Softroc is a home-based rubber safety surfacing franchise serving residential and commercial customers who need non-slip, shock-absorbing surfaces for pool decks, playgrounds, patios, driveways, and sports courts. Partnered with Rubaroc, the original rubber surfacing company, Softroc combines 38+ years of product expertise with a low-overhead franchise model.
At a Glance
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $50,000
Ownership Model: Owner-operator
Location Type: Home-based
Time Commitment: Full-time
Experience Required: None; leadership and team management skills preferred
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- Home-based model with no brick-and-mortar expense
- Minimal competition in specialized safety surfacing niche
- Prime territories still available nationwide
- Partnered with Rubaroc’s 38+ years of product expertise
- Part of Stellar Service Brands franchise network
Softroc Franchise
Softroc was founded in 2019 and began franchising in 2021. The brand has grown to 32 units and is part of Stellar Service Brands, a multi-brand franchisor providing infrastructure and support systems. Softroc is partnered with Rubaroc, the original rubber safety surfacing company with over 38 years of experience.
The business installs EPDM and SBR rubber surfacing for residential and commercial applications. Customers include homeowners upgrading pool decks and patios, schools and daycares needing playground safety surfacing, municipalities maintaining parks, and HOAs improving common areas. The safety angle — slip resistance and shock absorption — drives demand from liability-conscious buyers.
Why Own a Softroc Franchise?
- Home-based operation eliminates lease costs, storefront expenses, and traditional retail overhead
- Specialized niche with minimal franchise competition — most competitors have sold out of territory
- Rubaroc partnership provides 38+ years of proven product quality and installation expertise
- Stellar Service Brands backing delivers franchise infrastructure and support systems
- Veteran discount of $7,000 off franchise fee for honorably discharged service members
ABF Exclusive Insights
Market Structure: The rubber surfacing industry serves both residential upgrades and commercial safety requirements. Schools, daycares, and municipalities face liability pressure to install safe playground surfaces. Homeowners want slip-resistant pool decks and durable patios. Both segments drive consistent demand.
Competitive Advantage: Softroc is the first rubber surfacing company to offer focused franchise opportunities in this space. While competitors selling rubber and resin exist, none have built franchise systems with territory protection, training infrastructure, and marketing support at this scale.
ABF Timing Insight: With 32 units and prime territory still available, Softroc offers ground-floor positioning in a specialized niche. The brand’s growth trajectory (0 to 32 units in 4 years) demonstrates market validation without territory saturation.
Training & Support
- On-site guidance from certified Softroc professionals during launch and initial installations
- Employee training programs ensuring proper installation techniques and customer service standards
- Real-time business analytics removing guesswork from operational decisions
- Defined marketing and lead generation strategy giving franchisees competitive advantage in local markets
- Connected partner network providing top-tier materials, equipment, and resources
- Marketing materials including look books and promotional content to support business growth
Franchise Owners That Thrive
- Comfortable managing installation crews and coordinating job schedules
- Sales-capable with ability to close residential and commercial clients
- Leadership experience with track record of managing people
- Entrepreneurial drive to build and scale a service business
- Willing to follow proven systems and processes
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who This Franchise Is NOT For
- Seeking retail storefront or customer-facing location
- Uncomfortable managing field crews and installation schedules
- No interest in hands-on service business operations
- Inclined to modify systems rather than follow proven methods
- Expect quick or guaranteed returns
- Do not meet $50,000 minimum liquid capital requirement
Candidates who do not meet these criteria are typically not approved by the franchisor.
Investment Readiness Check
- Ownership timeline typically ranges 6–18 months
- Credit and overall financial profile reviewed during approval
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $50,000 — required for consideration
- Territory availability assessed during validation process
All financial thresholds are set by the franchisor and are non-negotiable during approval.
Franchisor Authority Disclosure
America’s Best Franchises provides guidance and introductions. Final approval criteria, financial thresholds, and territory decisions are determined exclusively by the franchisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much liquid capital is required to qualify?
A. Softroc requires a minimum of $50,000 in liquid capital, set by the franchisor.
Q. What experience do I need?
A. No industry experience required. Leadership ability, team management skills, and entrepreneurial drive matter more than surfacing background. Full training provided.
Q. Is this a home-based business?
A. Yes. Softroc operates without brick-and-mortar expense. Minimal inventory, no storefront lease, and small staff requirements keep overhead low.
Q. What surfaces does Softroc install?
A. Pool decks, playgrounds, patios, driveways, boat decks, home gyms, sports courts, and commercial facilities. Any application needing slip-resistant, shock-absorbing surfacing.
Q. Is there a veteran discount?
A. Yes. Honorably discharged veterans may receive $7,000 off the franchise fee through the VetFran program.
Next Steps
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Softroc.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.