Although Bernie Tessier began working in the drain cleaning business as an employee at the ROOTER-MAN corporate facility in Billerica, Massachusetts, he always had his sight on running his own business. For three years Tessier worked as a service technician at the ROOTER-MAN company operation patiently waiting for a franchise territory to become available in his area, but unfortunately none became available.

"Due to the fact that my commute was difficult and sometimes it would take me several hours just to reach the job site, it wasn't cost effective for me to spend half my day on the road. I wanted to do business locally and to be my own boss, so three years ago I opened American Rooter. Donald knew how much I wanted to be a part of the ROOTER-MAN team and we had an understanding that if anything opened in my area, he would immediately give me a call," Tessier said.

Even though they were now technically competitors, Tessier and MacDonald maintained a friendly relationship. "Starting my own business was a struggle at first, but Donald was always there to give me good, sound advice. He helped me make decisions on how to drum up business, handle operations, and when to tighten up the budget. Without his help, I know I wouldnÕt have made it past my first year," Tessier said.

In the summer of 2000, after six years of waiting, Tessier finally got the call he was waiting for, a ROOTER-MAN territory had become available in his area.

Since American Rooter already had an established customer base, Tessier used the "double brand" technique in his yellow page advertisements utilizing both the American Rooter and ROOTER-MAN logos. Tessier experienced an immediate increase in the number of service calls received per week just by adding the ROOTER-MAN name to his advertisements. "The more calls the better because with the support of the ROOTER-MAN team I know all I have to do is make one phone call and IÕll have thirty years experience ready to help at the other end of the line," Tessier said.

Tessier explained that the techniques that he learned from ROOTER-MAN were invaluable, such as advice on how to use the telephone. "People donÕt realize how important the telephone is to your business. Our philosophy has always been to get the customer and not to lose them. One time, my wife Phyllis, dispatched me to a call and she got a $50.00 tip! The customer said she deserved it because she made him feel comfortable and relaxed during a crisis situation".

"The most important thing Donald taught me is that it's not necessary to re-invent the wheel. Every year I see new pumping and sewer companies in the yellow page ads, and the following year they disappear. What I have and they donÕt have is ROOTER-MAN's tried and proven success system. It really works," Tessier said.

In less than a year since Tessier joined the ROOTER-MAN team, Tessier has added another service technician to his fleet, and is in the process of having a new garage facility built. Within the next few months, he plans to take advantage of his highly visible location and put up ROOTER-MAN signage once the new facility is completed. TAKE A TOUR OF THEIR NEW FACILITY

"Many people don't realize how becoming a team member lessens the burden of running your own business," Tessier explained. "I am grateful and proud to be a part of the ROOTER-MAN franchise network! It was worth waiting for!"

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