Franchise Times has ranked Linc Network, LLC number 130 on its annual list of the country’s Top 200 franchise systems. Inclusion on the list, which is based on worldwide system sales for 2007, signifies Linc’s status as a player in the franchising industry. The magazine compiled the list after months of collecting sales and unit count data from more than 1,000 companies, ranging from multinational household names to lesser known franchisors. Worldwide sales for the Top 200 grew nearly 4.8% from last year’s total of $445 billion.
To qualify for consideration, at least 20% of a franchise organization’s total units must be operated by franchisees. At number 130, up 13 spots from last year’s ranking of 143, Linc met this criterion with 84% of its franchise locations being operated by independently owned mechanical contractors. Another important qualification was system wide sales, which consisted of the total sales in 2007 from both Linc’s company and franchisee operated locations.
Linc’s franchise locations, a global group of service providers, comprise the Linc Service Network, a growing, 145-plus member organization spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda. These locations, known as Linc Service Contractors, follow the disciplines of the Linc System in delivering preventive maintenance—as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) service and bundled energy solutions—to the commercial market. So far this year, Linc has added 12 new franchise locations to its service network.
“We’re very proud to be named one of the Top 200 franchise systems for the second year in a row,” said Linc Network president & CEO Scott Giacobbe. “Despite a challenging economy, the Linc Service Network has expanded into new markets and continues to grow at a steady pace. We look forward to ascending this list with an even stronger ranking in 2009.”
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA and Atlanta, GA, Linc Network, LLC is the franchisor of the Linc System, a business format for operating a commercial heating, ventilation, and HVAC service business. Founded in 1979, the Linc Service Network provides energy solutions to commercial building owners worldwide. Linc Network, LLC, is part of The Linc Group (TLG), single source providers of facilities management and building system services. TLG maintains its corporate office in Irvine, CA. Collectively, TLG companies service more than 20,000 facilities in 45 states and select international markets through a professional workforce totaling more than 2,400 employees.
