PIRTEK USA, the nation's leading provider of mobile and retail hydraulic and industrial hose services, continued its strong growth trajectory during the third quarter of 2026, awarding 12 additional territories and opening five new locations across key markets throughout the United States.
The quarter's development activity included seven new franchise owners entering the PIRTEK system and two existing franchisees expanding into additional territories, demonstrating continued interest from new entrepreneurs as well as confidence among current franchise owners to grow within the brand. New territories were awarded across markets including Ohio, N.H, Fla., Iowa, Md., Texas, and Ore., while the following new locations opened their doors: PIRTEK Fort Mill, PIRTEK Stockton, PIRTEK Las Vegas North, PIRTEK Edison, and PIRTEK Columbia MO.
“We're seeing strong momentum across the PIRTEK network, from new franchise owners opening their first locations to experienced owners expanding into additional markets,” said Kim Gubera, president & CEO of PIRTEK USA and PIRTEK Canada. “That momentum is a reflection of the opportunity in front of us and the strength of our franchise network. We're focused on continuing to expand thoughtfully while making sure our franchisees have the tools and support to succeed.”
Among the quarter's new franchisees is Craig Lower, a former procurement executive who spent more than two decades leading operations and business development initiatives overseeing international teams and approximately $715 million in global sourcing initiatives. Lower will bring his experience in team leadership, process improvement, and business-to-business relationships to PIRTEK Marion and PIRTEK Ashland in Ohio.
“I've spent my career building teams, developing relationships, and finding ways to make complex operations work more effectively, and I see a tremendous opportunity to apply those skills as a PIRTEK franchise owner,” said Lower. “PIRTEK gives me the opportunity to build something of my own while creating a business that can grow with my family for years to come.”
Leadership Recognition, Franchisee Growth
PIRTEK's third-quarter growth coincided with a significant milestone for its leadership team, as Kim Gubera was selected to the International Franchise Association (IFA) Board of Directors. Gubera, who brings more than 20 years of franchising experience to the role, will serve a three-year term beginning at the IFA's 2027 Annual Convention in Feb. Under her leadership, PIRTEK's U.S. franchise network has grown 178 percent in seven years, surpassing 200 locations in 2026.
PIRTEK also strengthened its leadership team during the quarter with the appointment of Doug Smith as vice president of franchise development and the promotion of Kieran Scott to chief franchise operations officer. Smith will lead PIRTEK's continued franchise expansion, including relationships with prospective franchisees and franchise consultants, while working with existing owners to identify opportunities for additional growth. Scott's expanded role will focus on ensuring franchisees have the training, resources and operational support needed to successfully grow their businesses.
The quarter also brought recognition for PIRTEK franchisees. Wes Snyder, a multi-unit PIRTEK owner with seven locations, was named a 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the IFA in recognition of his business performance, franchisee advocacy, and commitment to developing future entrepreneurs. During the quarter, Snyder also expanded his portfolio with the opening of PIRTEK Columbia MO.
Snyder's latest location is part of a broader trend of existing franchisees expanding their PIRTEK businesses. In addition to Snyder, multi-unit franchisee David Kellerstrass and Randy White signed to expand their ownership around the Dallas-Fort Worth market with PIRTEK Flower Mound, while multi-unit owner Tim Kelly added his fifth PIRTEK location through a development agreement for Brooksville, Fla.
PIRTEK also earned continued recognition from the franchise industry, being named to Franchise Times' Top 400 for the third consecutive year. The annual ranking recognizes the largest franchise systems in the United States based on global systemwide sales.
As demand continues across construction, manufacturing, logistics, utilities, transportation and other industries where equipment uptime is critical, PIRTEK remains focused on expanding into markets where its mobile hydraulic and industrial hose services can help businesses minimize or eliminate costly downtime. The brand enters the final quarter of 2026 with continued development activity from both new and existing franchise owners.
PIRTEK provides unmatched hydraulic and industrial hose service through its 1-Hour ETA and 24/7/365 on site emergency response model. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, marketing support, and a proven business system designed to help entrepreneurs from diverse professional backgrounds succeed.
