A decade ago, Darrin Baker was a construction worker performing excavations for bridges. But his work – and income – came to a halt each winter in his native Pacific Northwest where cold, wet weather made working conditions impossible. By Rochelle Miller

A decade ago, Darrin Baker was a construction worker performing excavations for bridges. But his work – and income – came to a halt each winter in his native Pacific Northwest where cold, wet weather made working conditions impossible. Despite his diligence, he often found himself unemployed for half a year at a time.

“When everything freezes over, you’re pretty much laid off for six or seven months a year,” he says. Baker found it frustrating to be working so hard and still struggling financially. He knew it was time for a change.

Today, Baker is his own boss and living in sunny Phoenix. As a franchise owner with Restoration 1, which provides fire-, water-, and mold-damage remediation services, he has found success with an industry that is in demand all year long. He still works hard, but he has found this career much more lucrative and satisfying. “Now, I feel like I’m getting something back for the effort I put in,” he says.

Baker’s journey to business ownership was not a short one. He actually began working for a Restoration 1 franchise as an employee when he sought more steady work. He progressed from an entry-level technician to lead technical and ultimately project manager. When his boss proposed expanding to the Southwest and asked Baker to become his partner, Baker invested in Restoration 1 as a franchise owner.

“I admittedly never thought about going in this direction,” says Baker, a father of two young daughters, who credits the support of his wife, Shetawn, with his success. “I am blessed and I am a very lucky – but I worked hard to get here.”

For more information regarding franchising opportunities with Restoration 1, visit restoration1franchise.com or call 254-902-3074.

– Rochelle Miller