A career that helped shape a brand. A legacy that will last.
After nearly four decades of dedicated service, we celebrate the retirement of a true icon in the PuroClean family: Chrissy VanderWyde, Vice President of Franchise Relations and the very first employee in the company’s history. She’s been at the heart of the brand from the very beginning, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, innovation, and impact across every level of the organization.
“Chrissy was the historian, the heartbeat, and the foundation upon which so many have stood, learned, and thrived,” shared Margaret Chebat, Vice President of Account Management.
A Career That Grew With the Brand
Chrissy joined PuroClean in 1988 as a receptionist and quickly rose through the ranks, building a dynamic and multi-faceted career that touched nearly every department within the company. Her roles over the years included positions in customer service, accounting, human resources, and franchise support. She also spent two years working at a PuroClean franchise location, gaining a hands-on perspective from the local level side of the business. These experiences, combined with her unwavering commitment, helped shape the culture, systems, and people that define PuroClean today.
Leadership in Franchise Relations
In 2016, Chrissy became the Director of Franchise Relations and was later promoted to Vice President in 2019. In this role, she served as the liaison between the Home Office and PuroClean’s Franchise Owners, led new Franchise Owner onboarding, supported internal team development, and coordinated and participated in the annual Network Leadership Council meetings to offer Executive insights.
“Chrissy is someone who goes above and beyond, both within her own teams and outside of them, showing dedication and passion across the organization and industry. Whatever it takes to serve our Franchise Owners, to ensure great experiences, to make the right connections, and to have the services that they need, Chrissy does it, and she works with an enormous heart and kind spirit,” said PuroClean President & COO Steve White
Elevating Training and Support Through Innovation
Chrissy was instrumental in the conceptualization and development of the PuroClean Academy and its state-of-the-art Applied Structural Drying (ASD) Flood House, which was approved by the IICRC as the 17th such facility in the world. Today, it remains one of only 27 globally.
A Driving Force Behind Events and Company Culture
Chrissy’s leadership extended far beyond daily operations. She coordinated 25 of the 29 Annual PuroClean International Conventions, including the brand’s highest-attended, record-breaking events in 2021 and 2023. She also led the first-ever virtual Convention during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, uniting the network in new and creative ways.
In her multi-faceted role, Chrissy also oversaw the human resources and office management functions and was widely recognized for her open-door policy and deep care for the entire Home Office Support Team.
Recognized for a Lifetime of Excellence
Chrissy was honored with the Gold Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2021 and the Bronze Stevie for Woman of the Year in 2023. Her leadership and contributions were essential in shaping PuroClean’s systems, supporting its people, and guiding its growth. On her last official day as PuroClean’s Vice President of Franchise Relations, President & COO Steve White presented her with the “Legend Award” at a heartfelt farewell luncheon at the Home Office, a tribute to the lasting mark she has left on the organization and the people she served.
A Farewell With Gratitude
As Chrissy steps into retirement, we reflect on the depth of her impact and the legacy she leaves behind. Her leadership shaped the culture we hold dear, her wisdom guided countless decisions, and her presence brought calm, courage, and joy. As she moves on to this next chapter, she carries with her a legacy of strength and a community deeply grateful for the difference she made.
PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand that specializes in water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up, serving both residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a fast-growing franchise network of over 500 independently owned and operated locations. Call PuroClean today at (800) 775-7876 or click here to find a location near you.
