The Beginnings of Neighborly®

Don Dwyer's dream of success began in New York when he sold his cherished convertible to buy a paper route so that he could earn money to pay for his college education. By the time he graduated from college, Don was earning more from his part-time paper route than he could earn working full-time for someone else. When adjusted for inflation, Don earned more than $2 million from the paper route.

After a brief stint in the military and a successful but short-lived career as a Hollywood talent agent, Don purchased a franchise to market and sell management and motivational materials. He was so successful that the franchisor recruited him to join the home office in Waco, Texas, where he quickly rose to the position of Senior Vice President. "I am convinced," he would later write in his widely-publicized book, Target Success, "that franchise ownership is the best way for the first-time entrepreneur to get started in business."

Don's quest for personal achievement and business success led him to other franchise business opportunities, one of which became Rainbow International® Carpet Dyeing & Cleaning Company—one of the world's largest organizations of its kind and the flagship of Neighborly, formerly Dwyer Group companies.

Don Dwyer’s Vision Continues to Guide the Company He Started

"I don't see you for what you are," Don would tell his associates. "I see you for what you could be." Don saw himself as one of franchising's most successful practitioners and his election to the Board of Directors of the International Franchise Association (IFA), as well as numerous awards and media exposure, confirmed his vision.

Early on, Don became a target-setter, working hard to succeed in numerous business enterprises. He continually motivated himself and those he touched through his personal life and business. As a result, Don Dwyer created one of the largest and most admired franchise organizations in the world. His untimely death in 1994 at age 60 created a void in the world of franchising. But his dream lives on!

The Future of Neighborly

Mike Bidwell has lead the day-to-day operations of Neighborly since 2000 as COO and was named President in 2007. Mike was named President and CEO of Neighborly in January 2014. Don’s dream for the company continues to live on through the current leadership team, taking Neighborly to impressive new heights.

We remain guided by the “R.I.C.H.” founding principles:

  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Customer Focus
  • Having Fun in the Process!

For more information about our service-based franchise company, contact Neighborly today.

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