How This Long Island Entrepreneur Found Success Franchising with United Water Restoration Group

Phil DePaul always wanted to open his own business in an industry that could withstand the test of time. That’s why he decided to franchise with United Water Restoration Group (UWRG), the 82-territory franchise brand that has provided premier restoration and reconstruction services for nearly 15 years. 

Regardless of what is happening with the economy, helping people recover their most valuable assets and get back to normal after a disaster is an essential community service. With UWRG, franchisees like Long Island-based DePaul can be a part of a scalable, recession-resistant business at a low cost of entry.

Before franchising, DePaul spent 14 years in the wholesale distribution industry handling plumbing, heating and HVAC supplies. With his dad being a union plumber, DePaul got his first job in the industry in high school. He built his career at that company, eventually taking on a management role and helping grow the brand.

After moving on from that role, DePaul took a position with a private firm that had a contract with the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery in New York. After Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012, grant money went into a housing effort for people whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the superstorm. DePaul served as a project manager in this effort for four years. This position was a starting point for DePaul to gain experience in the restoration industry before he ever knew he would end up in franchising. 

Franchising wasn’t something DePaul was necessarily always after. But one thing he did know is that he wanted to own his own business. He began working with a franchise consultant to see what options were out there. Eventually, he was introduced to UWRG, which he says resonated with him right away. 

“What initially drew me in was the business model,” said DePaul. “It was the idea of doing insurance work where you serve a client without holding them directly accountable for the costs associated with the services.”

DePaul was also drawn to the fact that restoration work isn’t something that will ever go out of style. “For as long as there are structures, there are going to be accidents and incidents inside them, and someone has to specialize in taking care of it,” he said. 

Founded in Florida during the recession, UWRG knows that regardless of what is happening with the economy, pipes still burst, mold still grows and natural disasters still strike. The full-service restoration company has remained a dominant force in the restoration industry, specializing in water damage mitigation, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, reconstruction, sewage, flood, and disaster response while delivering a best-in-class customer experience to residential and commercial customers.

After reaching a point where he was comfortable enough with the brand, DePaul decided it was time to pull the trigger. He knew he was ready as an entrepreneur and that UWRG was the right fit for him. 

During his process, the franchisee felt plenty of support from the team at UWRG. He noted that someone was always a phone call away and that there were people who truly cared about the success of his territory. And that has only gotten stronger throughout his time with the brand. “Year by year, I've seen the level of resources and commitment and enthusiasm by the franchise team continue to grow. That’s all you can ask for,” he said. 

This level of support and hard work has brought DePaul great success. For DePaul, success is something internal that can be felt within himself. 

“For me, success feels like a bunch of people working together towards a common goal, and I've been lucky enough to experience that,” he said. “That's something I just want to continue to nurture in whatever shape or form it takes. Getting into this business has provided that opportunity, and I like to think that we've created that environment that feels like we are winning.” 

Being a part of the concept for three and a half years, DePaul already owns a large number of territories on Long Island. The area is full of older homes in a relatively small geographic area, making it ripe with opportunity. Looking ahead, the future is full of possibilities. 

The total initial investment to open and begin operation ranges from $159,342–$441,874. For more information on franchising, visit https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/.

For more information on United Water Restoration Group in Long Island, visit www.unitedliny.com.