Our Story

It all started with family, and a flooded basement.

When our founders bought their first second home at the Jersey Shore, they quickly discovered how stressful “vacation home ownership” could be. Between unexpected water damage after a storm, a pest problem that went unnoticed for weeks, and the endless coordination with contractors from hours away, they realized something important: owning a second home shouldn’t feel like a second job.

What began as a series of headaches turned into an idea: Away Team. Built by a family who lived through the frustrations firsthand, Away Team was created to give other homeowners the peace of mind they were missing. Starting small at the Jersey Shore, the family began helping neighbors check on their homes, manage repairs, and handle the unexpected: all with the same care and urgency they gave their own.

Today, that same hands-on, family-run spirit drives everything we do. We know what it’s like to get that call about a leak, or to worry after a nor’easter, because we’ve been there. Away Team exists so you can actually relax when you’re away, knowing someone local, trusted, and family-minded is looking out for your home.

Founder Story

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Kathleen Kuhn

Founder, Away Team Brands
Author, What to Watch For, A Professional Guide to Home Watch

Kathleen Kuhn, author of "What to Watch For" a Professionals Guide to Home Watch, has dedicated her career to helping home services businesses thrive. Starting in the home inspection industry shortly after college, she grew and led one of North America's largest home inspection brands. Kathleen also launched networks for drywall repair and holiday lighting businesses and assisted in launching several home service franchises, including Green Light Mobility and Elder Well Adult Care.

Kathleen sees many parallels between the emerging home watch industry and the home inspection industry 40 years ago. "I deeply appreciate what it takes to succeed in a home services business. I know that when you provide busy business owners with the right tools, everyone wins," she says. "I'm eager to introduce new resources to the home watch industry, raise awareness about this essential service, and elevate the standards by which home watch providers operate".

Kathleen is seen as an authority on inspection, and home services and has often been featured in the media including CNN, Fox Business, the New York Times and many more. Kathleen is supported by her husband of over 38 years. Mike Kuhn is a licensed home inspector and has personally performed over 10,000+ home inspections in Central New Jersey and has supervised another 40,000. He is the author of The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Home Inspections and has been featured on HGTV, and GMA as a subject matter expert. Mike is a past Director and Instructor of the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI)(r) as well as field instructor for the state of NJ Home Inspector Licensing.

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Mike Kuhn

Co-Founder, Away Team Brands
Owner, Away Team Long Beach Island, NJ

Mike Kuhn is a licensed home inspector and has personally performed over 10,000+ home inspections in Central New Jersey and has supervised another 40,000. He is the author of The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Home Inspections and has been featured on HGTV, and GMA as a subject matter expert. Mike is a past Director and Instructor of the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI)(r) as well as field instructor for the state of NJ Home Inspector Licensing.

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Patrick and Allison Francis

Co-Founders, Away Team Brands
Owners, Away Team Central NJ

Meet Patrick and Allison Francis, co-founders of Away Team Brands and owners of Away Team Central NJ. With a shared passion for real estate and home renovations, Patrick and Allison launched Away Team in 2024 to revolutionize the way property owners monitor, manage, and protect their investments.

Patrick brings 20+ years of experience in the electrical trade as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 456). He is passionate about construction and project management and brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the forefront of Away Team. Additionally, Patrick has extensive experience as a volunteer firefighter, responding to emergencies to protect the lives and property of the community.

Prior to launching Away Team, Allison spent 23 years in education. She worked as a teacher in the classroom and a Supervisor of Elementary Education in two local NJ school districts. Allison brings a unique blend of organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence to her role as the co-founder of Away Team. You'll find Allison offering top notch service to our homeowners and providing seamless management of every client interaction.

Mission & Values

We alleviate the anxiety of absentee homeownership. With consistent property visits but trained pros, and elite concierge services, we deliver total confidence and convenience—your investment is secure, your home is cared for, and you are free to enjoy every moment the instant you walk through the door.

What’s included in the Affiliate license:

Training materials: manuals (Home Watch Marketing Fundamentals, Home Watch Business Fundamentals, Marketing Implementation Guide) and video modules (Pricing, Network Marketing, Risk Management, etc.).
Operational tools: Property Visit checklists for training, proprietary forms (Client Property Profile, Standards of Practice, Network Marketing Plan), Client Agreement templates, Vendor Evaluation Form, Hurricane Preparation Checklist and a mobile web app for creating client reports.
Marketing assets: Industry specific marketing campaigns, direct mail materials, brochures, monthly blog posts, social media cover images, and more.
Ongoing support: Community forum, monthly blog posts, quaterly newsletter, regular marketing updates and technical support for home conditions.

Built by Homeowners. Refined by Operators.

Our mission is simple: to give homeowners peace of mind while they’re away.

We’re guided by the values that define who we are and how we care for your home:

Integrity in every decision, professionalism in every interaction, thoroughness in every task, and community in everything we do.

What makes Away Team

Trained and Tested – formal instruction and testing covering home systems, common home concerns, maintenance essentials, risk management, client care and marketing.
Comprehensive checklists & technology – Training checklists to ensure you never miss a thing, and an optional mobile web solution for generating property visit reports.
Insurance & bonding – Access to industry licensees operate insured and bonded businesses.
Human touch – on‑site visits catch issues sensors miss (fallen trees, power failures, mold, appliance breakdowns).
Connection to community – local operators build relationships with contractors and emergency vendors.

FAQ'S

Do I need prior experience?

No; training covers all aspects of the business and how to conduct property checks.

What ongoing fees exist?

There is an Annual Affiliates License fee which varies depending on whether you opted for a two year agreement. Optional monthly marketing/technology subscriptions.

How long does it take to launch?

We can get started as soon as you are signed!

Can I add other services to the business?

Absolutely. It’s very common to create multiple revenue streams by providing additional services you clients need from handyman work, to power washing and many more.