For Subscribers

One Degree Of Restoration The first graduate of Servpro's new program is ready to clean house.

By Alex Purugganan

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

There's a great deal of weight resting on Doug Williams'shoulders these days, but nothing the Servpro franchisee can'thandle. After becoming the first person to complete the cleaningand restoration company's new Career Path Program, Williams nowhas the unenviable task of trying to set the standard for futuregraduates by building his Redding, California, franchise into asuccess. "I can't fail," he says. "I have peoplecounting on me and monitoring how well I do."

Prior to becoming a franchisee, Williams, 32, worked inPortland, Oregon, as an insurance marketing representative forServpro. After five years of learning the franchise system andhelping supply the public with immediate mitigation to propertydamaged by fire and water, he knew operating his own franchise waswhat he truly wanted. The Career Path Program served as the perfectchannel to reaching his goal.

The plan, divided into three categories, offers employees up to$10,000 in credit toward the purchase of their own Servprobusinesses. Potential franchisees can complete 12 home-studycourses at $250 in credit per course, totaling $3,000. They canalso receive $100 in credit for each month of service with thecompany for up to five years. Lastly, employees can earn $250 foreach person they recruit (a maximum of four people) who completesat least one year of the same program. Williams explains,"[The plan] is very intense, but the end results are extremelyworthwhile. It's also great fun."

Great fun, indeed. Williams, who opened his franchise inFebruary, projects sales will reach $200,000 by year-end. AndWilliams has also set another target: Within the next five years,he wants to become "a member of Servpro'smillionaires' club." Pretty ambitious goals-but what elsewould you expect from a fresh-faced grad?


Contact Source

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

United Airlines Says It Is Adding Extra Flights in Case Spirit 'Suddenly Goes Out of Business'

Rival airlines, including United and Frontier, are adding new routes as Spirit cuts 12 cities from its schedule.

Leadership

Can Startup Founders Become Great CEOs? Here's What It Takes.

Startup founders CAN evolve into outstanding CEOs — rather than being replaced by them. Here's how.

Business News

American Eagle Stock Sees a 25% Surge Following Sydney Sweeney's Controversial 'Great Jeans' Ad Campaign

American Eagle saw its stock jump 25% after its earnings call on Wednesday.

Business News

Gold Prices Are Higher Than Ever. Here's How Much a Costco Gold Bar Purchased in 2024 Is Worth Today.

A one-ounce Costco bar is worth $870 more now than it was a year ago.