, the Principal Owner and Designated Manager must complete up to five days of training. This may be delivered directly by Klappenberger & Son or by approved third-party providers. The training could include attendance at the company’s annual meeting, regional meetings, or other professional seminars.
3. Employee Training
   Franchisees must implement a Franchisor-approved employee training program. If the Franchisor believes the Franchisee cannot train staff adequately, the Franchisor may step in and deliver training for a $400 daily fee per trainer, plus travel and related costs.

Territory Protection

Klappenberger & Son grants franchisees a defined Area of Primary Responsibility (APR), within which it will not authorize another franchise using its brand or system. Franchisees can market and solicit customers in their APR, but this does not constitute exclusive territorial rights.

The Franchisor reserves the right to sell products, service National Accounts, and permit other franchisees to operate in the APR if jobs result from referrals or multi-region property managers. Thus, while some protection exists, the territory is not exclusive.