DryJect expands franchises into Chicagoland

Jim Alvarez is the latest DryJect LLC franchisee, giving the company more of a presence in and around Chicagoland. The establishment of the new franchise territory will provide service to Wisconsin, Indiana and the Northeast corner of Illinois. 

Alvarez purchased the DryJect franchise territories after living and working in Chicago and Northwest Indiana for most of his life. He has represented Sod Squad Chicago, Sod Squad Wisconsin and Sod Squad Indiana, and purchased Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville, Indiana, in June 2021.

That purchase of Innsbrook spurred him to want firm and fast greens, which prompted him to turn to DryJect. He will complete training by January 2024 to “hit the ground running” in the new year.

“We are excited to have Jim as part of the DryJect family,” president and owner John Paddock said. “We wish him the best of luck in his endeavors as we work together to ensure the best possible service to our customers. It is pleasing to know that these territories will receive the attention and quality of service they deserve.”

After graduating from Indiana University, Alvarez started his business career in the trading pits of the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. He took the money earned from trading and went on to invent the hammY putter. Within three years, the hammY helped Natalie Gulbis win an LPGA tournament. Earlier this year, Spencer Levin used the putter to win a Korn Ferry Tour event, shooting 20 under par.

Alvarez founded Gesture, a software technology company that helps charities raise money, in 2011. It has helped charity partners raise more than $6 billion. He is also a board member of Siwa Therapeutics, which is working to cure cancer.