Former Aerospace Engineer Launches 4 Preservan Franchises in Dallas

Ben Henderson, a former aerospace engineer with a passion for startups and a knack for restoration, has made a significant leap into the world of franchising. With a background that includes testing airplane and rocket parts and serving as employee number one at a hypersonic startup, Henderson’s transition into franchising is driven by his desire for financial growth and a passion for restoration. At 40, with 20 years in the aerospace industry behind him, Henderson is now the proud owner of four Preservan units in Dallas. Preservan is a home services franchise that uses passion for wood rot repair, epoxy resin technology and preservation to serve local neighbors and communities. 

“I love the small startup feel of Preservan,” said Henderson. “They repair things that either couldn’t be repaired before or would have been extremely expensive to fix. I enjoy fixing and restoring, and the process resonates with me. The profit margins are great, and the product sells itself without high-pressure sales tactics, which I appreciate. I’ve always loved the feel of startups, and now I’m running one of my own! I never wanted to take the risk on my own before, but franchising provides a safety net.”

Set for a soft launch on August 19th, Henderson’s Preservan Dallas promises to leverage his technical expertise and startup experience to make a significant impact in the restoration industry. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Henderson to learn more about his story, his journey to franchising and his plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Ben Henderson: I worked for 20 years in aerospace as a test engineer, testing airplane and rocket parts. I was even employee number one at a hypersonic startup. However, I realized I wouldn’t hit my financial goals with just that. I started looking for additional opportunities. I started off looking for an absentee model that would work with my then current job. I couldn't find anything that made sense for me so shifted to looking at full time options and ended up finding something that suited my interests and background. My family is in the DFW area, so moving closer to them was also a factor.

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?

Henderson: Initially I was looking for an existing business to purchase, but the math often doesn't work. It took me three months of research before I seriously considered franchising. Once I did, it was about figuring out if it was worth doing, reliable and something I wanted to engage with. For me, lawn care and roofing weren’t appealing as they didn't align with my interests. I knew I needed something that I could really enjoy on a day to day basis.

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

Henderson: I love the small startup feel of Preservan. They repair things that either couldn’t be repaired before or would have been extremely expensive to fix. I enjoy fixing and restoring, and the process resonates with me. The profit margins are great, and the product sells itself without high-pressure sales tactics, which I appreciate.

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

Henderson: In the near term, I want to get started and utilize the four territories. In five years, I aim to have management in place, so I only need to work two to four hours a day. This will allow me to focus on other projects I’ve wanted to pursue but haven’t had the time or money for.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Henderson: The big thing is my switch from hardcore engineering to entrepreneurship. I was employee number one at a company called Venus and now, I’m finally stepping out on my own. I've always loved the startup feel, and Preservan is new enough to fill that need while still having most of the things figured out. I never wanted to take the risk on my own before, but franchising provides a safety net.

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

Henderson: Do it. I wish I had done this five years ago! Stick through the vetting process. Dig deep and find the right one. There’s a franchise for everyone; it’s just about finding it.

ABOUT PRESERVAN:

Preservan Wood Rot Repair is a category-creating franchise in the home services industry specializing in eco-friendly wood restoration and repair that preserves building materials instead of replacing them. Established by industry veteran Ty McBride, Preservan stands out because of its unique 100% epoxy-based wood rot repair technology that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood replacement. This method saves homeowners millions of dollars each year while preserving architectural heritage and craftsmanship. With nearly two decades of experience, the brand has evolved into a national franchise with locations across Oklahoma, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Today, Preservan provides a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a low-cost, high-impact franchise in the booming home services sector. For more information, visit: https://gopreservan.com/.