As a Blue Kangaroo Packoutz franchise owner, Bob Betts helps local residents inventory, document, pack, restore and clean the contents of a property in the aftermath of water damage, fire or other catastrophic events. It’s important work, but his role also allows him and his team to do more than provide essential services. His job affords him the opportunity to give back to the community in a variety of ways. By Jessica Petrucelli
As a Blue Kangaroo Packoutz franchise owner, Bob Betts helps local residents inventory, document, pack, restore and clean the contents of a property in the aftermath of water damage, fire or other catastrophic events. It’s important work, but his role also allows him and his team to do more than provide essential services. His job affords him the opportunity to give back to the community in a variety of ways.
“Because we provide contents restoration services, it’s pretty common to cross paths with firefighters and other first responders,” said Betts. “Recently, a local fire chief reached out to ask if we’d like to be involved in some live fire training.”
Betts jumped at the chance, knowing that witnessing that crucial type of instruction, which allows firefighters to practice fire suppression and other firefighting skills in a controlled, real-world environment, would be beneficial to his team.
“It was a great opportunity to learn and engage with our local fire department and first responders in the Greater Indianapolis area,” said Betts, who sponsored a pizza lunch for the event. “We have so much respect for what they do. It was great to be involved in training like that and engage with them on both a professional and personal level.”
For Betts, a Blue Kangaroo Packoutz owner since 2023 and 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchisee since 2011, this experience was a unique opportunity to form some very meaningful relationships within his community.
“I’ve been in sales for years, and anyone in sales understands the value of trust and the importance of community relationships,” Betts said. “One of the most important aspects of being a franchisee is forming these connections and becoming deeply embedded in the local community you serve.”
According to Betts, he participates in events like these to allow friends, family and neighbors to understand the valuable services that Blue Kangaroo Packoutz provides.
Backed by BELFOR Franchise Group, a reputable residential and commercial services franchisor, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz is a national brand that works with insurance companies to help homeowners put their lives back together after disaster strikes.
The brand is dedicated to restoring the items that make a house feel like home, including furniture, artwork and personal belongings. Comprehensive services offered by the company include antiques restoration and refinishing, furniture reupholstery and the cleaning and restoration of art, documents, electronics and textiles.
“We help people during a time of need,” Betts said. “That’s why it’s so important for the community to know and understand what we do.”
Additionally, Betts’ connection to his local police and fire department is personal, as his son is a first responder.
“In our industry, we deal with property loss,” said Betts. “But police officers and firefighters deal with much tougher losses on a daily basis. I respect and value their contributions to the community. We will do anything we can to support and assist their work.”
Jessica Petrucelli