As homes continue to age and catastrophic weather events increase across the US, the restoration industry is consistently dealing with complex jobs and immense pressure to accurately report outcomes to insurance companies. While many independent business owners and restoration professionals face these challenges alone year-round, those involved with franchises are often surrounded by a supportive community of fellow franchise owners who may also be dealing with similar scenarios.
Restoration companies like DRYmedic Restoration Services have structured franchise models which prioritize peer-to-peer communication and encourage owners to share their insights, resources, and strategies for navigating complex jobs. This can be extremely valuable for franchise owners both new and experienced in the system – providing a safety net of knowledge and skill from fellow professionals in the industry. This collaborative approach is also encouraged and made possible by Authority Brands, the parent company of DRYmedic Restoration Services, who provides industry-leading tools, resources and knowledge to their 15 brands across the home service industry. This is especially true for the other trade brands in Authority Brands network – Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mister Sparky, and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning – whose franchise owners may find synergy between their plumbing, electrical and HVAC services and our restoration offerings.
Franchise owners also often have the option to attend annual conferences, regional meetings, host informal discussions with fellow owners, and establish support groups. During these events, they have the opportunity to discuss new industry practices, the best ways to use innovative tools, and the potential benefits of diversifying their business portfolios. A restoration professional joining a franchise like DRYmedic Restoration Services is not only gaining access to an established business model with a national brand presence but becoming a part of a larger community with the tools and support system to potentially thrive. Whether it’s learning how to best scale operations, optimize equipment usage, manage staff, or implementing marketing practices, franchise owners work through these business challenges with the support of an entire brand and franchise network behind them.
One extension of DRYmedic Restoration Services’ networking is the mentorship component franchise owners are offered following signing. During their two-week, in-person comprehensive training, franchise owners are introduced to experienced restoration professionals who are readily available to answer any questions they may have about the job. This support doesn’t stop once training is complete; these industry veterans are available to assist and guide technicians and staff through real-job situations and training scenarios throughout their entire career as a franchise owner in the system.
In return, DRYmedic Restoration Services prides itself on company culture. A strong culture trickles down from the top, and our leadership team prioritizes transparency, respect, integrity to be embraced throughout the entire company. Strong values are the foundation of how relationships are built – whether it’s leadership with team leads, team leads with technicians, or technicians with customers. It is also beneficial for franchise owners when networking with other restoration professionals or fellow franchise owners across the country. This type of peer-to-peer communication can improve business operations across the board for franchise owners in our system, expand business relationships and help earn return customers in need of restoration services.
Additionally, an open support system encourages franchise owners to adopt potentially beneficial business practices to their market. As the industry continues to modernize and make advancements, one clear example of this is the growing use of AI automation among franchise owners within the DRYmedic Restoration Services system. Advanced technology has made strides in numerous industries but has become extremely important in restoration – which requires accuracy, efficiency and real-time data reporting to be done properly.
Whether that’s the standardized use of LIDAR technology, the geolocation of tech-driven equipment, or automated dry logs, this type of equipment and the knowledge on how to use it is critical to stay ahead of the competition and potentially expand your customer base in the industry. That is why relying on experienced franchise owners, networking events supported by a larger franchise system, and the ability to train with and ask questions to fellow owners in the industry is as important as ever. Independently navigating how to implement modern technology while dealing with day-to-day operations can be a daunting task if doing so alone. Since AI automation technology was first introduced to DRYmedic Restoration Service franchise owners last year, over 35% of existing owners have implemented the technology, and all new franchise owners have used it from the start of their business. This is thanks to word of mouth from fellow franchise owners seeing benefits from using the technology and offering insight to those who may not have been introduced to it yet.
Outside of AI automation, the industry is expected to continue to see new trends and practices develop in the future. As these trends and practices develop, the need for collaboration and a support system will only become more important. Having the ability to unlock resources that allow your business to grow through innovation, and the support system that guides you through the process as you expand your business, is priceless in this industry. Being a part of a franchised system is what can potentially make that all possible. For those looking for a new opportunity that encourages open communication and provides the necessary resources to build your own restoration franchise, or for those interested in joining the industry, you can learn more about DRYmedic Restoration Services at drymedicfranchise.com.
Ben Gergis Bio
Ben Gergis serves as the Vice President of Operations for the restoration division of Authority Brands and is the co-founder of DRYmedic Restoration Services. With a robust background in construction, Ben’s expertise spans residential, commercial, hospitality, and government sectors. Before launching DRYmedic in 2014, he successfully invested in and managed multiple retail businesses, gaining invaluable insights into operational efficiency and business strategy. Leveraging his formula for success, Ben has spearheaded the development of innovative systems, comprehensive educational programs, and streamlined processes that have fueled DRYmedic’s impressive growth. His unwavering passion lies in serving others—whether guiding clients through challenging times or mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs to build thriving franchises. Ben’s relentless commitment to excellence, integrity, and service continues to set the standard, driving DRYmedic Restoration Services to new heights.