At PuroClean, leadership comes in many forms—but it’s always rooted in service. Few embody that better than Lydia Akinyemi, Franchise Owner of PuroClean of Southern Westchester in Ardsley, NY. Recently featured in both Cleanfax Magazine and Home Business Magazine, Lydia’s story is one of courage, compassion, and trailblazing leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Lydia and her husband Taiwo had been in the restoration space before joining the PuroClean network. After a great deal of research, they were drawn not only to the business opportunity, but also to the brand’s mission and core values. PuroClean stood out as a franchise rooted in community, values, and integrity.
“We just loved what this specific franchise had to offer the community and what it represents—what the brand represents,” Lydia shared in her Cleanfax podcast interview.
The Akinyemis officially opened their PuroClean franchise in 2017 and have been serving their home community of Westchester County with excellence ever since.
From Finance to Field Leader
Lydia’s professional background is in finance, where she held multiple leadership roles prior to launching her restoration business. As the second of seven siblings, leadership came naturally, and when the opportunity to lead her own franchise arose, she stepped into it with purpose.
From overseeing project timelines to mentoring team members and making on-site client visits, Lydia is involved in all aspects of her business. And despite the many hats she wears, she never loses sight of the people behind the property damage.
“I still go to job sites. I still communicate with clients—especially those who need more hand-holding or are in a more dire situation,” she said.
Breaking Bias, Building Trust
Like many women in male-dominated industries, Lydia faced skepticism early on. She remembers clients asking, “Are the men coming?”—an experience that could have discouraged a lesser leader.
But she didn’t let it stop her. “My girls can demo a house just like anyone else. There’s nothing they can’t do,” she proudly noted.
With a strong female team and consistent results, Lydia built trust and shattered outdated expectations.
Advice for the Next Generation
Lydia is passionate about empowering future women leaders in restoration. Her advice?
“There’s no task too big. No job site too dirty. If you want to succeed in this industry, you can.”
She also encourages women to think critically and not be afraid to challenge the “traditional” way of doing things.
“Every contractor does things differently. There isn’t one right way. You can think outside the box—and thrive because of it.”
Leading the Business Forward
Looking ahead, Lydia is focused on expanding into the commercial space and strengthening her team’s presence in their local community. Whether it’s attending outreach events or providing essential restoration services, she’s committed to ensuring her business stands for something more than just emergency response.
“We want the community to know us, not just for restoration, but for everything we stand for.”
A Reflection of PuroClean’s Core Values
Lydia’s story embodies the values that define the PuroClean brand: integrity, empathy, leadership, and accountability. Her growth as a leader, and her willingness to mentor others, reinforces PuroClean’s commitment to building a network that empowers individuals to make a difference in their communities.
From championing her team’s development to elevating the client experience, Lydia is helping shape the future of restoration—one project, one relationship, and one example at a time.
📖 Read more about Lydia’s leadership journey in:
- Cleanfax: Women in Leadership – Lydia Akinyemi
- Home Business Magazine: Breaking Barriers – Lydia’s Journey to Leadership
About PuroClean
PuroClean is a trusted leader in property restoration, specializing in water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up services. With nearly 500 independently owned and operated franchise locations, PuroClean serves residential and commercial customers across North America and Canada, responding to emergencies with industry-leading expertise and compassion.
With a commitment to rapid response, professional training, and cutting-edge restoration technology, PuroClean continues to set the standard for excellence in the restoration and franchising industries.
