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.
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
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.
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.
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.
As part of the PuroClean Cares® initiative, PuroClean Franchise Owners across the country once again came together during the 2025 Season of Giving to support their local communities through charitable partnerships, donation drives, and holiday events.
From toy collections and food pantry donations to parade participation and veteran-focused initiatives, Franchise Owners demonstrated PuroClean’s ongoing commitment to service beyond restoration—helping families, seniors, children, and veterans experience care and connection during the holiday season.
Below are highlights from participating locations that made a meaningful impact in their communities this year.
Victor Gutierrez, Manuel Opazo, and their team hosted their Annual Toys for Tots drive, collecting both toys and cash donations with support from several local referral partners.
Brett Dalrymple, Dennis O’Brien, and their team participated in the Warrenton Christmas Parade, earning the Clark Griswold Award for Most Illuminated. The team brought extra holiday spirit to the community, with Brett once again stepping into his role as the Grinch.
Kevin Hennings and team partnered with Toys for Tots, delivering an outstanding collection effort to support children in need during the holidays.
Charles Polley and his team donated more than 1,000 food items to food pantries serving the Vevay and Madison, Indiana communities.
Greg Arianoff, Christopher Sibel, and their team participated in the Hilo Christmas Lights Parade, where their mascot group, Triple Threat, entertained crowds throughout the route with Christmas-themed songs.
Trey and Janice Bell, along with their team, partnered with strategic community organizations for their Holiday Hope Drive, collecting items for delivery to Neighborhood Alliance to support seniors in need.
Charles and Sharon Atkins, alongside their team, continued their long-standing participation in the Appalachian Christmas Project, a tradition they have supported since 1999 in partnership with their local church and community groups to deliver essential aid across the Appalachian region.
Milton Valerio, Anajess Alvarez, and their team took part in the Middletown Tree Lighting Parade, helping bring the community together to celebrate the season.
Steven Feldmann and Adam Feldmann partnered with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for Military Appreciation Night, honoring service members during the holiday season.
Andy Tai and his team hosted their second annual Toy Drive, continuing a growing tradition of holiday giving in their community.
Phil and Cathy Peters donated $250 gift cards to a local high school guidance counselor for distribution to students and families in need.
Andrew Rankel, Jonathan Beever, Shawn McDermott, and their team worked with People’s Place for Project Santa, collecting toys, blankets, and books for families in need throughout the Kingston area.
Nick and Jaime Theisen, along with their team, held their annual event as a “3 Cans Express,” collecting food for Mission Southside, which prepares backpacks for kids so they have food over the weekends and holidays.
The Season of Giving reflects what PuroClean Cares stands for: local action, compassion, and leadership rooted in Servant Leadership. While PuroClean is known for responding when disaster strikes, these efforts highlight the brand’s broader mission of supporting communities not only during emergencies but throughout the year.
These PuroClean Cares initiatives help build trust long before a property emergency ever occurs. By showing up consistently in local communities, PuroClean reinforces its role as a familiar and dependable presence when homeowners and businesses need help most. Empowering Franchise Owners to lead initiatives that matter locally allows PuroClean to strengthen communities through meaningful, people-first action. To learn more about how PuroClean supports communities year-round, visit the PuroClean Cares initiatives page.
To learn more about PuroClean, visit puroclean.com or call 800-775-7876.
Connecting Vets, a national Audacy publication, recently featured Jennifer Wine, an Army National Guard veteran and Franchise Owner of PuroClean of Burlington, highlighting her transition from Army combat medic to restoration Franchise Owner, alongside her husband and business partner, Jessie Wine.
Based in Burlington, Wisconsin, Jennifer and Jessie Wine bring PuroClean’s emergency restoration services to homeowners and businesses across southeastern Wisconsin, helping communities recover from water, fire, mold, and biohazard damage when it matters most. The article highlights how Wine’s 12 years of military service, including her role as a combat medic, shaped her leadership approach and prepared her for business ownership in the emergency restoration industry. Through PuroClean, widely known as The Paramedics of Property Damage®, she applies those skills in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
Wine shared that her military background influenced her leadership style, particularly in areas such as discipline, communication, and adaptability. She explained that the Army emphasized preparation and flexibility, qualities she said are essential to success in emergency restoration work.
“Being in the military has undeniably shaped me into a more effective and resilient business owner who is disciplined, adaptable, and resilient in high-pressure situations,” Wine shared in the article.
She also spoke to the broader role veterans play in entrepreneurship, noting that while veterans represent a small percentage of the U.S. population, they account for a significantly higher share of Franchise Owners. Wine described business ownership as a symbol of the freedom veterans fought to protect, encouraging others to apply their leadership experience in new ways.
“There’s no substitute for hard work, determination, and the willingness to outwork your competitors,” Wine said, adding that veterans already possess many of the qualities required for success.
Together, Jennifer and Jessie Wine put those principles into action as PuroClean Franchise Owners, helping property owners recover and rebuild when unexpected damage occurs.
Wine’s story reflects the values that have long defined PuroClean: preparation, service, and leadership under pressure. Property restoration work calls for calm decision-making, clear communication, and quick action in unpredictable situations, reflecting the real-world experience veterans bring to the role.
PuroClean is proud to support Franchise Owners like Wine by providing the training, systems, and Support Team needed to translate those skills into a successful business. Without changing who they are, veterans are able to apply their discipline and leadership in a new way, continuing to serve their communities when they need it most.
Stories like this highlight how PuroClean creates opportunities for veterans to succeed in meaningful roles, restoring not just properties, but confidence and peace of mind after unexpected events. Learn more about PuroClean Franchise Opportunities.
Read the full Connecting Vets article featuring Jennifer Wine.
To find out more about PuroClean, CLICK HERE or call us at 800-775-7876.
Community Newspapers’ Small Business Matters recently featured an in-depth conversation between host Carlos Ribero of nextMEDIA Marketing and Thomas Avila, President of PuroClean of Coral Gables in Florida. The episode takes viewers inside the world of property-damage restoration, exploring what happens after water, fire, mold, or biohazard emergencies and how PuroClean supports local families and businesses when they need help most.
Known as The Paramedics of Property Damage®, PuroClean specializes in rapid-response restoration for both residential and commercial properties. In this episode, Avila shares what sets PuroClean apart in a competitive industry, what customers should expect when disaster strikes, and how PuroClean Franchise Owners are trained to deliver high-quality, ethical service.
Here are the main takeaways from Thomas’s conversation with host Carlos Ribero. These insights offer practical guidance while also giving a glimpse into the deeper purpose that drives every PuroClean Franchise Owner and their teams.
Property damage can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never faced it before. This interview gives viewers a look behind the curtain, showing what actually happens during an emergency response, why professional mitigation matters, and how restoration experts make decisions that protect your home, business, and health.
Hearing directly from a Franchise Owner provides real insight into the values, training, and systems that guide every PuroClean Team Member who arrives at a customer’s door. Avila’s perspective provides insight into the experience of being a PuroClean Franchise Owner, offering inspiration for anyone who may be exploring a future in this growing and meaningful industry.
Each story in this episode highlights how trained, ethical, and dedicated PuroClean Franchise Owners make a real difference for families and businesses when disaster strikes, demonstrating the company’s lasting impact in communities nationwide.
To find out more about PuroClean, CLICK HERE or call us at 800-775-7876.
Cleaning & Restoration (C&R) Magazine recently featured C.J. Bailey, Director of Software Management at PuroClean, in an article titled “From Skeptic to Advocate: How Benchmarking Transformed My Career.” The feature highlights Bailey’s professional journey in the restoration industry and how benchmarking evolved from something he once dismissed into a critical tool for leadership, clarity, and long-term improvement, particularly for prospective franchise owners seeking structure, insight, and confidence as they grow or transition their businesses.
With over 13 years of experience across distribution, regional leadership, and technology strategy in the restoration space, Bailey brings a comprehensive perspective to how data and benchmarks can shape better decision-making. In the article, he reflects on his early career at Aramsco, where benchmark reports often went unread. Like many professionals, he initially viewed industry benchmarks as disconnected from his day-to-day role. That perspective shifted after revisiting multiple reports side by side and recognizing patterns that revealed broader industry trends and opportunities.
“For years, I was firmly in the second group,” Bailey wrote. “But over the past 13 years in the restoration industry, I’ve learned that benchmarking isn’t just a buzzword or a corporate exercise; it’s one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and business transformation we have.”
As his career progressed into leadership roles, including serving as a Regional Director at PuroClean, Bailey began sharing benchmarking studies with Franchise Owners and teams to help provide context around performance and growth. Through real-world coaching conversations, he demonstrated how benchmarks clarify where a business stands, identify gaps, and create a more informed path forward. One pivotal moment described in the article compares benchmarking to keeping score in a basketball game, underscoring the importance of measurable standards to understand progress and success.
Bailey also emphasizes that benchmarking is not limited to owners or executives. From frontline technicians to office managers and sales professionals, engaging with industry data helps teams understand trends, anticipate challenges, and make smarter decisions. Today, in his role overseeing software management at PuroClean, Bailey continues to use benchmarking to evaluate how technology, automation, and AI are shaping the future of the restoration industry.
For PuroClean, Bailey’s story reinforces the brand’s commitment to education, data-driven leadership, and continuous improvement. Benchmarking is not treated as a report to file away, but as a practical tool that supports preparedness, accountability, and consistency across the network. That mindset ultimately benefits customers, ensuring teams are better equipped to respond with clarity and confidence when restoration services are needed most, while giving PuroClean Franchise Owners the insight and understanding they need to scale with purpose and precision.
PuroClean encourages Franchise Owners and teams to engage with benchmarks as a way to learn, adapt, and improve. In doing so, the brand strengthens its role as a trusted partner for homeowners, businesses, and communities, while offering meaningful opportunities to prospective franchise owners and operators who share its commitment to high standards, values, and performance.
To learn more about PuroClean, visit puroclean.com or call 800-775-7876.
The Restoration Industry Association recently published “6 Tech Tips to Simplify Operations for Restoration Businesses,” an industry article authored by Nick Hindle, Chief Information Officer at PuroClean. Drawing from decades of experience in enterprise technology, software engineering, and restoration-specific platforms, Hindle shares practical insight into how restoration businesses can simplify operations, reduce friction, and scale more effectively through intentional technology decisions.
In the article, Hindle explains how thoughtful technology choices can remove complexity rather than add to it, an increasingly critical focus as restoration businesses grow and manage more jobs, data, and teams.
Hindle emphasizes that technology should serve the operational reality of restoration teams, not slow them down. His six recommendations focus on simplifying workflows, improving data accuracy, and reducing manual processes that often create bottlenecks in the field.
Key themes include:
Rather than focusing on trends for their own sake, Hindle stresses the importance of practical solutions that support day-to-day execution, especially in an industry where speed, coordination, and accuracy directly impact customer outcomes.
Restoration work happens under pressure. Property owners are often dealing with unexpected damage, tight timelines, and high stress. Behind the scenes, restoration teams must coordinate crews, documentation, compliance, and communication, often simultaneously.
Hindle’s insights underscore how well-designed technology systems help restoration businesses respond more effectively by:
When operations run more smoothly, customers benefit from faster response times, clearer communication, and more reliable outcomes during critical moments.
Nick Hindle’s contribution reflects PuroClean’s long-standing investment in operational excellence, security, and scalable technology. Before joining PuroClean as the brand’s first Chief Information Officer in 2023, Hindle played a key role in the original rollout of PuroMetrix (PMX) on the DASH Enterprise platform, helping shape how technology supports restoration operations across the brand.
Today, as PuroClean’s CIO, Hindle oversees PuroClean’s IT infrastructure, compliance, and security systems, ensuring that Franchise Owners and their teams are supported by technology that enhances performance rather than complicates it.
This feature reinforces PuroClean’s position as a brand led by experienced professionals who understand both the technical and operational realities of restoration. By prioritizing systems that simplify work and strengthen execution, PuroClean continues to support Franchise Owners in delivering reliable, high-quality service to homeowners and businesses nationwide.
Read the full article from the Restoration Industry Association: 6 Tech Tips to Simplify Operations for Restoration Businesses
Click here to learn more about PuroClean or call 800-775-7876.
Martha Stewart recently published an article outlining common attic fire hazards that homeowners often overlook, drawing attention to how small issues can quickly escalate into serious property damage. The article, “Attic Fire Hazards You Should Never Ignore,” highlights everyday risks that can turn attics into a dangerous environment if left unchecked.
Among the hazards discussed are electrical issues, improperly stored materials, poor ventilation, and aging insulation, all factors that can increase the likelihood of a fire starting above the living space of a home. Because attic fires often develop out of sight, they may spread significantly before homeowners are aware there is a problem.
Two of the article’s safety insights, focused on electrical risks and insulation-related fire hazards, include professional perspectives from Bud Summers, PuroClean’s Executive Vice President of Operations & Training. Summers emphasized how damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, or improperly installed insulation can create hidden ignition sources in attics, particularly in older homes or homes that have undergone renovations.
“Over time, the electrical components can be corroded and may cause a fire,” Summers commented.
He also noted that insulation problems are not only a fire risk but often a sign of deeper issues, such as moisture intrusion or previous damage. These conditions can compromise materials over time, increasing the chance of overheating or electrical failure.
Attic fires are especially dangerous because they tend to spread rapidly and can compromise a home’s structure before smoke or flames are visible. By the time a fire is detected, damage may already be extensive.
The article reinforces the importance of awareness around:
For homeowners, awareness is the first step in prevention. Understanding these risks can help reduce the likelihood of a fire and limit damage if one occurs.
At PuroClean, restoration work often begins after unexpected disasters, but many of those disasters can be prevented or minimized with early awareness and proper maintenance. Attic fires frequently result in complex damage involving fire, smoke, water from suppression efforts, and structural impact, all of which require specialized restoration.
Insights like those shared in the Martha Stewart article align with PuroClean’s commitment to helping property owners understand risks before they become emergencies. When prevention isn’t possible, PuroClean’s trained teams are prepared to respond quickly, helping homeowners recover safely and efficiently after fire-related damage.
By educating homeowners about hidden fire hazards, PuroClean supports safer homes and stronger communities before and after disaster strikes.
Read the full article on: https://www.marthastewart.com/attic-fire-hazards-11813323
Click here to learn more about PuroClean or call 800-775-7876.
PuroClean is proud to share that President & COO Steve White has been recognized on an international stage, earning the Gold Award for Ethical Leadership of the Year at the 22nd Annual International Business Awards®. This prestigious honor highlights White’s values-driven leadership and the culture of integrity that continues to shape PuroClean’s success.
The International Business Awards are regarded as the world’s premier business awards program, open to organizations of every size and industry. The 2025 competition received more than 3,800 nominations from companies and individuals representing 78 nations and territories.
White’s career has long been grounded in service. From his time as a U.S. Army Captain to decades of leadership in franchising, he has been guided by the principles of integrity, accountability, and teamwork. Since joining PuroClean in 2013, White has rebuilt trust, united teams around a shared vision, and helped drive sustained growth. Under his leadership, the company has doubled its franchise locations and tripled average unit sales.
Reflecting on the recognition, White emphasized that the honor reflects more than his own leadership; it is about the values at the core of PuroClean:
“I’m deeply honored to receive a Gold International Business Award (IBA) for Ethical Leadership in Action in the Ethical Leadership of the Year category at the 22nd Annual International Business Awards®. This recognition reflects PuroClean’s commitment to people-first, values-driven leadership and motivates us to keep building a culture where integrity, teamwork, and service guide everything we do.”
That commitment to integrity and compassion is seen throughout the organization. Mark W. Davis, CEO and Chairman of PuroClean, noted how White’s leadership has set the tone for the entire network:
“Steve’s leadership is rooted in integrity and compassion. He has inspired our entire organization and set a standard of excellence that drives everything we do. We are thrilled to see him recognized on an international stage for these values. This is truly a well-deserved honor.”
White is no stranger to recognition from the International Business Awards. Previous honors include:
In addition to guiding PuroClean’s growth, White has been a consistent voice in the franchising industry. He serves on the International Franchise Association (IFA) Board of Directors, previously chaired the IFA Foundation and VetFran Committee, and helped establish the Franchise Ascension Initiative, all aimed at strengthening responsible franchising and supporting veterans.
This recognition further solidifies PuroClean’s place as a leader not only in property restoration but also in demonstrating how ethical franchising can thrive at scale. Winners of the 2025 International Business Awards will be celebrated at a gala banquet on October 10, 2025, at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal.
Steve White’s Gold Award for Ethical Leadership has been featured by leading industry publications:
PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand that specializes in water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up, serving both residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a fast-growing franchise network of over 500 independently owned and operated locations. Call PuroClean today at (800) 775-7876 or click here to find a location near you.
PuroClean’s President & COO Steve White was recently featured on The Franchise Leaders Forum podcast in an episode titled “Turning a Failing Franchise Around with PuroClean’s Steve White.” Hosted by industry veterans Tracy Panase and Shannon Wilburn, the podcast explores what it really takes to build and scale a successful franchise brand, and Steve’s story is a powerful case study in franchise leadership and values-driven growth.
When Steve joined PuroClean, the brand was facing steep challenges, including Franchise Owners dissatisfaction and decline. His first six months were dedicated to listening and rebuilding trust with Franchise Owners, laying the groundwork for a franchisee-first culture. By making profitability and collaboration the top priorities, he set the stage for the turnaround that continues to fuel PuroClean’s growth today.
What does it take to turn around a struggling franchise system and keep it thriving for more than a decade?
In this episode, Steve shares the leadership principles that transformed PuroClean into one of franchising’s strongest franchise growth stories.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone leading or scaling a franchise system. Steve’s steady, principled approach to leadership demonstrates how putting Franchise Owners first not only strengthens a brand but also ensures long-term growth and resilience.
🎧 Listen now: Steve White on Turning Around a Franchise System
Steve’s appearance on Franchise Leaders Forum underscores the values that continue to define PuroClean’s success: franchisee-first leadership, operational excellence, a culture of trust, and proven franchise leadership at the highest level. These principles have propelled the company to more than 500 locations across North America and positioned PuroClean among the top restoration franchises in the industry.
By sharing PuroClean’s turnaround story on a national stage, Steve highlights the brand’s commitment to empowering Franchise Owners, driving profitability, and serving communities with compassion during their most difficult moments. This visibility not only strengthens PuroClean’s reputation in the franchising world but also assures customers and partners that the brand is guided by proven, principled leadership.
PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand that specializes in water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up, serving both residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a fast-growing franchise network of over 500 independently owned and operated locations. Call PuroClean today at (800) 775-7876 or click here to find a location near you.
With a commitment to respond within two hours, PuroClean professionals are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained to use the latest restoration technology to deliver high-quality results with speed, compassion, and care.
PuroClean has earned numerous honors across the franchise and business world, most recently recognized in 2025 as one of Entrepreneur’s Fastest-Growing Franchises, Franchise Times’ Top 10 Brands to Buy, and a Franchise Business Review Top Franchise for Women.
© 2026 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
