From Subcontractors to Franchise Owners: How Two Brothers Built Their Business with United Water Restoration Group

The franchising journey for the Gama brothers, Jose and Hipolito, began with a desire to move beyond working as subcontractors and gain more control over their business. Jose initially founded their company in 2007, operating as a sole proprietor before incorporating in 2011. Hipolito joined the business in 2014, bringing years of experience from various industries, including construction, trucking and the restaurant sector. Despite their father’s initial hesitation towards the idea of two of his seven children going into business together, the pair have made a great team.

After years of providing labor in water remediation, they recognized the need for more knowledge and support to grow their business. This led them to explore franchising, and in 2024, they decided to join United Water Restoration Group, attracted by the comprehensive training and support the franchise offered. 

The Gama brothers took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they 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?

Jose Gama: We founded the company in 2007. Initially, I was running it as a sole proprietor until 2011 when we became a corporation. My brother joined in 2014, and we continued with construction work. In 2016, we started getting involved in water remediation, but we were only providing labor to a national company called Blue Sky. It wasn’t until 2024 that we decided to explore franchising and move away from working as subcontractors.

Before this, I worked at Costco for about seven years, but I had to leave to sort out my legal status in the U.S. That’s when I started working in construction, around 2000, and I stuck with it ever since. 

Hipolito Gama: Prior to that, starting in 1995, I was a truck driver for nearly 20 years. I joined my brother in 2014, and it’s been about 10 years now. I also worked in the restaurant industry and became a head chef at Country Gourmet in Danville, California, before transitioning to trucking.

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

Jose: Initially, we were looking for a way to stop working for someone else. We had the equipment and the resources, but not the knowledge to run our own business effectively. When we discovered the franchise opportunity, we realized it offered the training and support we needed. It was a no-brainer for us. While you have to invest to acquire a franchise, in the long run, it’s one of the best decisions we could have made.

Hipolito: My initial perception of franchising wasn’t great. I thought it was just about making money for someone else, like in the case of McDonald’s or Burger King. But after spending a day in Orlando with the United Water Restoration Group team and going through their training, I realized it was an opportunity for financial freedom. Of course, it requires hard work and dedication, but with the right support and effort, it’s definitely worth it.

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

Hipolito: For me, it’s the people and the support they provide. We know we’re not alone, even though we have our faith in God. The team is available 24/7, and they are knowledgeable and always willing to help. They have the best trainers and they’re genuinely nice people.

Jose: I agree. The team is very knowledgeable, and they’ve created a great system for marketing, training and support. They’ve been in business for many years, and they pass on that experience and responsibility to us. They not only focus on business but also on helping people, which I really appreciate.

1851: What’s your big goal in your first year with United Water Restoration Group?

Jose: Our primary goal is to establish ourselves. Based on the many years we’ve been working in the area, we see great potential, especially since we are the only franchise in the Bay Area. It’s a great place for remediation and reconstruction work. So, first, we want to set up a strong foundation for the business. We believe that once that’s in place, the profits will follow.

1851: What is it like working with your brother?

Hipolito: Initially, our dad didn’t like the idea of us working together. We’re a large family — seven siblings — and we’ve always been close. But working together requires maturity. We do argue and disagree, but we try not to cross any lines. We’re honest with each other when something isn’t right, and we always find a way to resolve issues. My daughter has even joined us now, and I remind her to keep personal matters separate from business. If managed well, working with family can be a great experience.

Jose: I agree. It’s all about understanding what you’re getting into and keeping personal matters out of business. We set clear rules at the beginning and stick to them. Even if we argue, we make sure to address the issue professionally. We’ve managed to keep business and personal life separate, and it’s worked out well for us.

1851: What advice do you have for aspiring franchisees?

Hipolito: If you come from a dysfunctional family, I don’t recommend going into business with family members. In our case, we have a very united family. You need to have a solid, supportive family relationship to make it work.

Jose: It’s important to have clear goals and to understand what business is all about. Sometimes, money or power can cause conflicts, but as long as you maintain a good relationship with your business partner and focus on the bigger picture, it can be very rewarding. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into and that you have the right support system in place.

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/.