United Water Restoration Group

1851 Franchise: Tell us about the history and founding of the United Water Restoration Group (UWRG).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-moore/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-with-united-water-restoration-groups-vice-president-of-development-operations-bob-moore-2720209" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Moore</a>, Vice President of Development &amp; Operations:&nbsp;United Water was founded in 2008, which was one of the worst hurricane seasons in Florida history. The owners,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lajos-nagy-a6750236/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-with-united-water-restoration-groups-vice-president-of-development-operations-bob-moore-2720209" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lajos Nagy</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/endre-banfi-0679076b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-with-united-water-restoration-groups-vice-president-of-development-operations-bob-moore-2720209" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Endre Banfi</a>, were both from Hungary but didn’t meet until they were in the U.S.&nbsp;Both worked in home services and had some exposure to restoration. Together they decided to start their own journey in the business and established UWRG.&nbsp;They filled one van with equipment and started knocking on doors, asking for the opportunity to serve. Within four years, they built up to 15 offices across Florida. In 2010, they brought on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoltan-kurucz-3197a117/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-with-united-water-restoration-groups-vice-president-of-development-operations-bob-moore-2720209" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Zoltan Kurucz</a> as a managing partner to help round out the locations in the southern division. In 2015, they began franchising the concepts.&nbsp;&nbsp;1851: What void does UWRG fill? What was missing in the space before, and how were you able to identify that void?&nbsp;Moore:&nbsp;I would say what's missing in many areas is a reputable provider. You have a lot of people doing things in a lot of different ways because they're very small, independent businesses. And unfortunately, some of them are a little unethical as well. So being reputable providers is one of the gaps that we're filling. Our franchise owners also provide an excellent level of service to our customers. I think it helps them gain market share pretty quickly, even in markets where we have a fair amount of competition.1851: What are you doing well right now? What are your brand differentiators?Moore:&nbsp; Our owners are incredibly empathetic and always focus on the homeowner or business owner that we're going out there and serving, even though the insurance company writes the check 90% of the time. They always stress talking to that homeowner and keeping them informed, which has been huge. The second thing is our responsiveness. When our phone rings, people can be frantic because of what's happened in their homes or businesses. Whoever's on call at night takes home a fully-stocked company vehicle so they can get up and go to wherever the call came in from, no matter what time. They get up and get in the van, and they go directly to that location. Our goal is to get there within 60 minutes of the call.&nbsp;1851: What are your growth goals?&nbsp;Moore: A conservative goal would be 14 to 20 by the end of next year. But I'm looking at 40 or so. I think we're going to add six or so this year internally.&nbsp;1851: Do you have any specific markets you’re interested in?&nbsp;Moore:&nbsp;We have a lot of whitespace. Dallas is a huge opportunity, as well as Louisiana, because they're constantly getting hit by hurricanes and flooding. There’s also Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York — anywhere around any of the major metropolitan areas is a huge opportunity because of the density of people.&nbsp;1851: What were some learning opportunities that UWRG leveraged to get where it is now?Moore: Picking the right internal team members to support Franchise Owners. Initially, the brand had people who were successful in the restoration space, but they didn't know how to recruit and develop Franchise Owners. The other thing was revamping the training program that we started out with. When I came on board, training was more about showing and not really hands-on. I hired someone who's successfully built a couple of restoration businesses, and our owners now get hands-on, structured training with the job software. We've also leveraged technology more in the last few years in terms of how our crews operate. Our job software is now all paperless, so there is no need to lug around clipboards and paperwork to sign. Overall, we’ve gotten better at development, with those being some of the key areas.&nbsp;1851: What are some of UWGR’s most important milestones over the past five years?&nbsp;Moore:&nbsp;Since I started, hiring my director of operations, Chrissy Gregory, was a big milestone because she made an immediate impact in terms of how we train Franchise Owners. Since she's been on board, Franchise Owners coming out of training have been more successful, which has helped us grow. Many of our Franchise Owners have adopted our new training and new operational methodology. The second one was hiring Tiffany Browning, our Director of Franchise Marketing. This is a unique business; many people don't even know that there is something called the restoration business until they have a pipe burst, mold, or fire. Tiffany has been very successful in marketing and helping grow restoration businesses, and now she teaches our Franchise Owners how to do that.1851: What does your ideal franchisee look like in terms of how they run their business, what personal traits they have, what prior business experience they can claim, etc.?Moore:&nbsp;Our franchise owners do not need experience in restoration or a home-services background. They also do not need strong sales skills as this is a skill that a franchise owner can hire a person to do the sales role. We are looking for the skills and characteristics such as sales, management, business development, networking and leadership experience. They should also be willing to provide outstanding customer service and be empathetic.&nbsp;1851: What does an ideal franchisee look like? Are they semi-absentees? A passive investor or an active owner-operator?&nbsp;Moore:&nbsp;We offer both owner-operator and semi-absentee options. Our business model makes it easy to hire a small team of technicians and step back as a semi-absentee owner.&nbsp;1851: How does UWRG support franchisees?Moore:&nbsp;We offer a lot of corporate support. We also offer simple models that allow a franchisee to really understand what levers they need to pull in their business. In a restoration business, it's very easy to get overwhelmed, and you can be pulled in a lot of different directions. We recently had our first franchise conference, and in preparation for it, the team came up with tools to help Franchise Owners look at their business and figure out what they need to improve. Another thing that is a huge competitive advantage for us is that we're still in the restoration space. We're not only selling franchises in this business. There are things that we learn and that we can pass along to our Franchise Owners.&nbsp;1851: Why is now the time to buy into UWGR?&nbsp;Moore:&nbsp;Since we seem on the verge of a recession, or may already be in one, a key feature of our business is it's recession resistant. The economy goes up, it goes down, but it has no impact on our business. The company was founded during the 2008 recession. Pipes burst, mold and fires happen, regardless of what's going on in the economy. The other thing I would say is that it's hard to turn on the TV today without hearing a story about aging infrastructure or weather disasters of some kind and those all drive business to us. Also, during the pandemic, when so many other businesses were harmed, our normal business was good, and we did COVID cleaning. We had Franchise Owners that did very well above and beyond their normal business.&nbsp;

Executive Q&A with United Water Restoration Group’s Vice President of Development & Operations, Bob Moore

1851 Franchise

Moore tells 1851 Franchise the story behind UWRG, what sets it apart from the competition and where it plans to grow in the near future. 

This brand page has been paid for by UNITED WATER RESTORATION GROUP. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-gregory-258bb4b/">Chrissy Gregory</a> spent years helping restoration franchise owners grow their businesses. As vice president of franchise operations at&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/">United Water Restoration Group</a> (UWRG), she worked closely with operators across the system to strengthen operations and scale their locations.In 2024, Gregory decided to apply that experience to a business of her own. An opportunity to purchase a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration">UWRG</a> franchise in Port St. Lucie, Florida, aligned with a goal she had carried since childhood. Gregory moved into ownership while continuing her leadership role with the brand. Within a year, the location became a record-setting performer.Gregory’s interest in restoration developed during a long career in home services and a desire to help people. Homeowners often contact restoration professionals after sudden property damage. Clear guidance can bring stability during a stressful time.“I was attracted to the restoration industry because of the ability to help people in some of their worst times,” Gregory said. “My entire career has been in the home service industry, but it really wasn't until I got a taste of restoration that I said, ‘Oh, this is what I'm supposed to do. This is what I'm meant for.”<h2>Applying Corporate Experience to Ownership</h2>Gregory joined UWRG’s leadership team to help franchise owners improve their businesses. Her role placed her close to the operational realities of running a restoration company.“What really drew me to UWRG is kind of the same sense but on the franchise owner side,” Gregory said. “I very much have an entrepreneurial spirit. I knew since I was a kid that I wanted to own my own business.”Owning a franchise also meant applying the same guidance she had spent years giving to other franchisees. Gregory explained that working on the corporate side creates accountability, since leaders who advise owners must also follow the same operational practices themselves.UWRG supported Gregory’s move into ownership while allowing her to maintain her leadership role with the company. Company leadership allowed Gregory to keep both responsibilities rather than requiring her to choose between them.“The best way they've supported me is by having faith in me to maintain the vice president position as well as ownership of a location. They really had the belief in me that I could be an owner who managed the business from a true owner perspective,” Gregory said.<h2>Leading With a Focus on the Work</h2>Gregory has spent more than two decades working in field services, an industry where leadership roles have traditionally been held by men. Her approach has always been to focus on the work and the responsibility that comes with leading a team rather than viewing her role through the lens of gender.“I’ve never really separated myself,” Gregory said. “To me, it’s just about getting the job done. I’ve been in the field services industry for over 20 years, and I never saw it that way. It was apparent to me that other people might have seen it that way, but I just kept moving on. Got a job to do.”However, Gregory understands that her leadership may encourage other women to enter the industry. Recognition as a role model is meaningful, though she believes results ultimately speak louder than labels.“For those who do look at it that way, is it nice to be a role model? Yes,” Gregory said. “But the job I do speaks for itself.”Women considering restoration or entrepreneurship should focus on the work rather than on their gender and prepare for the industry's demanding nature. The restoration business operates around the clock, which requires a willingness to embrace a 24/7 lifestyle. Business ownership also means stepping into whatever role the company needs at any given time.“Understand that you are the person who fills any open holes,” Gregory said. “If marketing’s not doing well, you’re now the marketer. If field services are not doing well, you’re now in the field. If bookkeeping is not doing well, you now have to be the one to figure that out.”Gregory’s Port St. Lucie location is proof that the strategies she once helped other franchise owners implement can also drive results in her own operation.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration.">https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration.</a>&nbsp;

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The United Water Restoration Group executive-turned-franchise owner quickly built a top-performing location while continuing to support franchisees in her role.

Chrissy Gregory Shows What Leadership Looks Like for Women in the Restoration Industry

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When a home or business is affected by water, fire, mold, or storm damage, the problem is not only structural. For many people, it also brings stress and uncertainty.<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/">United Water Restoration Group</a> (UWRG) has built its approach: helping customers plan for the unplanned. From the first phone call through project completion, the brand focuses on bringing clarity, structure and support to situations that feel anything but predictable.Here’s how that approach comes to life at every stage of the customer experience.<h2>A Calm, Empathetic First Call</h2>The restoration process usually begins at a difficult moment.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-moore/">Bob Moore,</a> President of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration">UWRG</a>, said teams are trained to recognize that callers may be overwhelmed or unsure of what to do. This first interaction is designed to quickly bring a sense of control to an otherwise chaotic moment, the first step in helping customers plan for what comes next.“One of the things that we really focus on is being very empathetic when that first call comes in,” he said. “It usually means something bad has happened either to the homeowner or the business owner.”Teams work to gather the information they need while also helping the caller feel more at ease. The goal is to convey that UWRG has the situation under control and is there to help.During that initial call, UWRG confirms everyone is safe, collects details about what occurred, and determines whether immediate steps are needed. If a water source has not been shut off, for example, the team can help connect the customer with a plumber.Setting expectations is also part of the conversation.“We try to set an accurate expectation about how long it is until someone can get on site,” Moore said. “That person will be reaching out to them and giving them a call to let them know they are on the way.”<h2>On-Site Assessment and Clear Education</h2>Once a technician arrives, the focus turns to understanding the full scope of the damage. When possible, teams walk customers through what they are seeing and explain how different types of damage can affect a property. By breaking down what happened and what comes next, UWRG helps customers move from uncertainty to a clear, actionable plan.“A big part of what we do is educating that homeowner or business owner on the current status of their property and the impact of what just happened,” Moore said.Many customers have never worked with a restoration company before. That lack of familiarity can make the situation feel worse.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/how-united-water-restoration-group-creates-lasting-client-relationships-by-prioritizing-trust-and-quality-service-in-restoration-2730506">UWRG aims to take the mystery out of how the customer can move on from the disaster</a>.&nbsp;“Having that person show up at the site, educate them on the process, talk them through what that job would look like, how long it would possibly take, and take them through to the end is very helpful,” said Moore.<h2>Acting as an Advocate for the Customer</h2>For many customers, navigating insurance is one of the most unpredictable parts of the process. UWRG’s role as an advocate helps bring structure to that uncertainty.“We also want to act as advocates for them,” Moore said. “Because they often don’t know anything about the process or what they need to do.”UWRG works closely with insurance carriers when necessary. However, Moore said the brand’s primary responsibility remains with the property owner. That message helps customers feel they have someone on their side during a challenging situation.<h2>Consistency Across the System</h2>Delivering a positive experience requires consistency across locations.“That consistency starts with that initial training and really stresses the key points,” Moore said.The brand also reviews recorded calls and monitors performance. If a location’s closing rate declines, teams may listen to initial calls to identify areas for improvement. Those tools allow UWRG to address issues early and maintain service standards across the system.<h2>Communication That Fits the Customer</h2>Clear communication continues throughout the job. Some updates are automated through UWRG’s technology. Others are handled directly by local teams.“We have some customers that say, ‘Phone calls just don’t work for me, I’m very busy, I prefer text messages.’ We make those notes in our system and act accordingly,” said Moore.&nbsp;Whether by phone or text, customers know who is coming, when they are arriving and what step comes next. Consistent, tailored communication ensures customers are never left guessing, a critical part of helping them feel prepared, even when the situation itself was not.<h2>Why the Customer Experience Drives Growth</h2>Ultimately, UWRG’s customer experience is designed around a simple idea: when the unexpected happens, people don’t just need restoration services, they need a partner who can help them navigate what comes next.By combining empathy, education and clear communication, the brand helps customers plan for the unplanned, and move forward with confidence. UWRG’s focus on serving the property owner first is a major driver of the brand’s expansion. Some competitors, he said, appear to prioritize relationships with insurance companies.“One of the things that we pride ourselves on is that we work for the homeowner or the business owner,” said Moore. “We see quite a bit of reviews saying things like, ‘Your team was so wonderful, they were my hero, they rescued me.”For prospective franchisees, this model demonstrates how a customer-first approach can translate into steady demand and long-term opportunity.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration">https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration</a>.

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From the first call to final walkthrough, the brand brings clarity, communication and calm to life’s most unpredictable moments.

When the Unexpected Happens: How United Water Restoration Group Helps Customers Plan for the Unplanned

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What It Takes to Succeed: Top Qualities United Water Restoration Group Looks for in Franchise Owners

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United Water Restoration Group, UWRG, UWRG Bob Moore, UWRG franchise

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Running a business with your spouse comes with a unique set of rewards, as well as realities. The wins feel shared, the challenges feel personal, and the line between work and life can blur quickly. For husband-and-wife franchise owners at&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/">United Water Restoration Group (UWRG)</a>, success often comes down to clear roles, honest communication and a franchise system built to support teamwork at every level.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">UWRG’s</a> restoration model has proven especially well-suited for couples who bring complementary skill sets to the table. With defined operational systems, franchisor support and a collaborative franchise network, the brand gives partners the ability to divide responsibilities, stay aligned on long-term goals and build a service-driven business together without feeling like they’re navigating it alone.That balance has been central to the experience of husband-and-wife franchise owners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/multifamily-apartments-john-casmon/">John</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/geetika-casmon/">Geetika Casmon</a>, who own and operate a&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgcincyeast.com/">UWRG location in Cincinnati</a>. Each brings a distinct professional background to the business, allowing them to support one another and move the company forward with intention.<h2>Dividing Roles to Create Momentum</h2>The Casmons operate with a clear handoff between lead generation and execution. John, who spent 15 years in marketing and advertising, focuses on the front end of the business, such as digital marketing, lead channels and field marketing initiatives that keep the phones ringing.Geetika oversees operations, administration and financial processes. With a background in accounting, auditing and operational consulting, she manages intake, execution and efficiency once a job enters the system.“If you think of a funnel, he handles the front end and how things are coming in,” Geetika said. “Once they’re in, I pretty much handle it from there.”That structure allows both partners to stay in their lanes while remaining deeply connected to the overall health of the business.<h2>The Rewards and Realities of Working With Your Spouse</h2>Running a business together brings obvious upsides. The Casmons describe having a built-in partner they trust, someone who understands the daily pressures and decisions at a deeper level than anyone else.“You have someone you can rely on completely,” Geetika said. “Someone you’re comfortable with. You can be vulnerable. You can talk about the ups and downs of the business.”But that closeness can also blur boundaries. When challenges arise, they don’t stop at the office door. John says the business often feels like “its own baby,” one that sometimes demands sacrifices from both partners at the same time with late-night calls and emergency jobs. Still, being aligned makes those moments manageable.“The upside is being able to sit and collaborate, bounce ideas off each other and really understand what the other person is going through,” he said.<h2>How UWRG’s Model Supports Couple-Owned Franchises</h2>UWRG’s franchise structure has played a key role in helping the Casmons operate effectively as a team. Because franchisor support is segmented by function, each partner works directly with the departments that align with their responsibilities.John regularly connects with marketing and design teams, while Geetika works with operations and accounting support. “They’re structured in a way that really mirrors the way we’ve structured our business,” he said.Beyond franchisor support, the franchise network itself has become an invaluable resource. Rather than feeling isolated, the Casmons are able to lean on fellow franchise owners who understand the restoration business at a granular level.<h2>Advice for Couples Considering Franchising Together</h2>Both Geetika and John emphasize that alignment is everything. Before launching a business together, couples need to have honest conversations about goals, lifestyle expectations and what success truly looks like, not just individually, but as a family.John echoed that sentiment, noting that misalignment around growth expectations is one of the most common pitfalls in spouse-led partnerships. “If one person wants a $10 million business and the other wants passive income, that’s going to cause friction,” he said. “You have to get really clear on what the endgame is.”<h2>Staying Connected Beyond the Business</h2>The Casmons don’t see balance as perfection. They see it as making choices. With business always pulling at their attention, being deliberate about creating space outside of work has been key to staying connected. “That means date nights, conversations that aren’t about the business or the kids,” John said.Geetika added that even when business topics inevitably come up, staying connected as partners is what keeps the relationship strong. “I think the key, though, is to be very intentional about connecting and not solely becoming the business,” she said.UWRG provides a structure that makes collaboration practical. Accessible franchisor support and an engaged franchise network help spouses build the business side by side while keeping the relationship front and center.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration">https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration</a>.

Why Couples Are Choosing United Water Restoration Group to Build a Business Together

United Water Restoration Group offers couples in franchising the structure, support and clarity needed to grow a restoration business together without losing balance at home.

Executive Q&A with United Water Restoration Group’s Vice President of Development & Operations, Bob Moore

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