New Blingle! Franchise Owner Ready to Illuminate Charlotte County
New Blingle! franchise owner, Patrick Dunivan, is on a mission to light up homes and businesses in Charlotte County. Nestled in the heart of Englewood, Dunivan’s franchise is set to open on August 11, bringing a sparkle of creativity and innovation to outdoor lighting. His vision is clear; he wants every resident to experience the transformative power of light.
In the franchise world, where franchisees often find themselves at the mercy of corporate mandates, Dunivan discovered a refreshing opportunity. Nels Peterson, Vice President and franchise leader at Blingle!, aims to expand the brand significantly, with plans for two new franchises each month. Dunivan’s venture embodies the 33rd franchise for this Omaha-based company, hinting at both the brand’s robust growth and its commitment to community engagement.
Having transitioned from a career in information technology management, Dunivan, a Marine Corps veteran, embraces this new chapter with passion. This leap into entrepreneurship stems from a desire for creativity and a deeper connection to the community. He recalls how, through the guidance of an entrepreneurial coach in Jacksonville, he honed in on Blingle! amid a array of franchise choices. Peterson’s vision painted a compelling picture, leading Dunivan to this path.
Financing this venture came with its own set of challenges. He secured a Small Business Administration loan, enabling him to purchase a reliable Blingle! van with only 8,000 miles on it, previously owned by another franchisee from Nebraska. Along with it, he acquired a branded vehicle, a mobile beacon of both hope and opportunity for the community.
Covering a diverse three-county territory, Dunivan’s service area stretches across Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Babcock Ranch, Arcadia, Venice, and Englewood. Thus, he finds himself not only serving individual clients but also creating partnerships within the local business ecosystem, including advertising collaborations with fellow franchisees in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.
Dunivan plans to offer lighting installations for special occasions—be it weddings, holidays, or everyday enchantments. His charges are straightforward, with an estimated $8 per linear foot for lighting. Most clients prefer to lease the lights Dunivan provides, yet others choose to invest in their own setups.
As the holiday season approaches, Dunivan’s crew will begin their decorations in October, ensuring every aspect, from homes to palm trees, sparkles with festive allure. The materials used in these installations feature innovative designs from brands like Sterling Lighting, Gemstone Lights, and Luminaire Lighting. While many installations will establish a permanent presence, temporary setups will also be available for seasonal celebrations.
Lighting, Dunivan reflects, serves not merely as utility but a bridge to human connection. In collaborating with design firms for aesthetic installations, they aspire to craft environments that resonate emotionally with customers. “Outdoor lighting is increasingly becoming one of the leading trends in outdoor living. It’s a transformative experience that everybody wants in their home,” Peterson remarks, underscoring the emotional weight this venture carries.
As Dunivan’s website prepares to launch, inviting bookings from August 11, one can sense the anticipation bubbling within the community. This local journey highlights the intertwining of individual aspiration with community spirit, showcasing how a simple idea can illuminate lives in unexpected ways.
