Redondo Beach, Ca - 10 May, 2005 -

By his own admission, Steve Biehler was speechless for one of the few times in his life when told he was the winner of a nationwide search for the person who best fits the criteria to own and operate a Mr. Handyman franchise. The 50-year-old Biehler, from Redondo Beach, Calif., was chosen as the winner of the franchise giveaway sponsored by Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Mr. Handyman and San Diego based FranNet, one of the world's largest networks of franchise consultants. Biehler was selected based on an essay he wrote and an evaluation of his responses to FranNet's industry-leading confidential questionnaire that has earned it the nickname of the "franchise matchmaker" in the industry. Biehler best fit the criteria needed to own and operate a Mr. Handyman franchise. "I was stunned, I didn't know what to say. I certainly didn't expect it," said Biehler, who said he had never before won any type of contest. Mr. Handyman waived its $30,000 territory fee for Biehler and although FranNet does not charge prospective franchisees for its services, it waived the finder's fee it normally charges a franchisor for placing a candidate. "It is a very exciting time at Mr. Handyman International," commented Todd Recknagel, president of the company. "Awarding Steve Biehler this franchise comes at a time when in the last nine months we have added over 50 new franchises all across the country and Steve is extremely well qualified to join our fast-growing family. We have every confidence that he will do well." Biehler, married with two small sons ages 3 and three months, learned of the giveaway while researching franchised businesses. A former vice president of finance for GUESS?, Inc., Biehler was looking for a more family-friendly career. While doing his research, he kept a notebook and turned to it for ideas while composing his winning essay. "I wanted a franchise that shared my core values of professionalism, quality, integrity and good customer service," Biehler said. "I'm a very hard worker and I felt at home with this franchise. I also wanted to work on the business, not in it. I think a lot of small business owners get involved in trying to do the work themselves and lose sight of how they're going to grow the business." Biehler expects to open his Mr. Handyman franchise in mid- to late June, serving the communities of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Torrance. He'll join a network of more than 135 existing Mr. Handyman franchises across the country. FranNet, likewise, is the oldest and most recognized name in the franchise consulting industry. Its network of 90 advisors in the United States and several foreign countries is market-specific, meaning advisors are focused only on serving people in their specific market. FranNet advisors also host numerous informational seminars and educational programs that are open to the public each month throughout the country. Biehler worked with FranNet advisor Rick Eggleton, based in Irvine, Calif., while researching franchises. "Rick spent a lot of time asking questions and listening. It helps to have a third party to evaluate your options," Biehler said. The FranNet questionnaire utilized in the giveaway is one of many important tools that FranNet uses to evaluate individuals and match them to the right concept. The questionnaire is simple, asking candidates such things as what attributes best describe them, their strengths and weaknesses and what is most important to them. By combining the questionnaire results with its personal counseling and modeling, FranNet is able to seamlessly match clients with franchisors. Pioneered by FranNet founder Hoard Bassuk in 1987, this questionnaire is the industry gold standard. "They know the ropes," Biehler said. "You save a tremendous amount of time by utilizing FranNet's services. They are looking for a good fit for you and want you to be successful." "Biehler is a great candidate," said Bassuk. "One who knew to take full advantage of all FranNet has to offer in order to find a great fit for himself." Biehler expects a strong demand for Mr. Handyman, which handles repairs and odds jobs for those without the time, motivation or resources to tackle routine and minor maintenance themselves. Mr. Handyman's uniformed, bonded technicians drive well-outfitted trucks and provide exemplary, timely service since they don't have the additional responsibility of scheduling and answering customer calls. Office staff handles those responsibilities. "I wanted a sustainable business that wasn't just a fad," Biehler said. "There is no national brand in handyman services and I think Mr. Handyman is the right model to fill that role because of its outstanding reputation and the services it provides."

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