The journey from military service to civilian life can often be difficult, with many veterans finding it challenging to apply their expertise to a new career path. For Jon Mooney, a decorated Army veteran, the transition into franchising with United Water Restoration Group (UWRG), the premier water restoration and reconstruction franchise was a natural progression that leveraged his extensive military background into civilian triumph.
Hailing from Ohio, Mooney’s early realization that he needed direction in his life led him to the doors of the U.S. Army. There, he committed 20 years of his life, retiring as a Sergeant First Class, an experience that not only shaped him but also laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
During his service, Mooney’s roles were critical and varied — from Unit Supply Specialist to Property Book Officer — culminating in his receiving accolades for his exceptional support in combat environments. Deployments to Bosnia, Kosovo, the Republic of Georgia, Iraq and beyond taught Mooney how to adapt and excel in diverse and challenging environments. From the 82nd Airborne Division to the 10th Special Forces Group, Mooney learned the essence of logistics and leadership under pressure. Today, it is these intangible skills that Mooney values most.
“I always had the best leaders that pushed me to go the extra mile to accomplish tasks beyond my ability,” said Mooney. “They expected me to execute it sometimes with little guidance. They knew that If I didn’t know how to do it, I knew what regulation or leadership to get guidance from. The military sent me to many schools that gave me the ability to move on with anything life or business throws my way.”
For veterans like Mooney, the UWRG franchise model offers a similarly structured yet flexible framework that resonates well with their military training. It is this very aspect that drew Mooney to franchising after serving as a civilian Logistics Specialist for over 10 years. Looking for a new path, he started United Water Restoration Group of Colorado Springs in 2019.
“A restoration company like UWRG is really based on the same skills I learned in the military — it's all about logistics and having the knowledge to accomplish any task that is put before me,” Mooney said.
Since 2008, UWRG has helped thousands of home and business owners restore properties to pre-loss condition. The scope and size of the restoration industry is large and varied, with multiple revenue streams. One of those revenue streams alone, water damage, accounts for the second most filed type of insurance claim in the U.S., with 14,000 Americans experiencing water damage every day.
For prospective Franchise Owners, UWRG offers the ability to tap into a recession-resistant, essential service with a low initial investment ($196,906 to $582,127). UWRG operates on a lean, simple business model, all while simultaneously drawing high revenues and margins from its multiple revenue streams.
For veterans considering the transition to civilian life or seeking support for new entrepreneurial opportunities, Mooney offers this advice: "I've had other businesses, but my franchise gave me step-by-step instruction on being successful,” he said. “I would definitely recommend United Water Restoration Group as a family that is always a phone call away.”
Today, Mooney’s franchise is not just a testament to his dedication — it's a beacon for other veterans showing that the discipline and skills acquired in the military can lead to successful business ownership.
For more information on franchising, visit https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration