1851

After serving in the Air Force and working at Ford,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-sherman-912833333/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=air-force-veteran-launches-united-water-restoration-group-franchise-2727929" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nathan Sherman</a> began exploring the idea of building something for himself. Leveraging the discipline and persistence he developed in the military, Sherman turned to franchise opportunities in the restoration industry. As he prepares to open his&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=air-force-veteran-launches-united-water-restoration-group-franchise-2727929" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">United Water Restoration Group</a> franchise in Hickory, North Carolina, he looks forward to providing top-tier restoration services to local residents.&nbsp;Sherman took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Nathan Sherman:&nbsp;Before coming to franchising, I served in the Air Force for four years and worked with Ford for about a decade. While in the military, I gained a strong sense of leadership and maturity. During my work with Ford, I was supporting my family well, but I wanted to feel like I was making a more tangible difference in my community.&nbsp;Starting a business would allow me to build something for myself. Franchising made sense for me because it provided a better structure for me to work off of rather than me trying to do everything from scratch. I worked closely with franchise consultant Greg Mohr to help identify the perfect opportunity for me. 1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Sherman:&nbsp;I had always kind of had an entrepreneurial mind and just never started something. I had always thought and dreamt of doing it, and my father-in-law brought the idea of franchising to me.I knew the general benefits of franchising in terms of the business model and support, but when we got in touch with a franchise broker, he solidified the perks in my mind.I think people should know that, with franchises, you have the support structure and business model in front of you. Once you start, the biggest remaining factor is you. It’s up to you to follow the system and do what you need to do to succeed.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Sherman:&nbsp;I was initially looking in the restoration industry in general, but I did not resonate with any of the brands I was researching. I ended up seeing a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">United Water Restoration Group</a> vehicle in the grocery store parking lot after work one day, and it caught my eye.As I began to research, I really liked the brand and was impressed by the fact that the leadership team at the franchisor level are also franchisees of the brand. They genuinely understand the challenges and nuances of the industry. They’re “in it” the same way we, as owners, are. That level of hands-on experience and support is invaluable.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Sherman: I’m excited to build a strong reputation in the Hickory area and to be the person the community comes to when they need help navigating the stressful time following property damage. Long-term, I also want to grow the business to be something that supports me in building the life I want.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Sherman: I was fortunate to have purchased a home when the housing market was low, selling it when it was pretty high. My in-laws are also my business partners. I’m very fortunate that all of those things came into play in my life — and at the right time. Otherwise, this may have never happened for me to begin with.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Sherman:&nbsp;Even though we didn’t end up going with one of the brands he suggested, working with the franchise broker was great for us. He sent a whole bunch of ideas that we’d never thought of and was very helpful throughout the process even though he didn’t make a dollar off of us.About United Water Restoration GroupSince 2008, United Water Restoration Group (UWRG) has helped thousands of home and business owners restore properties to pre-loss condition. Through a commitment to excellence and a focus on personal attention, clients’ expectations are exceeded every time, without exception. Today, with a philosophy of hiring the best staff to provide professional restoration services, UWRG has grown to more than 80 locations and maintains a level of customer service rarely seen in the industry. Although UWRG assists those experiencing disasters, this growing, recession-proof industry is also supported by fundamental infrastructure issues like aging systems and reconstruction.&nbsp;The initial investment to open and begin operation ranges from $214,300 (single unit) to $627,400 (six units). For more information on franchising, visit<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=air-force-veteran-launches-united-water-restoration-group-franchise-2727929" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/</a>.

Air Force Veteran Launches United Water Restoration Group Franchise to Better Serve Community

United Water Restoration Group Franchise Grows in Hickory, NC

1851 Franchise

Nathan Sherman acted on his sense of duty, launching a business that will both support his family and make meaningful change for other members of his community.

air-force-veteran-launches-united-water-restoration-group-franchise

Pigtails & Crewcuts

FranchiseWire: Pigtails & Crewcuts Named a Top Hair Salon Franchise

franchisewire-pigtails-crewcuts-named-a-top-hair-salon-franchise

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of interior of Woodhouse Spa with logo and Sonal Patel headshot overlayed 

How a Former Dunkin’ Franchisee Found Long-Term Fulfillment With Woodhouse Spas

dunkin-to-woodhouse-spas-sonal-patel

Photo of a group of women in white robes clinking champagne glasses, smiling

How Woodhouse Spas Franchisees Are Tapping Into the Lucrative Wedding Market

woodhouse-spas-franchise-wedding-market

Ecomaids

Design with ecomaids logo and headshots of Dustin and Ashley Anthony

Eco-Warriors Turned Entrepreneurs: Richmond Couple Chooses ecomaids To Build a Business That Gives Back

eco-friendly-franchise-why-the-anthonys-chose-ecomaids

Caring Transitions

From Saving Lives to Easing Transitions: Why EMT Veteran Paul Yang Chose Caring Transitions

from-saving-lives-to-easing-transitions-why-emt-veteran-paul-yang-chose-caring-transitions

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Newlyweds Open Paris Baguette Franchise to Serve Up Fresh Baked Goods in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania

Newlyweds Open Paris Baguette Franchise to Serve Up Fresh Baked Goods and Community Spirit in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania

newlyweds-open-paris-baguette-franchise-to-serve-up-fresh-baked-goods-and-community-spirit-in-upper-dublin-pennsylvania

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Greeva Patel and BIGGBY COFFEE logo

BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisee Brings Passion for Community and Coffee to East Dundee

biggby-coffee-franchise-east-dundee-illinois

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Air Force Veteran Launches United Water Restoration Group Franchise to Better Serve Community

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS