Texas Entrepreneur Thrives as United Water Restoration Franchisee

After dedicating the majority of his professional career to the corporate world, Craig McCandless found himself longing for a change. He desired the autonomy of being his own boss and the freedom to shape his own work culture. Motivated by his aspirations for more, McCandless began exploring new business opportunities that aligned with his vision.

During his search, he discovered the franchise United Water Restoration Group (UWRG). Although initially cautious, his research confirmed it was his perfect match. As such, McCandless made the decision to join forces with UWRG and has taken on the role of a franchise owner in McKinney, Texas.

1851 Franchise recently spoke to McCandless about why he decided to franchise with UWRG and his ambitious aspirations for the future.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

McCandless: I’ve spent my entire professional life in the corporate world, primarily within the utility industry. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience across various areas, such as operations, billing, customer service and process improvement. My most recent role involved software sales, which came with its fair share of challenges, including constant travel and demanding sales quotes. As time went on, I began to want more outside of the corporate environment and started looking at different business opportunities.

Coincidentally, a franchise broker reached out to me last summer and opened my eyes to the possibilities of franchising. This really inspired me to explore paths outside the corporate world, and I began to actively consider my options. It was at this time that I discovered United Water Restoration Group, which resonated with me on multiple levels. Ultimately, this discovery led me to make the decision to open my own franchise.  

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?

McCandless: I didn’t have much prior knowledge or understanding of franchising. It seemed like a world that required a significant investment to get started, and I questioned whether I had enough funds to venture into it. It was more of a lack of familiarity on my part.

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

McCandless: When I first started looking, I was presented with a lot of different brands. United Water Restoration happened to be available in my local area of McKinney, Texas. Initially, I wasn’t entirely convinced by it because my understanding of franchising was limited. I had a particular focus of wanting to secure recurring revenue. I didn’t think the restoration industry fit that mold because each job may not lead to repeat customers throughout the lifespan of the franchise.

However, as I did more research and had the opportunity to meet the people behind United Water Restoration and other franchisees, my perception began to change. I started to appreciate the brand more. One of the key factors was the inherent sense of urgency and necessity in the restoration field. When a disaster strikes, individuals and businesses often require immediate assistance. It became clear that this was an essential industry to be a part of. Participating in the Discovery Day was what solidified my belief that United Water Restoration is a brand worth partnering with.

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

McCandless: My ultimate goal is to establish a successful business that is both economically viable and focused on delivering exceptional customer service. Having a background in customer service, I understand the importance of ensuring customer satisfaction and generating positive referrals. I want to create a culture that prioritizes providing high-quality service, making our customers happy, and encouraging them to recommend us to others.

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

McCandless: I have a track record of success when venturing into new business endeavors. Throughout my career, I have taken on diverse roles and industries, often stepping into unfamiliar territory. For instance, my first management position was with a mobile dental company, where I had to learn about the intricacies of the dental field despite not being a dentist myself. I immersed myself in understanding the entire business, from the laboratory operations to the role of dentist assistant. Whether it’s been in sales, operations or customer service, I have always been a hands-on person, driven to become a master of my craft. I believe in truly understanding the inner workings of a business to ensure its success, and I hope to do that with United Water Restoration.

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

McCandless: Do your due diligence. Just because a franchise model is successful doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone. It’s important to evaluate whether you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about the business you’re considering. While financial success is significant, it shouldn’t be the sole determining factor. If you’re not genuinely interested or enthusiastic about the industry, I wouldn’t recommend pursuing it. Find a niche that aligns with your interests and explore the possibilities within that realm. Take the time to meet the team behind the franchise.

About United Water Restoration Group

Since 2008, United Water Restoration Group (UWRG) has helped thousands of home and business owners restore properties to pre-loss condition. Through a commitment to excellence and a focus on personal attention, clients’ expectations are exceeded every time, without exception. Today, with a philosophy of hiring the best staff to provide professional restoration services, UWRG has grown to more than 80 locations and maintains a level of customer service rarely seen in the industry. Although UWRG assists those experiencing disasters, this growing, recession-proof industry is also supported by fundamental infrastructure issues like aging systems and reconstruction. The cost to open a UWRG franchise ranges between $159,342 to $441,874.