Before the idea of DRYmedic Restoration even entered the picture, Keith and Jessica Carlson were already having the conversations that would eventually lead them there. They talked late at night after work, once their three children were asleep.
Each had spent nearly two decades in the corporate world, building stable careers while raising a family in Colorado. But that success came with a trade-off. They wanted more control over their time and their future, along with a business they could build together. They also wanted something that could support their family in the moment and grow with them over time. Franchising soon provided the answer.
For Keith, the decision to leave corporate life came after years of mounting burnout. “It became very political — who you knew, relationships — and I was just burned out,” he said. “I needed to get out of that space.”
That shared goal shaped how the couple approached entrepreneurship from the start. While Keith would step away from his career in high-tech sales to run the daily business, Jessica is closely involved behind the scenes, helping support and guide the business as it grows.
In October 2024, the Carlsons officially opened DRYmedic Restoration Services of Parker, Colorado, making their foray into entrepreneurship while looking ahead at a much bigger franchising and family picture.
Launching and building a new business is difficult. There’s a lot to learn and, like many first-year franchisees, the Carlsons experienced an uneven start. But, over the last year, the business found its footing.
“There are a lot of ebbs and flows. But now we’re incredibly busy. You just ride it and keep going,” Keith said. “Last year was about learning the business: the job sites, people and processes. Now, we know the formula and we’re able to execute.”
Keith drew on his background to develop relationships within the community, learning the operations and marketing sides. Jessica oversees areas like accounting, bookkeeping and financial planning. While largely behind the scenes, Jessica’s role has been critical. And that division of responsibility has enabled the couple to focus on their strengths while maintaining trust.
Navigating the daily realities of running a franchise can be a lot. Having someone he can trust has proven invaluable for Keith. “We’re definitely in it together. Trust is key. And we’re lucky we have each other,” he said. “Her help with finances keeps me focused. She gives me the freedom to take ownership.”
As the new business continues to gain traction, the Carlsons remain focused on building sustainable growth that lasts. In 2026, the couple hopes to keep their current vehicle fully booked and build enough demand to justify adding another. They’re also looking to add staff, invest in equipment and expand overall capacity. But those steps serve a larger goal with an eye on the long game.
The Carlsons’ long-term plan has grown to include their children, ages 11, 8 and 6. Ultimately, Keith sees the business as a way to teach responsibility and the value of earning a living, with the couple’s DRYmedic franchise creating potential family employment opportunities down the road.
“The goal is for us to run this together and be independent from the corporate world,” Keith said. “The other goal is financial freedom so Jessica can work here full time and we can do this together. We also want to involve our kids and teach them the value of a hard-earned dollar.”
After nearly 20 years in traditional careers, the Carlsons are working toward a future where the business supports their family, on their terms.
About Authority Brands:
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands' companies include 14 leading home service franchise brands: America's Swimming Pool Co. Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic Restoration Services, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, and Woofie's. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 2,700 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology and operational support. See authoritybrands.com for more information.
DRYmedic Restoration
SPONSORED
Keith and Jessica Carlson left the corporate grind to build a DRYmedic franchise that keeps family at the center and creates a path they can grow with their kids.
Before the idea of DRYmedic Restoration even entered the picture, Keith and Jessica Carlson were already having the conversations that would eventually lead them there. They talked late at night after work, once their three children were asleep.
Each had spent nearly two decades in the corporate world, building stable careers while raising a family in Colorado. But that success came with a trade-off. They wanted more control over their time and their future, along with a business they could build together. They also wanted something that could support their family in the moment and grow with them over time. Franchising soon provided the answer.
For Keith, the decision to leave corporate life came after years of mounting burnout. “It became very political — who you knew, relationships — and I was just burned out,” he said. “I needed to get out of that space.”
That shared goal shaped how the couple approached entrepreneurship from the start. While Keith would step away from his career in high-tech sales to run the daily business, Jessica is closely involved behind the scenes, helping support and guide the business as it grows.
In October 2024, the Carlsons officially opened DRYmedic Restoration Services of Parker, Colorado, making their foray into entrepreneurship while looking ahead at a much bigger franchising and family picture.
Launching and building a new business is difficult. There’s a lot to learn and, like many first-year franchisees, the Carlsons experienced an uneven start. But, over the last year, the business found its footing.
“There are a lot of ebbs and flows. But now we’re incredibly busy. You just ride it and keep going,” Keith said. “Last year was about learning the business: the job sites, people and processes. Now, we know the formula and we’re able to execute.”
Keith drew on his background to develop relationships within the community, learning the operations and marketing sides. Jessica oversees areas like accounting, bookkeeping and financial planning. While largely behind the scenes, Jessica’s role has been critical. And that division of responsibility has enabled the couple to focus on their strengths while maintaining trust.
Navigating the daily realities of running a franchise can be a lot. Having someone he can trust has proven invaluable for Keith. “We’re definitely in it together. Trust is key. And we’re lucky we have each other,” he said. “Her help with finances keeps me focused. She gives me the freedom to take ownership.”
As the new business continues to gain traction, the Carlsons remain focused on building sustainable growth that lasts. In 2026, the couple hopes to keep their current vehicle fully booked and build enough demand to justify adding another. They’re also looking to add staff, invest in equipment and expand overall capacity. But those steps serve a larger goal with an eye on the long game.
The Carlsons’ long-term plan has grown to include their children, ages 11, 8 and 6. Ultimately, Keith sees the business as a way to teach responsibility and the value of earning a living, with the couple’s DRYmedic franchise creating potential family employment opportunities down the road.
“The goal is for us to run this together and be independent from the corporate world,” Keith said. “The other goal is financial freedom so Jessica can work here full time and we can do this together. We also want to involve our kids and teach them the value of a hard-earned dollar.”
After nearly 20 years in traditional careers, the Carlsons are working toward a future where the business supports their family, on their terms.
About Authority Brands:
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands' companies include 14 leading home service franchise brands: America's Swimming Pool Co. Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic Restoration Services, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, and Woofie's. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 2,700 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology and operational support. See authoritybrands.com for more information.
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