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Name: Jerral Ingle
Title: Owner
Brands: PuroClean
Units: 2
Years in franchising: 10
I've been in the service business my whole life, and it's what I know best. Having built homes since the 1990s, I've always been comfortable serving homeowners and businesses and helping them solve problems when they need it most. I've long believed that if you take care of people, provide quality service, and stand behind your work, there will always be demand for what you do. That's one of the reasons I see the restoration industry as a strong, recession-resistant business with long-term opportunity.
While I had industry experience, joining a franchise provided a proven business model and a strong support network to help guide me along the way. Beyond the systems and training, one of the biggest advantages has been the network of fellow franchise owners. Having access to owners who have faced the same challenges creates a level of accountability that's hard to find on your own. They've been willing to share what has worked in their markets and, just as importantly, what hasn't. That kind of real-world insight can help you avoid costly mistakes, make better decisions, and grow the business with greater confidence. Knowing I had that support behind me made a big difference as I built the company.
I also saw PuroClean’s clear vision for the future under its new leadership, and I appreciated the focus on growth and opportunity. As I looked deeper into the business, I became confident that it was a business with solid long-term potential.
My background in building homes gave me a strong understanding of the operational side of the business and how to serve customers. Regardless of the brand, building strong relationships and maintaining an active presence in the local community are essential. Networking, earning trust, and developing connections with homeowners, businesses, and referral partners are what help establish a franchise's reputation and drive long-term growth in a local market.
When I started in the service industry years ago, I noticed that it was recession-proof. People will always need work done in their homes and businesses.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is that growth starts with having the right people in place. If you're going to expand into multiple locations, you need capable leaders who share your values, work ethic, and vision for the business. I've owned my franchise for the past 10 years, but I'm still relatively new to multi-unit ownership, having recently become a partner in a second license. Fortunately, I have a strong partner in Shane George, who oversees our Georgia operation. Having someone you trust to lead and uphold the same standards is essential to successfully growing across multiple markets.
From day one, I have had a business development manager who has handled all our marketing. We have embedded ourselves in our community and the surrounding communities. We wanted every business and homeowner to know that we are here and are willing to help with any size disaster. Getting out and making relationships has been our biggest reason for our success.
From day one, I made business development and community involvement a priority. I brought on a dedicated business development manager to lead our marketing efforts, which allowed us to focus on building strong relationships throughout our community and the surrounding areas. Our goal has always been to make sure homeowners and businesses are aware we are here and ready to help, no matter the size of the disaster or challenge they may face.
Over the years, we've worked hard to become a trusted local resource by staying visible, getting involved, and being present when people need us. In my experience, the biggest factor behind our success has been relationship-building. Taking the time to connect with people, earn their trust, and establish strong referral partnerships has helped us grow our reputation and create lasting opportunities in the communities we serve.
My advice for others is not to be afraid to take on the challenge. Success in the service industry comes from a willingness to work hard, serve people well, and stay committed when things get tough. If you're going to do it, invest in your brand, market yourself effectively, and make customer service a top priority.
I've always believed that your reputation is built on doing what you say you're going to do. You won't win every opportunity that comes your way, and that's just part of business. The key is to stay focused, deliver quality work, treat people right, and go above and beyond whenever possible. If you consistently take care of your customers and maintain a strong work ethic, the relationships you build will speak for themselves, and the business will follow.