The 2025 PuroClean International Convention, held June 12–14 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, brought together Franchise Owners, strategic partners, and the Home Office Support Team under the unifying theme of ENGAGE. The event celebrated connection, leadership, and momentum, all while reinforcing the PuroClean Way and the power of ONE TEAM.
One of the most anticipated moments of the Convention? Recognizing the individuals and teams who went above and beyond over the past year.
These awards represent more than just numbers; they reflect dedication to excellence, community impact, and true leadership. Join us in celebrating the following honorees:
Nelson & Sujey Rivera – PuroClean in Parsippany, NJ
For the second year in a row, Nelson and Sujey Rivera have earned the top honor—Franchise of the Year—proving their consistent commitment to excellence. PuroClean in Parsippany, NJ, continues to set the gold standard in operations, leadership, and team development. Their performance is a powerful example of what it means to live by The PuroClean Way.
Andy Tai – PuroClean in Rowland, CA
In just his first year, Andy Tai has shown tremendous initiative and impressive business growth. PuroClean in Rowland, CA, quickly became a standout operation thanks to Andy’s focus on service, training, and operational excellence.
Nick Schupbach – PuroClean in Melbourne, FL
Nick hit the ground running, scaling fast and building strong momentum in his market. PuroClean in Melbourne, FL, stood out for its rapid success and high-quality service in its early stages.
Thomas Maguire – PuroClean in Spartanburg, SC
Thomas is passionate about expanding industry knowledge and using CEs to build meaningful business relationships. PuroClean in Spartanburg, SC, exemplifies how Continuing Education can be a powerful tool for local growth and community connection.
Ben Doebler – PuroClean in Hillsboro, OR
Ben upholds the PuroClean Brand Promise with integrity, care, and professionalism in every job. PuroClean in Hillsboro, OR, is known for delivering consistent, compassionate service that truly reflects our core values.
Brian Towne – PuroClean in Normal, IL
Brian has taken his business to new heights through proactive leadership and strategic execution. PuroClean in Normal, IL, is gaining recognition fast as a top-performing location with a strong growth trajectory.
Gregory Arianoff & Christopher Sibel – PuroClean in Hilo, HI
Gregory and Christopher live out the spirit of giving back through one of our core values — Servant Leadership. At PuroClean in Hilo, HI, their commitment goes beyond the job, as they consistently give back through community service while also supporting neighbors with compassion and care during times of need.
Taiwo & Lydia Akinyemi – PuroClean in Ardsley, NY
With strategic media outreach and strong brand storytelling, Taiwo and Lydia have teamed up with our PR partner, Franchise Elevator, to uplift the visibility of PuroClean in Ardsley, NY, and beyond! Their public relations efforts have helped position their business and the brand as a trusted leader.
Cody Vick – PuroClean in Warrenton, VA (Dennis O’Brien & Brett Dalrymple)
Cody’s technical skill, customer care, and team leadership set him apart. As a vital part of the PuroClean in Warrenton, VA, team, he consistently exceeds expectations in both field performance and client satisfaction.
Aramsco goes above and beyond to support the PuroClean network with reliable service, valuable resources, and industry-leading products. Now a seven-time recipient of this award, their enduring partnership continues to fuel operational success across our network.
Recognized for bringing passion and performance to every opportunity, these Franchise Owners are paving the way for business success:
Each of these Rainmakers has shown exceptional drive, balancing their desire for success with the needs of the network and contributing to the success of others.
These leaders have been selected to represent the voice of the network and support strategic initiatives across the system:
These Franchise Owners proudly represent our brand through thought leadership, mentorship, and consistent service excellence:
These individuals embody the true spirit of leadership, sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and lifting others up in the PuroClean network:
From strategy-packed panels to inspiring sessions, powerful networking, and unforgettable celebrations, the 2025 Convention once again proved that the PuroClean network is more than a system; it’s a thriving, engaged, and purpose-driven community.
Want to relive the magic? Read our recap of the full 2025 PuroClean Convention here.
About PuroClean
PuroClean is a world-class service brand specializing in property damage restoration. With over 500 independently owned and operated locations across the U.S. and Canada, we provide emergency services for water, fire, mold, and biohazard damage. Known for rapid response and industry-leading professionalism, PuroClean is committed to helping communities recover, one property at a time.
PuroClean is proud to announce that we have been named a recipient of the 2025 Culture of Good Community Impact Award, a national honor recognizing companies that lead with purpose and make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
Presented annually by Culture of Good, this prestigious award celebrates businesses that embed social responsibility into their operations, demonstrating that profit and purpose can, and should, go hand in hand.
From disaster relief and crisis response to classroom sponsorships and community giveback efforts, PuroClean’s dedication to service extends far beyond property restoration. At the heart of this recognition is PuroClean Cares®, our national initiative that empowers Franchise Owners to support causes that are important to them and our entire brand.
Through local drives, charitable partnerships, and hands-on volunteering, we extend our impact beyond property recovery, actively engaging in meaningful service across the communities we serve. Our commitment to social responsibility drives us to partner with both local and national organizations, contributing time, resources, and compassion where they’re needed most.
PuroClean Franchise Owners lead the charge, whether it’s delivering peace of mind after a property loss or uplifting neighbors through community support. Every effort reflects our mission of serving with purpose.
“At PuroClean, we want to give back to the communities that we serve every day,” said Alex Pericchi, Vice President of Marketing and Online Learning. “We’re usually called during bad times because we are called during emergencies, but we don’t just want to be the company that serves when there is an emergency, we want to be known as the company that gives back. With our 500 locations across the US and Canada, I feel that we are making a difference. It’s great to be honored with this award.”
Receiving the Culture of Good Community Impact Award reflects the collective spirit of our entire network, from our Home Office Support Team to close to 500 independently owned and operated franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. It’s a testament to the everyday dedication of those who believe doing good is simply part of doing business.
PuroClean is a trusted leader in property restoration, specializing in water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold removal, and biohazard cleanup services. With close to 500 independently owned and operated franchise locations, PuroClean serves residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies with industry-leading expertise and compassion.
PuroClean is proud to be featured in the April/May 2025 issue of Franchising World Magazine, where Steve White, PuroClean President & COO, authored a spotlight article titled “Responsible Franchising: PuroClean’s Commitment to Franchisee Success and Ethical Business Practice.” The multi-page feature (pages 36–39) dives deep into the values, strategies, and Servant Leadership that have shaped PuroClean’s approach to franchising.
📖 Read the full article in Franchising World Magazine
In today’s franchise industry, where ethics, transparency, and results are more important than ever, Steve White’s article makes one thing clear: responsible franchising isn’t just good business, it’s fundamental to how PuroClean operates. The article outlines PuroClean’s philosophy that franchise growth must start with Franchise Owner success, and that ethical leadership is a non-negotiable.
From onboarding and mentorship to operational support and leadership training, PuroClean’s system is designed to give Franchise Owners the tools they need to succeed long-term. White also highlights PuroClean’s resilience in economic downturns, its community-based giving model, and its investment in transparency and accountability.
“We believe that a strong franchise network starts with strong Franchise Owners, and this philosophy has been at the heart of our brand,” says White.
This recognition speaks volumes about PuroClean’s leadership, not just in franchising but in the restoration industry at large. The same philosophy of support and trust that underpins the franchise system carries through to the customer experience. When disaster strikes, clients depend on restoration teams that are not only trained and equipped but also backed by a brand that leads with integrity. At the corporate level, this article reinforces PuroClean’s reputation as a franchise-first, people-centered company. It’s a signal to customers, insurance partners, and vendors alike that PuroClean is guided by principles of:
These values shape how every job is performed, every franchise is supported, and every client is served.
Being published in Franchising World Magazine, a respected industry journal distributed by the International Franchise Association (IFA), further establishes PuroClean’s role as a national leader and values-driven franchise brand.
This feature affirms:
It also elevates the brand’s visibility among franchise peers and potential franchise candidates, while reinforcing trust among existing clients and partners.
In the closing section of the article, White reinforces the brand’s long-term mission:
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to evolving and enhancing our approach to responsible franchising. Our long-term success will always be rooted in the well-being and prosperity of our Franchise Owners.”
This continued commitment ensures PuroClean remains not just a leader in the restoration space, but a trusted partner in franchising, focused on doing good business, the right way.
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.
PuroClean was recently spotlighted in Miami Living Magazine for its leadership in South Florida’s disaster recovery and property restoration space. The feature, titled “PuroClean: A Trusted Partner in Miami’s Disaster Recovery and Property Restoration,” spans pages 306–310 in the magazine’s May 2025 issue and highlights PuroClean’s commitment to rapid response, franchise growth, and meaningful community impact.
📖 Read the full article in Miami Living Magazine →
As a nationally recognized brand with deep roots in South Florida, PuroClean’s inclusion in Miami Living Magazine reinforces its reputation as a trusted resource for homeowners and businesses facing property damage. With 33 franchise locations across Florida—including 12 in the Miami tri-county area—and corporate headquarters based in Tamarac, PuroClean brings both national scale and local expertise to every job.
Miami’s unique climate—marked by high humidity, frequent storms, and hurricane threats—creates ongoing challenges for property owners in South Florida. PuroClean’s IICRC-certified teams deliver critical restoration services quickly and compassionately, helping to restore homes, businesses, and peace of mind when it matters most.
From hurricane preparedness to emergency response, the article spotlights how PuroClean teams, including Miami-based Franchise Owners David Shiffman, Ricardo Herdan, Hugo Urribarri, and Thomas Avila, exemplify PuroClean’s mission-driven approach to emergency response. From flooded condos to smoke-damaged offices and mold-infested homes, these local leaders play a vital role in helping their communities recover.
The feature also highlights PuroClean’s commitment to training, technology, and strong Franchise Owner support. As Steve White, PuroClean President & COO, shared in the article:
“Our goal at the South Florida headquarters is to best support our franchisees in the Miami area and beyond so they can focus on what they do best—helping the communities they serve continue to thrive.”
That culture of support and purpose-driven growth is what continues to set PuroClean apart. From its emphasis on Relentless Customer Service to the strength of its franchise system, the brand is recognized not just for what it does—but for how it does it.
The Miami Living Magazine spotlight also underscores PuroClean’s ongoing expansion and its search for new franchise owners in high-opportunity Florida markets, including Miami, West Palm Beach, and Cape Coral.
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.
The 2025 RIA International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo, held April 28–30 in West Palm Beach, Florida, marked a milestone moment for the restoration industry. With record-breaking attendance, exceptional education sessions, and powerful networking opportunities, this year’s convention proved to be one of the most impactful yet, especially for the PuroClean network.
There were many excellent speakers, workshops, and panel discussions. One of the most anticipated sessions of the event was the closing panel: “Mergers & Acquisitions: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” This powerful session delivered candid insights into the realities of buying, selling, and scaling restoration businesses.
Among the expert panelists was PuroClean’s very own Mark W. Davis, Chairman and CEO of PuroClean and Co-CEO of Signal Restoration Services, who also serves as RIA Board Treasurer. Mark shared insights from his personal story—from founding a small restoration business in Colorado, to co-founding Belfor North America, and later acquiring PuroClean. The panel emphasized the importance of clean and accurate financials and long-term strategy, encouraging every owner to ask themselves: “What’s your exit strategy?” The panel’s message was clear: whether you’re looking to grow or one day sell, your business must be built with intention.
This year’s event showcased a strong presence from both the PuroClean Home Office and Franchise Owner network, reinforcing our commitment to staying at the forefront of restoration innovation and leadership.
Attendees included:
Franchise Owners in attendance:
Vendor Partners (Commercial Large Loss Training Support):
From educational sessions to invaluable networking, the 2025 RIA Convention showcased how collaboration—across teams and across brands—continues to shape the future of our industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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:
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.
PuroClean recently hosted its 2024 President’s Circle event at the stunning Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. This exclusive gathering honors the top 10% of Franchise Owners who exemplify excellence across multiple areas of the business—not only in sales performance but also through additional qualifiers such as leadership, brand stewardship, team development, training participation, and overall operational excellence.
This invite-only experience brought together high-performing Franchise Owners for three days of networking, business discussions, and celebration. It was an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and reinforce the shared vision that continues to elevate the PuroClean brand across North America. Attendees exchanged best practices, leadership strategies, and ideas to further strengthen the brand—demonstrating that their impact goes beyond operations, shaping the continued growth and evolution of our business.
“We are proud to recognize these outstanding leaders in our network who go above and beyond to represent The PuroClean Way,” said Steve White, President & COO of PuroClean. “Our annual President’s Circle event is a celebration of their results—but more importantly, of their character and commitment.”
President’s Circle is a collaborative space where values-driven leadership, innovation, and operational excellence come together to shape the future of the PuroClean brand.
Congratulations to all of our 2024 President’s Circle honorees! Your hard work, dedication, and leadership continue to elevate the entire PuroClean network.
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.
PuroClean is proud to celebrate our very own Chrissy VanderWyde, Vice President of Franchise Relations, who was recently featured in Franchising Magazine for her incredible contributions to the franchising industry and her impact within the PuroClean network.
With over three decades of experience—and a career that started before PuroClean was even a franchise—Chrissy’s story is one of grit, passion, and values-driven leadership. She’s helped shape the heart of our culture, championing service, support, and growth for Franchise Owners across North America. From guiding new owners through onboarding to creating space for women in restoration through our PuroWomen’s Growth Group, her work continues to open doors and build bridges for the future.
Why It Matters
At PuroClean, we believe great brands are built from the inside out. Chrissy’s story reflects what’s possible when leaders are empowered to grow and bring others with them. Her rise through the organization—from our first employee to a key voice on our executive team—reminds us that experience, mentorship, and opportunity are essential to building a company people believe in.
We’re proud to support a culture that not only recognizes top performance but values character, innovation, and the courage to lead by example. Chrissy’s feature shines a spotlight on the kind of leadership we strive to grow at every level of our organization.
Read Her Full Feature
👉 Check out Chrissy VanderWyde’s spotlight in Franchising Magazine.
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.
PuroClean was proud to participate in the 2025 INTRConnect Conference, hosted by Cotality (formally known as CoreLogic), in Los Angeles, CA—an event focused on innovation, technology, and leadership across the insurance and property restoration industries. As a premier gathering for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of claims and property solutions, INTRConnect brought together thought leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the field.
Key members of the PuroClean Home Office team, including Mark W. Davis, Chairman & CEO, and Nick Hindle, Chief Information Officer, were in attendance to represent the brand’s forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to service. Also in attendance:
During the conference, Mark W. Davis delivered a featured presentation that highlighted the core principles driving PuroClean’s growth and success. Speaking to a room of industry professionals, Davis emphasized the company’s distinctive culture, values, and commitment to Relentless Customer Service—a philosophy known throughout the network as The PuroClean Way.
Nick Hindle also served as a panelist at the event, contributing to a forward-looking discussion on how artificial intelligence is transforming the property insurance space. Hindle shared how AI is improving claims transparency, reducing cycle times, and helping providers deliver more accurate, efficient results.
Participation in industry events like INTRConnect is part of PuroClean’s broader commitment to continuous innovation and industry leadership. By showing up in key spaces—on stage, on panels, and in conversation—PuroClean helps shape the future of restoration while deepening the partnerships that matter most.
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.
© 2026 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
