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.
Military Experience Shapes Restoration Leadership
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
Why PuroClean Aligned With Their Goals
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.
Impact Beyond the Job Site: Supporting Veterans and Community
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.
Feldmann’s Advice for Future Veteran Entrepreneurs
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.
