1-800 WATER DAMAGE Franchise Review: Q&A with Kevin Krull
How a former plumber became a superhero with a thriving property restoration franchise
From a young age, Kevin Krull had always believed in superheroes and helping others during hard times. Having grown up in the foster care system, Krull decided that’s what he would do. Although he worked as a plumber, he sought an opportunity that would not only allow him to utilize his plumbing skills, but would also allow him to help people on a much grander scale.
Enter 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, the fastest-growing property restoration company in the nation. Founded in 2007, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE has spent the past 12 years creating a proven business model that is highly efficient, maximizes profitability, and is bolstered by industry-leading support from Belfor Franchise Group, the largest property restoration company in the world.
With locations from coast-to-coast, we help home and business owners return their property to its original condition, while restoring what truly matters – health and safety. Our services include emergency mitigation, water damage restoration, carpet cleaning, fire and smoke damage restoration, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, and more.
Here’s his story.
What do you enjoy most about 1-800 WATER DAMAGE?
Krull: I enjoy being able to help people during troubling times. Unfortunately, many people lose many valuable things when disaster occurs. It’s a great feeling and sight to see the looks on a customer and their family’s faces when they see we were able to completely restore something for them. For instance, one client’s basement flooded and she had pictures of one of her children who had passed a few years ago down there that were damaged. The look on her face when we gave her those pictures back completely restored was priceless. It’s moments like those that remind us why we do what we do. And that’s the most rewarding part of this business — helping put people’s homes and lives back together just by doing my job.
How does BELFOR support you in your business?
Krull: Being a part of the BELFOR Franchise Group gives us a connection to the leader in state-of-the-art restoration. This connection also provides us with access to lucrative corporate jobs that we otherwise likely would not get. They are also very knowledgeable and stay ahead of the game on this industry’s laws and regulations, which are always changing. Additionally, BELFOR has invested millions in a state-of-the-art training facility, including a flood house. This allows owners to get training in several real-life scenarios before they even open the doors to their business.
How has your business surpassed your expectations?
Krull: It truly has. This is an amazing opportunity, and I’ve done things I never would have thought I could. What really pushed me into starting my own business was growing up in the foster care system and not having anything. Today, it brings me joy and comfort for my wife to be able to stay home and care for our children, as well as knowing that our kids won’t have to grow up going without clothes or food. So, I’m proud to be able to have my own business and be a superhero to my children when I tell them I helped a neighbor get back into their homes after it was damaged by a fire or flood.
Would you recommend 1-800 WATER DAMAGE to other millennials as a business opportunity?
Krull: Yes, it’s a great business. Many of us enroll in college, but I think going into business for yourself makes more sense. If you think about it, in college we spend more than $100,000. After we graduate, we take a job for $35,000. If you take that $100,000, you could invest in starting your own business. And it would also be wise to join a franchise, because starting your own business isn’t easy. If you join a franchise, you’ll be joining a proven system because they have already done it. Ultimately, you’d be working a job you enjoy, and also building something for yourself and your family.
What are your hopes for your business?
Krull: I would like to employ many people and grow my business to include more territories. Ultimately, I’d like to primarily work in the office and help others with their business. I encourage my team all the time to start thinking about their own business. One of our franchisees has several technicians that have gone on to open other locations and/or be project managers for new locations. I think it’s pretty cool when people have an example that reassures them that it’s possible for them to do the same thing.
Why is now a good time to invest in 1-800 WATER DAMAGE?
Krull: It’s a great time to invest in 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, because you’d be joining a franchise system that stays ahead of the game. For instance, this industry changes all of the time. Our franchise’s executive team is always aware of what’s coming down the pipeline, as well as what’s happening in the industry. Additionally, not only being connected to BELFOR, but also being a part of the BELFOR Franchise Group is a huge benefit. The amount of support you’d receive is unmatched in this industry.
Interested in becoming a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise owner?
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