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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For more than 65 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.servicemasterrestore.com/">ServiceMaster Restore</a> has been one of the most recognized names in residential and commercial disaster restoration. With more than 800 franchise locations across several countries, and with the backing of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.servicemaster.com/">ServiceMaster Brands</a>, the company has built its reputation on responding quickly when water, fire, smoke or mold damage disrupts homes and businesses.Now, the company is placing a stronger emphasis on managed repair services, allowing franchisees to take projects from initial mitigation through full reconstruction.<h2>Why Managed Repair Services Matter Now</h2>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-stateson-32974747/">John Stateson</a>, vice president of construction services, this shift is largely driven by customer preference, as reported in a J.D. Power studies the team commissioned and researched.Adding managed repair services opens more doors at the local level. Adjusters, agents and referral partners often look for providers who can take a project from mitigation through the rebuild. Handling the full scope of work removes the need to juggle multiple vendors, and that shift makes franchisees easier to work with and more reliable in the eyes of local partners.“Being able to become that single-source solution will grow your business that much better as the years go on,” Stateson said. “In my experience, I spent half my career in this industry as a franchisee, and because we offered construction, we were able to get work from so many referral sources and consistent, repeatable work because they knew that we were trustworthy, that we did quality work and they continued to come back to us.”That has not always been the standard approach. For years, insurance carriers often split mitigation and reconstruction between separate vendors because of concerns about conflicts of interest. In practice, though, that setup often led to delays, mixed messages and a more frustrating experience for homeowners. Now, both carriers and customers are placing more value on having one company oversee the job from beginning to end.With improvements in documentation tools and project management technology, Stateson said brands like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/servicemaster-restore">ServiceMaster Restore</a> can now provide transparency and eliminate the gray areas that once made separation necessary. “We can tell a better story,” he said. “We can help justify and prove what needs to be done, and also deliver a better product.”<h2>Improving the Customer Experience After a Loss</h2>When mitigation and reconstruction are handled by separate companies, customers often struggle to understand who is responsible for each phase. Miscommunication can lead to finger-pointing between vendors and longer project timelines. By integrating managed repair&nbsp; services, franchisees simplify the process.“They have one company that they’re going to talk to throughout the project,” Stateson said. “There’s a lot less confusion around it. I also think that when you have that single provider delivering that solution end-to-end, that provider is more likely to put its best foot forward. And so it improves the quality of the experience.”Because reconstruction planning can begin while mitigation is still underway, projects often move faster overall. Eliminating vendor handoffs reduces downtime and accelerates completion.<h2>How the Brand Supports Expansion into Managed Repair</h2>ServiceMaster Restore is investing in training, technology and peer collaboration to help franchisees integrate or expand managed repair services, especially since construction within a restoration environment is distinct from traditional contracting. Franchisees are not remodeling homes. They are restoring properties to pre-loss condition, often working within insurance guidelines and tight timelines.“When you go in to do construction for restoration, every project’s a little bit different,” Stateson said. “You’re not remodeling. You have to restore. The restorative construction piece is unique in that sense, and it can be more difficult. So we work to provide a lot of training and best practices.”The brand is developing playbooks, structured training programs and best-practice frameworks to guide franchisees through operational integration. Peer-to-peer collaboration also plays a significant role, connecting experienced operators with those just entering the managed repair space.&nbsp;“We also want to work to enhance technology around it,” Stateson said. “We’re looking into the technologies of artificial intelligence, documentation technology and then blending that into our overall processes around construction.”<h2>Getting Started: A Measured Approach</h2>Franchisees exploring managed repair services for the first time need to start with the basics. Requirements are not the same everywhere. Licensing rules can change from one state or municipality to the next, and the difference matters. In some markets, restoration work can be done without a license, while construction work cannot. Before moving forward, it is important to understand what is required locally, how permitting works and whether the franchise agreement allows for adding new services.“Oftentimes people want to jump into it with both feet and get the really big jobs because it’s a lot of money,” Stateson said. “But the reality is when you take that big of a risk with a really big job with a little bit of experience, you can easily get yourself into financial harm.”<h2>Beyond the Standard Offerings: Growing Local Revenue</h2>As disaster restoration continues to evolve, ServiceMaster Restore’s focus on managed repair services reflects a broader industry shift toward accountability, efficiency and customer-centered delivery.For franchisees, integrating reconstruction is not simply about adding revenue. It is about strengthening referral relationships, shortening project timelines and creating a more seamless experience during one of the most stressful moments a customer can face.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 Managed Repair Services

ServiceMaster Restore franchisees are expanding beyond mitigation work, adding construction services, helping them add revenue, strengthen referral relationships and shorten project timelines.

How ServiceMaster Restore Franchisees Offer Managed Repair Services in Addition to Disaster Recovery as a Single-Source Solution

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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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ServiceMaster Restore Celebrates Systemwide Excellence at 2026 Annual Conference

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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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