Franchise and Business Opportunities Articles

"Independence." That is what 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE franchise developer, Rich Rye, says is the best part of owning your own franchise business: "independence, being in control of your destiny, time, and financial freedom." Very candidly, he says that "there is a lot of work to be done, to run a business," but the benefit is that "as a franchise owner, you are working for your future and not that of the company you work for." Of course, such a statement is fairly universal to franchises and not specific to 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE, so you may be wondering exactly what sets this franchise apart.

It may sound a little strange and perhaps more than just a little exaggerated, but in all honesty, the basic job description of a 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE entrepreneur is being a hero. Now, of course the 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE franchisee doesn’t run around in spandex and a cape, but he does swoop in and save the day when clients are facing circumstances they can’t handle. Flooded homes are no laughing matter, and anyone who has experienced water damage in their home or business understands what a relief it is when the professionals show up to put the house back together just the way it was. That relief is what 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE provides on a daily basis.

Using the most advanced technology, methods, training, and equipment, franchisees do the hard work of drying, and restoring their clients’ homes in the short span of 3-5 days. The work is certainly challenging, but the appreciation of homeowners who have just been through one of the worst days of their lives makes it all well worth it. And clients are even happier when they consider that, to them, your services are free. Paid by the insurance companies, this home improvement franchise provides its services at no cost to the homeowners, which makes their lives easier and their opinions of the franchisee even better. The 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE franchisee really is a hero.

When an entrepreneur initially joins the 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE family, they waste no time in teaching him the ropes of the business and the work of flood repair. Right at the outset, they send franchisees to the newest water damage training facility in the country for the most comprehensive training program available with any franchise business. But they don’t only teach prospective franchisees the ropes of water removal and home restoration, there is also complete training for the administrative operation of a successful business.

All of this, according to Rye, is very important to the life of a 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE franchise. He mentions that one of the worst things a franchisee can do is to go off the proven, tested path that a franchisor provides. His advice to franchisees is "if the operations manual says to do things one way, but you feel it could be done better another way, share your thoughts with your support people but follow the system’s approach." He adds , "Inevitably, franchisees who follow the system the best are the happiest and most successful." There is a reason that this franchisor goes to the trouble of teaching their franchisees all they’ve learned about successful business, and that reason is that it works.

Just because they want you follow their proven methods, however, that doesn’t mean they don’t want new ideas circulated as well; in fact, they encourage collaboration, idea-sharing, and innovation. From the very beginning of an interest in 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE, franchisees are encouraged to build relationships with one another. Even before taking advantage of a franchise opportunity, potential buyers are introduced to other franchisees who give them the insider scoop on how the business functions and whether it is a worthwhile operation. Then, once a franchisee commits to purchasing the business for sale, he gains access to all of the people and resources 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE has to offer.

From start to finish, there really is a family atmosphere to the business. So much so that Rye encourages all franchises in any company: "talk with your corporate office and support people frequently, utilize the support that your company offers, share your ideas with corporate and with other franchisees, and ask for their input. Communication is vital to growth and success for all parties involved." And his advice is well worth heeding, whether you’re taking advantage of a 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE franchise or any of the other innumerable business opportunities available.