Here’s what you’ll learn after reading this article:
- Jennifer and Alejandro Restrepo transitioned from careers in teaching and disaster response to owning two PuroClean franchises to achieve a better work-life balance for their family.
- The couple explored various husband and wife business ideas before choosing PuroClean for its scalability and recession-resistant sector, utilizing a Rollover as Business Startups (ROBS) plan for financing.
- Their success has been supported by PuroClean’s training and a collaborative network of Franchise Owners, allowing them to shift from technical tasks to focusing on team leadership and community trust.
“We were missing moments we couldn’t get back,” PuroClean Franchise Owner Jennifer Restrepo said, reflecting on the reason she and her husband, Alejandro, started looking at husband and wife business ideas to support their family.
At the time, Jennifer was a teacher, and Alejandro traveled nearly half the year responding to natural disasters.
“As our daughter approached school age, we knew that the lifestyle wasn’t sustainable,” said Alejandro.
Now the Restrepos employ nearly 20 people in Connecticut at their two PuroClean franchises and are among the 10% of U.S. businesses owned by spouses. Their story is an inspiration to couples searching for a better work-life balance.
New Franchise Owners
Before joining the PuroClean network, Alejandro had a long-standing interest in owning a water damage restoration company.
“It aligned with leadership, problem-solving, and helping people in critical moments. Franchising provided a structured path to ownership, allowing me to build something scalable and stable with a connection to other like-minded owners,” he said.
As the Restrepos did their research, they spoke to franchisors and franchise owners about a variety of topics, including daily operations, support systems, and staffing challenges.
“Conversations and real-world insights were critical. Speaking directly with owners and understanding their day-to-day reality gave us the clarity we needed,” said Jennifer.
With a focus on criteria such as scalability, recession-resistant sectors, and operational support, the couple chose PuroClean as their franchise and Rollover as Business Startups (ROBS) as a financing option.
“[PuroClean] stood out because it combined essential services with a strong brand, clear systems, and a mission that aligned with serving families during difficult moments,” Alejandro said. “[ROBS] allowed us to fund the business in a way that aligned with our goals and gave us the flexibility to get started without relying on traditional loan structures.”
Franchise Support System
PuroClean supported the Restrepos through a world-class franchise training program, ongoing coaching, and marketing support.
“We were learning the PuroClean business while actively serving customers, but the structure, training, and clear processes helped us stay focused and move forward with confidence,” he said.
The expansive network of PuroClean Franchise Owners also helped the couple start strong, continue to grow, and enjoy the benefits of being your own boss.
“There’s a real connection among several of the PuroClean franchises across the country, and the collaboration and support that we have is unmatched. We support the network by dedicating time and volunteering as mentors and helping the fran dev team by talking to prospective investors,” said Alejandro.
For Jennifer, access is the key to running the pair’s franchise operations smoothly and delivering Relentless Customer Service.
“Support comes through access: Access to people, resources, and answers when we need them. The culture encourages collaboration rather than isolation,” she said.
Tips for Business Owners
As Alejandro and Jennifer settled into running their PuroClean franchises, Jennifer had a moment where she felt their enterprise was truly sustainable.
“For me, it clicked when Alejandro was able to step back from the technical side of the work and focus on guiding the team. Watching our people confidently lead others and execute what he had once done himself showed that the business was no longer dependent on us alone,” she said.
With two locations and a PuroClean On the Move award under their belt, the couple is most proud of their operation’s strong, positive culture.
“Creating an environment where people genuinely want to come to work, feel supported, and take pride in helping others has been incredibly rewarding. Earning the trust of both our team and our community is what gives the business lasting meaning,” Alejandro said.
For prospective franchise owners looking for husband and wife business ideas, Alejandro suggests conducting extensive research and having a clear vision.
“Do your homework, talk to as many owners as possible, and be honest about your goals. Success comes from commitment, not shortcuts,” he said.
Jennifer added, “Choose a franchise that aligns with your values, not just your financial goals. The right fit makes the hard work worthwhile.”
Ready to build something of your own? Download a FREE PuroClean information kit and find out how to get a franchise business in the property damage restoration industry.
FAQs
What are some key factors to consider when researching husband and wife business ideas?
Prospective owners should conduct extensive research by speaking directly with current business owners to understand daily operations, staffing challenges, and support systems. It is also important to choose a venture that aligns with your personal values and long-term family goals rather than focusing solely on financial returns.
How can a franchise structure help a couple achieve a better work-life balance? Franchising provides a structured path to ownership through established systems, training programs, and ongoing marketing support. This framework allows couples to build a scalable business where they can eventually step back from technical tasks to focus on leadership, ensuring the enterprise is not dependent on them alone.
What are the common financing options for starting a new business venture? Beyond traditional loan structures, entrepreneurs may use options like Rollover as Business Startups (ROBS). This method allows individuals to fund their business using existing retirement assets, providing the financial flexibility to get started without the constraints of standard bank debt.