Through a tumultuous and unpredictable 2020, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE thrived, proving to be recession- and pandemic-proof. While COVID-19 caused many businesses to struggle and even shutter, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE saw an explosive increase in revenue and new locations. By Lizzy Yeserski
With more than 170 locations, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is quickly establishing itself as an expert in full-service water damage restoration services. Steve Olson, senior director of franchise development for 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, talks about what makes the brand unique in its industry – and how the company has been helping its franchise owners succeed. By Rochelle Miller
Hundreds of BELFOR offices honor first responder and public safety departments for their dedication and bravery in communities nationwide.
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — BELFOR Property Restoration (BELFOR), the world’s largest disaster restoration company and BELFOR Franchise Group, the world’s largest residential and commercial services franchisor delivered more than 5,500 pizzas and boxed lunches across the nation as part of its annual company-wide initiative to thank and honor the dedication and sacrifice of first responders.
“First responders work bravely and tirelessly to keep our communities safe, whether they’re on the front lines of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, responding to active hurricanes, wildfires and severe storms, or facing other obstacles the U.S. has endured this year,” said Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR. “Every year, the BELFOR family delivers meals as a small token of appreciation to those first responders who relentlessly lay everything on the line 24/7, 365 days a year. This year especially, we are so grateful for all police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency dispatchers who selflessly and heroically keep their communities out of harm’s way.”
Yellen participated in a special delivery in Michigan, providing lunch to the Westland Fire Department. BELFOR team members from more than 250 offices delivered pizzas and boxed lunches to local first responder and public safety agencies across the nation.
These special deliveries were coordinated in honor of National First Responders Day, an annual celebration recognizing the heroic men and women who make it their responsibility to take immediate action when disasters strike. Working alongside first responders regularly to help individuals and communities rebuild after any disaster, BELFOR is committed to honoring first responders throughout the year.
“Like” BELFOR on Facebook and “Follow” @BELFOR on Twitter and Instagram to see photos and videos from the special deliveries across the country.
About BELFOR Holdings, Inc.
BELFOR Holdings, Inc. is a $2 billion entity that operates a number of companies around the world, many of which complement the core work provided in the restoration industry, including BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest disaster restoration company. For nearly 75 years, BELFOR has provided residential, commercial and industrial customers every service needed to help return to normal operations in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters, including the global COVID-19 pandemic. From water and flood restoration services, fire and smoke recovery, structural damage repair, disinfection services and biohazard cleaning, to the recovery and restoration of equipment and vital documents, BELFOR has a rapid and proven response. BELFOR companies operate in more than 55 countries with 450+ offices employing over 9,200 full-time experienced restoration specialists who are dedicated to “Restoring More Than Property.” For more information, please visit www.belfor.com.
Report reveals concerns about household readiness ahead of National Preparedness Month in September.
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — A national survey released today found that despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. experiencing 14 separate billion-dollar natural disasters in 2019, 75% of Americans do not feel that they are well prepared for natural or man-made disasters, and only three out of ten Americans have an emergency preparedness plan.
For the third year in a row, BELFOR Holdings, Inc. (BELFOR) – the world’s largest disaster recovery and property restoration company, which includes BELFOR Property Restoration and BELFOR Franchise Group – conducted an independent, national survey of homeowners and renters across the U.S. to measure disaster preparedness in recognition of National Preparedness Month in September.
Key findings of the survey, aimed at gauging how natural and man-made disasters as well as the COVID-19 crisis have impacted Americans’ decisions about emergency preparedness, include:
“If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that health disasters are devastating just like natural and man-made disasters are. Everybody has a little bit of hero in them, so NOW is the time to take action to prepare each other and loved ones – don’t wait for tomorrow,” said Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR. “We hope these results inspire people, businesses and communities to rethink their emergency plans, and drive national awareness about the importance of being prepared for any type of disaster.”
Building on the results of previous years, the 2020 survey also found that:
“Now more than ever, we’re seeing an increased need for deep cleaning services from home and business owners alike,” said Rusty Amarante, president of BELFOR Franchise Group. “Our network of home-service based franchises will continue to operate around the clock to help residences, businesses and communities face the challenges presented by weather events, everyday disasters and the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19.”
BELFOR’s family of brands has played an essential role on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing cleaning and treatment services for residential households as well as businesses and facilities including hospitals and healthcare facilities, first responder departments, cruise ships, schools and universities, sports arenas, assisted living facilities, hotels and more.
To learn more about BELFOR’s industry-leading, proprietary COVID-19 cleaning and treatment services, click here. For tips and information on how to prepare your household or workplace for disaster, click here.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is the world’s largest residential and commercial services franchise group based on geographic footprint and number of units. The privately held, multi-concept franchise system is a division of BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest disaster restoration company. For over a decade, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering industry-leading training, support and equipment, turnkey business models, and ongoing coaching and business development. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization for nine of the strongest service-based franchise opportunities for home and commercial cleaning and restoration. The franchise brands include: 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Chem-Dry & Upholstery Cleaning, Delta Restoration Services, DUCTZ International, HOODZ International, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, PACKOUTZ, The Patch Boys, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, please visit www.belforfranchisegroup.com.
About BELFOR Holdings, Inc.
BELFOR Holdings, Inc. is a $2 billion entity that operates a number of companies around the world, many of which complement the core work provided in the restoration industry, including BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest disaster restoration company. For nearly 75 years, BELFOR has provided residential, commercial and industrial customers every service needed to help return to normal operations in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters, including the global COVID-19 pandemic. From water and flood restoration services, fire and smoke recovery, structural damage repair, disinfection services and biohazard cleaning, to the recovery and restoration of equipment and vital documents, BELFOR has a rapid and proven response. BELFOR companies operate in more than 55 countries with 450+ offices employing over 9,200 full-time experienced restoration specialists who are dedicated to “Restoring More Than Property.” For more information, please visit www.belfor.com.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — 1-800 WATER DAMAGE®, a national leader in the property restoration and water damage remediation industry, was recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® for the second time. In its 41st year, Entrepreneur‘s Franchise 500® is the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking.
1-800 WATER DAMAGE’s ranking demonstrates its exceptional strength and growth as a franchise brand. Providing 24/7 residential and commercial emergency services for water and flood damage restoration, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, sewage cleanup, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and tile and grout cleaning, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is owned and managed by BELFOR Franchise Group, a division of BELFOR Property Restoration.
“It is a true privilege for 1-800 WATER DAMAGE to have the distinction of being recognized in Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500®,” said Rusty Amarante, President of BELFOR Franchise Group. “Our mission and work are centered around dedication to excellence, from providing quality disaster restoration services to offering outstanding business opportunities for our network of franchisees.”
Placement in the Franchise 500® is a highly sought-after selection in the franchise industry, which ranks franchises based on their performances in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. To view 1-800 WATER DAMAGE in the full rankings, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. For more information or to contact 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, please visit https://www.1800waterdamage.com/ or call (800) 928-3732.
About 1-800 WATER DAMAGE
1-800 WATER DAMAGE® is a growing leader in the property restoration industry offering water and flood damage restoration; mold damage remediation; fire and smoke damage restoration; and carpet and upholstery cleaning services. With locations from coast-to-coast, our team of dedicated experts are “Restoring What Matters Most™” for homeowners and business customers, 24/7/365. The 1-800 WATER DAMAGE® brand is owned and managed by BELFOR Franchise Group, a division of BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest disaster restoration company. BELFOR Franchise Group is also the parent organization of DUCTZ and HOODZ, both leaders in their respective fields of air duct cleaning and commercial kitchen exhaust hood cleaning. For more information, please visit www.1800WATERDAMAGE.com. “Like” 1-800 WATER DAMAGE on Facebook or “Follow” @1800WaterDamage on Twitter and @1800waterdamage on Instagram.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — 1-800 WATER DAMAGE®, a national leader in the property restoration and water damage remediation industry, was recently ranked twice in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500® ranked 1-800 WATER DAMAGE 42nd in the Best Franchises for Any Budget and 50th in the Top Franchises for Veterans.
1-800 WATER DAMAGE’s ranked positions are a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity. As background, the franchise provides 24/7 residential and commercial emergency services for water and flood damage restoration, mold remediation, tile and grout cleaning, sewage, fire and smoke damage restoration, and carpet and upholstery cleaning. The brand is owned and managed by BELFOR Franchise Group, a division of BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest disaster restoration company.
“It is an honor to have the 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise recognized twice in Entrepreneur‘s highly competitive Franchise 500®, both for our budget friendliness and welcoming attitude towards veterans,” said Tim Fagan, President of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE. “We take great pride in our people and the work we do, and are committed to supporting our franchisees daily – whether it’s by offering exceptional office support or hands-on expert training to drive healthy business and professional growth.”
Placement in the Franchise 500® is a highly sought-after selection in the franchise industry, which ranks franchises based on their performances in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.
To view 1-800 WATER DAMAGE in the full rankings, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. For more information or to contact 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, please visit https://www.1800waterdamage.com/ or call (800) 928-3732.
1-800 WATER DAMAGE® is a growing leader in the property restoration industry offering water and flood damage restoration; mold damage remediation; fire and smoke damage restoration; and carpet and upholstery cleaning services. With locations from coast-to-coast, our team of dedicated experts are “Restoring What Matters MostTM” for homeowners and business customers, 24/7/365. The 1-800 WATER DAMAGE® brand is owned and managed by BELFOR Franchise Group, a division of BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest disaster restoration company. BELFOR Franchise Group is also the parent organization of DUCTZ and HOODZ, both leaders in their respective fields of air duct cleaning and commercial kitchen exhaust hood cleaning. For more information, please visit www.1800WATERDAMAGE.com. “Like” 1-800 WATER DAMAGE on Facebook or “Follow” @1800WaterDamage on Twitter and @1800waterdamage on Instagram.