When homeowners and business owners face water damage, fire loss or mold issues, they want clarity, speed and someone they can trust to handle the chaos. 911 Restoration provides exactly that, backed by a growing network of franchise owners who work together to deliver a true fresh start. By Shelby Green
For LIME Painting® franchisees, satisfaction and growth are key priorities. As an award-winning residential and commercial painting company, LIME Painting provides a wide range of services to clients, including painting, coatings and surface restoration of residential and commercial buildings. The brand’s reputation and overall success are rooted in its franchisee selection, onboarding, training and support systems. By Erika Ortega
Andrew Krawczel grew up in the trades, doing everything from carpentry to debris removal. He ended up attending Virginia Tech’s construction management program, and during his freshman year, the September 11 attacks happened. Krawczel saw this as a call to action and joined the Marine Corps. After about 10 years of active duty, in 2014, he transitioned to a reserve unit in Quantico near Washington, D.C., to spend more time with his growing family. By Kelsi Trinidad
1-800-Plumber +Air, one of the only combined plumbing and HVAC franchise opportunities serving both residential and commercial clients, has been weaving honesty, integrity and a sense of community into the fabric of its company culture since it was founded 15 years ago. By Nancy E. Williams
Premier Turf Franchise Welcomes First Family-Owned Location
AUSTIN, Texas — Waterloo Turf, a national artificial turf franchise, has expanded into Denver, Colorado, marking the brand’s first family-owned franchise location. The Denver launch builds on Waterloo Turf’s existing presence in Boulder and Fort Collins, and strengthens its footprint across Colorado.
Mother-and-son team Misti and Steven Black will operate Waterloo Turf’s Denver location, serving the metro area and surrounding suburbs. As long-time Denver residents, they understand the environmental constraints and performance demands unique to the region.
“Denver is home for our family. Our roots are here, and we want to stay involved in the community we care about most,” said Misti Black. “We believe artificial turf is still early in Denver, and it can be a strong solution for the unique needs of the market, especially as water restrictions increase.”
Steven and Misti Black bring complementary skill sets to the Denver location, with Steven focused on installation quality, execution, and day-to-day operations, and Misti contributing her background in gardening and outdoor design. Together, they prioritize craftsmanship, clear communication, and long-term performance on every project.
“We joined Waterloo Turf as a mother-and-son team because our skills complement each other in a way that benefits our customers,” said Steven Black. “We’ve always been close, and we wanted to build something that reflects how our family tries to show up: treat people well, communicate clearly, and stand behind our work. When we signed on with Waterloo Turf, we knew this would be our long-term focus.”
The Denver franchise will serve customers across the following counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert and Jefferson.
“Denver embodies the active, outdoor lifestyle that inspired Waterloo Turf in the first place. Expanding here lets us help even more homeowners and business owners spend less time maintaining their lawn and more time enjoying the things they love,” said Tim Lovett, CEO of Waterloo Turf. “Denver is full of opportunity, and Misti and Steven represent the kind of driven, community‑minded entrepreneurs we’re proud to partner with. Their family‑run approach aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional service with a personal touch.”
Led by top leaders in both franchising and turf and backed by investors with over 60 years of combined franchise experience across 13 different brands, Waterloo Turf’s franchise opportunity was built off proven, streamlined operations and ongoing corporate support. Waterloo Turf is seeking franchisees with a “team captain” mindset, offering a 10% discount to owners who are ex-NCAA athletes and ex-military.
For more information, please visit https://waterlooturf.com/denver
About Waterloo Turf
Founded in 2021 and franchised since December 2024, Waterloo Turf offers a unique opportunity for franchisees to enter the growing turf industry with a low upfront investment and minimal overhead. Waterloo Turf offers services for both residential and commercial-based projects, delivering high-quality turf solutions for a wide range of properties including luxury homes, commercially owned areas, dog parks, daycares, schools and more. Waterloo Turf promotes the ideal lifestyle of “Getting your Saturdays Back,” allowing families and friends to focus on spending quality time together in their outdoor space.
Annual awards honor trailblazers who provide inspiration and leadership within their respective fields
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Beth Toenies, vice president of franchise development for BELFOR Franchise Group, has been recognized as a 2025 Woman of Inspiration™ by the Universal Womens Network™. The award honors exceptional women across North America who lead, inspire and motivate others through their professional and personal achievements. A ceremony, held in Toronto, brought together women from numerous industries, celebrating their accomplishments and their impact.
Nominated by BELFOR managers in both the United States and Canada, Toenies joins an elite group of honorees representing diverse industries, from executives and entrepreneurs to creators, athletes and business leaders, all of whom exemplify resilience, innovation and leadership.
“Franchising is such an empowering path for women; it opens doors to leadership, growth and the chance to truly make a difference,” said Toenies. “BELFOR Franchise Group continues to champion opportunities for women in franchising, helping entrepreneurs across North America build sustainable, community-focused businesses. This award reflects that spirit, and attests to the potential for women to lead and succeed in the franchising space. Of course, many men are broadly supportive of this focus, as well.”
With over two decades of experience in franchise development and leadership, Toenies is a Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Project Manager whose accomplishments continue to elevate the franchising community. Her recent accolades include being named a 2025 American Business Awards Bronze Stevie® Winner for Woman of the Year – Business Services, a 2023 Jacksonville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Construction and Civil Works (2025) by Women We Admire.
“Beth’s leadership and passion for empowering others have made a lasting impact across our organization,” said Doug Smith, senior vice president of franchise development at BELFOR Franchise Group. “She exemplifies the values we strive to uphold every day, always serving others and creating platforms for their success.”
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, with decades of experience empowering aspiring business owners to create resilient companies. Their brand portfolio encompasses fields as diverse as contents restoration, pest control, drywall repair and plumbing.
For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
For more information about the Women of Inspiration awards, visit
https://universalwomensnetwork.com/women-inspiration.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, their franchise brands have empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and ongoing business coaching to help local owners succeed. As the parent organization to a diverse portfolio of service-based franchises, BELFOR Franchise Group provides opportunities across home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
Chem-Dry, HOODZ, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, N-Hance, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz and DUCTZ honored for
national, systemwide sales
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — BELFOR Franchise Group, a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, announces that six of its brands have been recognized on the Franchise Times Top 400® list for 2025. The honored brands include Chem-Dry, HOODZ, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, N-Hance, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz and DUCTZ.
The Franchise Times Top 400® is an exclusive annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems, determined by global systemwide sales and compiled through an extensive research and reporting process.
This year’s recognition marks the second consecutive year that six BELFOR Franchise Group brands have earned a place among the nation’s top-performing franchise systems, highlighting the group’s consistent growth and leadership in the home service industry.
“Our brands continue to set the standard in their respective industries by delivering service excellence, professionalism and reliability,” said D’Wayne Tanner and Beth Toenies, Vice Presidents of Franchise Development. “Repeat recognition on this list affirms that our franchise family is meeting real needs, not only for consumers but for entrepreneurs seeking a supportive franchise environment.”
The community of franchises at BELFOR Franchise Group brings together a portfolio of established and growing brands that serve both residential and commercial markets with essential services. Its franchise platform equips aspiring business owners with the tools to get started confidently — offering comprehensive training, ongoing operational guidance and a suite of marketing resources designed to enable long-term success.
“From our hands-on training facilities to our internal marketing solutions, we aim to empower our franchisees with the guidance needed to grow at their own pace,” Tanner and Toenies explained. “Our ongoing, dedicated support provides the foundation for the strong performance seen across our franchise network year-after-year.”
For the complete Franchise Times Top 400 list, visit https://www.franchisetimes.com/top-400-2025.
For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, their franchise brands have empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and ongoing business coaching to help local owners succeed. As the parent organization to a diverse portfolio of service-based franchises, BELFOR Franchise Group provides opportunities across home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
The industry veteran will maintain her concurrent role as Chief Operating Officer for 1-800-BOARDUP
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — BELFOR Franchise Group, a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, has announced the promotion of Beth Toenies to Vice President of Franchise Development. In this expanded role, she will lead operational strategy, strengthen franchise support and drive the continued growth of 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz and DUCTZ, as well as the broader portfolio of service brands within BELFOR Franchise Group.
Toenies currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of 1-800-BOARDUP, a disaster recovery brand within BELFOR Franchise Group that specializes in securing properties and providing critical resources to victims rebuilding after a loss. She will continue in this capacity while also assuming her expanded role within BELFOR Franchise Group.
“Beth has consistently demonstrated loyalty, leadership and vision,” said Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. “Her expertise in operations, sales and strategic planning will make her an invaluable partner to our development team and franchise prospects as we continue to expand and strengthen our brands.”
As Vice President of Franchise Development, Toenies will drive greater efficiencies in franchise lead generation and development, while working closely with her counterparts and brand presidents to establish frameworks that drive long-term, sustainable growth.
With more than two decades of franchise leadership experience, Toenies is also a Six Sigma Black Belt and a Certified Project Manager. Her achievements have been widely recognized: She is the 2025 American Business Awards Bronze Stevie Winner for Woman of the Year – Business Services, a 2023 Jacksonville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and was recently named among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Construction and Civil Works (2025) by Women We Admire.
“At BELFOR Franchise Group, we’ve built an incredible reputation for empowering entrepreneurs across the residential and commercial service industries,” said Toenies. “In taking on these new responsibilities, I look forward to working closely with our experienced franchise development team in connecting with the right candidates and demonstrating how our trusted service brands can enable them to take control of their future through franchise ownership.”
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Toenies is a dedicated military spouse. Married to an active-duty Navy member, she was honored in 2022 as the Naval Air Station Jacksonville Military Spouse of the Year by Armed Forces Insurance.
For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, their franchise brands have empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and ongoing business coaching to help local owners succeed. As the parent organization to a diverse portfolio of service-based franchises, BELFOR Franchise Group provides opportunities across home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
You’ve seen pictures posted all over social media: dirty, oil-stained garages transformed into sleek, luxury floors with glittering gold flakes. While the results are picture-perfect, the franchise that makes it happen is even more appealing. By Brianna Bohn
Texas-based Premier Synthetic Turf Franchise Set to Open New Locations in Idaho and Colorado by End of 2025
AUSTIN, Texas — Waterloo Turf, the premier turf and synthetic grass franchise dedicated to helping people get their Saturdays back, has started 2025 on a high note following rigorous franchise growth and entries into several new states.
Having only launched its franchise opportunity in December 2024, the brand has garnered tremendous franchise interest with a current total of 32 territories under development. With an established presence in Austin, Scottsdale, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Nashville, the brand continues to target major metropolitan areas in the Sunbelt to expand its franchise footprint.
Laying The Groundwork for National Growth
This year, Waterloo Turf entered 2 new states for the first time, with new franchisees now serving Scottsdale (AZ) and Nashville (TN). The brand will be stepping into Idaho and Colorado for the first time, with locations set to open in Boise, Boulder, Fort Collins, respectively by the end of the summer.
Additionally, Waterloo Turf will be doubling down on building a presence within its home state of Texas, with new franchise agreements signed in Waco and College Station.
“We’ve experienced tremendous momentum so far this year as more communities are recognizing the need for, and benefits of, sustainable landscaping solutions, such as artificial turf,” said Tim Lovett, Co-Owner and CEO of Waterloo Turf. “I look forward to teaming up with driven franchise partners who want to bring lush, green, and water-conscious lawns to their local communities as we step into the remainder of 2025.”
A Timely Franchise Opportunity in A Water-Conscious World
Valued at USD 76.6 billion in 2022 and projected to reach USD 114.3 billion by 2028, the booming artificial turf industry is set to explode as consumer demand and water conservation legislation both take centerstage.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, depending on the region, homeowners use up to 30% to 70% of their water outdoors. Of this, an estimated 50% of outdoor water use is wasted through evaporation or runoff from overwatering. In contrast, artificial turf uses an average of 1-2 gallons of water per square foot annually, compared to that of a traditional grass lawn which requires 55 gallons of water per square foot annually.
Led by top leaders in both franchising and turf, and backed by investors with over 60 years of combined franchise experience across 13 different brands, Waterloo Turf’s franchise opportunity was built off proven, streamlined operations and ongoing corporate support. Waterloo Turf is seeking franchisees with a “team captain” mindset, offering a 10% discount to owners who are ex-NCAA athletes and ex-military.
For more information, please visit https://waterlooturf.com/own-a-franchise/
About Waterloo Turf
Founded in 2021 and franchised since December 2024, Waterloo Turf offers a unique opportunity for franchisees to enter the growing turf industry with a low upfront investment and minimal overhead. Waterloo Turf offers services for both residential and commercial-based projects, delivering high-quality turf solutions for a wide range of properties including luxury homes, commercially owned areas, dog parks, daycares, schools and more. Waterloo Turf promotes the ideal lifestyle of “Getting your Saturdays Back,” allowing families and friends to focus on spending quality time together in their outdoor space.