| Company type | Franchisor |
|---|---|
| Industry | Plumbing inspection |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Palm Springs, California, USA |
Key people | Dick Rennick, founder Stan Berenbaum, president |
| Subsidiaries | 117 franchisees in 8 countries [1] |
| Website | americanleakdetection.com |
American Leak Detection (ALD) is a plumbing inspection company headquartered in Palm Springs, California. Founded in 1974, ALD specializes in leak detection and has 117 franchises in 8 countries. The company has serviced approximately 4.5 million leaks since its inception and was recognized as one of the Top 25 High Franchise Performers by The Wall Street Journal. ALD services residential, commercial and municipal clients.
History
editALD (formerly Leak Busters) was founded in Palm Springs, California by Richard Rennick in 1974. Originally, ALD's business model included detecting pool, spa, and slab leaks in the Southern California area. However, as services expanded to include sewer- and utility-line locating; oil, gas, and natural gas leak detection; crack injection; etc.; the business' area of service grew as well. This growth was facilitated in 1984 as the company became a franchisor and subsequently achieved network sales of approximately $50 million.[2]
In 2006 ALD was bought out by private equity firm The PlainSight Group, and in 2007, ALD partnered with UK-based Environmental Biotech, thus enabling ALD to offer a range of environmentally friendly products and services that eliminate fats from drains and solve other wastewater and odor problems.[3] The company now has 117 franchises in 8 countries.[4]
Products and awards
editThe company's principle service is "leak detection without destruction." ALD has patented a laser-sensor technology that detects surface changes at 1/10,000 of an inch called LeakVue.[5]
In 2008, American Leak Detection was ranked #181 in the Franchise 500—#1 in the Miscellaneous Maintenance Products & Services category. Entrepreneur Magazine also ranked the company as the 39th best home-based franchise.[6] Additionally, The Wall Street Journal ranked ALD as one of the Top 25 High Franchise Performers.[7]
References
edit- ^ "ALD Corporate Profile". Retrieved 2008-05-06.
- ^ "Entrepreneur.com". Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Private Equity". Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "ALD Corporate Profile". Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "LeakVue". Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Franchise Rankings". Entrepreneur Magazine. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Franchise High Performers". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
External links
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