Construction company MyGreenBuildings recently made Inc. Magazine’s list of the “Top 500 Fastest Growing Companies” — the only green builder out of 14 construction industry companies on the list.

The Sarasota, Fla., company is offering its expertise to builders and remodelers who want to gain green proficiency. For an initial fee of $25,000 and a $1,500 monthly payment (per territory), you can become a MyGreenBuildings licensee. That will entitle you to licensing rights to the MGB brand, ongoing advisory support, proprietary software, essential documents and marketing materials, protected territories (only one franchisee allowed), and customizable templates for ads, brochures, and websites.

Originally intended for new-construction companies, remodelers are also more than welcome, according to CEO Stephen Ellis who adds that “the reuse of an existing structure is about as green as it gets, since there is a massive amount of carbon/energy within our existing housing stock.”

Once a contractor has signed on with MGB, the company will maintain rigorous quality control of the brand and how it is used, and will provide business coaching on the methodology for marketing and building the brand value locally. “Consumers are more likely to do business with a well-branded company,” Ellis says. “In our business, it is all about getting leads and meeting clients who already know about us. Strong branding and awareness has been the cornerstone of our success.” Interested remodelers have to go through a process of interviews, meetings, and client reference checks, and must meet MGB’s qualifications. “Size is less important than determination to build something special and a rock-solid reputation for excellence,” Ellis says.

—Mark A. Newman, senior editor, REMODELING.