After more than a decade in insurance and oil and gas, Rodney Washington made a bold decision in the middle of the pandemic, he bet on himself. A former insurance adjuster and corporate professional, Washington turned a challenging moment in 2020 into an opportunity, investing in a United Water Restoration Group (UWRG) franchise and building a successful business rooted in community connection and personal accountability.

“I knew the restoration industry well from my time as an adjuster,”Washington said. “When I came across the brand, the logo immediately caught my eye. And once I met the team and saw their vision, it felt like the right move. They were growing and putting real investment into their franchisees.”

Now operating UWRG in Missouri City, Texas, Washington serves the greater Houston area with a hands-on approach. Rather than relying solely on traditional marketing tactics, he has embedded himself in the local business scene, serving on the board of directors for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Missouri City Small Business Advisory Committee. That grassroots involvement has helped him build real brand equity in the community.

“I don’t have a full-time marketer,” Washington said. “I’m the one doing it. I’m out there in the community, I’ve got the brand on me, and people are starting to associate me with it. It’s not always plumbers or insurance agents sending me calls. Sometimes it’s a neighbor saying, ‘I know a guy who does that.’ That means something.”

He also emphasizes the importance of showing up consistently. Whether it’s attending local events, partnering with community organizations, or simply being present where his neighbors gather, Washington makes sure his brand is top of mind.

“So I'm just really out there in the community trying to be visible, and at the same time, wherever I go, I’m representing the brand,” he said. “So people begin to associate me with the brand, understanding what it is we do. That's starting to result in phone calls.”

His efforts recently earned him the brand’s Master Marketer award, a surprise recognition that shows his hard work getting the word out and building trust in the community is making an impact.

Washington attributes his success to staying focused on his goals, avoiding the trap of constant comparison, and building momentum gradually. “We’ve got a long way to go,” he said, “but we’re growing every year. We’re building a strong foundation that’s going to last.”

His advice to others considering franchise ownership? Be honest with yourself and do your homework. “There are so many resources out there — the SBA, SCORE, SBDC, to name a few,  but too often people just jump in based on a story they heard. You need to research, ask yourself if you’re really built for this, and come into it with a realistic mindset. It’s not a lottery ticket, it’s a grind.”

Washington’s decision to own a business wasn’t about quick success; it was about long-term control. “When I got laid off, I understood it was a business decision. But I also knew I never wanted to be in that position again. Now, I control my future. I promote myself.”

And with awards, recognition and a thriving presence in his hometown, it’s clear that Rodney’s bet on himself is paying off.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration.