In November 2025, Ryan and Sara Gerbino officially opened the doors to their Sir Grout business in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, marking a new chapter for their family after years of working side by side as restaurant owners.
Drawn to Sir Grout’s professional, service-first approach and the opportunity to deliver visible, immediate results for homeowners, Ryan and Sara Gerbino were first introduced to the brand by longtime friend and fellow franchise owner, Scott Odom of the Lowcountry.
After reviewing Scott’s business performance, spending time on customer visits and seeing firsthand how the model worked in real homes, they felt confident in the opportunity.
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Colin started as a team member at 21 and now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations, before someone else does.Having spent years running a 24/7 brick-and-mortar restaurant, they were excited to embrace Sir Grout’s innovative service model — one that allows them to help people fall back in love with their spaces while building a business that supports their family and their partnership.
Below, the Gerbinos share what led them to Sir Grout, what it’s like building a business as a couple and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Franchise Chatter (FC): Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Could you tell us what it was about Sir Grout that really caught your attention and made you feel this was the right move for your family?
Ryan and Sara Gerbino (RG, SG): Thank you for having us. From the research we did and the time we spent learning about the brand, what stood out to us was how professional Sir Grout is, while still feeling very personal. You can walk into someone’s home and actually see the difference you’ve made, and that’s incredibly rewarding.
Just as important, the training, support and ongoing communication gave us confidence that we weren’t stepping into this alone. After owning and operating a restaurant, we know how strong systems and marketing matter. Sir Grout’s culture and resources made us feel like we could build something meaningful together that truly aligns with our family’s values and long-term goals.
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code to see which franchises are still available near you, saving you months of wasted research.🔴Free Webinar: 6 Under-the-Radar Franchise Concepts That Serious Buyers Should Know
Every month we feature 6 standout franchises that could be the opportunity you've been looking for, each evaluated on disclosed financials and matched to the type of buyer most likely to succeed with it. Can't attend live on October 27 at 6PM EST? Register now and we'll send you the full recording the next day. Reserve your spot here.FC: Where do you and your family call home?
SG: We are based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This is home for our family, and it is where we have decided to put down roots and build our business.
FC: How many locations do you operate, and when did you first open your doors?
RG: Currently, we own one Sir Grout location, and we officially opened our doors on November 11, 2025. While we are new to the Sir Grout brand, we have the experience and drive that comes from years of working together in other business endeavors.
FC: Looking back, what inspired you both to launch a business together, and why did you choose the franchise route over starting something totally from scratch?
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code to see which franchises are still available near you, saving you months of wasted research.📈Dreaming of Multi‑Unit Success? Lock In Prime Territories Before They're Gone.
Colin started as a team member at 21 and now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations, before someone else does.RG: Before joining Sir Grout, we owned and operated a pizza restaurant together in Weddington, North Carolina. Running a business side by side showed us how much we enjoy working as a team and building something together.
When we started thinking about our next chapter, we knew we wanted to stay in business as a couple, but in a way that was more sustainable for our family. We chose franchising because it gave us structure and guidance without limiting our ability to run the business in our own way. As we entered a new industry, having that support, community feel and experience behind us gave us the confidence to make the transition successfully.
FC: As you’ve stepped into this journey together, has anything about running a company with your spouse surprised you?
SG: We learned that a strong marriage leads to a stronger business, not the other way around. By keeping our faith and our relationship as the top priority and defining our roles clearly, we have stayed connected and grounded even during our busiest days. This experience has shown us just how much patience and understanding matter, not only in business but at home as well.
FC: For other couples who are thinking about launching a business together, what would you want them to know?
SG: Make your relationship and your family just as important as the business. Treat that time as non-negotiable, just like you would with an important client. It is easy to let the business take over, especially when you work from home, so set clear boundaries on when and where work discussions happen. Define each other’s roles early and trust your partner to handle their responsibilities. Communicate openly about your needs, both as a spouse and as a business partner, and do not assume your partner automatically knows what you need. Most importantly, you do not have to solve everything for each other. Sometimes support and simply listening make all the difference.
FC: For entrepreneurs and couples considering a Sir Grout franchise, what kind of advice would you provide?
RG, SG: It’s completely normal to feel hesitant about going into business or franchising with your spouse, especially when you’re building both a company and a life together. For us, the biggest lesson has been learning to protect our relationship while growing the business.
We encourage couples to talk openly about expectations early, define their roles clearly and give each other space to lead in their own areas. Treat time with your family as a priority, not something that gets pushed aside when things get busy.
From a business standpoint, take the learning process seriously, stay consistent and focus on serving customers well every day. When you do that, trust builds naturally, and so does confidence. With patience, communication, and a long-term mindset, it’s possible to build something you’re proud of while still enjoying life together.
FC: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about what it’s like to run a business as a couple?
RG: Owning and running a business together has helped us value each other’s unique strengths and abilities. After spending years in high-pressure and fast-paced work environments, we are committed to building a company that truly supports our lives together. Making time for each other, for our family and for small moments like date nights or morning coffee helps us stay close and enjoy the journey as a team.
FC: Where can readers find out more about franchising with Sir Grout?
SG: If you’re interested in franchise opportunities and bringing Sir Grout’s hard surface restoration solutions to your community, visit sirgroutfranchise.com.
FC: Ryan and Sara, thank you for sharing these insights into your marriage and the Sir Grout franchise.
RG, SG: Our pleasure. We’re thrilled for what the future holds and look forward to continuing to grow together and with Sir Grout.
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