PuroClean is proud to announce that President & COO Steve White will serve as a keynote speaker at the 2025 International Franchise Association (IFA) World Franchise Show, taking place May 9th–10th, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Steve White will take the stage on Day 1 (May 9) at 12:30 p.m., sharing his expert insights during a keynote titled: “Finding Success in Business Ownership Through Franchising”
With over four decades of experience in the franchising industry and now serving as President & COO of one of the fastest-growing restoration franchise brands in North America, White will explore how franchising can serve as a strategic pathway to entrepreneurship. His keynote will highlight:
“I’m honored to join other leaders in franchising at this year’s World Franchise Show,” said White. “Franchising opens doors for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, and I look forward to sharing how a proven system like we have here at PuroClean—backed by strong leadership and a culture of service—can set the stage for long-term growth and meaningful impact.”
Also representing PuroClean at the event is Tim Courtney, PuroClean Vice President of Franchise Development, who will speak on the panel: “Franchising 101 with VetFran & Diversity Institute.”
This insightful session—“Navigating Your Franchise Journey: Choosing the Right Opportunity”—is presented in partnership with VetFran, a strategic initiative of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) dedication to helping U.S. Veterans access franchise ownership opportunities. The panel will guide aspiring Veteran franchisees through the essential steps in selecting the right franchise for them. It will cover key considerations like evaluating franchise options, understanding the industry landscape, and financial planning, with a focus on empowering diverse and Veteran entrepreneurs to make informed business decisions. The session highlights the importance of inclusive growth and the role franchising plays in creating access and opportunity for all.
White and Courtney will appear alongside other top executives and franchising experts, making this event one of the premier networking and education experiences in the franchise world. With hundreds of brands exhibiting and a speaker lineup that includes some of the industry’s most respected voices, the IFA World Franchise Show offers attendees the tools and connections needed to take their franchise journey to the next level.
Having not one, but two PuroClean executives invited to speak at the IFA World Franchise Show reinforces the brand’s growing influence as a leader in the franchising industry. From Steve White’s keynote on scaling sustainable franchise businesses to Tim Courtney’s panel on inclusive franchise ownership, PuroClean’s leadership is helping shape the conversation around growth, opportunity, and impact. It’s a testament to the strength of PuroClean’s franchise system, commitment to Franchise Owner success, and reputation as a brand that prioritizes both performance and purpose.
As The Paramedics of Property Damage®, PuroClean’s mission goes far beyond emergency restoration—it’s about delivering peace of mind and helping communities recover, rebuild, and thrive.
The 2025 IFA World Franchise Show is a premier event for franchise professionals, attracting brands, suppliers, and aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, this two-day expo features educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the industry’s top thought leaders.
✅ Learn more and register here: ifafranchiseshow.com
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 proudly sponsored the 2025 Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB) Claims Conference & Insurance Services Expo, held this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. As one of the largest educational gatherings in the property and casualty insurance space, PLRB brought together restoration professionals, insurance executives, and claims experts from across the nation.
When disaster strikes—whether it’s water damage from a burst pipe or fire damage after an electrical malfunction—home and business owners need more than just a fast response. They need a restoration partner who works seamlessly with insurance providers to make recovery smoother, faster, and less stressful. Events like PLRB help ensure just that.
With nearly 100 sessions covering fraud, subrogation, large loss, and technology, the conference offered service providers critical insights into evolving industry needs.
PuroClean showed strong representation at this year’s event, with participation from both corporate leadership and Franchise Owners nationwide. Attendees included Mark W. Davis, Chairman & CEO; Beverly Strahler and Elizabeth Evans, National Sales Directors; Scott Sandel, Vice President of Sales; Rob Drexler, Vice President of Operations – Commercial Storm; George Hernandez, Senior Vice President of Operations, Commercial Large Loss/Signal Liaison; and Sonia Ketchoyian, Account & Marketing Manager.
Attendees from PuroClean’s sister company, Signal Restoration Services, included Barry Zollman, Chief Relationship Manager; Travis Harrison, Chief Revenue Officer; Howard White, Dan Dansby, and Harry Moseley, Executive Vice Presidents; Carrie Broussard, Vice President -National Accounts; John Lonegran, Marketing Director – Northeast Operations; Kellen Krow, Marketing Communications & Events Manager; Samantha Pizzimenti, Regional Account Manager; and Keith Knightley, National Account Manager.
Franchise Owners also turned out in force, including Keegan Trudgen (IL, MI, TX, and WI), Alejandro and Jennifer Restrepo (Wilton & Stamford, CT), reflecting the powerful collaboration between PuroClean’s Home Office and its franchise network.
Sponsoring PLRB reinforces PuroClean’s commitment to claims collaboration, customer care, and operational excellence. Face-to-face connections with claims professionals and insurance leaders allow the team to continuously refine the processes that directly impact customer experience—bridging the gap between on-site service and insurance support.
While AI and automation continue to reshape workflows, the people behind the policies remain at the heart of the insurance and restoration industries. PuroClean’s investment in events like PLRB reflects a people-first philosophy—one rooted in trust, empathy, and action.
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 honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Fastest-Growing Franchises of 2025, a prestigious ranking that highlights brands experiencing rapid expansion across the U.S. and Canada. This recognition reflects PuroClean’s continued growth, strong demand for restoration services, and the success of its Franchise Owners.
Each year, Entrepreneur analyzes data from its Franchise 500 application process to identify the top 150 fastest-growing franchises, based on net franchise unit growth over a 12-month period. The 2025 list evaluated franchise expansion from July 31, 2023, to July 31, 2024, showcasing the brands that have successfully increased their presence. With 11,294 new franchise units added collectively, this ranking underscores the continued strength and momentum of the franchise industry.
PuroClean’s inclusion in this list highlights its proven franchise model, strong industry reputation, and the high demand for restoration services, making it an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a thriving business.
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.
🔗 Check out the full list of Entrepreneur’s Fastest-Growing Franchises.
For more information about PuroClean’s award-winning services, call 800-775-7876.
PuroClean is proud to be named a 2025 Top Franchise for Women by Franchise Business Review, joining an elite list of 100 franchise brands that have been rated highly by female franchise owners. Out of 350 franchise brands and nearly 9,000 female franchise owners surveyed, PuroClean stood out for exceptional Franchise Owner satisfaction, training and support, financial opportunity, and work-life balance.
Women in franchising are driving success, and at PuroClean, 20% of our U.S. Franchise Owners are women. They’ve built thriving businesses, balanced financial opportunities with flexibility, and continue to make a positive impact in their communities every day.
According to Franchise Business Review,
PuroClean is honored to be part of this distinguished group of brands, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering business environment for all its Franchise Owners.
Each year, Franchise Business Review independently surveys thousands of franchise owners to measure satisfaction across key areas, including training and support, leadership, financial opportunity, work-life balance, and overall system health. The 2025 Top Franchises for Women list is based entirely on franchise owner feedback, making it one of the most trusted and data-driven franchise rankings in the industry.
With over 1,300 franchise brands in operation today, only 100 franchises made this year’s list, highlighting the exceptional level of satisfaction among female Franchise Owners at PuroClean.
PuroClean is an award-winning, world-class service brand specializing in water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up services. Working with both residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada, PuroClean has grown into a diverse network of nearly 500 independently owned and operated franchise locations.
With a commitment to respond within two hours, PuroClean professionals are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in cutting-edge mitigation technology to complete restoration projects quickly and efficiently.
🔗 To learn more about this recognition and see the complete list of Franchise Business Review’s 2025 Top Franchises for Women.
For more information about PuroClean’s award-winning services, call 800-775-7876.
PuroClean is proud to highlight the entrepreneurial journey of Keegan Trudgen and Tim Lohse, who were recently featured in a U.S. Chamber of Commerce article showcasing franchise entrepreneurs who have built multimillion-dollar businesses.
Trudgen’s journey with PuroClean began in 2013 when he recognized the opportunity to invest in a growing national brand with a strong reputation in property restoration. Through careful planning and strategic expansion, he and Lohse have grown their business to 10 locations across Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Green Bay, and Milwaukee, serving over 2,500 clients annually and generating $15 million in revenue—all without relying on outside bank financing. Their PuroClean locations include:
“It was a growing national brand with a good reputation, and I felt with the company’s support I could build a scalable business,” Trudgen recalled.
His decision paid off, as he and Lohse have successfully expanded their PuroClean operation while maintaining a high level of service and operational excellence.
Trudgen’s decision to invest in PuroClean wasn’t made lightly. Before purchasing his first franchise, he conducted thorough due diligence, carefully reviewing PuroClean’s franchising disclosure document, startup costs, and corporate support structure to ensure the investment aligned with his long-term vision.
Three years later, he brought in Tim Lohse, a longtime friend with 20+ years of corporate management experience, to help expand their business. Recognizing the opportunity for multi-unit ownership, they worked closely with PuroClean’s leadership team to develop a multi-unit program in 2016, allowing franchisees to own and operate multiple locations per territory.
Their disciplined financial approach also played a key role in their success. Rather than seeking outside bank financing, they self-funded all expansions, leveraging compounded returns of 40% annually over the last decade to grow their footprint without debt.
With a strong focus on operational efficiency, customer service, and team development, Trudgen and Lohse have built one of the most successful multi-unit PuroClean franchise operations in the country.
For the full feature on their franchise journey, read the U.S. Chamber of Commerce article.
At PuroClean, success isn’t just measured in numbers—it’s defined by the impact our Franchise Owners make every day. Our network of dedicated Franchise Owners across the country brings expertise, compassion, and resilience to homeowners and businesses in need.
Among them, Charles Omajuwa and Nelson & Sujey Rivera stand out as leaders who exemplify what it means to own and operate a PuroClean franchise. Their journeys—fueled by dedication, purpose, and a commitment to service—highlight exactly why PuroClean has been named one of Franchise Times’ Top 10 Brands to Buy.
For Charles Omajuwa, the journey to franchise ownership was one of hard work, resilience, and a deep desire to serve his community.
An immigrant from Nigeria, Charles brought experience in property restoration and insurance claims management into his PuroClean business, launching his first location in Los Angeles in 2022. Through his strong leadership and strategic growth, he quickly expanded into a second territory, growing a thriving operation that helps property owners recover from water, fire, and mold damage.
Today, Charles owns and operates:
Despite early challenges, Charles embraced PuroClean’s proven business model, leaning on corporate support and strategic marketing efforts to establish his presence in a competitive industry. His hard work paid off, and today, he proudly runs a successful business, employing a dedicated team and providing essential restoration services to his community.
“I feel blessed to be living the American dream,” Charles shares, adding that he is honored to carry on the legacy of PuroClean.
In recognition of his incredible growth and leadership, Charles was named PuroClean’s 2024 Rookie of the Year, an award given to outstanding new Franchise Owners who exemplify excellence and dedication.
For Nelson Rivera, his path to PuroClean franchise ownership was a natural extension of his firefighting career. A full-time firefighter in New Jersey, Nelson witnessed firsthand the devastation that fire, smoke, and water damage can cause in homes and businesses.
That experience inspired him to take action—not just in emergency response but in helping people rebuild afterward. In 2019, Nelson and his wife, Sujey, opened their first PuroClean location in Morristown, NJ. Five years later, they now own and operate five PuroClean locations across New Jersey, generating over $5 million in revenue in 2024 and growing at a rate of 20% annually.
Their locations include:
While Nelson’s experience in fire damage response gave him a unique perspective, it’s Sujey’s leadership in day-to-day operations that has helped drive their success. As finance chief, she has ensured steady growth, strategic scaling, and operational efficiency, placing them among the top-performing Franchise Owners in the PuroClean network.
Their hard work and dedication have not only earned them a Franchisee of the Year award but also positioned them as leaders in the industry, showing how PuroClean empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving businesses while making a lasting difference in their communities.
Charles Omajuwa and Nelson & Sujey Rivera exemplify what PuroClean stands for—service, resilience, and making a difference when it matters most. Every day, PuroClean teams across North America provide expert, compassionate restoration services, helping homes and businesses recover from water, fire, mold, and biohazard damage.
With nearly 500 locations and a rapid-response commitment, PuroClean has become a trusted leader in property restoration. Known as the “Paramedics of Property Damage®,” our professionals are trained, insured, and fully equipped with the latest technology to restore properties efficiently.
It’s this dedication to quality and community impact that earned PuroClean a spot on Franchise Times’ Top 10 Franchises to Buy, reinforcing our reputation as a brand built to serve.
👉 Read more about Charles & the Riveras in Franchise Times.
When choosing the right franchise to invest in, the options can feel overwhelming. With thousands of brands across various industries, finding one that offers strong financial potential, industry stability, and meaningful community impact is key. That’s where the Franchise Times Zor Awards come in—cutting through the noise to recognize the top-performing franchises based on return on investment (ROI), profitability, and franchisee success.
🏆 This year, PuroClean has earned a spot as one of Franchise Times’ Top 10 Brands to Buy!
At PuroClean, we’re more than just a restoration company—we’re a trusted partner for home and business property owners facing water, fire, mold, and biohazard damage. With a growing network of over 480 franchise locations and an impressive 44% sales growth in 2023, we’ve built a reputation for excellence in both service and business opportunities.
PuroClean’s success is built on the dedication and compassion of our Franchise Owners, like Charles Omajuwa and Nelson & Sujey Rivera, who are just a few of the many Franchise Owners in our network making a difference; whether expanding into multiple locations or helping their communities rebuild, their success is a testament to the power of PuroClean’s proven model and unwavering support system.
PuroClean is an award-winning, world-class service brand for property water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up services, working with both residential and commercial customers across the US and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a diverse, fast-growing network of nearly 500 North American franchise locations, each independently owned and operated. With a commitment to respond within two hours, the professionals at PuroClean are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest cutting-edge mitigation technology to complete the remediation task at hand.
If you’re looking for a top-performing franchise with strong profitability and a purpose-driven mission, call us today at 800-775-7876.
🔗 Check out the full list of Franchise Times Zor Awards Top 10 Brands to Buy.
Ready to elevate your restoration business? Tune in to the latest bonus episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, where hosts Chris Nordyke and Brandon Reese sit down with Mark W. Davis, Chairman and CEO of PuroClean, following the RIA convention. This insightful episode explores how education, community, and networking can drive growth and success in the restoration industry. Mark shares personal stories and invaluable professional advice, offering listeners a powerful look at the transformative impact of the RIA on businesses.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get inspired and take your business to the next level! 🎧 Tune in now.
PuroClean’s President and COO, Steve White, recently joined Restoration Today with C&R Magazine to discuss PuroClean’s remarkable growth, the company’s dedication to Franchise Owner success, and how his military background has shaped his leadership approach.
In the episode “From Combat to Corporate: A Veteran’s Journey to Leading PuroClean’s Growth,” Steve White shares his inspiring career journey—starting in the U.S. Army, transitioning into franchising with Domino’s Pizza, and ultimately leading PuroClean through transformational growth.
White highlights PuroClean’s commitment to Franchise Owners, emphasizing how putting their success first has fueled the brand’s expansion. Under his leadership, the company has quadrupled average franchise sales and secured major national accounts, solidifying its position as a leader in the restoration industry.
A key focus of the discussion is White’s passion for supporting military veterans through initiatives like PuroVet, which provides business opportunities and mentorship to veterans entering the restoration industry. As a former military officer, White understands the value of discipline, teamwork, and mission-driven leadership—qualities that translate seamlessly into franchise ownership.
White also discusses his involvement with VetFran, an International Franchise Association (IFA) program that connects veterans with franchising opportunities. His leadership has helped PuroClean become a top choice for veterans looking to build their own businesses.
As PuroClean continues to grow, White shares his long-term vision for the company, focusing on franchisee support, innovation, and continued expansion. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, operational excellence, and a strong company culture in driving sustainable success.
Tune in to hear Steve White’s full conversation on Restoration Today; listen to the episode “From Combat to Corporate.“
If you’re a veteran looking for a rewarding business opportunity, PuroClean’s PuroVet program is designed to help you transition into entrepreneurship with confidence. Learn more about our veteran support initiatives and how you can join the PuroClean family by visiting PuroVet.
© 2026 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
