Growth at Preservan isn't just about the bottom line. It's about people, purpose and shared values. While other home service franchises sprint for rapid expansion, Preservan takes a different road.
“Our mission — ‘We save the future by preserving the past’ — guides everything we do,” said Ty McBride, CEO of Preservan. “It’s not about how quickly we can expand — it’s about how responsibly we can grow and how well we can support our franchisees so they can thrive in their communities.”
“Repair Is a Radical Act”
Preservan’s unique approach stems from its commitment to preservation. Using a proprietary 100% epoxy-based repair system, franchisees restore damaged wood rather than replacing it — saving homeowners time and money while preventing unnecessary waste.
“Most people don’t think twice about throwing things in a dumpster. But we do,” McBride said. “At Preservan, ‘Repair is a Radical Act’ isn’t just a tagline. Every time we save a wood window from the landfill or help a homeowner preserve their siding instead of replacing it, we’re proving that care is stronger than convenience. That keeping what we have longer is better for our wallets and our planet. This work matters — and it’s only possible because our neighbors believe in it too.”
Choosing the Right Franchisees
Preservan’s vision shapes not only how the brand grows but also who joins the family. McBride emphasizes that Preservan seeks franchisees who align with its mission of sustainability, craftsmanship and community service.
“Our company culture is centered around connection and support,” McBride said. “Preservan franchisees are people who truly find fulfillment in helping others — whether that’s through mentorship or by delivering a much-needed service. That shared purpose is what makes our system so strong.”
This selectivity is intentional. By awarding fewer franchises, Preservan ensures that each new owner receives comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship and the resources they need to succeed. The result is a network of passionate, well-supported franchisees who build meaningful businesses while making a tangible difference.
Living Proof: The Franchisee Experience
Stephen Eppling, a franchisee who opened Preservan Athens in 2023, for example, shows how this values-driven ownership has the ability to translate into success. Within his first year, Eppling expanded his team, landed high-profile restoration projects and earned the Innovation in Preservation Award from Historic Athens.
“The past year has been great overall — it really exceeded the expectations I had coming in as a new entrepreneur,” Eppling said. “When we got started, my conservative plans were to just have myself and a single technician. But we quickly realized we had more work than we could do with just the two of us.”
Eppling attributes his success to both community support and the meaningful nature of the work. “The reception from our local market has been amazing,” he said. “There has been a ton of personal growth leading a team and managing a business, but the work that we’ve done and the value we’ve provided to our neighbors has been extremely rewarding, which has made all the work very easy.”
That commitment to preserving history has already had a visible impact. From restoring Franklin House — a pre-Civil War landmark in Athens — to repairing original fire hall doors, Eppling and his team have demonstrated the power of Preservan’s model.
“We are preserving historic landmarks for everyone to continue to enjoy,” Eppling said. “That kind of work is incredibly rewarding, and we take a lot of pride in the work we do.”
For franchisee Bryan Droll, Preservan was the natural next step after a corporate career spent exploring how businesses can reduce waste and operate more sustainably.
“While I learned a lot about operations, I wanted to return to something more direct, where I could see the impact firsthand,” he said. “That led me to start looking for a business opportunity that aligned with my values, and that’s how I found Preservan.”
Initially, Droll had doubts about franchising, but soon realized it was all about finding the right fit.
“A good franchisor has significant skin in the game,” he said. “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.”
What sealed the deal was Preservan’s mission. “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,” Droll said. “Beyond the service, I wanted to align with a company that shared my values.”
During his conversations with Preservan’s team, Droll says he 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,” he said. “That approach, combined with my personal desire to connect with my community, made Preservan the right fit for me.”
Now, Droll is focused on establishing Preservan as a trusted name in Atlanta. “My primary goal is to build a brand in Atlanta known for exceptional service and for strengthening the local economy,” he said. “Long-term, I want 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.”
A Vision for the Future
While Preservan could have pursued rapid national expansion, the brand has chosen intentionality over speed. This allows Preservan to keep supporting franchisees with top-notch training and that unique, shared sense of purpose that really makes the system special.
“Preservan saved American homeowners about $6 million in home renovation and repair costs in the first half of this year,” McBride said. “That’s crazy exciting. But more importantly, it represents the impact we’re making together — our franchisees, our teams and our neighbors. That’s the type of growth that excites me.”
For entrepreneurs seeking not just a business opportunity but a mission-driven way to serve their communities, Preservan offers something different. The brand’s values, vision and selective approach to franchising are proof that sustainable growth and strong local impact can go hand in hand.
To learn more about Preservan’s franchise opportunities, visit 1851franchise.com/preservan.