Bonnie Lanyon and Carol Ann Hunter share their heartfelt journey of business, family, and a friendship that spans decades, recently featured on The Franchise Woman Podcast.
PuroClean is proud to spotlight two of our longest-standing Franchise Owners, Bonnie Lanyon and Carol Ann Hunter, whose decades-long friendship was recently featured on The Franchise Woman podcast, with hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa.
In this moving episode, the two women reflect on their personal paths, the ups and downs of building businesses alongside their spouses, and how a simple pedicure and a zip line sparked a sisterhood that’s lasted more than 20 years.
A Business, a Legacy, a Lifelong Bond
Bonnie opened up about how she and her late husband, Tom, launched their Purofirst Fire and Water Restoration in Victorville, CA, during a financial low point, turning hardship into opportunity. After Tom’s passing, Bonnie carried on the business and eventually transitioned it to her children, continuing a proud family legacy rooted in service and perseverance.
“We started in a bedroom at the house,” Lanyon recalls. “Balancing the chaos of young kids and a brand-new franchise; that’s how we got into it. And now we’re 32 years in.”
Carol Ann shared a different, yet equally inspiring, journey. She and her husband, Rob, started their Purofirst Disaster Services – Louisville, KY, from their garage, growing it into the brand’s largest operation. Despite being polar opposite personalities, the couple turned their differences into strengths and their business into a powerhouse.
“We’d argue about what needed to be done,” Hunter said, laughing. “But over time, we figured out how to stay in our own lanes and respect each other’s strengths.”
How Franchising Sparked a Lifelong Friendship
The episode explores how Bonnie and Carol Ann met at a PuroClean event, bonded over a pedicure, and took their friendship to new heights, literally, on a zip line. What started as a lighthearted connection became a deep, enduring friendship built on shared values, mutual respect, and deep faith.
Their stories are honest, heartfelt, and full of laughter; touching on the real-life balance of business and family, friendship and faith.
Living the PuroClean Way
This episode is a powerful reminder that PuroClean isn’t just about restoration, it’s about relationships. Bonnie and Carol Ann’s story offers a candid look at what it’s like to:
- Build a business with your spouse
- Raise a family while running a franchise
- Transition a company to the next generation
But more than that, it reflects the heart of the PuroClean brand: people who lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and support one another as ONE TEAM.
As Franchise Owners, they’ve built trusted businesses that serve their communities with care. As friends, they’ve supported each other through life’s biggest moments. And as leaders, they represent the integrity, resilience, and heart that define the PuroClean network.
🎧 Watch the Full Conversation
Want to hear the full story in their own words?
Tune in to The Franchise Woman podcast episode featuring Bonnie and Carol Ann, and discover how these two incredible women built lives and legacies rooted in purpose.
▶ Watch now:
