FRANCHISE NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2025
P1. Ops Manual Updates
P1. Just Ask Corporate
P1. Welcome David Kim
P2. NexGen Rollout Information
P3-5: Featured Franchise: N. Indy
P6. Field Team on the Move – July Highlights
P7. All the Cute Things
Just in case anyone missed the email blast on July 14th
Revisions to your Generator Supercenter Franchise Operations Manual have been made. For quick access to the document’s updates and changes, refer to the Revisions Page in Section A of the Operations Manual. All franchisees will have 30 days to implement the policy changes required.
Changes have been made to the following sections:
• Section B: Establishing My Business
• Section C: Personnel
• Section H: Field Service Management Software
All updated versions of the operations manual are available in the Franconnect library. Franconnect Main Menu > Access > Library > Operations Manual
Https://Generatorsupercenter.franconnect.net/fc/
We’ve expanded the “Ask Corporate” portal in Franconnect to better support your marketing needs! Whether you need general information, help finding a resource on the HUB, a branded asset created, or media approved we’ve got you covered.
To submit a request, simply log into Franconnect, navigate to the Support Portal, and select the appropriate marketing category.
New Marketing Support Categories: ✔️Marketing – Information Request ✔️Marketing – Media Approval ✔️Marketing – Vendor Approval ✔️Marketing – Website Needs
We’re here to help—just Ask Corporate!
We’re excited to introduce Mr. David Kim as the new Owner of Generator Supercenter of NW & NE Atlanta! With nearly 20 years of experience in business development, multi-unit franchising, and operational leadership, Mr. Kim is bringing valuable expertise to the North Atlanta markets. His focus is on building strong partnerships, creating a culture of care, and driving a customer-first approach that aligns with our GSC values and vision. Welcome to the GSC family, Mr. Kim we’re thrilled to have you on board!
As part of this new chapter, Mike Grosz and our corporate training team spent a week on-site with David and his staff to ensure a smooth transition. The team received hands-on training and support to get up to speed on the latest GSC software systems and operating procedures.
On July 22nd, Generac hosted a live webinar to introduce the Next Generation Standby Generators and Automatic Transfer Switches. This webinar offered valuable updates to help keep your team informed on the latest Generac technology and tools. During the session, the Generac team provided a thorough product overview and shared insights into some of the other new, exciting innovations including: a redesigned Gen Cart and the launch of Field Pro, a mobile app that will be an essential tool for your teams moving forward.
If you were unable to attend, the slide deck from the meeting is available for review in the Franconnect Library under GSC > Generac Presentations.
Should you have any questions or need additional details, please reach out to your dedicated Generac representative.
Key Take-aways
• July 21st – Orders opened for 18kw (unbundled)
• July 28th – Orders opened for the 14kw (bundles and unbundled) amd 18kw (bundled) Standard lead times on these
• 14kw & 18kw Guardian Models are no longer being built but are available until inventory is delpeted
• PowerPlay Quoting for new Models is available
• 10kw. 20kw 3P, and 22kw-28kw units will be available in the second half of 2025
• Enroll in Next Generation Generator Service and Installation training - Starting Aug. 4th
• All Technicians MUST take this course
• Sign Up for free before the end of September
• Link to Genarac-U to sign up for the courses: https://generac-fs.inquisiqlms.com/Default.aspx
• Download the NEW FIELD PRO App starting August 4th Field Pro is your new tool for setting up and servicing the Generac Next Generation Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator. Get fast, guided installation right from your phone
For our August newsletter we are featuring one of our Franchises from the Mid-West states, GSC of Northern Indianapolis! GSC of Indy is owned by Brad and Shelly Bennett who joined the Generator Supercenter family in December of 2021.
Brad and Shelly have been together since highschool and just celebrated their 40th dating anniversary on July 21st! They got married just out of high school, in November of 1987. Brad joined the Army and Shelly went off to business college. The happy couple was stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma for a couple of years where they welcomed their first daughter, Sierra, born in February of 1990.
Shortly after Sierra was born, Brad was deployed to Desert Storm and Shelly moved back to Indiana with the baby where she got a job at a company called Invisible Fence. When Brad’s time in the Army was over, he also began working at Invisible Fence. Their family grew in December of 1995 when their second daughter, Regan, was born.
In 2006, they purchased the Invisible Fence dealership from the previous owners. Shelly was with Invisible Fence for 30 years and Brad was there for 29 years before they sold the dealership.
Their family also includes two granddaughters, Emma & Ella; Sierra’s husband, Josh, who is a police officer, and Vada their 8-year-old Golden Retriever.
Brad and Shelly took time to answer some questions and share their knowledge with you. Please enjoy their answers below.
Q. What inspired you to open a Franchised business?
We own a couple of other businesses, but they pretty much run themselves and do not take too much of our time. Most of our time was spent running the Invisible Fence dealership. After the sale of our Invisible Fence business, we considered a few options. One was retiring. This was Shelly’s favorite option so she could spend her time with the granddaughters. I was not ready. We considered opening vet clinics in Texas before choosing a franchise with GSC. The model of a franchise of learning from the best in the industry was appealing since we were not electricians and knew nothing about generators. We chose a franchise due to alignment with previous experience in sales, installation, and service. Wanted to replicate a strong team culture from previous business (Invisible Fence).
Q. How did you hear about Generator Supercenter, and when did you know you wanted to be part of the Generator Supercenter family?
We learned about Generator Supercenter through other former Invisible Fence dealers who had sold their business and went on to become GSC franchisees. We visited franchisees in Nashville, Detroit, and Virginia for research and visited Tomball a couple of times. Once we saw the
potential of being in the generator business and the immediate sales success the franchises we visited were having, we felt this was the best route to go.
Q. Which leadership skills do you find you use the most day-to-day in operating a successful GSC?
Shelly and I have four business core values that we have established and focus on. The one that is our foundation is called “Mission First People Always” (which is where our MFPA LLC name comes from). This principle was derived from our military experience. We focus on accomplishing our mission (goals) with integrity, but prioritize staff care along the way. This applies to daily operations and client service.
Q. How do you foster a positive and productive work environment at your GSC of Indianapolis?
As much as we can, we check-in with our staff to address personal and professional well-being. When we can’t, our leaders within our team does. We have monthly company meetings (most of the time) to review goals, progress, and recognize achievements. The five-star reviews are read aloud and rewarded. We also have team-building activities outside work several times a year (e.g., pool parties, baseball games, Christmas parties). We have a strong focus on staff development, recognition, and a positive work environment.
Q. Do you have any “words of wisdom,” tips, or lessons learned you would like to share to help Franchisees who are still getting started?
From the wise words of Uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite… “If I could just go back…”. We would have done several thing differently. Part of growing is caused by pain. There have been many painful moments over these first 3 years both personally and professionally. But I will focus on some key things for those that are first starting. Learn everything yourself. You may not be an electrician or a plumber, but it would be best to know how to install, service and sell the generator. I did not do that and now I am playing catch up. As far as staffing goes, it’s better to be understaffed than overstaffed. We have been overstaffed a few times, and it is costly.
We were able to achieve the number one Generac dealer status in Indiana within two years. Most of the Generac dealers are not advertising. We were spending 10% of revenue on marketing, which was way too much. Stay in that 4-5% range. So even just 4-5% spent in marketing will produce great results, especially when you get a storm.
Focus on Gen Mons as much as new sales. Houston stated this is a generator service business not a generator sales business. Our primary goal is to get 1,000 Gen Mon clients as quickly as possible. That monthly cash flow will sustain you during lean sales times.
Franconnect has a ton of resources and best practices that have significantly improved our profitability and staffing decisions.
Close ratio is everything, don’t settle for a 30% close ratio. We are shooting for 50%. We currently are at 45%. The more you sell, the more Gen Mons you get.
Q. Did you face any obstacles while opening GSC of Indianapolis? How did you overcome them?
We definitely had a few obstacles. Never expected it to go smoothly from start to finish. As far as the buildout goes, the building had epoxy flooring throughout. Once we exposed the concrete and expansion joints, they were visually
unappealing. We ended up utilizing a laminate tile floor covering recommended by the Upstate New York location for improved aesthetics and maintenance.
Also, our General Contractor unfortunately passed away in a plane crash during the build-out, causing a six-month project delay.
Q. GSC truly believes that our people will always be our greatest asset. Can you tell us a bit about your team in Indy?
Our team is made up of great people with an exceptional work ethic and attitude. Several came over from our previous Invisible Fence dealership. Bryce Alkire started day one as an apprentice. Learned how to install the generator as an electrical and a gas apprentice. He became our first Protector Series certified technician. He is now the Field Operations Manager. Oh, and he just got engaged a few weeks ago! Scott Arehart, who is our lead Sales Representative, was our top performer in sales at Invisible Fence. He has already sold over $2 million this year with a 50% close ration. He is a stud! Eric Pyland moved from Invisible Fence to a gas apprentice and has now moved into a full-time service tech role. His attention to detail is top notch. I am very happy that these three guys joined us at GSC.
One of our first hires was Sebastian Amissah. He is a Journeyman Electrician and just celebrated 3 years with us. He is the company’s biggest cheerleader. Makes everyone laugh and keeps the electricians accountable to high quality work.
Josh Stancik is coming up on 3 years with the company as well. He is a Lead Electrician and is close to getting his journeyman’s license. Tim Warburton is a Journeyman Electrician that is currently on paternity leave as he and his wife just welcomed a baby boy!
Trevor Miller, Cameron Rush and Jacob Stalker make up our gas crew. These guys can install up to 3 generators a day. Hard workers for sure! Each of them are in school to become licensed Journeyman plumbers. Cameron and his girlfrield are expecting their first baby, a girl, within a month.
Ryan Bradberry is our Protector Series Certified Technician. He joined us earlier this year and brought with him 3 years of experience servicing Generac generators including experience on the industrial side as well. Great addition to our service team.
Joshua Lemon, Daniel Janz and Anton Dorsey are the electrical apprentices and are in school as well to get their Journeyman license. Great group of guys!
Last but certainly not least we have our office staff. Tiffany Gonzalez, Jacob Williams and Regan Bennett. This team is a joy to work with. They are all detail oriented, and client focused. This place would not operate efficiently without them!
Q. Last but not least: How does GSC of Indianapolis incorporate the mission statement within your community.
As Christians, Shelly and I really appreciate how the GSC mission statement states at the end “To think and act in alignment with our Creator.” Really, our business is an extension of our ministry. We want to be able to be a part of what God is doing. Some of the things we want to join God in doing is by supporting organizations like Allies Inc., a non-profit empowering survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation through mentorship and a supportive community. We sponsor major fundraising events for Allies Inc. You can learn more about Allies, Inc. at https://www.allies-inc.org/
We also support Selah's Grace, which provides cuddle cots and resources to parents experiencing infant loss. Learn more at https://selahsgrace.org/
July was a great month for the field team, blending productive franchise visits with a little summertime fun.
Puget Sound, WA - This month, Nate Fern visited Generator Supercenter of Puget Sound, located just outside of Seattle, to help the team sharpen their sales approach. He emphasized the importance of consistency in the sales process, maximizing closing calls, and leveraging Google reviews. While in town, Nate joined Franchise Manager, Brandon Thomas for a baseball game a perfect mix of work and play.
Midland, TX - Nate also joined Mike Llanez on a trip to visit Brad and Jeanette Swift at GSC of Midland. The location was recently onboarded with two Costco stores, and the team met with store managers from both to start building strong relationships between the franchise and its new retail partner.
East Denver, CO - In East Denver, Jeremy Blank visited GM Alex Jester and joined in on their sponsorship of a rodeo booth at the Douglas County Fair. Jeremy worked the booth alongside Alex and watched as a cowgirl proudly carried the GSC flag through the arena an unforgettable summer moment! They also attended a BNI meeting and conducted a deep dive into marketing and reporting strategies.
Southeast Region - Meanwhile, Shane McManamy has been piloting a new style of financial review for his Southeast Franchisees, which has received excellent feedback so far. Plans are underway to explore rolling out this improved review format across the entire network.
We are so excited to celebrate one of our own, Ryan Reeves, as she prepares to welcome her sweet bundle of joy arriving very soon! Last week, we threw a baby shower filled with love, laughter, and plenty of adorable gifts to make sure her little guy starts life in style. Of course, we never pass up a chance for cake and this is one of the happiest reasons to indulge! We can’t wait to meet him and are sending Ryan all our love and best wishes for a smooth delivery day!