From Contractor to Franchise Owner: Why United Water Restoration Group Was the Right Choice for Jimmy McDaniel

With 30 years of experience in construction and restoration, Jimmy McDaniel built homes, managed projects and even scaled his own restoration business to $3 million in just four years. But after selling that company in 2022, he found himself at a crossroads. While he considered returning to home building, his passion for restoration and the opportunity to create something lasting drew him back.

That’s when he discovered United Water Restoration Group (UWRG). Unlike other franchises he explored, UWRG stood out with its strong branding, scalable model, and genuine investment in its Franchise Owners' success. Attending Discovery Day confirmed it — this was a company that truly supported its owners. With a recession-resistant industry, proven systems and a team that has his back, he knew UWRG was the right fit. Now, as a franchise owner, he’s building a business that not only secures his future but also serves his community, proving that the right franchise can be the key to long-term success.

1851 Franchise recently sat down with McDaniel to discuss his journey from construction and restoration to franchising with UWRG. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Jimmy McDaniel: I’ve spent my entire career in construction and restoration, building a strong foundation of hands-on experience. I started in the industry in 1993, working in roofing, home building and restoration. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats — from local contractor to project manager to business owner — gaining 30 years of experience along the way.

In 2015, I started a restoration business with four other guys, growing it into a $3 million company in just four years. But as the company grew, so did the challenges — too many cooks in the kitchen, differing visions. In 2022, we decided to sell. While I considered returning to home building, I realized that restoration was where my expertise and passion truly lay. That’s what led me to franchising and ultimately to United Water Restoration Group.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

McDaniel: After selling my business in 2022, I explored different opportunities, including home building, but franchising caught my attention. I looked into several franchise brands, including PuroClean, but it didn’t feel like the right fit. When I came across UWRG, I was drawn in by their branding, their business model and their Franchise Owner support.

What stood out to me was the ability to start small and scale, without the overwhelming financial burden that some other franchises required. More importantly, the company genuinely cares about its Franchise Owners. After attending Discovery Day, I walked away feeling confident that UWRG would support me every step of the way.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a Franchise Owner, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

McDaniel: At first, I thought franchising was just a big money grab. I assumed I could do it all on my own — after all, I knew how to restore homes and run a business. But once I started researching, I realized how much value a franchise brings.

Franchising provides a proven system, strong branding and built-in marketing support. As someone who didn’t grow up with technology, having corporate guidance in areas like digital marketing and lead generation has been invaluable. Instead of spending time and money building everything from scratch, I could step into a well-structured system and focus on growing my business.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

McDaniel: Discovery Day was what sealed the deal for me. Meeting the leadership team and seeing first-hand how much they invest in their Franchise Owners convinced me this was the right choice. They don’t just sell franchises — they make sure you’re prepared for success with thorough training, ongoing support and a clear roadmap.

I was also drawn to the UWRG brand itself — it’s well-established but still growing, which gives me the opportunity to make a real impact. The combination of a strong support system, a scalable business model and the ability to build something meaningful in my community is what excites me most.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

McDaniel: My main goals are financial stability and long-term success. I want to build a business that not only supports my family but also contributes to my community. Over time, I plan to scale and expand, ensuring that we continue providing high-quality restoration services while growing the brand’s reputation in my market.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

McDaniel: I didn’t have a real mentor in life—both my father and grandfather passed away when I was younger—so finding a franchise system that truly has my back was important to me. UWRG provides that level of support, and I’m excited to be part of something bigger.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

McDaniel: Make sure the franchise you choose is the right fit for you. You should feel energized by the brand and confident in its leadership. Do your homework, talk to other Franchise Owners and go with the opportunity that speaks to you — not just financially, but personally as well. If you’re passionate about the business, success will follow.

About United Water Restoration Group

Since 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. 

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 https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/.