From Engineering to Owning a United Water Restoration Franchise

Daniel Venditti has a background in engineering and project management, while his wife, Kaitlyn, is a lawyer. The couple was ready for a change and had always been interested in franchising; Kaitlyn’s parents were former franchise brokers, so the couple had heard a lot about the industry. Exploring their franchising options, they realized that Venditti’s skill set was a natural fit for the operational and project management aspects of running a franchise.

After careful consideration, they chose United Water Restoration Group (UWRG) and opened their Raleigh, North Carolina location in August 2024.

“[W]e felt really good about the corporate franchise team,” Venditti said. “I’m really excited about their high standards and how they push everyone in the network to meet those standards. I think that will help build a strong national brand over time.”

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Daniel Venditti: My background is in engineering and project management. I was a project manager for an industrial engineering firm that worked in the oil and gas, specialty chemical, and pulp and paper industries. That’s my background. My wife is also a co-owner of the company, and she’s a lawyer who focuses on personal injury. When we decided to start looking into franchises, her parents — who were former franchise brokers — let us know about all the benefits of buying into a franchise system. We were familiar with the concept and had always been interested in franchising because of them.

We initially started looking into franchises because we were ready for a personal development opportunities. As we explored options, we realized that my skills in project management and engineering would fit well into a franchise, especially one like this, which is based on engineering principles and project management. So, we shifted gears.

Venditti: The reason we chose UWRG is that we felt really good about the corporate franchise team. We had a lot of confidence in them based on their sales pitch. I’m really excited about their high standards and how they push everyone in the network to meet those standards. I think that will help build a strong national brand over time.

Venditti: My main goal is to stay busy — whether that’s through completing jobs or focusing hard on field marketing to get our name out there.

Venditti: My wife and I work really well together, and I’m excited to step out of my comfort zone, learn and grow. I want to push myself and go for it.

Venditti: Do a lot of due diligence and get as much experience in the field as you can before signing or deciding to enter a franchise agreement. Make sure the day-to-day operations are something you're ready for.

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.