Gary Findley has over 25 years of experience in helping new and experienced entrepreneurs get on the right track towards owning their own business. He has been involved in having a key role in building over 9500 locations worldwide with two brands. Gary has also helped launch several new concepts as well as taking existing concepts and growing their development.
1. Tell us about the Restoration 1 concept.
Restoration 1 is a recognized national leader in the emergency restoration industry for mold, water, fire and smoke damage, handling jobs of all sizes across the nation for residential and commercial property’s. Our model is a powerful opportunity for the right candidates, as it involves no inventory, no brick-and-mortar location, and high-volume growth that continues through almost any economic climate.
2. How and when did you become involved with Restoration 1?
In 2016, I was offered and accepted the position as president and moved the company headquarters to Waco, TX. Restoration 1 continues to expand its footprint and anchor itself as one of the fastest-growing and most-trusted emergency mitigation and restoration franchises in North America.
Since taking the helm at Restoration 1 in January of 2016, my focus has primarily been on developing a strategic direction for the company and its network of franchisees. With my vision, integrity and passion the company has added over 55 locations this year and on target to have 100 locations by end of the year.
3. What was your background prior to joining Restoration 1?
I have over 25 years of experience in helping new and experienced entrepreneurs get on the right track towards owning their own business. In addition, I have been involved in the past 25 years with having a key role in building over 9500 locations worldwide with two brands. And finally, I have helped launch several new concepts as well as taking existing concepts and growing their development. I started my career cleaning carpets for a company that today is a competitor of Restoration 1. My strengths are knowing how to build a national franchise organization, by hiring the best staff and developing systems and processes to become the best in the industry.
4. What are some of the advantages in being a Restoration 1 franchisee?
Superior support. annual convention, monthly newsletter and a weekly visit with their designated Field Consultant. We also provide avenues for the franchisees to work together, brainstorm, share information and ask questions. We truly believe teamwork makes the dream work!
5. Who is your ideal franchisee?
Driven, service focused, passionate entrepreneur, professional looking to own their own business, military or civil service workers. We do not require previous experience. As a matter of fact, many of our Franchisees have come out of Corporate America with little or no experience.
6. Tell us a little about the Restoration Market?
The Restoration business is an estimated $60,000 Billion a year industry, providing emergency restoration industry for mold, water, fire and smoke damage. Disasters don’t wait for a convenient moment to strike, but we want to be available when they do. Addressing the issues early on can make a big difference in the extent of the damage.
7. What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
Not every good idea makes a good franchise and not every franchise is a good idea. What makes a great franchise system is 3 things: your support, your staff, and the success of your franchisees. If franchisees aren’t happy, nobody’s happy!
8. Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
I believe in giving credit where credit is due. I started my career working for Don Dwyer, Founder of the Dwyer Group. I was in my early 20’s and I distinctly remember sitting up in Don’s office at 10:00PM at night talking about franchising and my personal goals. He took the time to mentor me and help me to become a successful franchise development person and to really gain a passion for franchising. I loved and still love how you could use franchising to expand your idea across the world and at the same time assist others in achieving their dreams of owning their own business.
This was really apparent when I was approached by my friend, Gary Heavin, founder of Curves, telling me he had an idea and wanted to franchise the concept. I left my job as VP of franchising at Rainbow to chase this dream of starting a franchise. I spent the next 8 years building one of the largest franchises in the world having over 8000 locations.
9. What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
Having been in franchising for over 25 years, representing over a dozen brands, I tell people today to look for these 5 major factors in purchasing a franchise:
- Low investment
- Low overhead
- High margins
- No brick and mortar
- Recession resistant
Over my many years of franchising and numerous opportunities of helping people choose a business, these are key elements I would look for in a business today and have been instrumental in my personal decision making.
10. In your opinion, why do you think that Restoration1 would be a great opportunity for someone?
We equip our franchisees with a 12- day training program that fully prepares them to offer their services as soon as they return home and our continued education is offered throughout the year geared for their success. In addition, we provide superior support from the home team and a designated, experienced field consultant to meet with them weekly to analyze and strategize for the growth of their individual Restoration 1 Franchise. Our ethics, professionalism, quality, and availability are carried out at each of our franchise locations. Our team is committed to giving franchisees the support system they need to succeed in these same areas. Restoration 1 Franchisees can reach full potential with our superior training, technical support and in-territory support. We offer old fashion service in a high-tech environment.
