Restoration 1

Restoration 1 offers a comprehensive training program for new franchisees on all aspects of operating a Restoration 1 location, from becoming industry certified to marketing and managing customer relationships. By Rochelle Miller

Francisco Burciaga and Alfonso Masso were business students at Baylor University when they decided to go into business, but they did not have much success doing it alone.

“We had previous experience with a failed startup during our college years,” Burciaga recalled. The duo refused to give up their aspirations of becoming successful business owners, but they knew they had to choose a new path.

“Since we were adamant about pursuing our entrepreneurial dreams, we opted for an option that allowed us to fulfill our dream, but concurrently offered guidance and a proven model of success.”

That decision paid off, as Burciaga and Masso chose to partner in a franchise with Restoration 1, a national provider of water, mold, smoke, and fire damage restoration services. Since opening their Austin-based location in 2016, the pair has had much better results than their earlier venture. Their growth mirrors that of the brand, as Restoration 1 has grown to more than 250 locations across the country that are already open or in development in less than 10 years.

The restoration services market is a $210 billion industry that helps customers who are victims of disasters rebuild their homes and their lives. Burciaga recalls one instance in which a senior citizen living in northwest Austin had a severe water heater leak that flooded her home. “By the time we got involved, there was significant microbial growth and damage to the structure,” he explained. “We proceeded to contain the area, demolish the majority of her kitchen and laundry room, decontaminate, and then rebuild it.”

Not only did the customer get a healthy home back, but she was thrilled with the final result because her kitchen looked brand new. “We left her far better off than when we started and did so without delay, thus minimizing the impact of a very stressful process,” he said.

Since hiring the right people is crucial to a company’s growth, Burciaga places great emphasis on recruitment and credits hiring excellent staff for much of the business’ success.

“We have been very successful with this. I can guarantee you we would not be anywhere close to where we are nowadays if it weren’t for our staff,” he said.

In the end, the support of his staff, as well as the training offered by Restoration 1, has made all the difference – and has ensured that history would not repeat itself.

“My greatest concern prior to joining Restoration 1 was the lack of knowledge in the industry and experience in the ‘real world.’ Joining a franchise network allowed us to have access to an incredible support network,” he said.

Restoration 1 offers a comprehensive training program for new franchisees that includes an initial intensive 12-day course that offers education on all aspects of operating a Restoration 1 location, from becoming industry certified to marketing and managing customer relationships. It also includes on-the-job training, as new franchisees shadow an established franchisee on real service calls. Furthermore, the program leads new franchisees through the development of a business plan and provides ongoing support that includes weekly check-in calls.

“The members of the corporate team are incredibly knowledgeable about their areas of expertise,” Burciaga said. “Their advice and guidance has been as important as the performance of our staff.”

– Rochelle Miller

For more information about franchising opportunities with Restoration 1, visit
https://restoration1franchise.com.