United Water Restoration Group Charlotte Franchisee Success Story

United Water Restoration Group (UWRG) offers franchisees from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to find success in the restoration industry. Whether coming from a corporate environment or a different field altogether, UWRG provides the support and flexibility needed to thrive. Cindy High, a franchisee from Charlotte, North Carolina, is a prime example of how someone can transition from a completely different career into a successful restoration business.

Before joining UWRG, High had a long career in human resources, serving as the vice president of human resources at Eastman Kodak Company. Her experience was primarily focused on managing HR operations in various countries, including China, India and Brazil.

"This had nothing to do with restoration," said High. "It’s all about people and business and getting businesses profitable while treating people fabulously well."

High’s interest in restoration was sparked by her love for houses. After college, she and her spouse began buying and rehabbing rental properties. This experience naturally led them to consider the restoration business when they decided to relocate from Rochester, New York, to Charlotte, North Carolina.

“When we moved, we were trying to figure out what kind of business to start in Charlotte,” High said. “We’ve always enjoyed working on houses, so we thought, ‘Why not start a water, fire and mold restoration company?’”

In 2018, the Highs did just that and bought a UWRG franchise of their own.

High attributes much of her success to the strong support system offered by UWRG. From the outset, the franchisor provided her with access to industry experts and resources that were crucial in getting her business off the ground.

One key figure was Chrissy Gregory, whose deep knowledge of the restoration industry proved invaluable. High also appreciated the flexibility that UWRG offered, allowing her to make independent decisions that best suited her business needs.

Unlike other franchises that impose strict purchasing requirements, UWRG empowers its franchisees to find the best deals and solutions, giving them the freedom to operate efficiently and effectively.

"The support from UWRG has been invaluable," said High. "They truly want their franchisees to succeed."

High’s experience with United Water Restoration Group highlights both her adaptability and the strength of the franchise model. Through hard work and dedication, combined with the comprehensive support from UWRG, High has built a successful business that serves her community in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Reflecting on her journey, High is proud of what she and her team have achieved. The ability to independently make decisions that benefit her business while still receiving strong support from the franchisor has been key to her success.

"They give you freedom and they really help their franchisees succeed," said High. "Some other franchises force you to buy all your supplies and equipment through them, claiming you get a better deal, but that’s not always true. UWRG doesn’t do that. If you find a better deal or a better way, they support you — they don’t try to stop you just because it might mean less profit for them. Their support is great, and it makes them a very affordable franchise in a lot of ways."

As High continues to grow her business, she remains committed to the values that first attracted her to UWRG — helping others, building strong relationships and making a positive impact in her community.

Since 2008, United Water Restoration Group (UWRG) has helped thousands of home and business owners restore properties to pre-loss condition. Through a commitment to excellence and a focus on personal attention, clients’ expectations are exceeded every time, without exception. Today, with a philosophy of hiring the best staff to provide professional restoration services, UWRG has grown to more than 80 locations and maintains a level of customer service rarely seen in the industry.

Although UWRG assists those experiencing disasters, this growing, recession-proof industry is also supported by fundamental infrastructure issues like aging systems and reconstruction.