By Steve White, PuroClean

In an industry built on trust, integrity, and community support, responsible franchising is not just a business strategy — it’s a core value that defines who we are at PuroClean.

Guided by the principles of Servant Leadership, Extreme Ownership, and Active Collaboration, we’ve built a model that places Franchise Owner success at the forefront. As a “franchisee first franchisor,” we understand that our success is directly tied to the success of our Franchise Owners. This philosophy has not only fueled our growth here at PuroClean but also reinforced our reputation as a company committed to ethical and responsible franchising.

Defining Responsible Franchising in the Restoration Industry

Responsible franchising has recently seen a surge in importance over the last year, but it’s not a new idea by any means. At PuroClean, responsible franchising means putting our current Franchise Owners first. We believe that a strong franchise network starts with strong Franchise Owners, and this philosophy has been at the heart of our brand.

My commitment to responsible franchising spans my entire career — going back to my early days at Domino’s Pizza, where I saw firsthand how ethical leadership drives long-term success. Alongside our Leadership Team, I have been advocating for responsible franchising for more than a decade, and together, we have made it our mission to foster an environment where our Franchise Owners can thrive. These lessons have translated into a franchise model that not only supports business growth but also upholds high ethical and operational standards.

Franchise Owner Support and Development

A key element of responsible franchising is ensuring that every PuroClean Franchise Owner is equipped for long-term success. We achieve this by providing comprehensive training and a multi-faceted support system that includes ongoing education and strong mentorship programs.

Our training program is extensive and continuously evolving. Every franchise must obtain industry certifications, and we provide the education to earn and maintain these credentials. We actively seek feedback from each training class, using insights from Franchise Owners and technicians to improve the experience for future training — ensuring the information remains directly relevant to their success while continuously improving training effectiveness.

From the moment a new Franchise Owner joins our system, they are paired with a mentor to guide them through the early stages of their business. This mentorship program, combined with the support of our broader franchise network, creates a collaborative community where Franchise Owners can share best practices, learn from one another, and grow together.

Economic Resilience and Crisis Management

Unlike many industries, restoration services remain essential regardless of economic conditions. However, unexpected business disruptions — whether natural disasters or unforeseen challenges — can also impact our Franchise Owners. When difficulties arise, we stand beside our Franchise Owners, providing the guidance and resources they need to navigate uncertainty. Our unwavering commitment to their success ensures they never face obstacles alone, allowing their businesses to remain resilient.

Community and Industry Impact

Leading by example is a fundamental part of our culture at PuroClean, not just within our franchise network but also in the communities we serve. Our corporate headquarters in Tamarac, Florida, is deeply engaged in community initiatives, setting a precedent for our franchises to follow.

Through our PuroClean Cares® program, we encourage Franchise Owners to give back annually through community-based campaign initiatives, including:

• National Superhero Day (March-April): Recognizing first responders and local community heroes.
• Adopt A Classroom (May-August): Uplifting teachers across America who give back to our students every day.
• Season of Giving (October-December): Supporting families and individuals in need during the holiday season.

Ethical Business Practices and Transparency

At PuroClean, responsible franchising is not just about operational support — it’s about maintaining the highest ethical standards across our entire network. While each franchise is independently owned and operated, we foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

Our franchise recruitment process is built on honesty and openness. We provide prospective Franchise Owners with full access to current Franchise Owners, allowing them to gain firsthand insight into the business before making a commitment. Prospective Franchise Owners also undergo a thorough review by our senior leadership team to ensure alignment with our values and mission. We aren’t selling franchises at PuroClean — we’re awarding them.

We also take an active role in industry regulatory organizations to ensure compliance with best practices. Our Chairman & CEO, Mark W. Davis, serves on the board of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), and our Director of Training, Darren Hudema, WLS, is on the board of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). These affiliations enable us to bring the highest industry standards to our Franchise Owners.

The Future of Responsible Franchising at PuroClean

Looking ahead, we remain committed to evolving and enhancing our approach to responsible franchising. Our long-term success will always be rooted in the well-being and prosperity of our Franchise Owners.

The future of responsible franchising at PuroClean is centered on:

• Continued Innovation – Leveraging new technologies and processes to enhance support and training.
• Stronger Franchise Owner Partnerships – Deepening collaboration in our network to ensure long-term success and continued growth.
• Industry Leadership – Advocating for better industry standards and workforce protections.

At PuroClean, we are on a journey to build a world-class brand — a journey with no finish line, requiring relentless commitment, continuous innovation, and an unwavering focus on excellence. As long as we remain dedicated to responsible franchising, we will continue to thrive while positively impacting our Franchise Owners, their communities, and the restoration industry as a whole.

Steve White is the president & COO of PuroClean. For more information about IFA franchisor member PuroClean, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/puroclean/.