ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2005--GE's Retail Sales Finance unit, a leader in home improvement financing, has been selected to provide a new consumer credit program for Clockwork Home Services, parent company of Success Group International and provider of home services with more than 180 franchisees across the country.
Clockwork's new Royal Privilege Program is a private label credit card available to home services customers. According to the company, GE was selected for the speed and efficiency of its credit application process.
"Our focus is on operational excellence and our marketing position focuses on delivering professional plumbing, electrical and HVAC services on time, so we needed a credit program that was equally excellent and efficient," explained Terry Nicholson, president of Success Group International. "Offering a credit program backed by GE is an added-value service for our members that will enhance their ability to provide top-notch service."
In addition to fast credit decisions, customers will receive competitive interest rates and responsive customer service from GE. As part of the Royal Privilege Program, GE will also be providing a one-call solution for approving Clockwork's customers. When a customer is unable to obtain approval through GE, the contractor will be automatically transferred to a secondary finance source, thus eliminating the need to source the application to numerous finance companies. This will enable business owners to manage the consumer financing process more efficiently.
Clockwork Home Services was founded in 1998. It consists of the Success Group International family of companies - Plumbers' Success International, AirTime 500, Electricians' Success International, and Roofers' Success International - that offer independent contractors cutting-edge systems and tools that lead to market dominance, financial independence, and freedom of time. Additionally, the company has two primary franchise operations, Benjamin Franklin the Punctual Plumber, and One Hour Air Conditioning, providing companies with technical training and business support services.
"Clockwork is a fast-growing company with a very interesting approach to the home services business," said Bruce Christensen, home improvement products leader for GE Retail Sales Finance, part of GE Consumer Finance. "They have an opportunity to change the landscape of the industry, so we are excited to be a part of their plans."
Clockwork Home Services is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. The new Royal Privilege Program is now available through any Success Group International member or at any of the franchised Benjamin Franklin the Punctual Plumber or One Hour Air Conditioning locations.
About Clockwork Home Services
Founded in 1998, Clockwork Home Services, Inc., establishes and builds nationally branded franchises for the home services contractor market. Led by a senior management team comprised of entrepreneurs with collective expertise in marketing, branding and franchising for home services, Clockwork aims to build national brands for nearly all services that are performed in or around the home. As of August 2005, there were 86 Benjamin Franklin Franchisees (154 territories covered) and 93 One Hour Air Franchisees (covering 130 territories).
About Retail Sales Finance and GE Consumer Finance
Retail Sales Finance, based in Kettering, Ohio, is part of GE Consumer Finance and provides private label credit card programs, marketing, installment lending and financial services for national and regional retailers in key industries: home improvement, powersports, outdoor equipment, automotive/recreational vehicles, consumer electronics and appliances, furniture, floor covering, jewelry and health care. With $150 billion in assets, GE Consumer Finance, a unit of General Electric Company, is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in 47 countries around the world. GE Consumer Finance, based in Stamford, Conn. (USA), offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel and purchasing cards, debt consolidation and home equity loans and credit insurance. More information can be found online at www.geconsumerfinance.com. GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
(C) 2005 General Electric Company, All rights reserved.
Contacts
Clockwork,
Emily Vonder Haar, 314-721-8464
[email protected]
or
GE
Cristy Williams, 678-518-2596
[email protected]
Cristy Williams
[email protected]
678.518.2596