When Luis Balmaceda and his wife, Lisbeth, were looking to start a new business, they wanted to invest in a nationally recognized concept with a proven system of operations. By Jorgette Krsulic

When Luis Balmaceda and his wife, Lisbeth, were looking to start a new business, they wanted to invest in a nationally recognized concept with a proven system of operations. With Balmaceda’s background in the asbestos-abatement industry, he and his wife thought that a property-restoration company was a natural fit. After asking questions and listening to others in the industry, they confirmed that being a part of the BELFOR Franchise Group was the right choice.

Balmaceda, the owner and operations manager of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE in South Denver, has been with the brand for over four years and still wakes up every morning saying: “I love my job!” He appreciates that, as a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchisee, he has the opportunity to live a good life and provide for his family. The very traits that he is recognized for today – his ambition, professionalism and integrity – are rooted in his upbringing.

Immigrating from Mexico to California at the age of 2, he is proud to have been raised by a loving family who showed him the value of a strong work ethic. Balmaceda remembers his father warming up his truck each day at 4 a.m., proud that he’d never missed a day of work. The values that his father instilled in him at a young age still are with him and have helped him become a successful franchisee.

However, Balmaceda did not grow into a strong leader overnight. As a troubled teen, Balmaceda spent time with the wrong people and made poor decisions. While his actions could have led him down a bad path, the now-successful franchisee reflects on the support his family had given him as well as his Christian faith, both of which helped him turn his life around. Balmaceda said it was at church that he met Lisbeth, and together they have created a partnership in both business and family.

Like his family, which has been a champion of his hard work and success, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE provides continual support. Along with its coaching and training, as well as its marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts, the property-restoration franchise has positioned Balmaceda as the local industry professional in his area. As the face of one of the most trusted names in the restoration industry, Balmaceda beams with pride and confidence, knowing that the BELFOR Franchise Group always has his back.

Looking back on the decision he and his wife made years ago, Balmaceda knows that he made the right choice. As a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchisee, he appreciates the valuable tools and resources offered to him, which have resulted in a rewarding career in which every day is different. Although it has been quite some time since he watched his father wake up for work before sunrise, thanks to 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Balmaceda knows that he, too, can be the backbone of his family.

1-800 WATER DAMAGE is a leader in the property-restoration industry and is one of 11 brands of BELFOR Franchise Group, a family of brands that people can rely on.

Jorgette Krsulic

Contact: Ken Osness, vice president of franchise development, 734-864-9767, ken.osness@belfrangroup.com, BelforFranchiseGroup.com