IN MEMORIAM: Mike Bidwell

Mike Bidwell

Mike Bidwell, president and CEO of Neighborly, unexpectedly died at the age of 65 on Sept. 8.

The company’s leadership team said in the news release, “We will all miss Mike more than words can express, and we are fortunate to have worked for such an amazing leader who was smart, compassionate, and insightful. He put a strong team together – and in times like this, we stand together to honor him by carrying his vision for Neighborly forward.”

Bidwell has been a part of Neighborly for almost 40 years. He began his career in April 1984 when he opened a Rainbow International Carpet Cleaning & Restoration franchise in Tucson, Ariz. In 1987, Bidwell became the first multi-concept franchisee and area developer when he started the first Worldwide Refinishing Systems – now known as DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen. He later added a third franchise brand to his portfolio, Mr. Rooter Plumbing in 1992. Bidwell was a highly successful multi-unit franchisee, being named Franchisee of the Year for Rainbow International and Top Gun for each franchise brand he owned.

His success as a franchisee led Neighborly to recruit him to the world headquarters in Waco, Texas, in 1995. Before being appointed the president and CEO of Neighborly in January 2014, Bidwell’s tenure at Neighborly included being its COO and president for three different franchise brands.

Effective immediately, Jon Shell, CFO since 2015, is appointed to interim president and CEO of Neighborly. Mary Thompson, COO since 2015, will continue to lead Neighborly franchise owner relationships with the support of other Neighborly Corporate Leadership. Current board member David Brandon, executive chairman and former CEO of Domino’s Pizza, is appointed executive chairman of the board of directors for Neighborly.

Neighborly is the parent company of Mosquito Joe, The Ground Guys, and many other home services.