United Water Restoration Group

As vice president of franchise operations at&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-a-new-franchise-owner-elevated-her-business-to-a-record-breaking-year-while-working-full-time-2730226" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">United Water Restoration Group (UWRG)</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-gregory-258bb4b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-a-new-franchise-owner-elevated-her-business-to-a-record-breaking-year-while-working-full-time-2730226" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chrissy Gregory</a> spent years helping franchise owners grow their businesses, building systems and shaping strategy from the home office. But in 2024, she decided to take on a new challenge — purchasing her own franchise in&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgportstluciefl.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-a-new-franchise-owner-elevated-her-business-to-a-record-breaking-year-while-working-full-time-2730226" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Port St. Lucie, Florida</a>. Less than a year later, Gregory turned that location into a record-breaking performer, earning the Inspire Award at the 2025 conference.“I love my role at UWRG and the chance to work alongside franchise owners to help them grow,” Gregory said. “Becoming a franchisee myself just felt like a natural next step. With my background in operations, I knew I could take what I’ve been building at the corporate level and apply it directly to the Port St. Lucie location.”<h2>Taking Over an Existing Business</h2>Gregory bought the location with the intention of running it as a semi-absentee owner while keeping her operations leadership role at the UWRG’s home office. “It was very much an owner-operated location that relied on the owner for a lot of tasks, and to take the business to the next level, it really needed to be a place that could run on its own,” she said.As a critical next step, she hired a general manager, a marketer and a technician to fill key positions and heavily invested in both community outreach and digital marketing. As boots-on-the-ground marketing developed, these efforts revealed a need to focus on building strong relationships with local contracting partners. Gregory also put significant capital into strengthening the location’s online presence, leading to strong gains in just six months.<h2>Setting a New Standard</h2>For Gregory, turning the Port St. Lucie UWRG into a top performing location in the franchise, meant empowering her team to lead with confidence and authority. She shared a bigger vision for what the business could achieve, encouraging her team to set ambitious goals and own their results.&nbsp;“From the very beginning, we discussed what my vision for this company was, which really kind of fed into everybody that works there,” she said. “We opened up everybody's mind to the fact that there are no limits to this, and together, we could build something truly powerful.”She also gave her employees space to make decisions without stepping in to control every outcome. The result was a culture where team members felt empowered to exceed expectations and take responsibility for the location’s success.Owning her own location also gave her a chance to test the very systems she was responsible for rolling out at the franchisor level. She viewed it as both a personal challenge and an opportunity to strengthen the brand.&nbsp;“Becoming a UWRG franchisee has given me and the franchise support team incredible insight into what we are rolling out as a franchisor and how our franchisees are operating,” Gregory said. “Being able to leverage my own experience as a franchisee has led to asking key questions like: Is the process feasible? Is it working? Is it keeping up with the times? All of the insights we’re gleaning are truly impacting how we grow and develop an operations and support model for the entire system.”<h2>Numbers With Meaning</h2>The record breaking business growth didn’t happen by accident. Gregory brought focus, structure and a strong financial drive to the role. She maintained a consistent development schedule with her team despite her corporate job, spending four to five hours a week coaching them to operate independently.“I'm most proud of putting a team together that operates for the most part without me; that’s not easy to do. Everybody that was with the Port St. Lucie office when I purchased it still works there,” she said, noting that revenue growth came from the same staff who were there before she took over.That commitment to empowering her team and driving measurable results is exactly why Gregory was honored with UWRG’s Inspire Award in 2025. The award isn’t about being the biggest operation — it recognizes franchisees who raise the bar for their teams and for the system as a whole.In less than a year, what started as an average-performing location, became one of the network’s fastest turnarounds, proving that with the right leadership and systems in place, extraordinary growth is possible.<h2>Lessons for Future Franchise Owners</h2>Gregory’s success shows that it is possible to run a semi-absentee franchise, but only with the right approach. Her results came from being hyper-focused on building and coaching a strong team, and following the operational playbook that UWRG has spent nearly two decades developing.For entrepreneurs considering ownership while balancing another career, Gregory’s first year proves that with the right structure and commitment, the model can thrive.&nbsp;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;

How a New Franchise Owner Elevated Her Business to a Record-Breaking Year — While Working Full-Time

How Chrissy Gregory Turned UWRG Port St. Lucie Into a Top Performer

1851 Franchise

Chrissy Gregory of United Water Restoration Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, earned the brand’s Inspire Award for redefining ownership, effort and what’s possible in year one.

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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

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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;

image of Chrissy Gregory from United Water Restoration Group executive-turned-franchise owner 

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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How a New Franchise Owner Elevated Her Business to a Record-Breaking Year — While Working Full-Time

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