However, if you don’t have industry experience, Black notes that “going the franchise route is an easier way to get into the business as the franchise offers established processes/procedures, guidance and coaching to help in your success. It’s harder to start from scratch on your own. The hardest part for our team was getting used to the different software that is required: Dash, Xactimate and QuickBooks. It has been continual training.”
DRYmedic Restoration Services has a menu of services that franchisees can add to their businesses: water and flood damage, fire and smoke damage, mold remediation, storm damage, construction, residential restoration services, commercial restoration services, asbestos removal, disaster planning, sewer water backup, contents cleaning, disinfection, attic stain removal, emergency services and biohazard.
The Institute of Inspections Cleaning and Restoration Certification offers many required certifications for plumbing contractors who enter the business, including for water damage restoration technicians. “These standards serve to develop common, industry-accepted language and terminology that enables us to discuss concepts and procedures more universally regarding cleaning, inspections and restoration,” Black explains.
As part of Authority Brands, both franchises offer ongoing post-onboarding training sessions through the online training platform, Success Academy. Equipment manufacturers also provide training on their equipment to ensure proper use.
Contractors can rent equipment when they start their new water remediation/restoration venture, but Black and Rossi recommend buying the basic equipment and renting more equipment for larger jobs.
“Compared to independent contractors, many franchise owners can benefit from greater purchasing power due to the strong relationships franchisors maintain with suppliers,” Rossi adds.
Independent plumbing contractors interested in more detailed information on the water remediation/restoration industry can attend Flow Expo, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, PHCC and Service World Expo. Contractors who want to learn more about franchise options should look at the International Franchise Expo, the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference and the Leadership & Development Conference.
“Being part of a franchise can connect you with a large network of like-minded individuals,” Rossi says. “Whether you share a passion for the restoration or plumbing industries, have a background in entrepreneurship, or desire to help others in times of need, entrepreneurs within the network can offer advice, share experiences, answer questions and provide support as your business grows.”
Kelly Faloon is a contributing writer to CONTRACTOR magazine and principal of Faloon Editorial Services. The former editor of Plumbing & Mechanical magazine, she has more than 35 years of experience in B2B publishing, with 26 of those years writing about the plumbing, heating, cooling and piping industry. Faloon is a journalism graduate of Michigan State University. You can reach her at [email protected].