Build a recession-resistant business with Koala Insulation, the fastest-growing insulation franchise serving residential and commercial clients. Founded in 2018 and backed by Empower Brands’ proven franchise infrastructure, Koala delivers energy-efficient solutions that save customers money while reducing environmental impact. Home-based model with semi-absentee and owner-operator options!
Koala Insulation Top 5 Reasons to Invest:
- 395 units in 5 years — explosive growth trajectory
- Backed by Empower Brands ($1B+ retail sales, 500+ franchisees)
- 90% of U.S. homes under-insulated — massive addressable market
- Home-based with semi-absentee (8-10 hrs/week) or owner-operator options
- Recession-resistant essential services in $12.5B industry
Koala Insulation Franchise Opportunity
Koala Insulation launched in 2018 and began franchising in 2020, growing to 395 units faster than originally projected. The brand provides full-service insulation to residential and commercial clients, including new construction, retrofitting existing structures, renovations, and disaster restoration services.
Koala is backed by Empower Brands, a successful exterior home services franchisor that has scaled multiple brands — including Conserva Irrigation, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Superior Fence and Rail, and Archadeck Outdoor Living — to over 500 franchisees producing more than $1 billion in retail sales. This management depth and franchise infrastructure supports Koala’s rapid expansion.
The U.S. insulation industry is valued at $12.51 billion and projected to grow at 6.4% CAGR through 2030. According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, roughly 90% of existing U.S. single-family homes are under-insulated, wasting energy and money. With 26 million homeowners making home improvements annually, demand for professional insulation services continues growing.
Why Franchise With Koala?
Our proven home services model delivers exceptional results for franchisees entering the energy efficiency market.
- Explosive Growth: 395 units in just 5 years of franchising demonstrates market demand and franchisee success. Koala is one of the fastest-growing insulation brands in the country.
- Empower Brands Backing: Access the resources, management depth, and proven franchise systems of a franchisor that has built multiple brands to $1 billion+ in combined retail sales.
- Recession-Resistant: Insulation is an essential service. Homeowners insulate to reduce heating and cooling costs — demand often increases when energy prices rise and economic uncertainty grows.
- Flexible Ownership Models: Choose semi-absentee (8-10 hours weekly focused on sales mentorship, financial reviews, and marketing) or owner-operator (hands-on operations and sales management).
- Multiple Revenue Streams: Serve residential and commercial clients across new construction, retrofits, renovations, and disaster services with a comprehensive lineup of insulation products.
ABF Exclusive Insights
Market Analysis: The fundamentals are compelling — 90% of homes under-insulated, rising energy costs, growing environmental awareness, and 26 million annual home improvement projects. The $12.5 billion U.S. market growing at 6.4% annually creates sustained opportunity for professional insulation contractors.
Competitive Advantage: Unlike independent insulators who struggle with marketing and customer education, Koala provides franchisees with proven marketing systems, lead generation, and a recognized brand. The Empower Brands infrastructure delivers operational support that independents cannot match.
ABF Investment Tip: The semi-absentee model (8-10 hours weekly) appeals to investors seeking home services exposure without full-time operational demands. Sliding scale royalties reward growth — you pay less as you sell more. VetFran membership and home-based operations keep overhead manageable during the scaling phase.
Training & Support
Koala Insulation ensures franchisees launch successfully with comprehensive training and ongoing support from the Empower Brands infrastructure.
- Complete Business Training: Learn everything about the insulation industry, business operations, sales, marketing, and financial management — no prior experience required.
- Master-Level Certification: Training prepares you for industry certifications, establishing credibility with customers and differentiating your business from competitors.
- Hands-On Learning: Work in real-world environments practicing actual insulation installations with your team — not just classroom instruction.
- Marketing and Lead Generation: Proven marketing systems, SEO support, and promotional campaigns help you continuously attract new residential and commercial clients.
- Proprietary Technology: Operational tools and software simplify scheduling, customer management, and inventory tracking to keep your business organized and efficient.
Who Makes the Best Koala Franchise Owner?
Koala seeks franchisees with management experience, leadership skills, and a customer service orientation. Sales experience is valuable but not required — comprehensive training covers all aspects of the business.
Ideal candidates have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage teams. Whether you choose the semi-absentee model (8-10 hours weekly focused on oversight) or owner-operator model (hands-on daily management), leadership and communication skills drive success.
Passion for sustainability and energy efficiency resonates with today’s environmentally conscious customers. Franchisees who connect their business to the broader mission of reducing energy waste and carbon footprints build stronger customer relationships and community reputations.
Financial Requirements: $150,000 net worth, $50,000 liquidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to open a Koala Insulation franchise? A: Total investment ranges from $339,300 to $441,230 including the $49,500 franchise fee. Royalty is 6.5% on a sliding scale — you pay less as revenue grows.
Q: Is Koala Insulation a home-based business? A: Yes. Koala operates as a home-based, mobile franchise with no brick-and-mortar lease required.
Q: Can I own Koala Insulation semi-absentee? A: Yes. The semi-absentee model requires approximately 8-10 hours weekly focused on sales mentorship, financial reviews, and marketing input while staff handles daily operations.
Q: Do I need insulation experience? A: No. Koala’s comprehensive training covers everything from insulation techniques to business management, preparing you for master-level certification regardless of prior experience.
Q: What services do Koala franchisees provide? A: Full-service insulation including blown-in, batt, and spray foam insulation for residential and commercial clients. Services span new construction, retrofitting, renovations, and disaster restoration.
Q: Does Koala offer veteran discounts? A: Yes. Koala Insulation is a VetFran member offering benefits to qualified veterans entering franchise ownership.
Next Steps
Ready to build a recession-resistant business in the growing energy efficiency market? Complete the form below to connect with the Koala Insulation franchise development team and explore available territories.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Consult the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.