From Firefighter to Franchise Leader: How Nelson & Sujey Rivera Built a Multi-Location PuroClean Business

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Franchising with PuroClean isn’t just about owning a business—it’s about making an impact. Few understand that better than Nelson & Sujey Rivera, who have turned their expertise and passion for helping others into one of PuroClean’s top-performing franchise operations. Their dedication to service, growth, and operational excellence is one of the many reasons PuroClean was named one of Franchise Times’ Top 10 Brands to Buy.

Turning Emergency Response into Business Success

As a deputy fire chief and full-time firefighter in New Jersey, Nelson Rivera has spent years witnessing the devastation caused by fire, smoke, and water damage. His firsthand experience seeing families and businesses struggle in the aftermath of disasters fueled his passion to do more than just respond to emergencies—he wanted to help rebuild.

That drive led him to acquire his first PuroClean franchise in Morristown, NJ, in 2019. Partnering with his wife, Sujey Rivera, who oversees financial strategy and day-to-day operations, the duo has built an industry-leading restoration business.

Today, Nelson and Sujey own and operate:

“We’re doing amazing and couldn’t be happier,” said Rivera. “I never thought we would get to six locations in five years, but here we are.”

(As of now, the Riveras actively operate five locations, with a potential sixth in the discussion stage, further demonstrating their commitment to continued growth.)

Scaling for Growth and Long-Term Success

With annual revenue exceeding $5 million and a 20% growth rate, the Riveras have proven that strategic scaling and strong industry relationships are key to success. Nelson credits their ability to remain fluid and adaptable, even during market slowdowns, as a major factor in their continued expansion.

“Making sure you’re rotating customers and keeping the business going during your dry spells is going to happen in this business,” Rivera explained. “But because of my connections with insurance adjusters in firefighting, we’ve been able to remain busy throughout most of the year and have kept the business growing, which is great.”

The combination of Nelson’s firefighting background and Sujey’s leadership in financial operations has created a high-performing franchise model that continues to scale year after year. Their success earned them PuroClean’s Franchisee of the Year award, a recognition given to Franchise Owners who exemplify business excellence and commitment to service.

A Recognized Leader in Property Restoration

The Riveras’ journey underscores why PuroClean is a top choice for entrepreneurs, earning a coveted spot on Franchise Times’ Top 10 Brands to Buy. Their dedication to community service, operational efficiency, and strategic growth reflects the core values that set PuroClean apart as an industry leader.

🔗 Read more about Nelson & Sujey in Franchise Times.

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