After years of managing a wood shop and navigating the manufacturing industry, JW Ferguson found his calling in entrepreneurship. With Preservan, the emerging wood rot repair franchise, Ferguson will maintain the integrity of homes across the Tampa Bay community of Florida.

As he grows, Ferguson is on a mission to enhance the beauty and longevity of homes throughout the area while providing an accessible, affordable solution to families in need.

Ferguson took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he 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?

JW Ferguson: I got an industrial engineering degree and initially thought I’d work in manufacturing. I did quality engineering for a manufacturing company locally, then ended up managing the wood shop at that company for four years or so. I realized I didn’t like the production side as much, and I found my way to a sales position with a chemical company in Polk County. I did that for about 10 years, but when the company was acquired, I started thinking that I should try to find a way to work for myself in some capacity. So, I did my research and found my way to Preservan.

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?

Ferguson: I was initially skeptical of the franchise model, but the more I researched it, it sounded pretty good. Almost like building Legos — the franchise gives you those instructions. 

There are guidelines to help you get started, whereas starting from the bottom, you have to do everything for yourself. I actually earned an MBA from the University of Tampa and am still learning things through Preservan that I didn’t know about running a business.

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

Ferguson: Honestly, I walk out my front door every day and see a little bit of wood rot that I’ve been meaning to get fixed for years. I’ve seen, firsthand, that there’s a need for Preservan’s services in the community. It’s very niche and not something the average handyman service can provide. I think it’ll be a very valuable addition to the area.

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

Ferguson: The Florida weather really encourages wood rot, so it’s a prevalent issue in the community already. Being able to address that issue for our neighbors in a far more affordable way is so important to me. 

Currently, the community is dealing with the aftermath of two hurricanes. People are having to totally redo their homes. There were families that had their whole lives out on the curb just after the storms. This can be a very emotionally and financially draining time. While we’re not going to be ripping out drywall, I know that having a steady, reliable and affordable solution for wood rot will be widely appreciated by the community.

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

Ferguson: The historic preservation areas are the beauty of the community. I grew up in the Hyde Park area, and the old homes are what make Tampa so special. Tearing those down and building these massive new homes takes away some of the character. I’m excited to be able to support preservationists in keeping the character of Tampa alive by protecting and maintaining these older structures.

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

Ferguson: Talk to as many people as you can about it. Do your research. Look at several Franchise Disclosure Documents. Find the right fit for you. Make sure you’re buying something that you’ll be willing to do the work at every position within that company.

I don’t like painting, so I didn’t buy a painting franchise. I know I’ll be focused on growing the business, but if something happens or I’m needed, I’ll be happy to go out in the field and do the wood rot repair work.

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/.