Restoration and Remediation, a leading publication serving restoration and remediation professionals nationwide, recently featured Bud Summers, Executive Vice President of Operations and Training at PuroClean, on its Ask the Expert podcast series. Summers brings decades of hands-on industry experience as a former independent owner/operator, general contractor, and multi-unit franchise leader, offering practical insight grounded in real-world restoration operations. The episode focused on how restoration companies can scale effectively as disasters become more frequent and more complex.
Ask the Expert connects industry leaders with practical insights that restoration professionals can apply in real time. Drawing from his experience supporting PuroClean’s national network, Summers shared strategies for strengthening operations, improving communication, and preparing teams to respond when demand surges.
Summers discussed how higher deductibles and an increase in self-pay scenarios are reshaping what property owners need after a loss. He emphasized that restoration professionals must provide transparent estimating, clearly defined scopes of work, and proactive communication from the start. When customers understand their options and responsibilities early, trust improves, and projects move forward with fewer delays.
As overlapping disaster events become more common, scaling operations require more than additional labor. It demands structure, collaboration, and proven systems. Summers highlighted how PuroClean’s franchise model supports rapid mobilization through Franchise Owner collaboration, peer support, and shared resources. This approach allows teams to expand capacity while maintaining accountability and service standards.
Ongoing training and the development of commercial large loss capabilities are essential to sustainable growth. Summers explained that preparation must happen long before the next event. By strengthening operational readiness in advance, restoration companies can scale efficiently without losing control of quality or customer experience.
Technology was another central theme. From streamlined documentation and billing workflows to emerging AI tools that enhance job notes and accountability, Summers noted that restoration leaders who embrace innovation are positioned to move faster and serve customers more effectively. In disaster response, efficiency and clarity can make a measurable difference in recovery timelines.
As catastrophic weather conditions become more common year-round, preparation and responsiveness are essential. Property owners, commercial clients, and restoration professionals alike benefit from understanding how modern restoration companies approach scalability, communication, and operational readiness.
Summers’ insights provide a behind the scenes look at how strategic planning, investment in training, and the thoughtful use of technology help restoration teams not just respond, but recover with clarity and confidence.
This feature offers viewers and industry professionals a closer look at how restoration leaders are addressing today’s challenges and equipping their teams to deliver dependable, high-quality service, even under pressure.
To find out more about the PuroClean franchising opportunity, CLICK HEREor call us at 800-775-7876.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) recently wrote about PuroClean’s partnership with KnowHow, an AI-enabled knowledge platform designed to strengthen operational training across franchise systems. The coverage highlights how PuroClean is expanding its training infrastructure to support its rapidly growing international network of Franchise Owners.
As one of the few franchise brands to surpass 500 locations, PuroClean continues investing in scalable systems that protect service consistency while expanding its footprint. The partnership reflects a broader growth strategy rooted in operational discipline and long-term brand strength.
According to the IFA, the KnowHow platform will provide PuroClean Technicians and Franchise Owners with immediate access to standardized operating procedures, field guidance, and best practices through mobile technology.
The initiative supports:
• Real-time access to restoration protocols
• Faster onboarding of new technicians
• Reinforcement of system-wide standards
• Clear, step-by-step procedural guidance in the field
This platform complements the existing PuroClean Academy, including its IICRC-approved training programs and hands-on learning environments. Rather than replacing structured instruction, the technology extends that knowledge directly to job sites, strengthening execution during live restoration events.
Coverage by the IFA underscores that this is not a routine technology update. It is a strategic infrastructure investment tied to sustained expansion.
Growth in the restoration industry can introduce risk if standards are not tightly maintained. For homeowners and business owners facing water, fire, mold, or biohazard damage, consistency is critical.
By equipping every technician with standardized guidance, PuroClean reduces variability across locations and strengthens quality control. Customers benefit from:
• More predictable service delivery
• Stronger adherence to proven procedures
• Faster and more confident decision-making on site
• Greater assurance that national standards support local response
When disaster strikes, property owners do not evaluate a brand by its size alone. They evaluate it by how prepared and disciplined the responding team appears. This investment directly supports that expectation.
IFA coverage highlights an important distinction. PuroClean’s expansion is paired with infrastructure development. The partnership with KnowHow reflects a deliberate approach to scaling without compromising standards.
By strengthening training access across its network, PuroClean reinforces:
• Franchise Owner support at scale
• Institutional knowledge transfer
• Operational preparedness
• Long-term brand credibility
This alignment between growth and training signals maturity and stability within the restoration sector. For customers and industry professionals alike, it demonstrates that PuroClean’s leadership prioritizes sustainable performance over short-term expansion.
To explore the full announcement and details of the partnership, read the International Franchise Association’s coverage: PuroClean and KnowHow Partner to Scale Training Infrastructure Across PuroClean’s International Franchise System
To find out more about PuroClean, CLICK HERE or call us at 800-775-7876.
WSMV NBC Nashville recently featured Ben Doebler, multi-unit Franchise Owner of PuroClean locations in Oregon, in a televised segment focused on helping homeowners assess potential water damage after extended power outages and freezing temperatures. The interview aired to approximately 39,900 viewers across the Nashville market, positioning PuroClean as a trusted local authority during severe winter weather recovery.
Doebler shared practical guidance on identifying early signs of storm-related water damage and outlined steps homeowners can take to reduce risk and respond quickly if issues are discovered.
During the broadcast, Doebler advised homeowners returning to properties after freezing conditions to begin with a careful exterior inspection, including hose bibs and exposed plumbing that may have frozen.
Inside the home, he recommended checking:
These areas are particularly vulnerable during prolonged cold spells and power interruptions.
Doebler emphasized the importance of gradually restoring heat once power returns. Rapidly increasing indoor temperatures can cause pipes to expand too quickly, potentially leading to cracks or breaks. Slowly raising the thermostat allows plumbing systems to adjust more safely.
If a pipe bursts or water intrusion occurs, Doebler explained that time is critical. Impacted areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent secondary damage and mold growth.
The segment noted that:
Doebler brings more than 16 years of management and service experience to his PuroClean locations. He has grown his operation from a one-person startup working out of a garage to a team of more than 25 employees operating from multiple facilities. His leadership has earned him a seat in PuroClean’s President Circle for four consecutive years.
When local media turns to a PuroClean Franchise Owner for guidance during severe weather events, it reflects the operational training and real-world expertise behind the brand.
By sharing practical education through trusted news outlets, PuroClean continues to help property owners make informed decisions during high-risk situations.
To find out more about PuroClean, CLICK HERE or call us at 800-775-7876.
DenGarden recently featured Darren Hudema, PuroClean Director of Training & Technical Services, in an article sharing February home maintenance tips titled “10 Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle in February.” Published on February 11, 2026, and written by Casey Clark, the piece brings together insights from home maintenance experts across the industry. Hudema offers a firsthand perspective on why routine upkeep is one of the most effective ways homeowners can protect their properties from costly damage.
The DenGarden article makes a clear case: winter home maintenance isn’t optional, and February is one of the most critical months to stay on top of it. From furnace filters and gutters to roof inspections and dryer vents, the featured experts walk homeowners through 10 essential tasks designed to prevent problems before they escalate
Hudema’s contributions ground the article in real-world restoration experience. Drawing on his work with homeowners in crisis, he offered a sobering but empowering reminder of what preventive maintenance can accomplish:
“In this industry, we typically meet homeowners during crisis situations,” Hudema says in the article. “The pattern is remarkably consistent: the damage we’re called to repair could almost always have been prevented with routine inspections and timely maintenance. A few hours of work each spring dramatically reduces the probability of a property damage event that disrupts your life and costs thousands to repair.”
From roof inspections and dryer vent cleaning to gutter maintenance and checking window seals, Hudema’s perspective echoes throughout the article’s core message: small, timely actions taken in February can mean the difference between a simple fix and a full-scale restoration project.
PuroClean Franchise Owners respond every day to water damage, mold, fire, and structural emergencies that trace back to deferred maintenance. A neglected roof becomes a mold remediation project. A clogged gutter leads to foundation damage. A lint-packed dryer vent turns into a residential fire. These are not rare scenarios; these are the calls PuroClean offices receive constantly, and they are largely preventable.
Hudema’s visibility in a nationally recognized home improvement publication like DenGarden reflects PuroClean’s broader commitment to homeowner education. When a trusted voice from within the organization helps everyday homeowners understand the stakes of routine upkeep, it reinforces PuroClean’s position as more than a restoration company. It establishes the brand as a knowledgeable, proactive partner in long-term property protection, one that shows up not only when disaster strikes, but before it ever has the chance to.
That is the standard PuroClean holds itself to, and it is what continues to earn the trust of homeowners and communities across North America.
Read the full article on DenGarden: 10 Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle in February
To learn more about PuroClean, visit puroclean.com or call 800-775-7876.
Restoration & Remediation Magazine recently featured a father-son leadership team behind PuroClean in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, highlighting how military service continues to shape the way they lead, serve, and respond during high-pressure restoration situations.
The Ask the Expert profile spotlights Franchise Owners Steven Feldmann and Adam Feldmann, exploring how discipline, accountability, and strategic thinking developed through U.S. military service guide their work in property restoration. For customers facing unexpected water, fire, mold, or other property damage, that leadership translates into calm execution, clear communication, and confident decision-making when it matters most.
For military veterans and business owners and operators evaluating their next phase of growth, the Feldmanns’ story illustrates how leadership experience, disciplined execution, and the right support structure can translate into a scalable restoration business.
In the Q&A feature, Steven and Adam share how their military backgrounds directly inform how they approach restoration. Drawing on strategic planning, disciplined execution, and a resilience-first mindset, the duo breaks complex restoration jobs into manageable steps, allowing their teams to stay focused and composed during stressful situations.
This structured approach mirrors military operations and helps ensure consistency and attention to detail across every phase of a restoration project. Their leadership philosophy emphasizes accountability and clear communication, guiding teams through water, fire, mold, and other restoration scenarios while helping customers feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Steven explained this mindset in the article, noting that success often comes from focusing on process rather than panic:
“The key is not trying to tackle the entire job at once. Break it down into manageable, strategic parts that flow into the next step, whether that’s content mitigation, remediation, or the rebuild. Maintaining discipline and focus on the end goal, leveraging the processes and procedures learned in the military.” – Steve Feldmann
For the Feldmanns, the transition from military service into restoration and franchising was both purposeful and practical. Together, Steven and Adam’s experience also highlights how existing service-based businesses, including construction, moving, and mitigation operations, can transition into restoration when supported by proven systems and training.
After leaving the military, Steven gained hands-on construction experience renovating homes, developing skills that naturally aligned with restoration work. Adam’s entrepreneurial journey began with a moving company, which introduced him to the restoration industry and ultimately PuroClean.
They chose PuroClean because of the brand’s robust support for Franchise Owners, including training, systems, and operational resources that allow leaders to focus on execution and customer care. By balancing military-rooted discipline with modern, customer-first practices, the Feldmanns lead by example, instilling a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility across their teams and ensuring that every employee is engaged and supported throughout each restoration project.
Service to others remains central to Steven and Adam’s mission. Beyond restoration work, they actively support fellow veterans through military discounts, community sponsorships, and involvement with the Veterans Network of Iowa, which connects veterans with employment opportunities. Steven also volunteers with the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, offering guidance and assistance to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
This commitment to service reflects PuroClean’s broader values of leadership, care, and preparedness. For customers, it reinforces trust in a brand led by professionals who are trained to respond with clarity and compassion during difficult moments.
Drawing from their own experience, Steven shared that the first year of business ownership can be the most challenging and encouraged veterans to seek out mentors who can offer guidance and perspective. Adam emphasized the importance of fully leveraging the tools and resources available to business owners, including training, technology, and marketing support, noting that having the right infrastructure in place can make a meaningful difference in building confidence and long-term stability.
For those interested in learning more about franchising opportunities with PuroClean, the Feldmanns’ experience offers insight into how the brand’s structure, support, and operational discipline can help business owners succeed in the restoration industry. For veterans drawn to service-oriented leadership and operational excellence, PuroClean offers a path where those values continue to matter.
To learn more about PuroClean, visit puroclean.com or call 800-775-7876.
As part of the PuroClean Cares® initiative, PuroClean Franchise Owners across the country once again came together during the 2025 Season of Giving to support their local communities through charitable partnerships, donation drives, and holiday events.
From toy collections and food pantry donations to parade participation and veteran-focused initiatives, Franchise Owners demonstrated PuroClean’s ongoing commitment to service beyond restoration—helping families, seniors, children, and veterans experience care and connection during the holiday season.
Below are highlights from participating locations that made a meaningful impact in their communities this year.
Victor Gutierrez, Manuel Opazo, and their team hosted their Annual Toys for Tots drive, collecting both toys and cash donations with support from several local referral partners.
Brett Dalrymple, Dennis O’Brien, and their team participated in the Warrenton Christmas Parade, earning the Clark Griswold Award for Most Illuminated. The team brought extra holiday spirit to the community, with Brett once again stepping into his role as the Grinch.
Kevin Hennings and team partnered with Toys for Tots, delivering an outstanding collection effort to support children in need during the holidays.
Charles Polley and his team donated more than 1,000 food items to food pantries serving the Vevay and Madison, Indiana communities.
Greg Arianoff, Christopher Sibel, and their team participated in the Hilo Christmas Lights Parade, where their mascot group, Triple Threat, entertained crowds throughout the route with Christmas-themed songs.
Trey and Janice Bell, along with their team, partnered with strategic community organizations for their Holiday Hope Drive, collecting items for delivery to Neighborhood Alliance to support seniors in need.
Charles and Sharon Atkins, alongside their team, continued their long-standing participation in the Appalachian Christmas Project, a tradition they have supported since 1999 in partnership with their local church and community groups to deliver essential aid across the Appalachian region.
Milton Valerio, Anajess Alvarez, and their team took part in the Middletown Tree Lighting Parade, helping bring the community together to celebrate the season.
Steven Feldmann and Adam Feldmann partnered with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for Military Appreciation Night, honoring service members during the holiday season.
Andy Tai and his team hosted their second annual Toy Drive, continuing a growing tradition of holiday giving in their community.
Phil and Cathy Peters donated $250 gift cards to a local high school guidance counselor for distribution to students and families in need.
Andrew Rankel, Jonathan Beever, Shawn McDermott, and their team worked with People’s Place for Project Santa, collecting toys, blankets, and books for families in need throughout the Kingston area.
Nick and Jaime Theisen, along with their team, held their annual event as a “3 Cans Express,” collecting food for Mission Southside, which prepares backpacks for kids so they have food over the weekends and holidays.
The Season of Giving reflects what PuroClean Cares stands for: local action, compassion, and leadership rooted in Servant Leadership. While PuroClean is known for responding when disaster strikes, these efforts highlight the brand’s broader mission of supporting communities not only during emergencies but throughout the year.
These PuroClean Cares initiatives help build trust long before a property emergency ever occurs. By showing up consistently in local communities, PuroClean reinforces its role as a familiar and dependable presence when homeowners and businesses need help most. Empowering Franchise Owners to lead initiatives that matter locally allows PuroClean to strengthen communities through meaningful, people-first action. To learn more about how PuroClean supports communities year-round, visit the PuroClean Cares initiatives page.
To learn more about PuroClean, visit puroclean.com or call 800-775-7876.
Connecting Vets, a national Audacy publication, recently featured Jennifer Wine, an Army National Guard veteran and Franchise Owner of PuroClean of Burlington, highlighting her transition from Army combat medic to restoration Franchise Owner, alongside her husband and business partner, Jessie Wine.
Based in Burlington, Wisconsin, Jennifer and Jessie Wine bring PuroClean’s emergency restoration services to homeowners and businesses across southeastern Wisconsin, helping communities recover from water, fire, mold, and biohazard damage when it matters most. The article highlights how Wine’s 12 years of military service, including her role as a combat medic, shaped her leadership approach and prepared her for business ownership in the emergency restoration industry. Through PuroClean, widely known as The Paramedics of Property Damage®, she applies those skills in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
Wine shared that her military background influenced her leadership style, particularly in areas such as discipline, communication, and adaptability. She explained that the Army emphasized preparation and flexibility, qualities she said are essential to success in emergency restoration work.
“Being in the military has undeniably shaped me into a more effective and resilient business owner who is disciplined, adaptable, and resilient in high-pressure situations,” Wine shared in the article.
She also spoke to the broader role veterans play in entrepreneurship, noting that while veterans represent a small percentage of the U.S. population, they account for a significantly higher share of Franchise Owners. Wine described business ownership as a symbol of the freedom veterans fought to protect, encouraging others to apply their leadership experience in new ways.
“There’s no substitute for hard work, determination, and the willingness to outwork your competitors,” Wine said, adding that veterans already possess many of the qualities required for success.
Together, Jennifer and Jessie Wine put those principles into action as PuroClean Franchise Owners, helping property owners recover and rebuild when unexpected damage occurs.
Wine’s story reflects the values that have long defined PuroClean: preparation, service, and leadership under pressure. Property restoration work calls for calm decision-making, clear communication, and quick action in unpredictable situations, reflecting the real-world experience veterans bring to the role.
PuroClean is proud to support Franchise Owners like Wine by providing the training, systems, and Support Team needed to translate those skills into a successful business. Without changing who they are, veterans are able to apply their discipline and leadership in a new way, continuing to serve their communities when they need it most.
Stories like this highlight how PuroClean creates opportunities for veterans to succeed in meaningful roles, restoring not just properties, but confidence and peace of mind after unexpected events. Learn more about PuroClean Franchise Opportunities.
Read the full Connecting Vets article featuring Jennifer Wine.
To find out more about PuroClean, CLICK HERE or call us at 800-775-7876.
Community Newspapers’ Small Business Matters recently featured an in-depth conversation between host Carlos Ribero of nextMEDIA Marketing and Thomas Avila, President of PuroClean of Coral Gables in Florida. The episode takes viewers inside the world of property-damage restoration, exploring what happens after water, fire, mold, or biohazard emergencies and how PuroClean supports local families and businesses when they need help most.
Known as The Paramedics of Property Damage®, PuroClean specializes in rapid-response restoration for both residential and commercial properties. In this episode, Avila shares what sets PuroClean apart in a competitive industry, what customers should expect when disaster strikes, and how PuroClean Franchise Owners are trained to deliver high-quality, ethical service.
Here are the main takeaways from Thomas’s conversation with host Carlos Ribero. These insights offer practical guidance while also giving a glimpse into the deeper purpose that drives every PuroClean Franchise Owner and their teams.
Property damage can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never faced it before. This interview gives viewers a look behind the curtain, showing what actually happens during an emergency response, why professional mitigation matters, and how restoration experts make decisions that protect your home, business, and health.
Hearing directly from a Franchise Owner provides real insight into the values, training, and systems that guide every PuroClean Team Member who arrives at a customer’s door. Avila’s perspective provides insight into the experience of being a PuroClean Franchise Owner, offering inspiration for anyone who may be exploring a future in this growing and meaningful industry.
Each story in this episode highlights how trained, ethical, and dedicated PuroClean Franchise Owners make a real difference for families and businesses when disaster strikes, demonstrating the company’s lasting impact in communities nationwide.
To find out more about PuroClean, CLICK HERE or call us at 800-775-7876.
Cleaning & Restoration (C&R) Magazine recently featured C.J. Bailey, Director of Software Management at PuroClean, in an article titled “From Skeptic to Advocate: How Benchmarking Transformed My Career.” The feature highlights Bailey’s professional journey in the restoration industry and how benchmarking evolved from something he once dismissed into a critical tool for leadership, clarity, and long-term improvement, particularly for prospective franchise owners seeking structure, insight, and confidence as they grow or transition their businesses.
With over 13 years of experience across distribution, regional leadership, and technology strategy in the restoration space, Bailey brings a comprehensive perspective to how data and benchmarks can shape better decision-making. In the article, he reflects on his early career at Aramsco, where benchmark reports often went unread. Like many professionals, he initially viewed industry benchmarks as disconnected from his day-to-day role. That perspective shifted after revisiting multiple reports side by side and recognizing patterns that revealed broader industry trends and opportunities.
“For years, I was firmly in the second group,” Bailey wrote. “But over the past 13 years in the restoration industry, I’ve learned that benchmarking isn’t just a buzzword or a corporate exercise; it’s one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and business transformation we have.”
As his career progressed into leadership roles, including serving as a Regional Director at PuroClean, Bailey began sharing benchmarking studies with Franchise Owners and teams to help provide context around performance and growth. Through real-world coaching conversations, he demonstrated how benchmarks clarify where a business stands, identify gaps, and create a more informed path forward. One pivotal moment described in the article compares benchmarking to keeping score in a basketball game, underscoring the importance of measurable standards to understand progress and success.
Bailey also emphasizes that benchmarking is not limited to owners or executives. From frontline technicians to office managers and sales professionals, engaging with industry data helps teams understand trends, anticipate challenges, and make smarter decisions. Today, in his role overseeing software management at PuroClean, Bailey continues to use benchmarking to evaluate how technology, automation, and AI are shaping the future of the restoration industry.
For PuroClean, Bailey’s story reinforces the brand’s commitment to education, data-driven leadership, and continuous improvement. Benchmarking is not treated as a report to file away, but as a practical tool that supports preparedness, accountability, and consistency across the network. That mindset ultimately benefits customers, ensuring teams are better equipped to respond with clarity and confidence when restoration services are needed most, while giving PuroClean Franchise Owners the insight and understanding they need to scale with purpose and precision.
PuroClean encourages Franchise Owners and teams to engage with benchmarks as a way to learn, adapt, and improve. In doing so, the brand strengthens its role as a trusted partner for homeowners, businesses, and communities, while offering meaningful opportunities to prospective franchise owners and operators who share its commitment to high standards, values, and performance.
To learn more about PuroClean, visit puroclean.com or call 800-775-7876.
© 2026 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
