NerdsToGo, a Texas computer and technology repair services franchise, plans to enter the metro Orlando market as part of a push to grow its Florida footprint by roughly 65 units by 2026.
The company, based in Carrollton, Texas, near Dallas, currently has 29 stores in 16 states, including two in Florida: Tampa and Bonita Springs. The goal is to open about 15 locations in Central Florida, the company told Orlando Business Journal.
“With the rising number of people working from home, managed IT services for both small and medium-sized companies is a definite need,” Mark Jameson, chief support and development officer at NerdsToGo parent company Propelled Brands, said in a prepared statement. “We see great growth potential in Florida and are confident that our proven business model, along with the support and resources we provide, will allow potential franchisees to thrive.”
The typical NerdsToGo store is between 700 to 1,200 square feet in leased space with visibility from busy roads near other businesses, the company told Orlando Business Journal. Each store usually starts with three employees.
NerdsToGo acts as the IT department for small- to medium-sized businesses by helping design, implement and support IT networks, provide data backup and continuity services, cybersecurity solutions, cloud services, remote support, vendor management services and overall routine maintenance. The company provides computer and tech support by sending an employee to customer locations, or via remote support or at NerdsToGo service centers.
Cybersecurity is emerging as a priority in nearly every industry, which is one reason cybersecurity spending is expected to grow at a significant pace. In fact, market analysis firm Gartner Inc. projects the global information security market will be worth $170 billion by next year, up from $124 billion in 2019.
The initial investment for a NerdsToGo franchise is about $146,200 to $217,050, including a $49,750 franchise fee. Prospective franchisees do not need experience in IT, but ideally have a net worth of $300,000, of which $80,000 is liquid. NerdsToGo also offers an incentive for veterans and first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs and firefighters, including a 50% reduction on the franchise fee.
Meanwhile, homegrown national tech repair retailer uBreakiFix by Asurion plans to rebrand as Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions at all of its 650-plus U.S. stores and nearly 600 mobile repair vehicles beginning in fourth-quarter 2021. UBreakiFix — founded in 2009 by Justin Wetherill and two of his friends while they were students at the University of Central Florida — reported $254 million in 2018 revenue.
