As an active-duty firefighter in New Jersey, Nelson Rivera has seen firsthand the damage that disasters can cause to property. That’s why Nelson is passionate about the damage restoration industry and one of the reasons the franchise he and his wife Sujey own in Morristown, N.J. was recently named PuroClean’s 2023 Franchise of the Year.
Nelson and Sujey accepted the award at PuroClean’s annual convention in Denver, Colorado, in June 2024. Their outstanding scores in categories like franchise growth, market share, sales revenue and profitability put them above nearly 500 other franchises across North America and made theirs an award winning franchise.
“We’re so honored. All I have to say is that, honestly, in the almost five years that we’ve been here, it’s been such an incredible experience. Nelson is such a hardworking person and he’s so deserving,” Sujey said. “I want to give so many thanks to the corporate team. What we continue to do is never enough; we always want to try to be better. I appreciate all the support of everyone [who], from the beginning, has always just shown so much love and support. We’re here because of all of you.”
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Nelson’s duties as a firefighter intertwine with his PuroClean franchise owner duties. In both jobs, he helps his neighbors recover when disaster strikes. He first moved to Newark, N.J. in 1999, then relocated to Orange, N.J. in 2009 where he still serves as deputy chief of the Orange Fire Department. He’s earned multiple awards for dedication and bravery, including the City of Orange Chamber of Commerce Valor Award, the New Jersey State Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association Award for Valor and the American Red Cross Hero Award.
Nelson was first introduced to PuroClean’s franchise culture when he started working as a technician with the Franchise Owner of the PuroClean location in Livingston, N.J. He and Sujey moved to Livingston in 2017, and soon after, they bought their first franchise in nearby Morristown. Today, Nelson has built his own franchise community — he owns four PuroClean franchises throughout New Jersey and partnered with two other Franchise Owners to open a franchise in Oregon.
“There can only be one Franchise of the Year, and with so many wonderful Franchise Owners, it’s always a tight competition,” said Steve White, President and COO of PuroClean. “As both a PuroClean Franchise Owner and an active firefighter, Nelson Rivera has worked tirelessly to put out both literal and figurative fires, putting his life on the line for others while expecting nothing in return. He has seen and helped people through their worst days, whether it be water, storm, mold or fire damage. Nelson and Sujey exemplify what it means to be a true Paramedic of Property Damage — everyone should take a page or two out of the Rivera family’s book.”
The Awards Keep Coming
While Nelson and Sujey are celebrating their win, as a company, PuroClean is no stranger to industry accolades. Our commitment to helping residential and commercial customers recover from water and flood damage, fire and smoke damage, mold and other biohazards has consistently landed us on the Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 list! Franchise Owners like Nelson and Sujey provide unmatched service quickly, professionally, ethically and with compassion. And our home office provides them with industry-leading training and support before and after they open their doors through the state-of-the-art PuroClean Academy in Florida and through an ever-growing network of fellow Franchise Owners. For these reasons and more, PuroClean has earned places in the Franchise Business Review Top 50.
Along with these awards, PuroClean has also been named one of the best franchises for veterans by the Military Times. Through our PuroVet program, we offer military personnel a 25% discount on their initial franchise fee so they can continue doing what they do best – serve their communities.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to thrive in the damage restoration industry — and maybe even become PuroClean’s future Franchise of the Year — get started by downloading a FREE franchise kit today!