Empower Brands, a commercial and home services platform company with brands such as Conserva Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, is moving into its next phase of growth with a strategic expansion of its leadership team. The additions include brand presidents, franchise operations and development and national accounts.
At the center of this momentum is a focus on intensifying brand-level support while building shared infrastructure across the platform. As Empower’s brands break into new markets and attract franchisees, the organization is bringing in seasoned leaders to help franchise owners thrive.
Justin Mayer joined the company as brand president of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP), bringing a customer-first mindset and a track record of operational excellence to one of Empower’s legacy brands. His appointment sets the stage for new growth and innovation, according to the company. Rich Young, long-time brand president for OLP, will remain with the organization to guarantee a smooth leadership transition.
In February, Heather Todd was promoted to brand president of Conserva Irrigation after serving as director of franchise operations. Todd, who has played a central role in Conserva’s rise, brings a franchisee-first approach and insightful knowledge of what it takes to scale a service brand while staying rooted in operational integrity.
Conserva’s founder and long-time brand president, Russ Jundt, is transitioning into a new role at Empower Brands. Jundt will be leading three strategic areas across the platform: national accounts (for Conserva and OLP), strategic partnerships and procurement and conversion franchising for Conserva. His role reflects Empower’s development into a more integrated, future-ready organization.
Continuing Conserva’s operational strength, Stacy Parkelj joined Empower last month as director of franchise operations. She succeeds Todd in the role and will support the brand’s franchisees with hands-on coaching, systems leadership and performance growth.
On the enterprise side, Brandon Yarnell has became the national accounts sales manager for Conserva and OLP. He’ll work alongside Jundt to develop partnerships and build scalable solutions for clients with multi-location or commercial needs.
The leadership growth also extends to Empower’s franchise development team. Katie Lepper has joined as the director of franchise development for Bumble Roofing, while Steve Griffith is the new director of franchise development for Koala Insulation. Each will guide their brand’s growth strategy and recruit the next wave of franchisees.
“These aren’t just new roles, they’re key puzzle pieces in our long-term vision,” said Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. “We’re scaling thoughtfully, building shared infrastructure where it makes sense and empowering each brand to thrive with dedicated leadership. Every addition to our team is about reinforcing support for our franchisees and making sure we’re built for what’s next.”
