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Mike Bidwell Named President/CEO of Dwyer Group; Other Appointments Announced

Feb. 10, 2014
The Dwyer Group, Inc., a franchisor of seven service-based franchise brands, announces the promotions of several key executive team members to support the continued growth of the company, effective immediately.
Dina Dwyer-Owens
Mike Bidwell
Mary Kennedy Thompson
Debbie Wright-Hood

The Dwyer Group, Inc., a franchisor of seven service-based franchise brands, announces the promotions of several key executive team members to support the continued growth of the company, effective immediately.

“At The Dwyer Group, I am blessed to be surrounded by a team of executives who have gone above and beyond to support me as CEO for over 15 years,” said Dina Dwyer-Owens, Chairwoman and CEO. “Five years ago, our company president stepped up and assumed many of my CEO responsibilities as I chaired the International Franchise Association, went undercover for ‘Undercover Boss,’ and more. It’s time to formalize this role for Mike Bidwell as he has shown the dedication, drive, and skills necessary to lead our day-to-day operations. This will also allow me to leverage my talents and desires to promote The Dwyer Group and our Live R.I.C.H. culture while we take the company to the next level.”

Dwyer-Owens, Dwyer Group Chairwoman and CEO, has been appointed to Executive Chairwoman of The Dwyer Group. Her duties will include promoting the organization's "Code of Values" and company culture, seeking out acquisition opportunities for complimentary service brands, and speaking on local, national and international stages on behalf of The Dwyer Group.

Mike Bidwell, the President and Chief Operating Officer, has been promoted to President and CEO of The Dwyer Group. He will continue to oversee management and organizational support for the parent company and the operating companies belonging to The Dwyer Group. He will work with the franchise brand presidents and The Dwyer Group Board of Directors to create growth and success opportunities.

Mary Kennedy Thompson has been appointed Executive Vice President of The Dwyer Group and also will retain her current title as President of Mr. Rooter, a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group and the largest all franchised full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company in the United States. As Executive Vice President, Thompson will provide support to the CEO in the daily activities and operations of the company and its subsidiary brands.

“Mary Kennedy Thompson is a gifted and insightful leader on so many levels and will be a tremendous asset in providing structural and organizational leadership as The Dwyer Group footprint expands,” Bidwell noted. “The trajectory of The Dwyer Group is focused on strong growth for years to come.”

Debbie Wright-Hood, Chief Administrative Officer for The Dwyer Group, has also been appointed to The Dwyer Group Board of Directors. A daughter of the late Don Dwyer, founder of The Dwyer Group, Wright-Hood has grown up in the business where her responsibilities have played an increasing role in the administrative direction for the company and its service brands. She has been through every stage of growth with The Dwyer Group and now, as a board member, she will become part of the governing body advising and supporting The Dwyer Group.

“I look forward to working with Dina, Mike and the management team and continuing the strong growth we have experienced over the last three years,” said Samuel L. Katz, Managing Partner of TZP Group, LLC, a private equity company and majority owner of The Dwyer Group. “These promotions speak to the fine leadership and the strong foundation we have in place for the future success of the company.”

Pamela Harper

has been named the Dwyer Group's vice president of marketing. She succeeds Chris Mellon who left The Dwyer Group to pursue other opportunities.

Harper has served as senior director of marketing at The Dwyer Group since 2012. In her new role she will oversee a team of 49 people offering marketing and communications support across the service brands.

According to Mike Bidwell, president and chief operating officer of The Dwyer Group, Harper was selected based on her extensive knowledge and experience in the marketing field and within the trades services.

“Pam has been an essential leader in supporting and further developing our brands while creating an atmosphere for learning and collaboration at The Dwyer Group,” said Bidwell. “She is a valuable member of our team and will take our marketing goals to a new level across all our service brands as we continue to move towards our goal of becoming a one-billion-dollar company in annual system-wide sales.”