Restoration Franchise Employee of Over 10 Years Becomes Franchisee With United Water Restoration Group

Ken Stevens had spent years working in the franchise world before deciding it was time to build something of his own. A self-described “chronic job hopper,” he had worked with different franchise groups but rarely stayed with one company for more than a year or a year and a half. Ownership had long been on his mind.

While looking into franchise opportunities in his area, Stevens saw a Facebook ad for United Water Restoration Group (UWRG). He contacted several brands during his search and attended UWRG’s Discovery Day, where the company made an impression. Stevens liked the small, down-to-earth corporate atmosphere and saw a leadership team that was invested in the brand’s success.

Stevens brought more than ten years of restoration experience to the opening, with time as a field technician, crew chief, project manager, estimator, and operations manager. Since opening his UWRG territory covering Tulsa and Broken Arrow on Aug. 3, Stevens has seen an encouraging start. His biggest question before opening was whether the work and leads would come in. Instead, early demand has kept him busy, with his equipment, people and warehouse space already seeing plenty of use.

Stevens sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss his path into franchise ownership, what drew him to United Water Restoration Group and how ownership has given him an opportunity to grow professionally and develop his leadership skills. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story in one sentence.

Ken Stevens: I believe I saw a United Water Restoration Facebook ad and I was in the market. I was already shopping around for franchises in my area and I reached out to a few of them, but United Water was the one that stood out. After doing the day of discovery, it just seemed like a good fit.

1851: What was happening in your life that made you realize it was time to make a change?

Stevens: Going out on my own was always on the agenda. I've been in the franchise world for a long time with different franchise groups. So I knew that franchising and partnering up was always on the agenda, and United Water Restoration Group was a good fit.

1851: Why did you choose this franchise over every other opportunity?

Stevens: I like companies that are down-to-earth. I've worked in different corporate environments and it can become a personality contest. So, I like that they had a small, down-to-earth corporate atmosphere, and the president, Bob, really stood out as someone who was in it for the long haul and very invested in the success of the brand.

1851: What is it really like owning a United Water Restoration franchise?

Stevens: It's exciting. I've really enjoyed the level of accountability that you have to have to be an owner-operator. There's not a day that goes by that I'm not happy with the decision. It's just a lot of holding yourself accountable and being willing to do what needs to be done.

1851: How has owning this franchise changed your life?

Stevens: I've got more control over my schedule and more control over my workflow, and I think that is good for just the way I operate and my personality.

I’d been looking for something I could commit to for the long haul and I found that in owning it myself. Now I have something that's mine. Instead of working for a boss, I work for my customers, and that's the biggest advantage.

I get to choose my boss, and that's the customers that I choose to work with. So that's been the biggest benefit, is just being able to have that freedom.

1851: If your best friend had enough money to buy this franchise tomorrow, what would you tell them?

Stevens: Lots of variables there, I guess. But it's a good bunch if you have the right mindset for it. It's a good opportunity.

1851: What's the one thing you wish someone had told you before you bought this franchise?

Stevens: I probably would have been more ambitious with my warehouse. They told me to get a bigger one, and I chose a more modest warehouse. And we're completely packed with customer contents and equipment already.

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 50 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 $300,000 - $700,000. For more information on franchising, visit https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/.