Note 1 - Description of the Business

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Notes to Financial Statements

Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

1. Description of the business

FirstService Corporation (the “Company”) is a North American provider of residential property management and other essential property services to residential and commercial customers. The Company’s operations are conducted in

two

segments: FirstService Residential and FirstService Brands. The segments are grouped with reference to the nature of services provided and the types of clients that use those services.

FirstService Residential is a full-service property manager and in many markets provides a full range of ancillary services primarily in the following areas: (i) on-site staffing, including building engineering and maintenance, full-service amenity management, security, concierge and front desk personnel, and landscaping; (ii) proprietary banking and insurance products; and (iii) energy conservation and management solutions.

FirstService Brands provides a range of essential property services to residential and commercial customers in North America through franchise networks and company-owned locations. The principal brands in this division include Paul Davis Restoration, California Closets, CertaPro Painters, Pillar to Post Home Inspectors, Floor Coverings International, College Pro Painters, and Century Fire Protection.