Open for Opportunity Local Community Support Posted April 8, 2025 Dennis Hodge, CertaPro – Oregon Share Meet Dennis Dennis Hodge had decided it was time to move on from corporate America. He turned to franchising because he wanted the ability to control his own destiny and provide new opportunities for others. He discovered CertaPro Painters Franchising, and in 2016, opened his first business in Portland, Oregon. He has never looked back. What really drew Dennis Hodge to CertaPro was the peer network the franchise provided. Hodge said, “I wanted the security of knowing there was a business plan that was proven and effective with a peer network.” At his local CertaPro, Hodge strives to make every employee feel like family. He ensures he get to know all of them and their families. He wants it to be a fun work environment and even plans events and outings for staff. On a professional level, Hodge empowers his workers by providing them with opportunities for growth. He invites painters to make leadership decisions, listening to their input on where they want to see the business grow in the future. Beyond the business side, Hodge and his employees give back to the community in Portland. Last year their CertaPro location partnered with Project Lemonade, a non-profit that provides clothing and school supplies to children in foster care. Hodge and his team provided free services to those in need and ran a fundraiser to raise money for the charity. The Impact of Franchising Open for Opportunity Campaign Economic Growth Workforce Development Local Community Support Veteran Entrepreneurship Diversity Franchise Associations Worldwide Related Jim Ploughe, CertaPro Painters – North Carolina Tracy Panase, Just Between Friends – Pennsylvania Cheston C. Syma, Sport Clips Haircuts – Texas & Illinois Damon Dunn, Dunkin’ – Seattle, WA Mike Levitsky, FastSigns – Delaware Debbie and Deon Boles, Office Evolution – California Gloria Roach, Hammer and Nails – California Joe Mabutas, AdvantaClean – California Shannon Servor, GymGuyz – California Dennis Hodge, CertaPro – Oregon Sharon Estroff, Challenge Island – Georgia Keith Shifrin, School of Rock – Minnesota Erin Grassmeyer: Open for Opportunity Kevin Smolar: Open for Opportunity Sherry Rose – Stellar Brands Jeanne Foster – Briad Group Advertisement