The Grout Medic: Revitalizing Homes with Expert Tile & Grout Care

Established in 1997 in Chicago, Illinois, The Grout Medic has emerged as a trusted name in tile and grout cleaning and restoration. Now headquartered in Southlake, Texas, the company began franchising in 2001 and has since grown to over 65 locations across the United States.

In 2021, The Grout Medic was acquired by Premium Service Brands, a major player in the home services franchising sector, helping to fuel the brand’s continued expansion.

The Grout Medic offers a full suite of services, including tile and grout cleaning, regrouting, grout color sealing, tile repair and replacement, water damage repair, and recaulking.

The company differentiates itself through the use of advanced steam vapor technology that ensures deep cleaning results while remaining safe for families, pets, and the environment. This eco-conscious approach, paired with its high service standards, gives The Grout Medic a strong edge over competitors in the home restoration market.

Training

The Grout Medic offers a structured training framework designed to ensure franchisees operate efficiently and in compliance with brand standards. Here's a breakdown of the key programs:

1. Initial Training Program
   The franchisee and their manager must attend and successfully complete an initial training program before the business can open. This program must be completed within three months of the agreement’s effective date. The franchisor does not charge a fee for up to two attendees, but all travel and living expenses are the franchisee’s responsibility.
2. Training for Additional Representatives
   Additional participants may join the initial training program if space is available and notice is provided. These extra attendees must also cover all related expenses, and their inclusion is subject to the franchisor's discretion.
3. Employee Training
   Franchisees are responsible for implementing a franchisor-approved training program for their employees. The franchisor may disallow employment of individuals who fail or refuse to complete the required training.
4. Additional and Remedial Training
   Franchisees, managers, and employees must attend additional training sessions as required by the franchisor, which may include video materials or instructional content from the Brand Standards Manual.
5. Annual Convention
   Attendance at the franchisor's annual convention is mandatory for the franchisee and/or their managers. A fee (currently $1,000 per attendee) applies whether or not the franchisee attends, and all associated travel and lodging costs must be borne by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

The Grout Medic grants franchisees a "Protected Territory," typically encompassing between 50,000 to 80,000 single-family dwellings defined by ZIP codes. Within this area, the franchisor agrees not to establish or license another business offering the same services to residential or light commercial customers.

This protection is maintained as long as the franchisee remains in compliance with the agreement. However, The Grout Medic retains significant rights, including the ability to operate or license businesses under different marks inside or outside the Protected Territory and to handle National Accounts within the franchisee’s territory.

Franchisees are also not granted exclusive rights to additional franchises or surrounding areas and must obtain written approval to serve customers outside their territory. Despite the territory label, this setup allows for some internal competition and limits the franchisee's exclusive claims.