United Water Restoration Group

In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-washington/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=first-time-franchisee-how-a-covid-layoff-convinced-this-uwrg-franchisee-to-bet-on-himself-2723543" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rodney Washington</a> made the decision to leave corporate America behind and franchise with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration">United Water Restoration Group</a> (UWRG), a trusted leader in damage restoration services. 1851 Franchise spoke to Washington about his franchising journey with the brand and what he learned as a first-time franchisee.&nbsp;<h3>Washington’s Franchise Journey</h3>Before going into franchising, Washington’s career took several turns. He started as an insurance adjuster after college, but later pursued an opportunity to become a project manager in the oil and gas industry. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led the company he was working for to widespread layoffs, including Washington. Faced with the decision of returning to corporate work or pursuing his entrepreneurial aspirations, Washington decided it was time for a change.&nbsp;“I always wanted to do something on my own, but I didn’t really know how to get it going, so they did me a favor by pushing me out the door,” he said. “And I decided to bet on myself.”&nbsp;After trying to get some of his own businesses off the ground and coming up short, Washington decided to start doing some research on franchising. He came across&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=first-time-franchisee-how-a-covid-layoff-convinced-this-uwrg-franchisee-to-bet-on-himself-2723543" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">UWRG</a>, which was a business he never thought would be a franchise.&nbsp;“My frame of reference for franchising was simply McDonald’s, Burger King — fast food,” he said. “That’s all I really knew. So I went down this rabbit hole of realizing what a huge industry there was full of all types of different businesses.”He spent some time getting familiar with other brands, but Washington ultimately decided to go with the company that first caught his eye: UWRG. The franchisee noted that he was attracted to how the brand was still emerging and wasn’t a huge corporation.&nbsp;“I saw all of the investments they were making in their franchising operation and how they were supporting their franchisees,” he said. “That was huge to me. I also wanted to work with a company where ownership was still involved, and the team fit all of that.”&nbsp;He became the owner of UWRG of Missouri City, Texas, in March 2022.&nbsp;<h3>The Biggest Lessons Learned</h3>One of the biggest lessons that Washington has learned in his first year is that franchising is not necessarily just a “business in a box.”&nbsp;“You still have to take the playbook and you have to run the play,” be said. “It's not gonna just be some automatic machine that runs on its own. And there's going to be some tough months. There's gonna be some good months. It's just knowing how to navigate that.”&nbsp;For other people looking into becoming a franchise owner, Washington advised people to understand what they are getting into and that it is not going to be easy. He recommended doing as much research as possible before signing on the dotted line.&nbsp;“Go down that rabbit hole,” he said. “Understand what you're getting into because you might ultimately decide it's not for you — and that's okay. I really don't think franchising is for everyone. I don't think business ownership is for everyone. So it's an exercise of research before you make that decision.”&nbsp;<h3>Washington’s Plans for the Future</h3>Looking ahead to the future, Washington said he is driven by his “why?” and what’s important to him.&nbsp;“It’s all about my legacy,” he said. “I have a beautiful wife and three amazing children. I want to be a great example for those children, and I want to make my wife proud and make her feel secure in the future that I'm building for us. I'm just going to be a part of building a really great brand.”&nbsp;

First-Time Franchisee: How a COVID Layoff Convinced This UWRG Franchisee to Bet on Himself

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Rodney Washington, a first-time franchise owner with the damage restoration franchise, shares insights on his journey, what he has learned along the way and why franchising is not necessarily just a “business in a box.” 

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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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Homeowners who prepare ahead of time are far more likely to withstand the wetter 2026 El Niño forecast. Increased storm activity is expected across the South and Gulf Coast, and repeated rainfall can slowly expose weak spots in a home that might otherwise go unnoticed.&nbsp;“Most of the damage we respond to during heavy rain seasons isn’t from catastrophic events. It’s from repeated exposure where small vulnerabilities turn into major problems,” said&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/bob-moore">Bob Moore</a>, president of&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/">United Water Restoration Group (UWRG)</a>, a national restoration and remediation franchise.El Niño shifts atmospheric patterns, often sending more frequent storm systems across the southern part of the country. While that can bring periods of steady rain rather than isolated events, the outcome for homeowners can be the same or worse. More rain creates more opportunities for water to find its way into places it should not be, especially when homes have small vulnerabilities that have gone unaddressed.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">UWRG</a> sees the impact of those patterns firsthand. The company responds to water damage, mold and storm-related issues across storm-prone markets, and its teams often notice the same trend during wetter seasons. It is not always a single major storm that causes the most problems. It is the accumulation of moisture over time.Roof leaks are among the most common issues, especially in homes where shingles and flashing have worn out. Water can also get through poorly sealed windows and doors, or collect around the foundation if drainage is not functioning properly. Overwhelmed stormwater systems can also cause flooding, even in areas where it’s not typical.&nbsp;Once water enters a home, moisture can spread behind walls, under flooring and into insulation. This can create conditions where materials begin to break down. Mold growth can sometimes occur within just a day or two, making the restoration process more difficult.<h2>Don’t Wait Too Long to React</h2>Many homeowners miss the early signs that something is wrong. The warning signals are often subtle and easy to dismiss. A faint stain on a ceiling, a musty smell in a closet, or slight warping in the flooring can all indicate water intrusion that has already begun. By the time water becomes visible, the underlying issue has often been present for some time.“Too often, homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until water is already coming in,” Moore said. “By that point, the leak or drainage issue may have been building for weeks. The sooner you catch it, the easier it usually is to fix.”Before the rain picks up, homeowners should look for worn shingles, blocked gutters and downspouts that may be sending water too close to the house. It’s also worth checking the window and door seals, as small gaps can let rain in.<h2>Small Fixes Now Can Prevent Major Repairs Later</h2>If the ground around a home slopes toward the foundation, water can collect in the wrong places and seep inside. The ground around the foundation should slope away from the house so that water drains outward, not in.&nbsp;For homes with basements or crawl spaces, it’s also a good idea to check that sump pumps and drainage systems are functioning properly before heavy rain begins.“The homeowners who avoid major damage are usually the ones who stay on top of basic maintenance,” Moore said. “It’s not complicated, but it does require attention before the storms arrive.”Waiting too long can make the damage much more expensive. A leak caught early may only need a simple repair. Left alone, that water can move through walls, flooring and insulation, leading to extraction, drying and possible mold remediation. At that point, a small maintenance issue can become a much larger restoration job.<h2>Preparing for a Wetter Season Starts Before the Storm</h2>El Niño does not guarantee severe outcomes for every homeowner, but it does increase the likelihood. For homeowners across Texas, the Gulf Coast, Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, there’s time to prepare for wetter conditions. Addressing these small issues early can reduce the risk of damage before the season peaks.UWRG responds when problems occur, but the goal is to help homeowners avoid reaching that point. Seasonal weather patterns will continue to shift, but the fundamentals of protecting a home remain the same. Attention to detail, early action and a clear understanding of risk can make the difference between routine maintenance and a costly repair.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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Rain across the South and Gulf Coast can expose small home maintenance issues before homeowners realize there’s a problem. United Water Restoration Group has solutions.

How to Protect Your Home During El Niño Season

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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.

First-Time Franchisee: How a COVID Layoff Convinced This UWRG Franchisee to Bet on Himself

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