Mr. Electric, a global franchise organization providing electrical installation and service repairs, is welcoming its first female franchise owner in the U.K. The company has awarded a franchise agreement to Demi Hoar who will open her business in Cardiff on September 1.

A graduate of Neath Port Talbot College, Demi most recently served as a combat medical technician in the British Army. After leaving the military, she wanted to own her own business, became a qualified electrician and invested in her own Mr. Electric franchise.

Her life partner and fellow military serviceman, Daniel Wright, will be a co-owner of the business. He plans to join her in the day-to-day operations after he completes another 12 months of active duty.

“I was led to Mr. Electric as my partner was looking into franchising and I had just passed my electrical course so it made sense,” Demi commented. “Having the Dwyer Group there definitely helps me to sleep at night. As I will be running the business on my own for about a year, knowing that they are there to support me is what made me choose a Mr. Electric franchise. To know that I have someone to help guide me with the systems, marketing and how to work on my business gives me peace of mind.”

Demi’s business is the 18th franchise location for Mr. Electric in the U.K. and the first for a female owner in the country.

The announcement marks the rising popularity for the Women in The Trades program that Mr. Electric supports and promotes around the world as part of The Dwyer Group, Inc., one of the world’s largest franchising companies of trade service brands.

The campaign to attract more women to the service trades began when Dina Dwyer-Owens, Co-Chair of Dwyer Group, appeared as a female leader in a male-dominated industry on the American reality TV show “Undercover Boss” during her time as CEO for the company. And women like Demi are proof that the industry continues to change for the better.

“Demi is a high achiever and a strong leader who exemplifies the kind of franchise owner – man or woman – that we look for across our industry,” said Jeff Meyers, Vice President of International Operations for Dwyer Group. “Welcoming our newest member to the Mr. Electric organization shows others the fantastic possibilities that exist in our growing network.”

“Demi’s story is a dream come true for me,” Dwyer-Owens said. “One of the most profound journeys one can make is to be your own boss and grow your own business. But to do so as a woman in the service trades is important progress to the thriving opportunities that exist for so many others.”