Bryan Droll never expected to become a business owner, let alone a franchisee. After graduating from a liberal arts school, he built a career in consulting, solving complex business challenges and working with startups. His experience at Sifted, a corporate catering company, sparked a deep appreciation for sustainability as he spearheaded a zero-food-waste initiative, ensuring that leftover meals were donated instead of discarded. That passion carried over into his work at Convoy, a trucking startup focused on reducing waste in the freight industry. But Bryanl ultimately wanted something more tangible — a business where he could see the direct impact of his work. That search led him to Preservan, the eco-friendly wood restoration and repair franchise.  

As he explored business ownership, Bryan initially considered buying an independent company but found the costs and risks too high. "That’s when I started seriously considering franchising," he said. "I read about the model and was initially skeptical because of the negative press surrounding it, but I also saw its advantages. Franchising lowers risk, offers a proven system and provides a network of other franchisees who can share insights and challenges." When a franchise consultant introduced him to Preservan, he was drawn to the brand’s low startup costs and the opportunity to bring a sustainable, service-based business to Atlanta.  

Preservan’s mission of restoring and preserving wood surfaces aligned with Brian’s long-standing interest in craftsmanship and sustainability. "The service itself was a big factor. I’ve always appreciated craftsmanship and sustainability — whether it’s extending the life of a vintage car or preserving the high-quality wood found in older homes," he said. "When I learned about Preservan’s mission of restoring and extending the life of wood windows, doors and trim, it resonated with me." Beyond the work itself, he saw a brand that prioritized both quality and community, offering homeowners an affordable alternative to full replacements while creating skilled jobs.  

Now, Bryanl is focused on building a trusted name in Atlanta, delivering high-quality service while fostering local economic growth. "I hope to identify additional services that fit the same mission: providing high-value, sustainable and convenient solutions for homeowners," he said. "If I can build a portfolio of businesses that help homeowners maintain and extend the life of their properties, I’ll consider that a success." 

1851 Franchise sat down with Bryan to discuss his passion for sustainability, his affinity for the Preservan brand and his long-term plans to grow his business in Atlanta. Here’s what he had to say:

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

Bryan Droll: I never would have guessed that I'd be doing this. I graduated from a liberal arts school and wanted to get into business, so I started in consulting. I spent about seven years solving problems, learning different industries and working with clients. After that, I joined startups, including a corporate catering company called Sifted. I was part of the team that grew Sifted from $1.5 million in annual revenue to nearly $12 million by the time COVID hit. That experience sparked my appreciation for service-based businesses and sustainability.

At Sifted, I spearheaded a zero-food-waste initiative, working with our culinary team to donate leftovers to those in need. We set up partnerships in all six of our cities to either compost scraps or donate high-quality meals. That work got me thinking about sustainability on a broader scale — how businesses can operate in a way that benefits both the community and the planet.

Later, I worked at Convoy, a trucking startup focused on reducing waste in the freight industry. While I learned a lot about operations, I wanted to return to something more direct — something like my work at Sifted, where I could see the impact firsthand. That led me to start looking for a business opportunity that aligned with my values, and that’s how I found Preservan.

1851: How did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Droll: After working at a private equity-backed company, I started looking into entrepreneurship through acquisition. I explored buying an existing business and spent a lot of time on BizBuySell and talking to brokers. But in Atlanta, the market is competitive, and most businesses were expensive — often requiring SBA loans for millions of dollars, which my wife and I weren’t quite ready for.

That’s when I started seriously considering franchising. I had read about the model and was initially skeptical because of the negative press surrounding it, but I also saw its advantages. Franchising lowers risk, offers a proven system and provides a network of other franchisees who can share insights and challenges. A franchise consultant introduced me to Preservan, and I was immediately drawn to the concept. Seeing that Atlanta was available and learning about the startup costs got me excited.

I really started leaning into my due diligence around Thanksgiving of last year. By researching, talking to other franchisees and understanding the model, I became convinced franchising was the right path for my first business.

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?

Droll: Before getting into franchising, I thought it was all about the franchisor and that franchisees took on all the risk. I believed franchisors would let anyone willing to pay the fee join, with little regard for their success.

Now, I see that’s not the case. A good franchisor has significant skin in the game. With Preservan, the process has been incredibly collaborative. It’s not a boss-employee dynamic — it’s a partnership. The brand actively encouraged me to speak with other franchisees, which reassured me that this was a strong network. One of the biggest advantages of franchising is that you’re not on your own. If I had bought an independent home services business, I would have had to build my own support network. With a franchise, you get that immediately.

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

Droll: The service itself was a big factor. I’ve always appreciated craftsmanship and sustainability — whether it’s extending the life of a vintage car or preserving the high-quality wood found in older homes. When I learned about Preservan’s mission of restoring and extending the life of wood windows, doors and trim, it resonated with me.

Beyond the service, I wanted to align with a company that shared my values. During my conversations with Preservan’s team, I saw their commitment to creating well-paying jobs and providing homeowners with an affordable, convenient alternative to full replacements. It wasn’t just about disrupting an industry; it was about giving homeowners a simple, high-quality solution. That approach, combined with my personal desire to connect with my community, made Preservan the right fit for me.

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

Droll: My primary goal is to build a brand in Atlanta known for exceptional service and for strengthening the local economy. Right now, I’m focused on making connections — meeting homeowners, property managers, and other home services businesses.

Long-term, I want to expand my impact. I hope to identify additional services that fit the same mission: providing high-value, sustainable and convenient solutions for homeowners. If I can build a portfolio of businesses that help homeowners maintain and extend the life of their properties, I’ll consider that a success. I’m deeply rooted in Atlanta — my family is here, and I want to contribute to the city’s growth in a meaningful way.

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

Droll: One thing that has shaped my approach to business is my wife’s work. She’s a nurse midwife, helping families through one of the most memorable moments of their lives. Hearing her stories about the connections she makes inspired me to find a way to serve my community, too.

Also, I took a detour in my career before getting into startups — I trained as a wilderness EMT. I considered going into emergency medicine because I liked working with my hands and helping people. While I ultimately didn’t go into that field, I realized I wanted a career that involved problem-solving, hands-on work and personal connections. That realization played a big role in my decision to join Preservan.

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

Droll: Do your due diligence. You have an opportunity to thoroughly research a franchise before committing — take advantage of that. I made sure to talk to multiple franchisees, and I even visited a job site to see the business in action. That level of research helped me feel confident in my decision.

Once you commit, don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. You have to make decisions, and not every single one will be perfect — that’s okay. The key is to keep making informed choices and building momentum. Lastly, learn about your financing options. The ability to roll over my retirement funds (ROBS funding) was a game-changer for me. Understanding your funding options can make a big difference in how you approach business ownership.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/preservan.

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/.