United Water Restoration Group

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmccandless/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=texas-entrepreneur-thrives-as-united-water-restoration-franchisee-2723127&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=first-time-franchisee-craig-mccandless-chooses-united-water-restoration-group-2723545" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Craig McCandless</a> had been in the corporate world pretty much all his adult life. But this year, he decided to make the leap into franchising with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration">United Water Restoration Group</a> (UWRG), a trusted leader in damage restoration services.1851 Franchise talked to McCandless about his decision and his first year of franchising thus far.&nbsp;<h3>McCandless’s Franchise Journey</h3>Before franchising, McCandless spent most of his career in the utilities sector, dealing in various areas such as meter installations, billing, software sales and customer service. As time went on, he started looking at different business opportunities.Over the years, franchise brokers reached out to McCandless on LinkedIn, but he had never taken them up on a call until recently. The broker explained the process of exploring franchise opportunities, and McCandless found the process more affordable than expected and decided to move forward.“I didn’t think that's feasible for me until I actually decided to look a little deeper,” he said.&nbsp; “When it's done right, the franchising side is better than the small business side, and that's why I didn't try to go alone. Franchises have things that work. And that's helpful, especially when you're jumping into something that you're not a 20-year veteran in doing.”&nbsp;After spending time doing research and meeting with various companies, he eventually found&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=first-time-franchisee-craig-mccandless-chooses-united-water-restoration-group-2723545" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">UWRG</a>. His decision to franchise with the brand was influenced by factors such as the team, the company story and the importance of providing essential services to the community. He was drawn to the idea of being part of an emerging business in the water restoration field and helping local communities in times of need.<h3>The Biggest Lessons Learned</h3>One of the biggest lessons McCandless has learned in his first year is that there’s a lot of work and education that goes into being a franchisee.&nbsp;“You have to understand the business you’re about to go into and, once you make that decision, there’s still a lot of things that need to be done,” he said. “If you’ve never owned a small business, you drink from the fire hose really quickly. There are things that you need to embrace and understand very fast.”&nbsp;For other people thinking about making the jump into franchising, McCandless strongly emphasizes that due diligence is key. He noted that, if you select a good franchise broker, that can be very helpful. Additionally, he spent a lot of time talking to existing franchise owners.&nbsp;“One thing I really liked about the franchise model is the opportunity to speak to existing franchisees about their experience,” he said. “I looked for newer ones that had just gone through the process. I think that really helps you with due diligence because franchises are limited as to what they can share with you, especially regarding the financial viability.”&nbsp;<h3>Looking Ahead to the Future</h3>As he continues on his first year of business ownership, McCandless hopes that he can build a thriving business that not only supports his family but also maintains a strong reputation in his community.“I want to focus on being ethical, doing a good job and providing excellent customer service,” he said. “If somebody uses my company, I want them to give us raving reviews and say that our team was really professional with what they are doing.”Someday, McCandless hopes to pass a successful business to a family member, employee or someone else who will continue to run the business well.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

First-Time Franchisee Craig McCandless Chooses United Water Restoration Group

1851 Franchise

After spending most of his career in the corporate world, Craig McCandless found himself intrigued by the water restoration franchise that helps locals. 

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Stepping into the spring season can serve as a reset for the home. In addition to spring cleaning, homeowners should take a moment to evaluate their spaces and ensure there are no structural issues, which can pose a much greater threat to the home's health and safety. Often, these seasonal reviews should focus on areas where moisture may be harbored, as left unaddressed, water can be one of the most dangerous variables in your home."These things are usually sudden and accidental, so there aren’t really warning signs," said&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">UWRG</a> Field Supervisor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zsolt-janocsik-501a97114/">Zsolt Janocsik</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgtoronto.com/">UWRG Toronto</a>. "Damage can be hidden because you can’t always see what’s behind the walls. We just had a customer whose copper pipe was strapped directly to the foundation. There was no insulation behind it. And there’s no way you can predict that or prevent it."For teams at&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/">United Water Restoration Group</a>, a 50-plus-location restoration franchise, spring is a time to check for repercussions of any winter leaks or burst pipes, improper water diversion and ground saturation to ensure water isn’t collecting somewhere it shouldn’t be.<h2>The Stealthy Nature of Winter Leaks</h2>A proper review takes a step back. Unlike sudden, obvious increases in moisture due to spring rains, winter water damage is often a quieter process that can go unnoticed for months. Because of this, homeowners should make a concerted effort to search for these issues once it begins warming back up to ensure there is no invisible winter water damage.Because these issues are tucked away, it’s highly likely a homeowner wouldn't notice a leak the moment it occurs. Rather, they must rely on visual cues that something is wrong.&nbsp;Complete a survey of the home once winter is over for the key warning signs: discoloration and wrinkled paint. These generally indicate that a slow drip has been taking place for some time. Once a spot is visible to the naked eye, the moisture has likely spread much further than the surface suggests. An intentional review for even small spots can help you catch issues before they become even more serious.<h2>Proactive Prevention Around the Foundation</h2>Once a retroactive review is complete, homeowners can begin to think about the “now.” Issues related to external moisture (and efforts to keep it out) are often straightforward and addressable through basic outdoor maintenance.Keeping water away from the structure itself is a strong first line of defense. This means cleaning gutters of any leaf litter left from fall and ensuring downspouts are functioning properly, moving water away from the home. This way, when spring showers come, your home is functioning properly and working to ensure water isn’t pooling against your first-level walls.Just as you should evaluate the home for any existing damage from winter freezes, it’s smart to stay vigilant throughout the spring season. Even if your gutters and downspouts were doing their jobs at the start of the season, do an occasional check. For example, if you notice puddles close to your home after a rainy day, give it some thought. This standing water could be slowly seeping in and triggering water damage indoors.<h2>The Role of Professional Technology</h2>While awareness as a homeowner is an important baseline, it’s just as crucial to know when to call the professionals. If you notice standing water, discoloration, irregularly high indoor humidity or water where you don’t expect it indoors, you should likely call a professional.The DIY approach often falls short because it just can’t account for what’s actually happening inside the structure. This is where UWRG franchise owners provide a level of certainty that neither a flashlight nor a ladder can match. Using thermal imaging cameras, specialists can see the exact footprint of trapped moisture within a wall, out of view to the naked eye."The best way to check is with a thermal imaging camera,”&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgtoronto.com/">Janocsik</a> said. “Because it shows the whole outline of the water damage, not just the small spot you can see.”By pairing such cameras with moisture meters, professional restoration experts can assess whether the moisture levels in drywall have climbed above the standard 10% or 15% range. If the meter reads above 25%, a serious problem is confirmed, allowing the restoration team to address the root cause before rot or mold forms.<h2>Protecting Your Biggest Investment</h2>For most people, the home is the single largest investment they’ll ever make. While it can be tempting to ignore a small drip under a cabinet or a faint spot on the ceiling, procrastination is the enemy of a healthy home."Once you see something unusual, you should act on it," Janocsik said. "We see rotten cabinets because something has been dripping underneath a kitchen cabinet, and people don’t care about it. They think it’s just a drip. But after months and months, it can rot the whole cabinet."Whether it’s testing a sump pump by dumping a bucket of water into the pit or simply running the furnace fan to keep air circulating, small habits can make a profound difference. But, when those habits aren’t enough, UWRG stands as a local resource that can help ensure a winter mishap doesn’t become a costly, permanent headache.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>.

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United Water Restoration Group Field Supervisor Zsolt Janocsik explains how homeowners can identify signs of water damage beyond frozen pipes season and protect their property from costly damage.

Identifying Hidden Water Damage: A Guide for Spring

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1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Ana & Sharone Royall & family, UWRG

From Real Estate to Restoration: Husband and Wife Duo Find Purpose with United Water Restoration Group in Las Vegas

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

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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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First-Time Franchisee Craig McCandless Chooses United Water Restoration Group

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