United Water Restoration Group

Mike and Maria Tempesta have spent more than 20 years running businesses and helping people recover after property damage. Their background in insurance and restoration gave them a strong understanding of what customers need during difficult times. After living in Florida for many years, they decided to relocate and start a new chapter in Asheville.They chose&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=united-water-restoration-group-asheville-tempesta-2730688" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">United Water Restoration Group</a> because the company’s values matched their own. They wanted a business that focused on honesty, reliability and supporting people when they need help the most. With the backing of a proven franchise system, they are now focused on growing their location and serving homeowners and businesses across the area.The Tempestas picked Asheville, North Carolina, as the place to put their years of experience to work. They were drawn to the lifestyle, but also to the chance to build a business that could serve neighbors when help is needed most.1851 Franchise sat down with the Tempestas to discuss their franchising journey with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">UWRG</a> and their plans for the future. Here’s what they 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?Mike Tempesta:&nbsp;We’ve been in business for ourselves for quite a while. I was a public adjuster in Florida for more than 10 years, working for myself, and Maria helped me out in that as well. From there, we purchased a pool supply franchise in Florida and then another franchise. We’ve been serial entrepreneurs for some time.With my insurance background and a year of experience working as a mitigation project manager for another restoration concept, I gained a good understanding of how the restoration industry works. We were looking for the next opportunity, and this seemed like a good fit.Maria Tempesta: I’ve always been the support for the different businesses we’ve run. I also worked for the same restoration company as Mike did for a short time after we moved here from Florida. With that experience, along with handling administration for the public adjusting business, it felt like a natural fit. That’s why we’re here now.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?Mike:&nbsp;Franchising is great for people who don’t have a lot of business experience and want a partner in the process. The saying goes, you’re in business for yourself but not by yourself.To be frank, there are strong franchise systems and some you may not want to work with. As a model, though, franchising offers many advantages. There’s the support, the insight into the industry and the connections you make with other owners. You also gain supplier advantages and economies of scale that independent operators usually don’t have.Franchising provides real value as a partnership with the franchise owner. You pay for that, but ideally, the trade-off is worth the investment.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Mike: It’s a growing brand, and you really get the family feel from it. Not all franchises have that. This system creates a close, supportive environment in the way they work with each other and with their franchise owners. That isn’t something you find everywhere. In a previous franchise I worked with, it was family-owned and you could feel that same sense of connection. That’s what stood out to me here — you feel like you’re part of the family.For United Water Restoration Group, it’s definitely the support they offer. They provide insight, they’re invested in your success and they’re always willing to help. Their marketing program is strong and helps you get a quick start in the organization and in your business. It was also a good financial deal. The royalties we pay are very competitive compared with other franchises, if not better, which is especially helpful when you’re first starting out.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Maria:&nbsp;We hope to grow as much as we can, while making sure we serve our customers the right way. We’re both very excited for the future. We started off pretty quickly, which was encouraging because I thought the ramp-up phase would take longer.It’s exciting to see the relationships with plumbers and other partners start to grow and pay off. When you put the plan in motion that United Water gives you, you see that it works. That’s been really rewarding.Of course, growth comes with challenges. As jobs come in, we have to scale quickly — adding employees, equipment and other resources to handle the work properly. We’ve already ordered more equipment from our initial order and are now looking to add a vehicle and another employee. We're headed in the right direction.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Mike:&nbsp;We just feel really good about being here. It feels like home, and we’re glad we made the move after living in Florida for more than 20 years. We enjoy the people and the way of life here. Beyond that, I don’t know what more there is to say.Maria:&nbsp;We have two daughters, who are 21 and 17, and two aging chihuahuas. That’s our family dynamic.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Mike:&nbsp;Be very careful. There are a lot of franchises out there, and like anything else you might get involved in, there are very good partners and there are partners you should be cautious about — ones that may not offer the support you expect from a franchisor. You really have to watch your numbers and try to understand the industry because it’s a big upfront investment. Ultimately, if for some reason you don’t make it in the business, you’re the one taking on that risk. The franchisor will continue on. So, you need to be careful about who you partner with, what business you enter and where you establish it to give yourself the best chance of success.Maria:&nbsp;The history of franchising is generally good. The percentage of successful franchises is much greater than if you go into business on your own. But there are still pitfalls and challenges that can arise along the way. The key is to be as prepared as possible.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/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=united-water-restoration-group-asheville-tempesta-2730688" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/.</a>&nbsp;

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Meet the New Owners Behind United Water Restoration Asheville

1851 Franchise

With backgrounds in insurance, restoration and franchising, Mike and Maria Tempesta saw United Water Restoration Group’s support and values as the right fit for Asheville, North Carolina.

After Two Decades Helping Homeowners Rebuild, Asheville Couple Finds the Right Fit with United Water Restoration Group

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UWRG 2025 Year in Review: Growth, Expansion and Multi-Unit Momentum

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<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/">United Water Restoration Group</a> ended a strong year on solid footing. The brand expanded its footprint in California and the Midwest, adopted new technology and continued supporting local franchise owners while laying the foundation for a momentous 2026.&nbsp;The launch of a digital marketing dashboard as well as a financial benchmarking platform delivered measurable results in 2025, setting the table for a tech-driven, highly supported franchise system heading into the new year.&nbsp;“Overall, it was a strong year,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">UWRG</a> President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-moore/">Bob Moore</a>. “We added a number of locations, and they’re opening stronger than in the past, which creates significant opportunity moving forward.”<h2>Expanding the Footprint: Midwest Strengthens, California Grows</h2>2025 growth wasn’t focused in a single region, with UWRG focusing on California, the Northeast and Midwest as specific areas of attention this year.A franchise thrives when a strong, dependable system is in place, driven by franchisor support. That support is a priority for UWRG as the new year nears, with a goal of allocating more time to each operator thanks to the promotion of a new franchise business coach.“We’re excited about 2026. We just had an internal promotion for someone to become a franchise business coach. We only had one before, and his time was getting stretched thin as we added more locations. He’s going from trying to support 40-plus locations down to 20. And the other coach will have 20 as well. So, each franchise owner will get a lot more individual attention,” Moore said. “We have a regimented program of what they’ll cover on each monthly visit: basics of the business, reviewing the P&amp;L to ensure we’re on the right track for good financial health, key metrics, people and any other open items.”<h2>New Tools Roll Out: Dashboards and Benchmarking</h2>2025 also marked a significant step forward in terms of system technology. UWRG launched a digital marketing dashboard early in 2025, delivering franchise owners a centralized view of critical metrics, as well as a new financial benchmarking platform.&nbsp;The impact was measurable, delivering consolidation which rendered simpler, more consistent performance management.&nbsp;“The digital marketing dashboards were a huge hit. They put all the digital metrics in one place for our franchises. And even though the industry’s been flat, we did see a jump in our digital leads this year. I think that was attributable to the dashboard and our franchises getting better at managing that part of their business,” Moore said. “The financial performance platform took a while to calibrate. We have that in place now and franchises can take a quick look at their P&amp;L. And with the franchise business coaches making it the first thing we cover in every monthly meeting, it puts front and center our goal: to have healthy, profitable franchises. That’s how we start every meeting.”<h2>A New Job Software Platform—and More AI Ahead</h2>2026 will mark a full transition to Albiware, a new job-management platform that aligns more closely with modern user expectations. UWRG is also continually navigating the brisk onset of tech, further exploring how artificial intelligence can help streamline operations.&nbsp;“We are looking to see how we can leverage AI in our platforms. We’re excited that some of the platforms in our tech stack available to franchises already have that built in,” Moore said. “I think we made some smart choices in terms of partners. We’re excited about that and about other ways we can leverage technology to work more efficiently and stay a step ahead.”<h2>Stronger Foundations, Bigger Opportunities Ahead</h2>While 2025 proved to be a challenging year in the restoration services sector, UWRG persevered. Focused expansion drove growth in California, the Northeast and Midwest while the roll out of new dashboards and financial benchmarking delivered concrete results, shining a light toward a 2026 where further utilization of tech and even greater support of franchise owners will be significant UWRG hallmarks.“We strengthened our footprint in the Midwest with three more locations in Ohio and Michigan. That’s exciting. We have two more franchises coming on board in California. And we’re continuing to get a lot of interest there. Obviously, that’s a huge state, so there’s a lot of opportunity,” Moore said. “I’m excited for our franchises and the support they will receive in 2026 based on the additional investment we made in personnel.”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>.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 https://uwrgfranchise.com/investment-opportunities/

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Bob Moore, president of United Water Restoration Group, details 2025 franchise growth, new locations, digital tools and expanded coaching, setting up stronger support and innovation for 2026.

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Success in the restoration industry requires more than just technical skill. At&nbsp;<a href="https://uwrgfranchise.com/">United Water Restoration Group</a>, a franchise owner’s ability to combine leadership, problem-solving and a genuine desire to help clients can make all the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unitedwaterrestoration/info">UWRG</a> has built a reputation by partnering with franchise owners at the local level who share its commitment to excellence, integrity and community impact. In doing so, the franchisor has built a system where motivated entrepreneurs can grow recession-resistant businesses while making a tangible difference in their communities.Resourcefulness sits near the top of the list of qualities UWRG looks for in potential franchise owners. Franchise owners encounter unpredictable situations on a daily basis. From water damage emergencies to scheduling crises, the key is often to expect the unexpected. As a result, the best operators are those who can navigate stressful challenges creatively without losing their composure.&nbsp;“As a small business owner, you’re hit with lots of problems. Sometimes a bunch in a row,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-moore/">Bob Moore</a>, president of UWRG. “Your ability to be resourceful, find creative solutions, keep your head up and keep moving forward is huge.”&nbsp;<h2>Leadership and the Ability to Scale</h2>Organization and leadership skills are both critical when it comes to scaling franchise operations. In the earliest days of any business, franchise owners tend to handle a lot of different business elements themselves. From marketing and sales to hands-on restoration work, it’s important to wear a lot of hats because growth requires the ability to recruit, train and motivate team members.&nbsp;“Part of it is being able to sell people on the vision,” Moore said. “‘We’re small now. But we’re going to build a much larger organization. So, come along for the journey. Because there’s opportunity for growth and advancement.’”<h2>A Service-Focused Mindset</h2>Founded in 2008, UWRG has built and tweaked its system and model for nearly two decades. At the heart of that model lies one very simple but crucial element: service.&nbsp;Most of its work involves residential properties, so customers are often dealing with one of the most stressful moments of their lives. A successful franchise owner needs to approach those situations with a service-oriented mindset. In these moments, it’s important to try to view revenue as the byproduct of genuinely helping people restore their homes.&nbsp;“For most people, the home is the largest investment they’ve made. So, when something bad happens, they call us,” Moore said. “Our top franchise owners can sense that and want to help people feel whole again. They want to help them restore that large investment.”<h2>Coachable and Open to Innovation</h2>Being coachable and willing to learn from corporate training, peers and the franchise system itself sets high-performing franchise owners apart. By adopting best practices and exploring new tools, including emerging technologies like AI, even those with industry experience can benefit. An openness to continually improving can help franchise operators at the local level stay competitive while contributing innovative ideas more broadly.UWRG encourages franchise owners to innovate within the framework of national branding and operational guidelines. Creative problem-solving is valued and often adopted systemwide when proven effective.&nbsp;Franchise owners who can balance adherence to the brand with thoughtful innovation can help shape the way the business operates regardless of market.<h2>Prepare for a Challenge</h2>Getting any new business off the ground can be a challenge, especially early on. As with most new businesses, running a UWRG franchise can be demanding. Emergency services operate around the clock, requiring both flexibility and commitment. Therefore, research and preparation are essential for anyone considering joining the network. But the UWRG franchise model offers a unique advantage: the independence of entrepreneurship paired with extensive support.“Over time, it gets easier and better,” Moore said. “But it requires a fair amount of work in the beginning.”<h2>The Franchise Owner Who Thrives</h2>The combination of resourcefulness, leadership, empathy and a willingness to learn defines the type of entrepreneur who will thrive within United Water Restoration Group. For those ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of the restoration business, the franchisor offers a proven system ready to help build a resilient, service-oriented business capable of making a meaningful impact at the local level.“Success lies on the other side of hard work, determination and consistent effort toward a clear goal,” Moore said. “I love the franchise business model. You can be in business&nbsp;for&nbsp;yourself, but not&nbsp;by&nbsp;yourself. You always have support and you always have someone you can call for advice or solutions to a problem.”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>.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 to $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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Restoration takes a particular mindset. United Water Restoration Group President Bob Moore shares key qualities franchise owners need to thrive in a service-focused, high-demand restoration industry.

What It Takes to Succeed: Top Qualities United Water Restoration Group Looks for in Franchise Owners

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After Two Decades Helping Homeowners Rebuild, Asheville Couple Finds the Right Fit with United Water Restoration Group

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