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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-rekiel-5aa6155/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rekiel-family-is-bringing-heart-and-hops-to-newberry-south-carolina-with-voodoo-brewing-co-franchise-2729518" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kevin Rekiel</a> and his family didn’t get into franchising to chase trends or cash in on a quick concept — they got into it to build something real. After more than 20 years of homebrewing and dreaming about opening a community-focused brewpub, Kevin, his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-rekiel-7b412457/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rekiel-family-is-bringing-heart-and-hops-to-newberry-south-carolina-with-voodoo-brewing-co-franchise-2729518" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Donna</a> and their son&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rekiel-93b140228/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rekiel-family-is-bringing-heart-and-hops-to-newberry-south-carolina-with-voodoo-brewing-co-franchise-2729518" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Joey</a> found the perfect match in&nbsp;<a href="https://voodoofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rekiel-family-is-bringing-heart-and-hops-to-newberry-south-carolina-with-voodoo-brewing-co-franchise-2729518" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Voodoo Brewing Co</a>. The brand’s flexibility, focus on local engagement and creative freedom aligned perfectly with the family’s values.&nbsp;With roots in Chapin, South Carolina, and a genuine desire to serve others, the Rekiels are bringing something special to the nearby city of Newberry. Donna, who has spent years volunteering and supporting her family, was drawn to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco/info">Voodoo’s</a> commitment to community — from fundraisers to partnerships with local organizations. Joey, who manages the day-to-day development of their Newberry location, sees the venture as more than just a business; it’s a space to bring people together. And while the family once planned to start their own concept from scratch, they found in Voodoo a brand that lets them be themselves — bold, hands-on and heart-forward.1851 Franchise sat down with Kevin, Donna and Joey to talk about their journey into franchising, why Voodoo felt like the right fit and how they’re building a business rooted in community and authenticity. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Kevin Rekiel: As a family, we've been brewing beer for over 20 years. When we first started, Joey was a little too young to participate, but over the years he got involved, and it became something we enjoyed doing together. We had always planned to open a microbrewery and a small restaurant, and we spent years trying to make that happen before discovering the Voodoo franchise. Once we saw everything it takes to build a brand from scratch, we realized Voodoo already had a lot of what we were trying to create — plus a proven track record. It just made sense.Donna Rekiel: We’ve always wanted to give back to the community. That’s very important to us. One of the things that drew me to Voodoo was how much they focus on that. Their events, their fundraisers, their community involvement — it checked a lot of boxes for us.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Kevin: I was in the corporate world for 32 years. I’m a mechanical engineer by trade and spent 25 of those years with General Electric. For the last seven years I worked for a company that GE sold. My last role was a Senior Director of Procurement for North America in the water processing business — installing systems for every industry from beverages to nuclear power, microchip manufacturing and even local water municipalities. We signed on with Voodoo in July 2023 while I was still employed.&nbsp; I later decided to step away from my corporate career at the end of 2024 and go full-time with this.Donna: I’ve worked a variety of administrative jobs over the years. I was with Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania where I managed the food service for the school.&nbsp; I worked in legal services for a while before moving to something that I felt would be more rewarding.&nbsp; One of the best roles I had was being a property manager for the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency.&nbsp; I managed 5 housing locations with over 100 units where all of my residents were physically disabled.&nbsp; It was there that I realized my true passion for helping people. We both have been deeply involved in the community — schools, church, scouting.Joey Rekiel: After college, I worked in technical trades, but I really found my place working in restaurants. I’ve held several leadership roles, most recently as a restaurant manager in Chapin. Since starting with Voodoo, I’ve taken on the role of developing our physical location by managing subcontractors, negotiating with suppliers, handling timelines and overseeing everything from growing our social media presence to physically building the bars.Kevin: We bought our building in Newberry about 2 years ago and Joey has been the liaison making sure everything gets done. He’s been the cat herder, really.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?Kevin: I always thought of franchising as a business in a box. You invest, get a handbook, a product or service, and follow the checklist. I figured you just needed the capital and some basic business knowledge, and the franchisor would guide the rest.I’ve come to realize that with an emerging brand like Voodoo, franchising isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience — and that’s not a bad thing. As franchise number 31, we’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the brand, helping shape its direction and structure as it evolves. While we’ve received solid guidance, we’ve also been able to put our own fingerprint on the business. It takes commitment and a hands-on approach, but that’s part of what makes the journey rewarding.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Kevin: It was the freedom and the vibe. If you're sitting in our Voodoo in Newberry and then you go to the one in Las Vegas, you're still in a Voodoo — but they’re completely different. The core product and brand are the same, but each one is customized to its community. That kind of flexibility and creativity really excited us.Donna: It’s also that community focus again. Voodoo encourages local events, fundraisers, and partnerships. That meant a lot to us.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Kevin: Newberry reminds me of where I grew up in Pennsylvania.&nbsp; It feels like home. I’ve traveled the world and lived all over, and this just feels right. I want to give back, stay connected to the community, and build something lasting. I want Joey to take it over one day and continue on his own journey.Joey: Right now, I’m focused on what we’re building here. Who knows what comes next? Maybe more Voodoo locations, maybe our own brewery, maybe something else entirely. But I want it to be something that brings people together and benefits our community.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Kevin: What’s important is that people know we’re genuine. We want to do something meaningful, build a community space, and enjoy the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Come on in and have a good time.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Kevin: My advice is: don’t expect it to go the way you think it will. You’ll go in with a plan, and then things will come at you from every direction. But if you’re willing to work hard, stay passionate, and show up every day, you’ll be fine.Also, embrace the surprises. If you’re not comfortable with risk, you probably shouldn’t go into business — even with a franchise.ABOUT VOODOO BREWING CO.More than just a brewery, Voodoo Brewing Co. is a community of passionate beer lovers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of craft beer. Alongside world-renowned “liquid gold,” provided directly from the brewery, local owners offer killer food, craft cocktails and hard seltzer in their community-focused brewpubs. Each location has a customized logo, locally inspired menu and consistent local events, allowing Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise partners to become truly immersed in their communities. With over 30 locations across multiple states, Voodoo Brewing Co. has already captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts nationwide and has proven itself as the fastest-growing brewpub franchise in the world. Now, it is on track to quickly grow roots across the nation. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://voodoofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-rekiel-family-is-bringing-heart-and-hops-to-newberry-south-carolina-with-voodoo-brewing-co-franchise-2729518" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://voodoofranchising.com/</a>.

The Rekiel Family Is Bringing Heart (and Hops) to Newberry, South Carolina, With Voodoo Brewing Co.

Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchise in Newberry | The Rekiel Family’s Journey

1851 Franchise

After years of homebrewing and community involvement, Kevin, Donna and Joey Rekiel found the perfect match in a brewpub franchise that values authenticity, flexibility and local impact.

The Rekiel Family Is Bringing Heart (and Hops) to Newberry, South Carolina, With Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchise

the-rekiel-family-is-bringing-heart-and-hops-to-newberry-south-carolina-with-voodoo-brewing-co-franchise

Caring Transitions

Why Couples Are Choosing to Own a Caring Transitions Franchise Together

why-couples-are-choosing-to-own-a-caring-transitions-franchise-together

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Home Service Ally Closes Out 2025 With Record Growth and Accelerating Demand for Aging-in-Place Services

trublue-home-service-ally-closes-out-2025-with-record-growth-and-accelerating-demand-for-aging-in-place-services

Strategic Franchising

The Power of Mentorship in Franchising With Strategic Franchising Systems

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The Benefits of Owning a Caring Transitions Franchise: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing the Senior Services Industry

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Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers franchise, Comfort Keepers Salt Lake City, Comfort Keepers Utah

Why Utah Is a Top Expansion Market for Senior Care Franchises: Comfort Keepers® Targets Growth in Salt Lake City and Beyond

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Restaurants Stand Out in 2025 Hiring as Consumers Look for Simple Treats

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Photo of SONIC franchise logo against blue sky backdrop

KBP Brands Acquires 78 SONIC Locations Across Five States

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IFA Releases 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook Report, Predicting Over 12,000 New Franchised Businesses This Year

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Restaurants Eye $1.55 Trillion in 2026 Sales as Value and Cost Pressures Define the Year

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Kevin Hart Is the Latest Celebrity to Enter the Franchising Game

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Family has always been at the heart of everything for sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold-franchise-oklahoma-city-north-manar-landis-maha-zirn-kashoor-2730454">Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor,</a> so when they began looking for a new business venture, it only made sense that they’d do it together. Today, the pair are proud&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> franchisees, combining their complementary skills and shared compassion to make a difference in the lives of seniors and&nbsp; families in their community. For Zirn-Kashoor and Landis, the decision to go into business together was as natural as their lifelong connection.“The short answer,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “is that it’s always the right time as a family to be together. We were both in the right place to start that one.”Though life had taken them in different directions — with families, careers and homes of their own — the sisters never lost touch. “We were always in contact,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Almost every year we saw each other. So when the idea of the business came, it was only natural that we were both ready for it and said, ‘Let’s go for it.’”That shared readiness made the decision simple: it was time to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/how-griswold-home-care-provided-a-more-meaningful-career-for-these-franchisees-amid-the-pandemic-2715838">build something meaningful together</a>.<h2>From Sisters to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from family members to business partners came smoothly for the pair. “Because we know each other quite well, it came very naturally,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We recognized my strength, her strength, where we can complement each other — and it’s working so far.”The two sisters developed a natural division of responsibilities, allowing each to focus on what she does best. That balance has only strengthened their bond. “It brought us even closer to each other,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Usually, when you have family, each one goes to their business or work and then maybe you meet at dinner or on weekends. Now we are combining all this — we see each other even more now. It added positively to the dynamic.”<h2>Why Griswold?</h2>When it came time to choose a brand, Landis led the research — and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> quickly stood out. “She asked around, looked into different franchises, and it was the reputation of Griswold,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “From the first moment we spoke with them, it felt like we were joining a family.”That sense of belonging only deepened as they met other franchisees. “They are very professional, but there is also a warm environment,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “When we met other franchisees at a couple of events, it felt like family. It just enhanced our feeling that this is the right company we want to join.”<h2>A Family-Owned Business With a Human Mission</h2>As sisters and co-owners, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis believe their family connection adds real value to how they lead their business and care for their clients. “It’s an added value to be family working together,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We know how to divide the work, who’s responsible for what, and sometimes we combine our efforts on certain areas where we can bring an even better outcome.”That collaboration is rooted in shared purpose. For the sisters, Griswold’s mission resonated deeply. “The story of Jean Griswold is very touching and impressive,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “It’s not money-oriented — it’s very human and people-oriented. That’s what really drove us. Otherwise, any business you can start somewhere and think about profit. This is not the easiest one, but we chose it on purpose because we can relate to it … When you think about it, we are helping vulnerable people — people in need — and that’s something we are already proud of.”<h2>Building a Legacy of Care and Connection</h2>More than just a business, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis see their Griswold franchise as a legacy — one rooted in compassion and community. “We are certain that our hard work will bring very fruitful income,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “and we hope that this is the legacy we can keep as a name for us, for our children and for our family later on. There cannot be a better legacy than helping people in need and caring for the community.”Even amid the challenges of launching a business, the sisters have found unexpected joy in the journey. “The most surprising part is how much fun we are having,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We knew we would enjoy it, but we didn’t know it would start from day one. We keep reminding each other not to forget to have fun and enjoy the journey.”

Why Two Sisters Chose Now to Build a Purpose-Driven Home Care Business With Griswold

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-these-tenured-franchisees-continue-to-grow-with-trublue-2726985">Tim and Kay Diemont</a>, owning a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> franchise in Yorktown, Virginia, is a shared purpose. Over the past decade, the couple has built one of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> most successful and enduring operations, all while strengthening their marriage, deepening their community connections and setting an example for what family-owned franchising can achieve.By the time TruBlue came into their lives, both Tim and Kay were ready for a new chapter.“Tim was working as a regional director of stores and in charge of the East Coast. I had been with the same architectural firm for 20 years,” Kay said. “Tim was tired of the corporate demands, traveling and wanted to be home more. He also wanted to be doing something that would be rewarding and help in our community — the community where we raised our two sons. My employer was getting ready to retire and, since [Tim and I] had always wanted to work together, the timing seemed perfect for both of us.”The couple’s shared vision aligned perfectly with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-trublue-is-a-strong-franchise-choice-in-the-growing-senior-industry-2728519">TruBlue’s mission of helping seniors and busy families maintain their homes with ease and peace of mind</a>.<h2>From Marriage Partners to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from life partners to business partners came naturally to the Diemonts.“Since we were already partners, this new partnership was an easy transition,” Kay said. “Tim knew how to manage people and had been in a leadership position for many years. I was already trained administratively and had worked in marketing for both the architectural firm and for a local mayor. So, my community connections were very strong in this area.”Their complementary skill sets have proven invaluable. A U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Michigan, Tim brought strong operational and leadership experience from his years managing retail teams. Kay, who has lived in the Yorktown area her entire life, leveraged her local relationships and administrative background to handle marketing and office management.The couple’s oldest son, Derrick, is a systems engineer who has contributed to the business over the years. “His expertise with setting up our computer needs and just his overall help with the business was and continues to be a huge plus,” Kay said.The Diemonts say that working together has improved their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible-2728825">work-life balance</a> rather than complicating it. “Since we work together, our schedules are the same,” Kay said. “We can take as much time off as we want or need, and we enjoy traveling extensively every year.”<h2>Choosing TruBlue for Their Family’s Next Chapter</h2>When the Diemonts first began exploring franchise ownership, they were drawn to opportunities that allowed them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-25-franchise-brands-committed-to-serving-their-communities-2724335">serve their community</a>.“Tim was looking into a senior care franchise and at the time the one he was interested in pursuing was already taken in our area,” Kay said. “The person he was speaking with at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising</a> mentioned a new franchise they were developing. It sounded like a perfect fit for someone who already knew managerial and handyman skills. We were one of the first to open a TruBlue, and we have been the proud owners since 2013.”The TruBlue model — focused on home maintenance, handyman services and senior safety — felt like the right blend of purpose and practicality. “Tim always had faith and knew we would be a success,” Kay said. “The model for TruBlue was perfect! Our co-workers, family and friends loved the concept, and we had customers lined up before we ever purchased our territory.”<h2>Family Ownership in Action</h2>As business partners, the Diemonts run their franchise with the same&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-a-franchisor-can-cultivate-a-strong-franchise-community-2722789">teamwork and communication</a> that have defined their marriage for nearly five decades.“We have great partners, who are like-minded to bounce ideas through,” Kay said. “All our employees know they can come to either one of us with a question or a problem and 98% of the time, they will get the exact response from us. The other small percentage is only due to Tim’s knowledge of certain handyman jobs and mine would be administrative questions regarding invoicing or payroll.”That united front has helped them build a loyal team and a strong reputation throughout Yorktown and the surrounding Peninsula communities. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service at a great value, and it is continually growing,” Kay said. “Our employees are happy to be a part of our team and we are sure all of them would stay with or continue with any new owner, whether it be family or someone new.”<h2>Building a Family Legacy</h2>After more than 10 years in business, the Diemonts have watched TruBlue grow from a small emerging concept into a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum-2730055">nationally recognized brand</a>. But for them, the most important growth has been personal — and local.“Hopefully, we have built a business that either one of our sons would be proud to carry on in the future,” Kay said. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service, at a great value and it is continually growing.”The couple takes special pride in supporting local seniors, veterans and busy families. “Making our customers and employees happy and doing something good within our community for our seniors and veterans has been the most rewarding,” Kay said. “As a veteran and family-owned business, we take great pride in providing a service to those who have served our country and to their families. For our seniors and busy adults, providing them with peace of mind and someone they can trust in their homes is a very big deal to us as a company and as a family. Everyone’s home is their castle, and we always hope TruBlue of Yorktown makes them feel that way.”<h2>The Rewards of Working Together</h2>When asked about the hardest or most surprising part of running a family business, Kay didn’t hesitate: “Probably how easy it has been to work together. Nothing has been hard about it for us personally. Our skill sets matched pretty good.”For Tim and Kay, the past decade has been defined by collaboration, connection and community — and the next one promises more of the same.“Overall, everything we dreamed about running our own business has come true,” Tim said. “This is a great way of life.”

Why This Couple Left Corporate America to Build a Community-Focused TruBlue Business in the Town Where They Raised Their Sons

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Family has always been the center of life for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/local-siblings-launch-caring-transitions-of-somerset-county-to-build-legacy-and-serve-seniors-with-compassion-2730564">Ashley and Tarik “Sal” Seawright</a>, siblings and co-owners of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a> of Somerset County, New Jersey, which opened in September 2025. For this brother-sister duo — who come from a family of 13 siblings — launching their own business wasn’t just a professional milestone, but a continuation of their family’s legacy of care, connection and service. After years of building successful careers outside of the senior care industry, both Ashley and Sal recognized a deeper call to service. For Ashley, this meant leveraging her extensive experience in corporate organization and management to find a purpose-driven venture.“In all of my experiences, I’ve focused on moving forward and on family,” Ashley said. “But I needed to find something that would allow me to run it on my own and give back. Making a daily impact was missing for me.”<h2>When Family Timing Meets the Right Opportunity</h2>For Ashley, family has always guided her path. “The main thing for us is always legacy and family,” she said. “That is really how we’ve lived our whole lives. There are 13 of us in our immediate family, and that’s why family has been at the forefront.”After 20 years in corporate America, working in office and event management roles — including time at the Food Network — Ashley was ready for a new challenge.&nbsp;Sal, meanwhile, had spent nearly a decade running his own moving business. His introduction to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a> came by chance. “I met an owner of Caring Transitions who hired me to do some moving for him,” he said. “He later told me I already had the crew, the skills and the reliable service — I understood what it would take to do this type of work.”That experience stuck with him. “My father always had a dream of us opening a business together,” Sal said. “Knowing this business and knowing the ins and outs, I knew it would be hard to handle all of it myself. Ashley seemed like the best person professionally and the best person to bring in on this endeavor.”<h2>Why Caring Transitions?</h2>With Sal’s operational experience and Ashley’s organizational and management background, Caring Transitions — a franchise focused on senior relocation, downsizing and estate sales — was a perfect fit.“The market was a big selling point,” Sal said. “I already had a lot of clients in 55-and-older communities. It takes a particular skill to do that work with compassion and care. We grew up around older family members, so we understand that generation and the patience it requires. There’s a lack of compassion in this field, and we knew we could bring that human touch.”Ashley agrees, noting that&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/10-reasons-why-caring-transitions-stands-out-among-other-franchises-2727831">Caring Transitions felt different from the start</a>. “It’s important to live the brand,” she said. “Everyone we met was so passionate about what they do. Caring Transitions stood out more than any other franchise — especially since Sal already had the experience. The support you get from corporate is unprecedented. They really want you to have the tools to succeed.”Together, they’ve divided their responsibilities based on their strengths. “I’m the COO and she’s the CFO,” Sal said. “I handle operations, moving and customer service. Ashley ensures everything is paid and invoiced correctly, and she’ll be leading our estate sales.”&nbsp;“I’m handling the behind-the-scenes work, connecting with leads and doing consultations,” Ashley said. “I love talking with people, and I’m looking forward to expanding that aspect with the brand.”<h2>Building a Business and a Legacy</h2>The Seawrights’ vision&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mastering-multi-unit-franchise-ownership-2725555">goes beyond a single franchise</a> — it’s about growth, sustainability and impact. “By this time next year, we’re looking at having five franchises,” Sal said. “We’re hoping to add two more by the end of next year. The goal is to make it as big as possible.”Ashley emphasizes that their growth ambitions are rooted in legacy and community. “We want to expand our legacy as a family with Caring Transitions,” she said. “We can work together and work for our family. We want to make sure we have the right systems and support in place for our employees — they’re good at what they do, and we want to give them every tool they need.”<h2>Lessons in Family and Franchising</h2>While many people warn against going into business with family, Ashley and Sal have a different perspective. “When people say don’t go into business with family, it’s because they can’t separate the business from the personal,” Sal said.“Don’t go into business with your family unless you’re clear on your goals,” Ashley said. “You have to understand each other’s strengths. Sal has the operational skill set, and he’s also aware of what he needed to add — my skills. Siblings know what the other is good at. It’s about cultivating your talent and delegating it out. It’s not always smooth sailing, but we trust each other’s judgment. For families in franchising, you need candor, trust, and a shared goal. Who can you trust if you can’t trust your family?”

Why Two Siblings Saw a Growing Need for Compassionate Senior Support — and Chose Caring Transitions to Build Their Family Legacy

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Growing up on an alpaca farm in St. Johns, Michigan,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-ruhf-0573b2141/">Allen Ruhf</a> learned early on the value of hard work and resourcefulness. Adopted at six after spending time in state care, Ruhf grew up knowing what it means to start from nothing. Those early lessons shaped him into the determined entrepreneur he’s become today.After years of running businesses in real estate and construction, Ruhf wanted something different; he wanted a way to grow without losing the ability to adapt and innovate. That search led him to&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/">United Water Restoration Group</a>. What stood out wasn’t just the franchise’s proven model, but its forward-thinking approach to technology and AI, something Ruhf believes will define the future of the industry.Today, Ruhf is focused on building a business that gives his team the same sense of stability and possibility he fought for growing up. For him, owning a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">UWRG</a> franchise isn’t just about financial growth; it’s about creating a foundation for family, community, and the next generation of dreamers willing to rebuild when life demands it.1851 spoke with Ruhf about his franchising journey with UWRG and his long-term goals for growth, flexibility and opportunity for his team. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Allen Ruhf:&nbsp;I&nbsp;grew up on an alpaca farm in St. Johns, Michigan, and I’ve started several businesses over the years, mostly in real estate and construction. I first looked into this about two years ago. I actually went to work for a company in the industry to see if it was something I wanted to pursue. Then we launched our own business and got started from there.1851: How did you decide franchising made sense for you?Ruhf:&nbsp;The more I looked around — not just at restoration, but the construction world in general — I noticed that a lot of builders and contractors are pretty set in their ways. I could feel myself heading in that direction, too. Because of that, I realized I wouldn’t have anyone in the industry to lean on to know whether I was moving in the right direction. In previous businesses, I’d hired coaches to help me grow, but whether their advice worked or not, I still paid for it. When I started thinking about the restoration business, I worked for another company in the space. They were a mom-and-pop that grew quickly but didn’t learn the lessons needed to sustain that growth, and eventually they had to scale back. I didn’t want to spend 25 years stumbling through how to run a business.What led me to this particular franchise was the organization’s innovative mindset. AI is here to stay, and it’s going to change things fast. I wanted to partner with a company that isn’t stuck in its ways but is open to exploring new ideas and possibilities.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a Franchise Owner, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Ruhf:&nbsp;I think a lot of people have the wrong idea about franchising. Many assume it just means securing a job for yourself, and for some, it can be that way. But the biggest thing people overlook is the value of partnership.They get hung up on paying royalties or other fees, but the truth is, you’re going to spend that money one way or another. The difference is that, in a franchise, you’re spending it with a partner who benefits when you do. That alignment of success makes all the difference.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Ruhf:&nbsp;Innovation. When it comes to AI and new systems, this industry is going to change rapidly, especially with the rise of robotics. Having a backend that’s automated, systematic and always improving rather than stuck in one phase or process allows us to focus more on relationships.AI helps us capture the small details that might otherwise get missed, which strengthens how we connect with customers and manage each project.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Ruhf:&nbsp;That’s a big question. The simplified answer is that I want to gain more flexibility to have the time to spend with my family and build generational memories and wealth. I also want to create an environment for my team where they can access those same opportunities.As for growth, I plan to expand within my territory, add more services offered through the franchise, and eventually grow into construction and related areas.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Ruhf:&nbsp;I was taken by the state when I was four years old and adopted when I was six. In 2008, my adoptive dad lost his job, and our family lived paycheck to paycheck after that. So, when it comes to starting a business and taking risks, I already know what it’s like to start from the bottom. I’m not afraid of losing it all — I’m not reckless — but I know what it takes to rebuild. If I have to start over again in the pursuit of something new, I’m willing to do that.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming Franchise Owners?Ruhf:&nbsp;There are really two questions to ask yourself. First, why a franchise? And second, are you willing to figure everything out on your own, and how many years are you willing to spend doing that?When you look at franchises, focus on the long-term support. I was just talking to someone last week who said he understood why you’d join a franchise initially — for the systems and structure — but what really sets this one apart is the ongoing support. Each role has its own contact at corporate, so you always have someone to lean on, not just other Franchise Owners.If you find that a process isn’t working or think there’s a better way to do something, the corporate team listens and looks for solutions, even system integrations. And for technicians, even those new to the job, we have AI tools that provide immediate, industry-specific answers and guidance based on current regulations.About United Water Restoration GroupSince 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 50 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.&nbsp;The initial investment to open and begin operation ranges from $300,000 - $700,000. For more information on franchising, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/.">https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/.</a>&nbsp;

Image of Allen Ruhf from United Water Restoration Group Franchisee from Hastings, Michigan

United Water Restoration Group Franchise Owner Uses Lifelong Resilience to Lead Michigan’s Next Era of Restoration

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

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