When he left the United States Air Force, Daron Underwood worked in technology for a while, but soon found it wasn’t the right fit. In 2018, he started researching business franchise opportunities for veterans and found what he was looking for in PuroClean and its property damage restoration franchise model.
Today, Daron’s PuroClean franchise based in Canton, Michigan, is thriving as he puts the skills he developed in the military to good use. Every day, he helps members of his community recover from stressful residential and commercial property damage incidents.
“It’s satisfying to help people, so that’s kind of what I was looking at,” Daron told Reserve + National Guard Magazine recently. “But what made the decision for us was that I felt that disaster services are a fairly recession-proof type of company.”
While PuroClean has been recognized as one of the best franchises for veterans on the market today, Daron’s motivation to get involved in the damage remediation industry was also personal. His own family home had been “basically destroyed” at one point and he’d been through the remediation and rebuilding process. That’s why PuroClean’s mission — providing unmatched service quickly, professionally, ethically and with compassion — resonated with him.
Of course, the veteran franchise discount that PuroClean offers was also very attractive. Through the PuroVet program, military veterans are eligible for a 25% discount off their initial franchise fee, making it easier for them to continue to be heroes in their communities.
Why Veterans Make Great PuroClean Franchise Owners
PuroClean is one of the most veteran friendly franchises because the damage restoration industry draws on many of the qualities people like Daron learned and developed in the military. These include compassion in times of crisis, a strong work ethic and an ability to make quick decisions and adapt to new situations.
Daron’s franchise was barely off the ground when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing him to temporarily close his doors. But with his military background and the support he’s received from PuroClean’s network of franchise owners across North America, he’s bounced back and is poised for rapid growth.
“I’m pretty solutions-oriented, and a lot of that came from being in the military and having to apply different thought processes to scenarios you’ve never been in before,” he said. “And just thinking quick on your feet and coming up with a solution that fits the situation.”
Daron received extensive training at the PuroClean Academy in Florida before he opened his doors, which not only brought him up to speed on state-of-the-art damage remediation methods, but also helped him with the operational side of business, including marketing and financials.
“With franchising, there’s the foundation and support you have behind you,” he said.
Training and support are just two of the many reasons why PuroClean has consistently ranked high on the Entrepreneur Top Franchises for Veterans list, as well as rankings compiled by the Military Times and Franchise Business Review. PuroClean is also a 5-Star member of VetFran, an organization that identifies business franchise opportunities for veterans and helps them transition into franchise ownership.
Benefits of Veteran Franchise Ownership
Being a veteran owned business has its advantages. If a military veteran owns a majority stake in a company, they may be eligible for various benefits, as well as loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. They may also get discounts on franchise fees — like PuroClean offers — or on commissions through private financing firms.
The process of veteran owned business with PuroClean begins with thorough research before reaching out get detailed insights on PuroClean’s franchise model. After that, you’ll attend comprehensive franchise training and look at options for financing before you launch your business. Keep in mind, though, that there are laws and regulations that define what a veteran is. To legally qualify as a veteran, a military service member must have:
- 180 days of consecutive active duty (not counting training); or
- One day of active duty in a combat zone during a period of war or in a campaign for which a badge was authorized; or
- 20 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves, retiring under honorable conditions.
If you’re ready to learn more about why PuroClean is one of the best business franchise opportunities for veterans available today, take the next step and download a FREE information kit today!