As an experienced business broker, Sophia Fitzpatrick has had a close, personal look at countless businesses — franchised and independent — over the years. While she had casually considered franchising in the past, the brands that caught her eye never quite worked out.

More recently, she began exploring Preservan Wood Rot Repair, the emerging home service franchise, with a client of her own. As she supported her client through the discovery process, Fitzpatrick found herself just as interested in the brand and ultimately decided to go all in. Now, she has signed an agreement for four territories and plans to launch late September with big plans for long-term growth and community service.

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

Sophia Fitzpatrick: I’m a resale broker and a franchise broker. I’ve always been into franchising, but this was one of the first brands where I had the opportunity to get in on a young brand. In the past, whenever I found a franchise I liked, all the best cities were gone, and it required purchasing a minimum number of units, which wasn’t feasible for me. One day, I ended up on a phone call with a gentleman from the Houston area who wanted to open something in Dallas. It was for a spa, and I told him, “You don’t seem like a spa kind of guy. Have you ever been to a spa?” We had a great conversation, and he mentioned he was more interested in home services. I had just gotten off the phone with a fabulous company — Preservan — so I suggested we go through the discovery process together. We explored a few brands, but Preservan stood out, and after attending Discovery Day, I was impressed with what I saw and decided to go all in.

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?

Fitzpatrick: My perception of franchising was that it’s not for everybody, but it can be, depending on your mindset. People often hear negative stories about franchising and think they’re not their own boss or don’t truly own their business. However, every franchise is different. Some are very hands-on, dictating every detail, while others offer more flexibility. There’s also a lot of support available, and it’s important to utilize those resources. Franchising is all about finding the right fit for you and understanding the level of control and support you’re comfortable with.

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

Fitzpatrick: What excites me most about Preservan is the honesty, transparency and attention to detail the founders have put into the brand. They’re open and willing to improve continuously, always figuring out the best ways to do things. They truly set people up for success. I was particularly impressed with how they handled the sales process with the Dallas prospect I was working with. They were upfront about their mistakes and asked how I would handle those situations as a franchisee. That level of transparency and their willingness to discuss their biggest mess-ups made me feel confident in their approach. It’s rare to find a franchise that is so candid and focused on helping franchisees succeed.

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

Fitzpatrick: I aim to have a minimum of two techs in each area, especially in hot and humid Houston, Texas. While I plan to focus on Houston for now, I’m also excited about sharing the opportunity with others and helping them grow their own Preservan franchises. There’s so much potential in this industry, especially with the unique way Preservan handles wood rot at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. 

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

Fitzpatrick: I think a lot of people shy away from getting into business or buying a business because they feel like it’s too much work for one person. Many people rely on their partners’ strengths to balance out their weaknesses. I’ve learned to outsource where my strengths aren’t, and I heavily depend on my franchisor, Preservan, and all the individuals in their office who are there to help us franchisees. Even though I never thought I would own a home services business, this opportunity felt right, and I’m excited about what the future holds.

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

Fitzpatrick: My advice would be to read every book you can get your hands on, watch YouTube channels with franchising attorneys and speak to everyone you can about franchising — whether they own a franchise or are part of the industry. Get as educated as possible and understand what a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) looks like. If you’re serious about buying a franchise, make sure you use a franchise attorney to review your documentation. It’s a small industry for attorneys, and you need someone who is very familiar with franchising to guide you through the process.

ABOUT PRESERVAN WOOD ROT REPAIR

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/.