PuroClean, one of the country’s leading property restoration and remediation franchises, has announced its 2023 Franchise of the Year. Nelson and Sujey Rivera, owners of PuroClean of Morristown, were named the PuroClean Franchise of the Year at the company’s Annual International Convention. Selected from nearly 500 franchise locations across North America, PuroClean of Morristown was recognized for outstanding scores in several categories, including sales growth, market share, sales revenue, and profitability, among others.

The Riveras, who co-own and operate PuroClean of Morristown, Livingston, and Bloomfield, exemplify PuroClean’s commitment to helping New Jersey residents and their properties recover from the unthinkable when disaster strikes. With so many units to compete with, becoming a standout franchise partner within PuroClean is no easy feat. While profitability and sales revenue heavily factor into selecting an all-star franchise location, PuroClean of Morristown was awarded for a very different reason.

As the third of 12 children, the father of two young daughters, and a decorated firefighter, Nelson Rivera knows the importance of being there for people in their darkest hours. Having served as a Fire Chief for the city of Orange since 2009, Nelson is currently the Deputy Fire Chief in Orange, NJ, where he has earned multiple awards for his bravery and dedication to service. Nelson’s numerous accolades include 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 has translated this same selflessness and valor into the work he does with PuroClean, making him a leading franchise partner for all to look up to.

Well known within his community, Nelson consistently leaves a mark wherever he goes. Because of this, he was the recipient of the Franchise Business Review’s 2022 Rock Star Award in the Giving Back category. Nelson was also the winner of the first ever PuroClean Cares award presented at the 2021 PuroClean International Convention, among other accolades he has received throughout his career with the brand.

Nelson has been serving Essex County for over twenty years, having moved to Newark with his family in 1999. He later relocated to Orange, where he began serving as a firefighter in 2009 and still serves to this day. Nelson’s journey with PuroClean began as a technician, and it was through working with the owner of PuroClean of Livingston that he discovered his passion for the business. In 2017, Nelson, along with his co-owner and wife, Sujey, moved to Livingston to be closer to the business. Soon afterward, the duo opened their first PuroClean franchise in Morristown, later expanding to Bloomfield and then Livingston, where Nelson had first started out as a technician. Nelson is always on standby for local residents, whether it’s saving lives from fires or from mold damage. Today, the Rivera family’s franchise locations serve all of Essex County and nearby areas, along with a partnership in another franchise location in Eugene, OR.

“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 fire chief, 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 true Paramedics of Property Damage—everyone should take a page or two out of the Rivera family’s book.”

For Nelson, the best part of the business is that each day and job are completely different—but there is always someone to help and provide support to. Having always dreamed of owning his own business, Nelson knew he’d go into a field where his work would have a direct, immediate, and positive impact on people.

“One of the best parts of this business is that every day, and every job, is completely different. Every kind of water or fire damage has different effects and risks,” Nelson said. “You never know what you are walking into other than what is probably the worst, most stressful day of somebody’s life. What I love most is that we can ensure that one thing will eventually be the same despite all the craziness—our customers are always left with the comfort and understanding that we will make their situation better.”

Since opening his first franchise location, where he previously started working as a technician, Nelson knew he wanted to give his all to the brand and strive for greatness. Over the five years the Riveras have been in operation, Nelson’s team has worked relentlessly, both in their home territory of New Jersey and nationwide, helping countless families and businesses recover from disasters both small and large.

“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. So, thank you.”