From Finance to Franchise: A UWRG Business Transition in Charlotte

After building a thriving restoration business in Charlotte, North Carolina, Rob Fischmann and Cindy High-Fischmann, longtime franchisees with United Water Restoration Group (UWRG), have officially passed the reins to new owner Kevin O’Connell. The transition marks a new chapter for all three — one defined by legacy, opportunity and a commitment to quality.

Rob and Cindy didn’t come from the restoration world. Both were former executives at Kodak who wanted a second act that combined their operational expertise with a more personal mission.

“We had a house in the Charlotte area for years and knew we wanted to settle here,” Cindy said. “We started looking into franchises in the home services space and found United Water Restoration Group to be a great fit.”

From day one, they were impressed by the UWRG team’s support and balanced structure.

“We were early franchisees in the system, and UWRG struck the right balance between helpful guidance and room to run our business our way,” Rob said.

Business growth and transition

Their instincts were spot on. Since launching in 2018, the couple earned a reputation for exceptional service, professionalism and a strong presence in the local market.

Despite their success, Rob and Cindy had always planned their UWRG journey with a clear timeline in mind.

“When we started, we said five years,” Cindy said. “After some health issues, we realized it was time to think about what’s next — and this isn’t a business you can run passively.”

As they approached retirement, their priority became finding the right person to carry on what they had built.

New owner background

Kevin O’Connell’s path to entrepreneurship was anything but typical. After working in investment banking with a focus on founder-led businesses, the pandemic prompted him to rethink his future. Business school followed, where he met his wife — a Charlotte native — and began envisioning a more independent life.

“I knew I wanted to work for myself,” O’Connell said. “After a career in corporate finance, I wanted to build something real, something lasting.”

That vision led him to Rob and Cindy’s UWRG business, and the fit was immediate.

“He brought energy, a strong operational mindset and a real respect for the business we’d built,” Cindy said. “It became clear that he was the right person to take it forward.”

For O’Connell, the opportunity checked every box. The Charlotte market was booming, the restoration industry proved resilient, and the UWRG model offered multiple revenue streams and a solid support system.

“It’s a recession-resistant industry, and if you have a great team and a trusted brand, there’s always demand,” O’Connell said. “The financial profile was strong. The business already had great reviews and a reliable team in place. I felt like I could step in and keep the momentum going.”

Transition and future plans

Perhaps most importantly, O’Connell felt confident in the transition thanks to Rob and Cindy’s approach.

“The financials were important, of course,” he said, “but the people you’re buying from matter more. Trust is everything in a deal like this.”

To ensure a smooth handoff, Rob and Cindy committed to staying on for six months to guide O’Connell and support the team.

“We’re helping Kevin get acclimated,” Rob said. “We care about the business and want to make sure he has what he needs to succeed.”

While they’ll be stepping back from day-to-day operations, retirement for the Fischmanns is more of a reset than a full stop.

“We’ll do a little traveling,” Rob said. “And Cindy has some ideas brewing in the consulting space.”

As for O’Connell, this is just the beginning. With a solid foundation, a growing market and a passion for building something of his own, he's ready to make his mark and continue the legacy Rob and Cindy so carefully created.