United Water Restoration Group Gains Franchisee Duo In Dayton, OH

Jesse Rubio comes from a family of construction workers and has always had an interest in the industry. He worked as a police officer for 13 years before deciding what he really wanted to do was work for himself. He went into construction as his own boss in 2019 and met his now business partner, Paul Chatrath, shortly after. The two became quick friends and, realizing they made a great team, started pursuing franchising opportunities together. Through some research, the pair found that United Water Restoration Group suited their experience and needs perfectly; to their delight, they were welcomed by the corporate team as though they were family.

Both Rubio and Chatrath grew up without a great deal of wealth or opportunity readily available to them. Chatrath moved to the U.S. from India as a teenager and learned how to speak English from movies, while Rubio grew up as a minority in Texas and worked diligently to advance in his career. Now they both feel they’ve achieved their dream of business ownership and built a career they’re proud of. As franchisees with United Water Restoration Group, they feel that anything is possible in their futures. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Rubio about his journey into franchising and his plans 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?

Rubio: I was a police officer for 13 years, working night shifts as a senior officer. I was also Vice President of our union and trained new officers, and I was a record officer. After a while, I really wanted more freedom; I wanted to be able to work for myself and didn’t want to have to ask when I needed a day off. 

I had an uncle that did siding and some cousins working in construction, so I always did a little bit of construction on the side, so I started working in construction in 2019, working for myself. I met Paul during that time, working on a few jobs together, and we became good friends pretty quickly. He and I tossed around ideas for franchising together, and then he found United Water Restoration Group online and we decided to go for it. 

We wanted something that would provide us an achievable long term goal, and one that wouldn’t take such a toll on our bodies like construction does.

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?

Rubio: It was a little scary not knowing what we would encounter. Once we met with the UWRG team, they made us feel comfortable. It felt like a family more than a business, which made it easier for us to trust them and make our decision. They were really upfront with costs, fees and requirements and gave us advice on what it would take for us to be successful in this industry.

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

Rubio:  They made us feel like we were a part of something; it wasn’t just business. They’ve been super hands-on and friendly. I can call them anytime, and they have not left us in the dark or alone in any way. 

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

Rubio:  We just want to be a self-sustaining business. We are about a month in now, so we are just getting started. In the future, we definitely want to expand. We would love to have a location in each major city in Ohio. That would be great!

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

Rubio:  Hard work pays off. Don’t give up on your dream. Paul and I are minorities, but I was born in the U.S. in Texas and Paul was born in India. He grew up in India and moved here as a teenager. He didn’t know any English, so he learned it by watching movies. He worked hard to get to where he is now. We both grew up without a lot of money and opportunities and this business makes it all possible for us. 

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

Rubio: I would suggest franchising with United Water Restoration Group because they are so friendly and they have a system that works. Their formula is successful, and you just have to follow it. I would advise people to make the jump and give it a shot. In this industry, you will get out what you put into it. 

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 40 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 initial investment to open and begin operation ranges from $159,342 to $441,874. For more information on franchising, visit https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/