Business View Magazine | April 2020

29 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 its own traditional skylight and is taking it to market to replace the existing skylights in residential properties. “We’re not focusing on putting in brand new skylights, which would include penetrating the roof, dry-walling, and framing,” he adds. “Rather, we are promoting to the existing skylight market—homeowners that have skylights that need to be replaced. We have found that there are numerous skylight manufacturers out there; they don’t all offer quality products. They’re commodity products. These can end up breaking down over time and causing leaks. We’re coming to the rescue with a higher-end, more quality product that has been specifically designed to replace an existing skylight.” In what is now the latest phase of the company’s growth program, Solatube is offering up its decades-long design and manufacturing expertise in the form of a franchise package under the Solatube Home brand. Essentially, it is a sales and installation service offering same-day installation of Solatube daylight and ventilation products, plus skylight replacement options to homeowners. “We’ve built Solatube Home as a proof-of-business model with a look and a brand, and a system for doing business. We’re looking to bring on two to three new franchisees this year, and then grow five to ten each year after that.” Solatube Home’s Vista location, which is the company store that Rillie manages, is anticipated to become a test lab for new sales, marketing, and product ideas. Those ideas will be run in the local market prior to being passed on to the rest of the dealer/franchise network. As far as product suppliers, Solatube Home acquires all product from its parent company and corporate headquarters, Solatube International, Inc. The components that are manufactured and distributed by Solatube International are considered finished goods, which are then assembled by Solatube Home Certified Installation Consultants (CIC) on site. SOLATUBE HOME