Prospective entrepreneurs must consider whether they're ready to leave their current careers, what type of business aligns with their goals and whether they want to build something independently or invest in an established franchise system.
For Mark and Kayla Hathaway, Franchise Owners with United Water Restoration Group (UWRG), those questions ultimately led them to open their own restoration business in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
After years of working in different industries while flipping houses on the side, the couple realized they wanted more from their professional lives. They found an opportunity to combine their entrepreneurial ambitions with their passion for helping others through UWRG, a restoration franchise that provides essential water, fire and mold remediation services.
Their journey offers a valuable perspective for anyone wondering whether franchise ownership could be the right next step.
One of the first questions prospective franchise owners must ask themselves is whether they're truly ready to pursue something different.
For the Hathaways, the decision wasn't driven by dissatisfaction with their existing careers. Kayla worked in the medical field, while Mark worked in the plant industry. Together, they also bought, renovated and sold houses, gaining firsthand experience with property improvement and the demands of running a business.
Although they had established careers and experience in real estate, they began to feel that their professional lives could offer something more. “We were both like, ‘Why are we doing this?’” Kayla said. “Let's just take that chance.’ We felt there was more to it than just settling.”
Rather than continuing to flip houses, the couple wanted to build a business that would allow them to work more directly with people in their community.
For professionals considering a similar transition, the first step is identifying what they want from their next chapter. Is it the opportunity to lead a team? Build a long-term family business? Take greater control over their professional future? Or find work that offers a stronger sense of purpose?
Understanding those motivations can help determine whether business ownership is the right path.
Once someone decides to pursue entrepreneurship, the next question is often how to get started.
Starting an independent business provides freedom, but it also means developing operational procedures, building brand recognition, establishing marketing strategies and learning how to navigate challenges without the backing of an established organization.
Franchising offers a different approach. Entrepreneurs can own and operate their own businesses while benefiting from an existing brand, established systems, training and ongoing support.
For the Hathaways, that support was one of the most important considerations in choosing a franchise.
Before making their decision, they attended UWRG's Discovery Day in Daytona Beach, Florida, where they met the corporate team, learned more about the business model and had the opportunity to ask questions.
"It was a chance for them to kind of vet us out and for us to vet them out, and at the end of it, we loved the people that run the company," Kayla said. “They really sold it. We had a good vibe with them. They had very good plans and execution and they've had very good success. It felt good knowing that we would have a strong backbone because if you don't have that backbone, you don’t have anything.”
That experience helped the couple feel confident they were joining a franchise system with the resources and leadership they wanted behind them.
At UWRG, Franchise Owners benefit from a model that has been refined since the company's founding in 2008. The brand also operates corporate-owned locations where teams test equipment, refine operational processes and share best practices with franchise owners throughout the network.
For aspiring entrepreneurs who want independence without having to develop every aspect of a business themselves, that combination can be particularly appealing.
Choosing the right industry is just as important as choosing the right business model. For some prospective franchise owners, the priority is entering a sector with long-term demand. Others want a business that aligns with their personal interests, professional experience or values.
For the Hathaways, restoration offered a combination of those qualities.
Having grown up in Louisiana, both Kayla and Mark understood the devastating impact storms and flooding can have on families and communities. During the historic Louisiana floods of 2016, they stepped in to help their neighbors recover. Kayla assisted families with moving belongings out of flooded homes, while Mark used a boat to help rescue people.
Those experiences shaped their understanding of what it means to help someone during an emergency.
When they began exploring business ownership, restoration felt like a natural extension of the work they had already done for their community. Instead of simply renovating properties and selling them, the couple wanted to help homeowners recover from unexpected damage and restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.
UWRG provided an opportunity to turn that passion into a business.
"For most people, the home is the largest investment they've made. So, when something bad happens, they call us," said Bob Moore, president of UWRG. “Our franchise owners can sense that and want to help people feel whole again. They want to help them restore that large investment.”
For the Hathaways, that service-oriented mission was a major reason the business felt like the right fit.
Although franchise ownership offers the support of an established system, it still requires significant effort, particularly during the early stages.
For the Hathaways, opening their UWRG location meant learning the operational side of the restoration business, managing technicians, responding to customer needs and adapting to an unpredictable daily schedule.
"It's never the same. You're on-call 24/7. It's very rewarding," Kayla said. “We'll get a call and go out. We'll send the technicians out to the field and they'll get the job done and then come back and clean the vehicle. Then the next day we might have four jobs or the next day we might have three jobs and the next day we might have to go back. You know, it's different. We kind of like it though. It's not repetitive.”
That variety is part of what makes restoration ownership appealing to entrepreneurs who enjoy problem-solving and staying actively involved in their businesses.
However, the couple also discovered challenges they hadn't fully anticipated.
Kayla pointed to insurance expenses and the level of competition in their market as two aspects of ownership that required adjustment.
Their experience underscores the importance of entering franchise ownership with realistic expectations. "As a small business owner, you're hit with lots of problems. Sometimes a bunch in a row," Moore said. "Your ability to be resourceful, find creative solutions, keep your head up and keep moving forward is huge."
For many first-time entrepreneurs, one of the biggest concerns is whether they'll have the knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges of ownership. That was a key consideration for the Hathaways, who wanted to feel confident they could turn to experienced professionals for guidance.
After joining UWRG, they spent two weeks training with the corporate team in Florida. That experience allowed them to become more familiar with the business while building relationships with the people who would support them as franchise owners.
The franchise system also encourages collaboration between corporate teams and local operators, allowing Franchise Owners to learn from the experiences of others in the network.
For entrepreneurs entering an unfamiliar industry, having access to that collective knowledge can help make the transition into ownership more manageable.
"I love the franchise business model," Moore said. "You can be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. You always have support and you always have someone you can call for advice or solutions to a problem."
Ultimately, deciding whether franchise ownership is the right next step requires looking beyond the initial investment and considering the future an entrepreneur hopes to build.
For the Hathaways, owning a UWRG franchise has created an opportunity to work together, serve their community and demonstrate the possibilities of entrepreneurship to their children.
Although the responsibilities of ownership can be demanding, the couple finds fulfillment in knowing their work makes a difference for families facing unexpected property damage.
"I mean, honestly, it's been very rewarding," Kayla said. “You learn every day. You see different stuff every day. Your kids get to watch that happen. It's very rewarding in that sense if you're helping people out in their time of need.”
As they continue building their business in Ascension Parish, the Hathaways are also looking toward future growth and the possibility of creating a lasting family legacy.
When asked what she would tell a friend considering the same opportunity, Kayla's answer was straightforward: "I would tell them to definitely buy into it. It's a great franchise. No doubt. The people are great."
There is no universal answer to when someone should pursue franchise ownership. The right decision depends on personal goals, financial readiness, professional experience and willingness to take on the responsibilities of running a business.
However, for individuals who are motivated to lead, eager to learn and passionate about helping others, UWRG offers an opportunity to build a business in an essential service industry with the support of an established franchise network.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration.
United Water Restoration Group
SPONSORED
Franchise Owners Kayla and Mark Hathaway share how they took the leap into entrepreneurship with the help of United Water Restoration Group.
Prospective entrepreneurs must consider whether they're ready to leave their current careers, what type of business aligns with their goals and whether they want to build something independently or invest in an established franchise system.
For Mark and Kayla Hathaway, Franchise Owners with United Water Restoration Group (UWRG), those questions ultimately led them to open their own restoration business in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
After years of working in different industries while flipping houses on the side, the couple realized they wanted more from their professional lives. They found an opportunity to combine their entrepreneurial ambitions with their passion for helping others through UWRG, a restoration franchise that provides essential water, fire and mold remediation services.
Their journey offers a valuable perspective for anyone wondering whether franchise ownership could be the right next step.
One of the first questions prospective franchise owners must ask themselves is whether they're truly ready to pursue something different.
For the Hathaways, the decision wasn't driven by dissatisfaction with their existing careers. Kayla worked in the medical field, while Mark worked in the plant industry. Together, they also bought, renovated and sold houses, gaining firsthand experience with property improvement and the demands of running a business.
Although they had established careers and experience in real estate, they began to feel that their professional lives could offer something more. “We were both like, ‘Why are we doing this?’” Kayla said. “Let's just take that chance.’ We felt there was more to it than just settling.”
Rather than continuing to flip houses, the couple wanted to build a business that would allow them to work more directly with people in their community.
For professionals considering a similar transition, the first step is identifying what they want from their next chapter. Is it the opportunity to lead a team? Build a long-term family business? Take greater control over their professional future? Or find work that offers a stronger sense of purpose?
Understanding those motivations can help determine whether business ownership is the right path.
Once someone decides to pursue entrepreneurship, the next question is often how to get started.
Starting an independent business provides freedom, but it also means developing operational procedures, building brand recognition, establishing marketing strategies and learning how to navigate challenges without the backing of an established organization.
Franchising offers a different approach. Entrepreneurs can own and operate their own businesses while benefiting from an existing brand, established systems, training and ongoing support.
For the Hathaways, that support was one of the most important considerations in choosing a franchise.
Before making their decision, they attended UWRG's Discovery Day in Daytona Beach, Florida, where they met the corporate team, learned more about the business model and had the opportunity to ask questions.
"It was a chance for them to kind of vet us out and for us to vet them out, and at the end of it, we loved the people that run the company," Kayla said. “They really sold it. We had a good vibe with them. They had very good plans and execution and they've had very good success. It felt good knowing that we would have a strong backbone because if you don't have that backbone, you don’t have anything.”
That experience helped the couple feel confident they were joining a franchise system with the resources and leadership they wanted behind them.
At UWRG, Franchise Owners benefit from a model that has been refined since the company's founding in 2008. The brand also operates corporate-owned locations where teams test equipment, refine operational processes and share best practices with franchise owners throughout the network.
For aspiring entrepreneurs who want independence without having to develop every aspect of a business themselves, that combination can be particularly appealing.
Choosing the right industry is just as important as choosing the right business model. For some prospective franchise owners, the priority is entering a sector with long-term demand. Others want a business that aligns with their personal interests, professional experience or values.
For the Hathaways, restoration offered a combination of those qualities.
Having grown up in Louisiana, both Kayla and Mark understood the devastating impact storms and flooding can have on families and communities. During the historic Louisiana floods of 2016, they stepped in to help their neighbors recover. Kayla assisted families with moving belongings out of flooded homes, while Mark used a boat to help rescue people.
Those experiences shaped their understanding of what it means to help someone during an emergency.
When they began exploring business ownership, restoration felt like a natural extension of the work they had already done for their community. Instead of simply renovating properties and selling them, the couple wanted to help homeowners recover from unexpected damage and restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.
UWRG provided an opportunity to turn that passion into a business.
"For most people, the home is the largest investment they've made. So, when something bad happens, they call us," said Bob Moore, president of UWRG. “Our franchise owners can sense that and want to help people feel whole again. They want to help them restore that large investment.”
For the Hathaways, that service-oriented mission was a major reason the business felt like the right fit.
Although franchise ownership offers the support of an established system, it still requires significant effort, particularly during the early stages.
For the Hathaways, opening their UWRG location meant learning the operational side of the restoration business, managing technicians, responding to customer needs and adapting to an unpredictable daily schedule.
"It's never the same. You're on-call 24/7. It's very rewarding," Kayla said. “We'll get a call and go out. We'll send the technicians out to the field and they'll get the job done and then come back and clean the vehicle. Then the next day we might have four jobs or the next day we might have three jobs and the next day we might have to go back. You know, it's different. We kind of like it though. It's not repetitive.”
That variety is part of what makes restoration ownership appealing to entrepreneurs who enjoy problem-solving and staying actively involved in their businesses.
However, the couple also discovered challenges they hadn't fully anticipated.
Kayla pointed to insurance expenses and the level of competition in their market as two aspects of ownership that required adjustment.
Their experience underscores the importance of entering franchise ownership with realistic expectations. "As a small business owner, you're hit with lots of problems. Sometimes a bunch in a row," Moore said. "Your ability to be resourceful, find creative solutions, keep your head up and keep moving forward is huge."
For many first-time entrepreneurs, one of the biggest concerns is whether they'll have the knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges of ownership. That was a key consideration for the Hathaways, who wanted to feel confident they could turn to experienced professionals for guidance.
After joining UWRG, they spent two weeks training with the corporate team in Florida. That experience allowed them to become more familiar with the business while building relationships with the people who would support them as franchise owners.
The franchise system also encourages collaboration between corporate teams and local operators, allowing Franchise Owners to learn from the experiences of others in the network.
For entrepreneurs entering an unfamiliar industry, having access to that collective knowledge can help make the transition into ownership more manageable.
"I love the franchise business model," Moore said. "You can be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. You always have support and you always have someone you can call for advice or solutions to a problem."
Ultimately, deciding whether franchise ownership is the right next step requires looking beyond the initial investment and considering the future an entrepreneur hopes to build.
For the Hathaways, owning a UWRG franchise has created an opportunity to work together, serve their community and demonstrate the possibilities of entrepreneurship to their children.
Although the responsibilities of ownership can be demanding, the couple finds fulfillment in knowing their work makes a difference for families facing unexpected property damage.
"I mean, honestly, it's been very rewarding," Kayla said. “You learn every day. You see different stuff every day. Your kids get to watch that happen. It's very rewarding in that sense if you're helping people out in their time of need.”
As they continue building their business in Ascension Parish, the Hathaways are also looking toward future growth and the possibility of creating a lasting family legacy.
When asked what she would tell a friend considering the same opportunity, Kayla's answer was straightforward: "I would tell them to definitely buy into it. It's a great franchise. No doubt. The people are great."
There is no universal answer to when someone should pursue franchise ownership. The right decision depends on personal goals, financial readiness, professional experience and willingness to take on the responsibilities of running a business.
However, for individuals who are motivated to lead, eager to learn and passionate about helping others, UWRG offers an opportunity to build a business in an essential service industry with the support of an established franchise network.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration.
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