Neighborly Announces Executive Promotions to Support Continued Growth

WACO, Texas (Feb. 7, 2014) – Neighborly, formerly Dwyer Group, a franchisor of seven service-based franchise brands, announces the promotions of several key executive team members to support the continued growth of the company, effective immediately.

“At Neighborly, I am blessed to be surrounded by a team of executives who have gone above and beyond to support me as CEO for over 15 years,” said Dina Dwyer-Owens, Chairwoman and CEO. “Five years ago, our company president stepped up and assumed many of my CEO responsibilities as I chaired the International Franchise Association, went undercover for ‘Undercover Boss,’ and more. It’s time to formalize this role for Mike Bidwell as he has shown the dedication, drive, and skills necessary to lead our day-to-day operations. This will also allow me to leverage my talents and desires to promote The Neighborly and our Live R.I.C.H. culture while we take the company to the next level.”

Dwyer-Owens, the Chairwoman and CEO, has been appointed to Executive Chairwoman of Neighborly. Her duties will include promoting the Code of Values™ and culture of the company, seeking out acquisition opportunities for complimentary service brands, and speaking on local, national and international stages on behalf of The Neighborly.

Mike Bidwell, the President and Chief Operating Officer, has been promoted to President and CEO of Neighborly. He will continue to oversee management and organizational support for the parent company and the operating companies belonging to The Neighborly. He will work with the franchise brand presidents and The Neighborly Board of Directors to create growth and success opportunities.

Mary Kennedy Thompson has been appointed Executive Vice President of The Neighborly and also will retain her current title as President of Mr. Rooter®, a subsidiary of Neighborly and the largest all franchised full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company in the United States. As Executive Vice President, Thompson will provide support to the CEO in the daily activities and operations of the company and its subsidiary brands.

“Mary Kennedy Thompson is a gifted and insightful leader on so many levels and will be a tremendous asset in providing structural and organizational leadership as Neighborly footprint expands,” Bidwell noted. “The trajectory of The Neighborly is focused on strong growth for years to come.”

Debbie Wright-Hood, Chief Administrative Officer for Neighborly, has also been appointed to The Neighborly Board of Directors. A daughter of the late Don Dwyer, founder of The Neighborly, Wright-Hood has grown up in the business where her responsibilities have played an increasing role in the administrative direction for the company and its service brands. She has been through every stage of growth with The Neighborly and now, as a board member, she will become part of the governing body advising and supporting Neighborly.

“I look forward to working with Dina, Mike and the management team and continuing the strong growth we have experienced over the last three years,” said Samuel L. Katz, Managing Partner of TZP Group, LLC, a private equity company and majority owner of Neighborly. “These promotions speak to the fine leadership and the strong foundation we have in place for the future success of the company.”

About Neighborly®:

Neighborly, based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company of seven franchise businesses, each selling and supporting a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys™, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor in the UK and Portugal), and Rainbow International®. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers worldwide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass brand name. Neighborly is a portfolio company of TZP Group, LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that focuses on control investments in business and consumer services companies with enterprise values generally up to $200 million. More information on The Neighborly, or its franchise concepts, is available at DwyerGroup.com.

Neighborly is also on Twitter at @DwyerGroup.