News Reports

Chris Thomas - Dryer Vent Wizard Franchisee

A New Service in Littleton, Dryer Vent Wizard, helps rid homes of this safety hazard.

Handyman and Littleton resident Chris Thomas purchased the Dryer Vent Wizard franchise in April 2006; before that, he owned A Very Handyman for about four years. While Thomas enjoyed his work, he didn't see any growth potential. He started to keep his eyes open for other opportunities, and then the Dryer Vent Wizard came along.

Dave Lavalle, who operated a handyman franchise previously, started the company. Lavelle noticed he was getting a large number of calls about dryer vents. He quickly learned that no one else was offering this service and started Dryer Vent Wizard last spring.

After just 10 months, there are more than 40 Dryer Vent Wizard franchises in the U.S., and it is one of the fastest growing service franchises in the county. Thomas currently owns the only Dry Vent Wizard franchise in Colorado and has seen a steady increase in business.

"With my handyman background, this franchise is a natural fit for me," Thomas said. "I had no idea how hazardous the household dryer is."

Out of every 100 dryers he sees, only one doesn't need service. The biggest safety hazard is the vent that runs from the back of the dryer to the outside. If the vent is made from plastic or foil, the potential risk goes up. As the vent ages and begins to sag, it curves and leaves a place for lint to build up, creating a highly flammable clog that can ignite at any moment with the dryer running.

Thomas looks at 10 factors when inspecting a dryer for safety. In addition to checking the vents, he also checks airflow and looks at the amount of lint on the floor behind the dryer.

"If a potential customer calls me and says that it takes two to three cycles to get their clothes to dry, that's a big red flag," says Thomas. "Having your dryer checked for safety is something that every homeowner should do; it's just one less thing for people to worry about."

Recently Thomas visited Children's World Daycare in Littleton. Upon inspection, he not only found a large amount of lint clogging the dryer, but he also found a dead bird blocking the vent.

"Keeping our day care's dryer is a top priority for Children's World," said Tanya Coulter, the center's director. "We're appreciative of the generosity and knowledge that the Dryer Vent Wizard provided us."

Thomas provided his service to Children's World for free — it's the policy of Dry Vent Wizard franchises to provide free service to day-care centers and fire departments.

Thomas will also check washing machine hoses. According to Thomas, most people have rubber hoses, and this is just an accident waiting to happen. If your hoses are more than three years old and are rubber, it's recommended they be replaced.

"Washing machine hosing is under constant pressure," he said. "It's not a question of if it will break, but when."
Thomas, 42, enjoys what he does and makes service the focal point of his business, "I'm not a salesperson," says Thomas. "I go to someone's house to solve problems and help make their home safe."

The basic service call to have Thomas inspect your dryer is $39. What he finds will determine the service he performs and the cost. All of his work is guaranteed, and he does offer plans toward future service.

"I enjoy making a difference and knowing that I'm helping to make people's homes safe," he said.

For more information, call the Dryer Vent Wizard at 866-498-7233 or visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com.

Reprinted with the permission of the Evergreen Newspapers, the Columbine Courier.