Amanda Evans leads marketing and digital strategy for Restoration 1, the largest independent restoration company in the U.S. Known for water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire restoration, and content cleaning and restoration services, Restoration 1 is the trusted neighbor that families and businesses turn to during some of life’s toughest moments.
With more than 25 years of marketing experience rooted in entrepreneurship and small business, Amanda brings a deep understanding of franchising to her role. Her background spans a decade at ServiceMaster Clean and Restore, where she fell in love with franchising. She’s since helped small businesses compete locally, supported thousands of independent retailers against big-box competitors, and owned a home services franchise herself. Every role has shaped how she shows up for her franchisees today.
Franchise Chatter (FC): The brand has expanded from a single location to more than 290 franchise locations nationwide in an impressive timeframe. What factors have fueled this growth?
"If I were considering buying a franchise today, checking territory availability would be one of my first steps — yet most buyers leave it until last." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible — saving you months of wasted research.Amanda Evans (AE): This growth came from a brand determined to do things differently. Our independence from the heavy carrier program-driven models that have long defined the restoration industry is a huge part of our identity. That spirit resonated with entrepreneurs who want to do the right thing for customers, build something meaningful in their communities, and be part of a brand that empowers rather than restricts. Our franchisees have incredibly diverse backgrounds, but they all share a commitment to service and integrity.
FC: How does Restoration 1 ensure consistency and quality across its franchise network?
AE: We’ve invested in tools and systems that simplify operational complexity and allow owners to focus on running their business, not juggling disconnected platforms. At the same time, we believe strongly in balancing a proven, turn-key system with healthy autonomy. Many of us have been franchise owners ourselves, so we know firsthand how important it is to have control where it counts. That “best of both worlds” approach is something unique in our segment.
FC: What qualities or backgrounds make for an ideal Restoration 1 franchisee?
AE: Empathy, above everything. We serve people in crisis, often on their worst day, and the ability to lead with compassion is non-negotiable. The second trait is being truly all-in. Owners who fully engage with our tools, training, support, and community see the greatest success and create the biggest impact locally.
FC: How does the company support franchise owners once they join the brand?
AE: Our onboarding is incredibly hands-on. We walk owners through business setup, integrating key parts of the tech stack, and both virtual and in-person training. New owners work closely with a dedicated Franchise Business Coach for their first six months, then transition into ongoing coaching that includes KPI reviews, financial performance discussions, and support through local opportunities or challenges.
"If I were considering buying a franchise today, checking territory availability would be one of my first steps — yet most buyers leave it until last." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
🎯Find Best-Fit Franchises Still Available in Your Target Area (Free Tool)
When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible — saving you months of wasted research.Across our corporate team, we have more than 100 years of combined restoration and franchising experience, so the guidance they receive is tested, practical, and grounded in real-world results.
On top of that, we are a training-first culture. Peer groups, bootcamps, monthly virtual sessions, and ongoing development are core to our DNA. The owners who stay plugged in and connected to the network are consistently the most successful.
FC: How does Restoration 1 balance its national brand presence with meaningful community ties at the local level?
AE: Nationally, our focus is on building a brand with strong differentiators and staying ahead digitally – driving visibility, credibility, and customer confidence. But our success hinges on our franchisees building local relationships. We give them tools, content, and sales programs that help them create deep community ties and become the locally trusted restoration provider in their market.
FC: Can you share an example of a successful campaign or initiative that has made a significant impact for the brand?
AE: In 2024, we migrated to a new website platform that dramatically improved site performance and gave owners more control over their local content. The timing was perfect: when AI-powered search started indexing content differently, Restoration 1 locations (especially new markets) were suddenly being surfaced ahead of long-established competitors. We’ve seen year-over-year traffic lifts and increased visibility across markets nationwide.
"No time to attend live? Register now and we'll send you the full recording the next day." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
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Every month we feature 6 standout franchises that could be the opportunity you've been looking for — each evaluated on disclosed financials and matched to the type of buyer most likely to succeed with it. You'll walk away knowing exactly how to analyze franchise fit. Join us live on September 29 at 6PM EST, or receive the recording the next day. Reserve your spot here.FC: What current initiatives or projects are you most excited about at Restoration 1?
AE: I’m most energized by the expansion of our local sales programs. This isn’t about brochures or swag; it’s about equipping salespeople and owners with the coaching, scripts, tools, and confidence to win locally. When our franchisees grow, we grow, and nothing is more rewarding to me than watching owners build meaningful local partnerships.
FC: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Restoration 1’s continued expansion and commitment to quality service?
AE: Customer expectations are shifting quickly. The industry has operated the same way for decades, and there’s an opportunity to modernize and elevate the customer experience: faster communication, clearer expectations, more transparency, and a more streamlined process. Restoration 1 was built on the idea of doing things differently, and we’re continuing to push that forward as part of our long-term vision.
FC: Can you share a success story of a franchisee who has truly embodied the Restoration 1 brand within their community?
AE: I recently spent time with the team at Restoration 1 of East Baton Rouge, and they are the definition of customer-first service. Their owners, David and Marissa Hofstetter, lead with such authenticity and care that it radiates through their entire team. Every technician shows up for customers the way they do because of the culture the Hofstetters have built. That culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built with intention, and it’s a perfect example of what Restoration 1 looks like at its best.
FC: What advice would you give to franchisees striving to build local relevance and community connection while operating as part of a national brand?
AE: One of our newest owners, Vanessa Van Holland from Restoration 1 of Rancho Cucamonga, put it perfectly: find the brand that aligns with who you are, lean into the systems and processes they offer, and then get deeply involved in your community. Chambers, BNI groups, and local business networks matter. When owners stay active and consistently show up, their name recognition grows. When they step back from this activity, it shows.
FC: What makes now a great time to invest in a Restoration 1 franchise?
AE: Now is a great time to join Restoration 1 because it’s a business built around real service and real impact. When someone experiences water or fire damage, they can’t postpone fixing it, so the demand is steady no matter what the economy is doing. But beyond the industry strength, business ownership can change you. It certainly did for me. It gives you confidence, capability, and a sense of purpose you don’t always get working for someone else.
FC: Where can interested candidates go to learn more or start the process of becoming a Restoration 1 franchisee?
AE: Visit restoration1franchise.com, watch our franchisee testimonial videos on YouTube, or connect with our team directly to start the conversation.
"Multi-unit ownership is where the real wealth in franchising is built — and it starts with one key decision: choosing a brand with enough territory runway to grow into." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
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Colin started as a team member at 21 — he now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations — before someone else does. A franchise specialist will be in touch to present what's available.
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