United Water Restoration Group

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-trujillo-03320622/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg-2728386" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Robert Trujillo’s</a> decision to expand his construction business into water mitigation services was driven by his desire to streamline operations and offer comprehensive solutions to his clients. As the founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.builtbydesign.net/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg-2728386" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Built by Design</a>, a Denver-based construction group launched in 2016, Trujillo had been managing extensive residential and commercial projects. While occasionally working on reconstruction for large mitigation companies, he realized these jobs often had lower margins due to the involvement of multiple parties.“A couple of years ago, I started exploring adding water mitigation services to our business,” said Trujillo. “It seemed like a good fit and allowed us to expand without building everything from scratch. That’s how franchising started making sense to me.”Trujillo’s exploration into water mitigation led him to&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg-2728386" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">United Water Restoration Group (UWRG)</a>, a franchise specializing in water, fire and mold restoration. “We interviewed several larger franchises, but there were challenges with territory allocations,” Trujillo said. “With&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">United Water Restoration Group</a>, we felt aligned on values and their leadership had a hands-on approach. The original founders are still deeply involved in daily operations, which was important to us.”&nbsp;Now a&nbsp;<a href="https://unitedwaterrestoration.com/us/colorado/denver-northwest?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg-2728386" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">UWRG Franchise Owner in Northwest Denver</a>, Trujillo’s business offers end-to-end restoration services, ensuring homeowners can recover fully after disasters. “We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop,” he said. “Many mitigation companies handle water or fire loss but leave reconstruction to a third party. We offer end-to-end service — from mitigation to rebuilding — ensuring homeowners return to a space that’s as good as, if not better than, its original condition.”&nbsp;1851 Franchise recently sat down with Trujillo to discuss his franchising journey, his partnership with UWRG and his plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Robert Trujillo: I spent most of my career as an executive in default mortgage solutions. At one point, I managed over 200 non-direct employees and oversaw a P&amp;L for a Fidelity National Financial company. During the mortgage crisis, we handled foreclosures and REOs [Real Estate Owned properties] for major banks. My background is rooted in the corporate world. I’ve also been a licensed real estate agent since the early 1990s.On the side, I flipped residential real estate, which led me to start my own construction and real estate investment firm after leaving corporate. We primarily handled extensive projects and were eventually approached by other investors in Denver for full-scale renovations. In 2016, we officially launched Built by Design, our construction group here in Denver.While working on reconstruction projects for larger mitigation companies, I realized those jobs had lower margins because multiple parties took a cut. A couple of years ago, I started exploring adding water mitigation services to our business. It seemed like a good fit and allowed us to expand without building everything from scratch. That’s how franchising started making sense to me.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a Franchise Owner, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Trujillo: My perception of franchising grew during the diligence process of setting up a water restoration company. I realized how much work it would be to establish this type of business independently. After thorough research, I felt partnering with a strong franchise would help me launch faster and avoid reinventing the wheel. Coming from a corporate background, I value having systems and support in place, which a franchise provides.Now that I’m part of a franchise, I want people to understand the value of having a trusted partner. A good franchise takes much of the stress out of starting a business. From marketing and technology to leadership and training, these resources can be invaluable.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Trujillo: We interviewed several larger franchises, but there were challenges with territory allocations. With United Water Restoration Group, we felt aligned on values, and their leadership had a hands-on approach. The original founders are still deeply involved in daily operations, which was important to us.United stood out because of their strong community involvement, robust technology support and dedicated leadership team. Unlike other franchises we considered, United wasn’t focused solely on scaling for investor appeal. Their commitment to supporting Franchise Owners resonated with us.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Trujillo: We want to walk before we run. Our initial focus is to be a valuable community partner and provide excellent service during people’s times of need. Restoration often involves helping individuals who have experienced significant losses, so being compassionate and dependable is our priority.As we grow, we aim to expand our services to commercial and municipal buildings and potentially add other offerings that align with water, fire and mold restoration. Long-term, we’d like to expand into additional markets in Colorado, but we’re taking it one step at a time.1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Trujillo: We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop. Many mitigation companies handle water or fire loss but leave reconstruction to a third party. We offer end-to-end service — from mitigation to rebuilding — ensuring homeowners return to a space that’s as good as, if not better than, its original condition. That’s a major value we bring to the community.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Trujillo: Do your homework. Understand what you’re getting into and take the time to evaluate the options available to you. I’ve seen both sides — people who build businesses independently and those who partner with franchises. Franchising removes many unknowns and challenges that might otherwise cause stress. Partnering with the right franchise can make a significant difference, especially if they provide strong support systems.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 80 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 $214,300 (single unit) to $627,400 (six units). For more information on franchising, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg-2728386" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/</a>.

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United Water Restoration Group: Franchise Owner Robert Trujillo’s Success Story

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As a United Water Restoration Group Franchise Owner, Trujillo has leveraged his expertise in construction and real estate to offer comprehensive water mitigation services.

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

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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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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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How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

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