ServiceMaster Restore

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ServiceMaster Restore President Q&A: Franchising, Community, and Crisis Support

1851 Franchise

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ServiceMaster Restore President John Tovar shares his path into franchising and how strong support and community-focused leadership drive success in the restoration industry.

Executive Q&A: John Tovar, President of ServiceMaster Restore

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On a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91943-rethinking-operator-led-growth-in-the-restoration-industry">recent episode of R&amp;R’s "Ask the Expert" podcast</a>, host&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylashager/">Kayla McGowan</a> interviewed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwtodd">Jeff Todd</a>, chief franchise development officer of&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/">ServiceMaster Restore</a>, on how the restoration industry is shifting toward a more localized, operator-led growth model.While&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore/info">ServiceMaster Restore</a> already has national coverage, Todd explained that the brand is now focused on growing its presence in individual markets rather than simply expanding into new ones.“Restoration is inherently a personal business,” he said. “As we look at expansion, [the question is], how do we better position ourselves to be close to where our customers are? By working with operators who are proven and letting them go deeper into those markets.”In an industry where customers are often dealing with emergencies like water or fire damage, response time and a familiar face can make a difference.&nbsp;Todd also shared the operational advantages of the localized strategy. For customers, it means faster response times and easier access to nearby service providers. For franchisees, it improves efficiency by reducing travel time and allows them to complete more jobs in a day. It also has financial benefits.&nbsp;“By adding the locations, there’s an opportunity to improve the margin profile of each individual location,” Todd said. “Now, it needs to be done smartly, using data to make decisions on where you place locations and where you don't place locations.”That includes analyzing population size, commercial building density, search visibility and relationships with insurance adjusters. If certain areas within a market are underserved or underperforming, there’s opportunity to expand.Listen to the whole interview&nbsp;<a href="https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91943-rethinking-operator-led-growth-in-the-restoration-industry">here</a>.For more information on franchising with ServiceMaster Restore, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/">https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Restoration & Remediation: ServiceMaster Restore Chief Franchise Development Officer 

ServiceMaster Restore’s Jeff Todd explains why local operator density and data-driven expansion are reshaping growth in the restoration industry.

Restoration & Remediation: ServiceMaster Restore Chief Franchise Development Officer Shares How the Brand Is Focusing on Localized Expansion

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From March 9 to 11, franchisees, leadership and partners from across the&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/">ServiceMaster Restore</a> system came together at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for the brand’s 2026 Annual Conference. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoderaustin">Austin Yoder</a>, chief operating officer of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore/info">ServiceMaster Restore</a>, the event serves as both a celebration and a catalyst for what’s next.“The conference was an exciting time for us all to get together and share our vision for the future,” Yoder said. “It’s also a time to award, recognize and celebrate our franchisees who had a great year.”<h2>A “Super Bowl” Moment for the System</h2>The annual conference is a cornerstone moment for alignment across the entire franchise network.“We kicked it off with sharing where we’ve been, where we are at, and where we want to be over the next five years,” Yoder said. “It’s something that we really want to share with our franchise network because without them we won’t be able to succeed and hit our combined goals.”That transparency and collaboration are critical in an industry evolving rapidly. “Our industry is highly tech-driven, so being able to change at a faster rate is very important for us to stay competitive and continue to offer value to our clients,” he said.The event also featured a keynote from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/williamh.mcraven/?hl=en">William H. McRaven</a>, Air Force veteran, whose message centered on resilience and leadership. “He really talked about dealing with challenges that he faced not only in the military but also in life, and why you have to buckle down and think positively,” Yoder said. “It was a really inspirational message.”<h2>Recognizing Excellence Across the Network</h2>The conference also gave ServiceMaster Restore a chance to recognize franchisees who had delivered strong results and helped set the standard for the rest of the system. “We celebrate our top-performing locations,” Yoder said. “We’ve outlined a playbook that shows franchisees the areas to focus on, and those are correlated with growth and profitability.”<h3>Marion E. Wade Franchise of the Year</h3>Winner: DSI Holdings —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SMDSIDownersGrove/">ServiceMaster Restoration by DSI (Downers Grove, Illinois)</a>This award goes to a franchise that performs well across the business, including operations, financial results, leadership and brand alignment. DSI Holdings earned the honor after another strong year, with its sales organization generating more than $50 million in revenue in 2025. Its sales team also logged more than 30,000 activities with commercial and insurance partners across its markets.<h3>AWE Leadership Award</h3>Winner:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcyganiak">Mark Cyganiak</a> —&nbsp;<a href="https://smrecover.com/">ServiceMaster Recovery Services (New Berlin, Wisconsin)</a>The AWE Leadership Award recognizes leadership during catastrophic events. Cyganiak earned the award for both his performance and his proactive approach. He was willing to raise his hand early, ask for support and work closely with the broader network, helping his team respond more effectively during high-pressure, large-scale events.<h3>Ambassador of the Year</h3>Winner:&nbsp;<a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/johnlcooke">John Cooke</a> —&nbsp;<a href="https://svmottawa.ca/">ServiceMaster of Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario)</a>This award honors franchisees who put the brand before themselves and serve as champions of the system. Cooke was recognized for going above and beyond to strengthen ServiceMaster Restore not just locally, but across the broader network. He is the chairperson of the Canadian Restore NFC/Steering Committee, helping guide the network through meaningful progress.&nbsp;<h3>Hero of the Year</h3>Winner:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-kuhn-ab167717">Damon Kuhn</a> —&nbsp;<a href="https://servicemasterrestore.com/servicemaster-restoration-by-rite-way">ServiceMaster by Rite Way (Columbus, Ohio)</a>Hero of the Year is voted on by fellow franchisees and corporate leadership, and it recognizes an employee — not an owner — who lives out ServiceMaster Restore’s values on the job. Kuhn’s award points to the role frontline team members play every day, especially those who consistently “do what’s right” for customers and communities.<h3>Community Impact Award</h3>Winner:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-philibert-b2b15247">Terri Philibert</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-philibert-05ab92279">Jacob Philibert</a> —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/ServiceMaster-Restore-by-Cleaning-Masters/61573949423781/">ServiceMaster Cleaning &amp; Restoration by Cleaning Masters (Watertown, Connecticut)</a>Philibert and her team were recognized for their work supporting the Connecticut Burn Care Foundation through their annual “Restore the Hope” event — a community-driven fundraiser designed to support burn survivors and their families. The event, structured as a fun fair with raffles, vendors and family-friendly activities, has made a tangible impact, raising $9,000 in its first year and $11,000 in its second. Proceeds help send children to The Children’s Burn Camp, where they receive support, confidence-building experiences and a sense of community — all free of charge.<h2>Momentum for the Future</h2>As&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore/info">ServiceMaster Restore</a> continues to scale, the annual conference serves as a powerful reminder of what drives the brand forward: a combination of operational discipline, innovation and a deeply rooted commitment to service.“Overall, it was a great time to share our strategy for the future and our focus on what we are looking to do as a franchisor,” Yoder said. “We all look forward to it throughout the year — it’s really our Super Bowl.”With a clear vision, a strong network and a culture that celebrates both performance and purpose, ServiceMaster Restore is positioning itself and its franchisees for continued growth in the years ahead.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore">https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore</a>.

ServiceMaster Restore brought franchisees, leaders and partners together in Las Vegas to celebrate award winners, share priorities and align around the brand’s next stage of growth.

ServiceMaster Restore Celebrates Systemwide Excellence at 2026 Annual Conference

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<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/">ServiceMaster Restore</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.servicemasterclean.com/">ServiceMaster Clean</a> are partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hireheroesusa.org/">Hire Heroes USA</a> for the fourth annual We Serve: Veterans Golf Tournament on May 28 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.&nbsp;Since 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore/info">ServiceMaster Restore</a> and Clean have raised over $700,000 for Hire Heroes USA, supporting their mission to keep career services completely free for veterans and military spouses. This tournament is a part of building on that mission. Two hundred guests are already expected, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrid-%E2%80%9Cjay%E2%80%9D-collins-b737aa58/">Jay Collins</a>, the lieutenant governor of Florida.&nbsp;“Since we partnered with Hire Heroes USA in 2023, we have seen tremendous support from the Restore and Clean networks,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntovar/">John Tovar</a>, group president at ServiceMaster Restore and Clean. “From this annual&nbsp; golf event to the many local events, hosted by franchisees, our franchise networks have embraced this partnership and have made it their own.”ServiceMaster Restore was named Hire Heroes USA’s 2025 Partner of the Year. In addition to fundraising events like the tournament, the franchisor works with the organization year-round to create employment opportunities for veterans. It connects local franchise owners to Hire Heroes USA’s job board which helps match qualified veterans with opportunities across the ServiceMaster Restore network.&nbsp;“Every team, department, and franchise across ServiceMaster Restore and Clean has embraced the opportunity to create meaningful employment outcomes for veterans and military spouses,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossdickman">Ross Dickman</a>, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “That kind of mission alignment creates real impact—not only for the military families being served, but for the communities and organizations investing in them.”Franchise owners who have also served in the military, like Air Force veteran&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/chris-jeter-8996a587">Chris Jeter</a>, know firsthand the importance of hiring veterans. The event is also a chance to come together as a company and celebrate the mission of Hire Heroes USA.“I know how hard it is to transition from the military mindset to a civilian mindset and Hire Heroes USA offers the tools needed to be able to do that,” Jeter said. “The golf tournament is a fun event. I'm not a golfer, but getting out there and mingling with former military people, and just being able to build camaraderie and tell stories and explain what it's been like since I've gotten out has been great.”&nbsp;Events like the golf tournaments not only highlight the importance of the Hire Heroes USA mission and create awareness, but the funds raised directly contribute to its core programs and put veterans and military spouses into meaningful careers.“It’s critical that companies continue prioritizing veteran and military spouse hiring strategies,” Dickman said. “Organizations like ServiceMaster Restore and Clean understand that supporting the military community is not only the right thing to do—it’s also a competitive advantage. Veterans and military spouses bring leadership, adaptability, resilience, and a mission-oriented mindset that strengthens teams, culture, and long-term growth.”In addition to the national tournament in Florida, franchisees around the country will also host events in their local communities. One event took place in Charleston, South Carolina, led by franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-beinkampen-176955351/">Justin Beinkampen</a>.“Around five or ten percent of our population in Charleston is military active duty or family,” he said. “We run into these folks, we serve these folks, we work with them, go to church with them. We’ve always been around the armed forces here in Charleston, so getting involved with Hire Heroes just made sense. We’re a service-minded industry, so we look for people who want to serve. Veterans are used to being part of a team and having a mission, and that fits exactly with what we do."Strong turnout at these events helps build understanding and appreciation for the skills and abilities that veterans and military spouses bring to the workforce. With a large turnout from franchisees, vendors, partners and military guests, the organizations will continue the outstanding work of ensuring veteran skills are included in the labor market.“Our annual golf tournament has turned into an event&nbsp; our partners now mark on their calendars,” said Tovar. Our franchisees and partners understand the mission of Hire Heroes and are willing to give their time and resources to support their cause in supporting our veterans and their spouses. Our veteran community has given so much to this country, it’s the least we can do to give back to them.”&nbsp;For more information on franchising with ServiceMaster Restore, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/.">https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/.</a>&nbsp;About ServiceMaster Restore®:&nbsp;With approximately 2,000 franchised and licensed locations around the world, ServiceMaster Restore and ServiceMaster Recovery Management (SRM) serve customers through a global network of franchises available 24/7/365 to provide residential and commercial restoration services resulting from damage caused by water, fire, smoke or mold. SRM is the large-scale commercial catastrophic disaster restoration unit of ServiceMaster Restore. ServiceMaster Restore is a business unit of Atlanta-based ServiceMaster® Brands, a leading franchise provider of needs-based residential and commercial services. More information can be found at servicemasterrestore.com and srmcat.com.About ServiceMaster® Brands:&nbsp;ServiceMaster® Brands is a leading franchisor of residential and commercial services in the restoration, cleaning, moving, junk removal, and bioremediation industries. Founded in 1929, the company is home to over 3,200 franchisees across 4,600+ locations serving over 1 million homes and businesses each year. ServiceMaster was founded with a deep commitment to its franchisees and has franchise opportunities available in ServiceMaster Restore®, ServiceMaster Clean®, Merry Maids®, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, and TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK®. Visit servicemaster.com/franchising to learn more.

ServiceMaster Restore & Hire Heroes USA Partner for Fourth Annual We Serve: Veterans Golf Tournament

The fundraising event is just one way the franchise brands support Hire Heroes USA and their mission to create employment opportunities for veterans and their families. 

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When homeowners deal with water, fire or mold damage, the first call is usually urgent. For&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/">ServiceMaster Restore</a> franchisees, that early conversation often centers on a practical question: how is this going to get paid?At&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore/info">ServiceMaster Restore</a> in Nampa, Idaho, franchisee Christopher Davis and Marketing and Sales Manager&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/riane-tynan/">Riane Tynan</a> have built financing conversations directly into their intake and inspection process. Their goal is to help customers understand their financing options.“We ask what happened and create a space to have that conversation,” said Davis. “A lot of times, customers don't know what they need, you're there to help them. We go over the whole [financing] process.”&nbsp;<h2>Helping Customers Understand Their Options</h2>In the midst of a loss, it can be stressful to navigate the financial aspect of restoration. That’s where ServiceMaster Restore comes in, providing clarity and clear guidance on financing options. Once Davis is on site, the conversation shifts to helping homeowners understand what comes next.&nbsp;“We leave information behind, then we start working the estimate,” Davis said. “It’s about staying engaged with the customer and using financing as another tool in our toolbox.”The company walks customers through the scope of the work, the costs involved and the options available to cover those costs, including third-party financing through ServiceMaster Restore partners, bank loans and home equity lines of credit. Acting quickly during the early stages of property damage is critical to limiting the extent of the problem.“Homeowners need to take action quickly to protect their homes and belongings from further damage. Water can cause immeasurable damage to a home, and high humidity levels can wreak havoc on its contents,” said Mark Rohlfing, senior manager of local sales at ServiceMaster. “Soot and contaminants from fires tend to be acidic and can cause etching and corrosion on certain materials that could all be avoided through quick decision-making to engage a mitigation company like ours to take action.”Many homeowners are conditioned to seek multiple bids and choose the lowest price, but that approach can create problems during restoration projects. The lowest price isn’t always the best option when it comes to protecting property values and equity in the home.“When forced to make quick decisions to protect your home, what really matters is understanding the intended scope of work and the reputation of the company you hire,” Rohlfing said.&nbsp;Davis explains the options to his customers: doing some of the work themselves, hiring ServiceMaster Restore to complete the project or combining the two. From there, deeper financing discussions typically begin, and that is when the handoff to Tynan happens. She serves as the financing point person, guiding customers through third-party options and helping them choose a plan that fits their situation.“It just creates a space for them to even think about it themselves. Maybe they can use a credit card because they could get airline points for that, for example,” she said. “You don’t have to use our financing. But it gets them thinking.”<h2>Becoming Part of the Solution</h2>Both Davis and Tynan say that integrating financing into everyday operations has changed how customers respond.“When people call us, it’s because they need help,” Davis said. “Financing lets us stay part of their solution all the way through.”Importantly, they stress that customers are never pushed toward a specific product. Some choose bank loans, credit cards or home equity options instead.&nbsp;When handled the right way, financing is not an awkward sales conversation. It is a service that helps homeowners move forward during one of the most difficult moments they will face, while allowing restoration companies to stay engaged, supportive and responsive from start to finish.For more information on franchising with ServiceMaster Restore, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/.">https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/.</a>&nbsp;

How ServiceMaster Restore Franchisees Offer Flexibility in Finance Options

For many ServiceMaster Restore franchisees, financing has become a practical way to help homeowners address damage.     

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<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/">ServiceMaster Restore</a> awarded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-kuhn-ab167717/">Damon Kuhn</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://servicemasterrestore.com/servicemaster-restoration-by-rite-way">ServiceMaster Restoration by Rite Way</a> its “Hero of the Year,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.logandaily.com/news/valor-retreat-board-president-wins-national-recognition/article_7f984d0e-9766-4ba8-9fe7-0509e8c7c4fd.html">according to The Logan Daily News</a>. Kuhn has worked with the franchise for more than 20 years and also serves as board president for the nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="https://valorretreat.org/">Valor Retreat at High Rock Inc.</a>Kuhn’s work with Valor Retreat, where combat veterans and their families can stay free of charge and heal alongside fellow veterans, played a major role in the recognition. He was recommended for the award by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-brooks-864697245/">Chris Books</a>, owner of ServiceMaster Restoration by Rite Way. The recognition also fits with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore/info">ServiceMaster’s</a> broader support for veteran-related causes, including its partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hireheroesusa.org/">Hire Heroes USA</a>.&nbsp;Beyond his work with veterans, Kuhn has been involved in several community initiatives in Logan. He helped create&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/eastparklogan/">East Park</a>, started&nbsp;<a href="https://loganohiorotary.org/family-fishing-day.php">Get Hooked on Rotary</a> as a family fishing event for the&nbsp;<a href="https://loganohiorotary.org/index.php">Rotary Club of Logan</a> and has been involved with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/37034319226/">Honorable Order of the Blue Goose</a>.&nbsp;“It’s a lot of hard work, what I do, but I do things to make my heart feel better, not to get recognition,” he said. “What it takes for me to be able to accomplish something like this is great teamwork, from our Valor Retreat board and all our boards. It’s just not me, it’s everyone. It’s a great team.”Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.logandaily.com/news/valor-retreat-board-president-wins-national-recognition/article_7f984d0e-9766-4ba8-9fe7-0509e8c7c4fd.html">here</a>.&nbsp;For more information on franchising with ServiceMaster Restore, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/.">https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/.</a>&nbsp;

The Logan Daily News: ServiceMaster Names Damon Kuhn Hero of the Year

Kuhn was recognized for his commitment to community service and his work with Valor Retreat, a nonprofit that provides free stays for combat veterans and their families. 

Executive Q&A: John Tovar, President of ServiceMaster Restore

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