What happens when a high school teacher discovers he can make more money installing gutters than educating students? In Ken Parsons’ case, it sparked the creation of one of America’s fastest-growing home service franchises. From a single used truck and a second-hand gutter machine in 1999, The Brothers that Just Do Gutters has grown into a 300+ location franchise system generating over $100 million in annual revenue.

The company’s memorable name—born from a catchy radio ad that customers couldn’t forget—perfectly captures its laser-focused business model. In an industry notorious for contractors who overpromise and underdeliver, Brothers Gutters built its reputation on a simple principle: do one thing exceptionally well. This “riches in the niches” philosophy, combined with their mantra of “Reinventing Contractor Service™”, has propelled the brand from a small-town operation to a national powerhouse.

Today, as part of the Evive Brands portfolio and with co-founder Ryan Parsons at the helm as CEO, The Brothers that Just Do Gutters represents a compelling opportunity in the $6 billion gutter services market. But what does it really take to succeed as a Brothers Gutters franchisee? This comprehensive analysis examines every aspect of the franchise opportunity: from the $143,750-$205,000 initial investment to the $1.17 million average franchise revenue, the intensive training program, operational requirements, and how the brand stacks up against competitors like LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet.

From Teacher to Entrepreneur: The Brothers’ Journey

Ken Parsons’ transition from classroom to contractor began with a simple summer job. In 1999, after spending a day learning the gutter trade from a local installer, Ken was struck by the business owner’s successful lifestyle. That epiphany led him to launch Waterfall Seamless Gutters with minimal resources—just a used truck and a second-hand gutter machine.

The business took a pivotal turn in 2002 when Ken’s brother Ryan joined after losing his graphic design job. Ryan brought a systematic approach and marketing savvy that complemented Ken’s operational skills. Notably, Ryan built one of the first contractor websites in their area, demonstrating early adoption of digital marketing that would later become a franchise hallmark.

Key Milestones in Brothers Gutters History:

1999: Ken Parsons founds Waterfall Seamless Gutters
2002: Brother Ryan joins, bringing systems and marketing expertise
2006: Brief rebrand to Water-Flow Gutter Solutions
2008: Near-bankruptcy during recession forces strategic pivot
2009: Adopt “The Brothers that Just Do Gutters” name after customer feedback
2010: Open pilot locations to test scalable business model
2014-2015: Official franchise launch with comprehensive support infrastructure
2019: Partner with Franchise Sales Organization, accelerating growth
2023: Acquired by Evive Brands; Ryan Parsons becomes CEO of parent company
2024: Surpass 300 franchise territories across 30+ states

The 2008 recession nearly destroyed the business when the brothers tried to be “everything to everyone” in construction. This crisis forced a strategic decision that would define their future success: focus exclusively on gutters. As Ryan explains, “The riches are in the niches.” This singular focus on being the best at one service, rather than mediocre at many, became the foundation of their franchise model.

Breaking Down the Investment: What It Really Costs

Opening a Brothers Gutters franchise requires a total investment ranging from $143,750 to $205,000. This comprehensive figure covers everything needed to launch a professional gutter service business, from territory rights to equipment and working capital.

Initial Franchise Investment Components:

Franchise Fee & Territory Rights

Base Franchise Fee: $49,500 for a single territory
Multi-unit Discount: ~$89,500 for two territories (significant savings for growth-minded entrepreneurs)
Veteran Discount: 10% off the first territory fee for qualified military veterans
Territory Protection: Exclusive rights to approximately 30,000-40,000 households in defined ZIP codes

Equipment & Vehicle Requirements

Gutter Machine: Commercial-grade seamless gutter forming equipment
Work Vehicle: Branded truck or trailer for mobile operations
Safety Equipment: Professional ladders, scaffolding, harnesses, and OSHA-compliant gear
Installation Tools: Specialized drills, snips, levels, and measuring equipment
Technology Package: Tablets/iPads for field operations and customer management

Working Capital & Startup Costs

Initial Marketing: Launch campaign funding for first 90 days
Insurance: General liability, vehicle, and workers’ compensation coverage
Material Inventory: Initial aluminum coil stock and accessories
Operating Capital: 3-6 months of expenses during ramp-up period

Ongoing Fees Structure

Brothers Gutters uses a straightforward fee structure that scales favorably as your business grows:

Monthly Royalties & Fees:

Royalty Fee: 6% of gross revenue (paid weekly or monthly)
Brand Fund: 2% of gross revenue for national marketing initiatives
Technology Fee: Approximately $300/month for ServiceTitan and support systems
Call Center Access: Included in royalty (no additional per-lead charges)

The 6% royalty is competitive within the home services franchise sector and provides significant value through the comprehensive support infrastructure. Unlike percentage-based models that can become burdensome at high revenue levels, this structure means successful franchisees keep more of their profits as they scale.

Financing Options

Brothers Gutters makes franchise ownership accessible through multiple financing pathways:

SBA Loans: Strong franchisor track record facilitates SBA approval
Equipment Financing: Separate financing available for gutter machines and vehicles
401(k) Rollovers: ROBS (Rollover as Business Startup) programs accepted
Third-party Lenders: Established relationships with franchise-friendly lenders

Financial requirements include a minimum net worth of $250,000 and $100,000 in liquid capital, ensuring franchisees have adequate resources for success.

The Money Question: Franchisee Earnings Potential

The Brothers that Just Do Gutters provides transparent financial performance data through its Item 19 disclosure, offering prospective franchisees real insight into earnings potential.

Revenue Performance Metrics

According to the 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document:

Average Franchise Revenue: $1,171,375 annually
Median Performance: Approximately $1.0 million in gross sales
Top Performer Benchmark: Upper third average over $1.5 million
Corporate Store Example: $4.5 million revenue (demonstrating scalability)

Profitability Analysis

The franchise model demonstrates strong profit margins:

Average Adjusted EBITDA: $286,961 per location
Profit Margin: Approximately 24% of gross revenue
Material Cost: 35-40% of job revenue
Labor Cost: 20-25% for installation crews
Operating Expenses: 15-20% including vehicle, insurance, and admin

For a franchise generating the average $1.17 million in annual revenue, this translates to owner earnings of approximately $280,000-$290,000 before debt service and taxes.

Revenue Ramp-Up Timeline

New franchisees typically follow this growth trajectory:

Months 1-3: $20,000-40,000/month (startup phase)
Months 4-6: $50,000-80,000/month (building momentum)
Months 7-12: $80,000-120,000/month (approaching profitability)
Year 2: $100,000-150,000/month (established operation)
Year 3+: $120,000-200,000/month (mature territory)

The ramp-up period varies by market conditions, owner involvement, and execution of the marketing plan. Most franchisees achieve break-even within 9-12 months.

Income Factors & Scalability

Several variables impact franchisee earnings:

Owner Involvement: Owner-operators typically achieve higher margins initially
Market Demographics: Affluent areas with older homes perform best
Service Mix: Gutter guards and premium materials increase average tickets
Seasonal Management: Year-round revenue strategies minimize winter slowdowns
Multi-unit Ownership: Economies of scale significantly improve profitability

Top performers often own multiple territories or expand into adjacent markets, leveraging their operational expertise and management systems across a larger revenue base.

Inside Daily Operations: Running a Brothers Gutters Franchise

A Brothers Gutters franchise operates as a mobile service business, eliminating the need for expensive retail space while maximizing efficiency and customer convenience.

Typical Daily Workflow

Morning Operations (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Review scheduled jobs and weather conditions
Conduct team meeting to assign routes and priorities
Load trucks with materials for day’s installations
Dispatch crews to first appointments

Field Operations (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Installation Crews: Complete 2-4 jobs per day depending on scope
Sales “Solutionists”: Run 4-6 in-home consultations
Owner/Manager: Handle estimates, quality checks, and customer issues
Office Admin: Answer phones, schedule appointments, process invoices

Evening Wrap-up (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Crews return equipment and complete job documentation
Upload photos and collect customer signatures via mobile app
Prepare materials list for next day’s jobs
Follow up with customers for feedback and reviews

Staffing Structure Evolution

The franchise model supports gradual scaling:

Startup Phase (Months 1-3):

Owner as primary salesperson
2-3 installation technicians
Part-time administrative help

Growth Phase (Months 4-9):

Dedicated sales “Solutionist”
4-6 installation technicians
Full-time office administrator
Owner transitioning to management focus

Mature Operation (Year 2+):

2-3 sales representatives
8-12 installation technicians (2-3 crews)
Installation crew leaders
Full-time office manager
Owner in CEO role

Technology & Systems Integration

Brothers Gutters leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline operations:

ServiceTitan Platform

Centralized CRM for customer management
Real-time scheduling and dispatch
Mobile app for field technicians
Integrated invoicing and payment processing
Performance analytics and reporting

Marketing Technology Stack

Local SEO optimization tools
Review management system
Email marketing automation
Social media scheduling platform
Lead tracking and ROI analytics

Operational Support Systems

Inventory management for materials
GPS tracking for fleet optimization
Digital forms for estimates and contracts
Cloud-based document storage
Integrated accounting software

The technology infrastructure provides a significant competitive advantage over traditional contractors using paper-based systems.

Comprehensive Training & Ongoing Support

The Brothers that Just Do Gutters franchise system is built on the philosophy that franchisee success drives franchisor success. This “win-win” approach manifests in one of the industry’s most comprehensive training and support programs.

Initial Training Program (7 Days at Headquarters)

Week 1 - Poughkeepsie, NY Headquarters

Day 1-2: Company culture, history, and “The Story of the Brothers”
Technical Training: Gutter installation, repair techniques, safety protocols
Product Knowledge: Materials, gutter guards, accessories, and applications
Sales Training: Consultative selling, the “Solutionist” approach, closing techniques
Systems Training: ServiceTitan mastery, ordering processes, quality standards
Days 6-7: Marketing setup, financial management, hiring practices

Pre-launch Field Training

Franchisor representative visits franchise location
Assists with first installations and sales calls
Ensures proper implementation of systems
Provides real-time coaching and feedback

Ongoing Support Infrastructure

Monthly Business Coaching

One-on-one calls with dedicated franchise business coach
Review of financial performance and KPIs
Goal setting and strategic planning
Problem-solving and best practice sharing

Peer Learning Networks

Monthly group calls by function (sales, operations, marketing)
Private Slack channel for real-time peer support
Annual convention for advanced training and networking
Regional meetings for local market collaboration

Marketing Support Services

Custom local marketing plan development
Monthly marketing performance reports
SEO and digital advertising management
Marketing “workbook” with ROI calculators
Co-op advertising opportunities

Operational Support Resources

Comprehensive operations manual (continuously updated)
Online Learning Management System with video training
Call center for lead capture and appointment scheduling
Vendor negotiations for material pricing
Technology help desk support

The support system has earned Brothers Gutters recognition on Franchise Business Review’s “Top 200 Franchises” list for training, support, and franchisee satisfaction.

Products, Services & Market Positioning

The Brothers that Just Do Gutters maintains a laser focus on all things gutters, offering comprehensive solutions for residential and light commercial properties.

Core Service Offerings

Seamless Gutter Installation

Custom on-site fabrication for perfect fit
5” and 6” gutter profiles
Multiple material options:
- Aluminum (most popular, various colors)
- Copper (premium option)
- Galvalume (durability focus)
- Steel (commercial applications)

Gutter Protection Systems

Proprietary “One Guard” micro-mesh system
Multiple guard options for different budgets
Professional installation with warranty
Retrofit existing gutters or new installation

Maintenance Services

Professional gutter cleaning
Minor repair work
Downspout clearing
Seasonal maintenance programs
Emergency storm damage response

Specialized Services

Fascia board replacement
Soffit repair
Underground drainage solutions
Commercial gutter systems
Snow and ice damage remediation

Competitive Service Advantages

The focused service menu provides several market advantages:

Expertise Positioning: “Specialist” perception commands premium pricing
Efficient Operations: Streamlined training and inventory management
Marketing Clarity: Simple, memorable messaging
Quality Reputation: Deep knowledge in one area vs. jack-of-all-trades

Pricing Strategy & Margins

Brothers Gutters positions itself in the premium segment of the market:

Average Ticket: $1,800-2,500 for full house installation
Gutter Guards: $3,000-5,000 for complete protection system
Cleaning Service: $150-300 per visit
Repair Work: $200-500 average invoice

The pricing strategy balances competitive rates with value positioning, typically 15-25% above “Chuck in a truck” operators but below national brands like LeafFilter.

Marketing Machine: How Brothers Gutters Drives Growth

The franchise employs a sophisticated dual-layer marketing approach that combines national brand power with hyper-local execution.

National Marketing Initiatives (Funded by 2% Brand Fund)

Digital Marketing Excellence

SEO Dominance: First-page rankings for “[City] gutter installation”
PPC Campaigns: Targeted Google Ads with proven conversion rates
Social Media: National brand building on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Content Marketing: Educational blog posts and videos
Email Campaigns: Seasonal maintenance reminders and promotions

Brand Building Activities

Professional photography and video assets
National PR campaigns and press releases
Industry award submissions and recognition
Franchise recruitment marketing
Corporate website with local franchise pages

Local Marketing Execution

Digital Strategies

Geo-targeted Facebook and Instagram ads
Google My Business optimization
Local SEO content creation
Reputation management and review generation
Retargeting campaigns for website visitors

Community Engagement

Home and garden show participation
Realtor relationship building
Contractor referral networks
Neighborhood social media groups
Yard signs and vehicle wraps

Lead Generation Results

Average 150-200 leads per month per territory
25-30% lead-to-appointment conversion
65-70% appointment-to-sale close rate
$80-120 cost per acquired customer
3-5x marketing ROI within 12 months

The marketing support differentiates Brothers Gutters from independent contractors who lack resources for sophisticated campaigns.

Keys to Franchise Success (And Common Pitfalls)

Analysis of top-performing Brothers Gutters franchisees reveals consistent success patterns and potential challenges to avoid.

Success Factor #1: Leadership & People Skills

Top performers excel at:

Building and motivating installation teams
Creating positive company culture
Developing customer relationships
Networking within the community
Coaching and developing employees

The business requires managing both blue-collar field workers and white-collar sales professionals, demanding versatile leadership skills.

Success Factor #2: Systems Adherence

Successful franchisees:

Follow the proven playbook religiously
Resist temptation to expand beyond gutters
Utilize all technology tools provided
Participate actively in training programs
Track KPIs and adjust accordingly

The franchise success rate of 97% over three years demonstrates the power of following the system.

Success Factor #3: Financial Discipline

High performers maintain:

Adequate working capital reserves for seasonality
Disciplined pricing that protects margins
Investment in marketing even during busy seasons
Cost controls on materials and labor
Regular financial review with coaches

Success Factor #4: Customer Service Excellence

The most successful franchisees:

Respond to leads within one hour
Maintain professional appearance standards
Follow up persistently after quotes
Ask for reviews and referrals
Handle complaints proactively

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Undercapitalization

Insufficient marketing investment in year one
Inadequate cash reserves for slow seasons
Cutting corners on equipment or vehicles

Passive Ownership Approach

Treating it as absentee investment too early
Failure to hire strong general manager
Not engaging with support resources

Operational Shortcuts

Skipping safety protocols
Inadequate crew training
Poor quality control
Ignoring customer feedback

Market Misreading

Overpricing in competitive markets
Underestimating seasonal patterns
Ignoring local competition tactics

Brothers Gutters vs. The Competition: Market Analysis

The gutter services market features several distinct competitive segments, each with unique positioning and business models.

Direct Franchise Competitors

Franchise	Investment	Royalties	Territories	Key Differentiator
Brothers Gutters	$144K-$205K	6% + 2% marketing	300+	Comprehensive support, modern brand, proven system
The Gutter Guys	$65K-$95K	5% + 1% marketing	~50	Lower entry cost, regional presence, established 1988
Gutter Helmet	$50K-$75K	Dealer fees vary	100+ dealers	Product-focused (guards only), dealer not franchise
Men In Kilts	$85K-$165K	6% + 2% marketing	200+	Window cleaning primary, gutters secondary service

National Competitors (Non-Franchise)

LeafFilter Gutter Protection

Business Model: Corporate-owned, direct sales
Revenue: ~$600 million annually
Strengths: Massive advertising budget, brand recognition
Weaknesses: High-pressure sales, limited service scope, premium pricing
Brothers’ Advantage: Full service offerings, local ownership, consultative approach

All American Gutter Protection

Business Model: Regional corporate operation
Coverage: 13 states (Midwest/Southeast)
Strengths: Competitive pricing, lifetime warranties
Weaknesses: Limited geographic reach, mixed reviews
Brothers’ Advantage: National support with local execution

Local Competition Landscape

Every Brothers Gutters franchise competes with numerous local operators:

“Chuck in a Truck” Operators: Lowest price, minimal overhead, inconsistent quality
Roofing Companies: Gutters as add-on service, not specialists
Handyman Services: Jack-of-all-trades approach, basic installations

Competitive Advantages Over Local Operators:

Professional branding and marketing
Technology-enabled operations
Insurance and licensing compliance
Warranty and service guarantees
Online reviews and reputation
Consistent pricing and quality

Market Positioning Strategy

Brothers Gutters occupies the “sweet spot” between budget operators and premium national brands:

Pricing: 15-25% above lowest competitors, 20-30% below LeafFilter
Service: Comprehensive solutions vs. single-product focus
Approach: Consultative “Solutionist” vs. high-pressure sales
Reputation: Local ownership with national brand standards

This positioning captures customers seeking quality and reliability without premium pricing.

Industry Outlook & Growth Opportunities

The gutter services industry presents compelling growth dynamics driven by multiple factors:

Market Size & Trends

Total Market: $6 billion annually in the U.S.
Growth Rate: 4-6% annual growth projected through 2030
Service Demand: 75 million single-family homes require gutter services
Replacement Cycle: 20-30 years for gutters, 5-10 years for cleaning

Demand Drivers

Aging Housing Stock

Average U.S. home age exceeds 40 years
Increasing need for gutter replacements
Growing awareness of water damage prevention

Climate Change Impact

More intense rainfall events
Increased storm damage
Greater emphasis on water management

Home Value Protection

Rising property values increase maintenance investment
Insurance companies emphasizing preventive maintenance
Home inspection requirements for sales

Expansion Opportunities

Geographic Growth

Many markets remain underserved
Multi-territory ownership potential
Adjacent market expansion

Service Evolution

Smart home integration (sensors, automated cleaning)
Eco-friendly materials and solutions
Commercial market penetration
Subscription maintenance programs

Technology Advancement

Drone inspections and estimates
AI-powered pricing optimization
Automated scheduling and routing
Enhanced customer communication tools

Final Analysis: Is Brothers Gutters Right for You?

The Brothers that Just Do Gutters franchise represents a compelling opportunity in the thriving home services sector. With average revenues exceeding $1.17 million and profit margins around 24%, the financial model demonstrates strong returns for committed operators.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Leadership Experience: Managing teams and building culture
Customer Focus: Genuine commitment to service excellence
Financial Resources: $250K net worth, $100K liquid capital minimum
Work Ethic: Willing to be hands-on initially
System Follower: Embraces proven processes
Growth Mindset: Sees potential for multi-unit ownership

Investment Thesis Strengths

Proven Model: 97% three-year continuity rate
Market Position: Leading franchise in focused niche
Support System: Award-winning training and ongoing assistance
Recession Resistance: Essential service in all economies
Scalability: Clear path from owner-operator to executive
Exit Potential: Established franchises sell at attractive multiples

Considerations & Challenges

Seasonality: Requires financial planning for slow periods
Labor Management: Ongoing challenge in tight employment market
Physical Demands: Not suitable for purely passive investors
Local Competition: Constant pressure from low-cost operators
Weather Dependency: Operations affected by rain, snow, freezing

The Bottom Line

For entrepreneurs seeking a home services franchise with strong unit economics, comprehensive support, and significant growth potential, The Brothers that Just Do Gutters presents an exceptional opportunity. The combination of a focused service model, proven systems, and a memorable brand creates a powerful platform for building a valuable business.

The franchise’s evolution from a teacher’s summer job to a 300+ location national brand demonstrates the power of doing one thing exceptionally well. For the right operator—one who values systems, service, and steady growth—The Brothers that Just Do Gutters offers a clear path to both financial success and personal satisfaction in building a business that truly serves its community.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available information and research as of July 2025. Prospective franchisees should conduct thorough due diligence, review the current Franchise Disclosure Document, and consult with existing franchisees and professional advisors before making any investment decision. Results vary by location and individual operator.

The Brothers that Just Do Gutters Franchise Review 2025: Complete Investment Guide