After Serving Their Country, Lightspeed Restoration Franchisees Gain Satisfaction in Supporting Their Communities
Service may be for country, community or, in one Lightspeed Restoration franchise owner’s experience, a little girl’s pet hamster.
Veteran franchise owners Joe Bennett, Dan Derbes and Martin Holguin (above) know the challenges and rewards of serving their country, as well as their communities with Lightspeed Restoration, part of the Home Franchise Concepts family of service brands. Lightspeed Restoration provides rapid, round-the-clock response for residential and commercial property owners facing damage caused by disasters including floods and fires.
“There’s something deeply satisfying about helping people during one of the worst days they’ve had. It’s humbling to connect with someone who’s overwhelmed, anxious or even embarrassed, and be able to offer reassurance and practical help. That kind of human connection is one of the most meaningful parts of this work,” says Holguin, owner of Lightspeed Restoration of Santee, Calif.
Each call from a property owner can require expertise to solve a wide range of issues. Bennett (below), owner of Lightspeed Restoration of Lexington, Ky., says one of his most memorable projects involved the rescue of a pet hamster trapped for three days between the first and second floors of a home. “We used our infrared camera to locate the hamster’s heat signature and cut a hole in the ceiling to retrieve it. The daughter was overwhelmed with joy to get her hamster back,” he says.
Regardless of the challenge, Derbes says he and his technicians take pride in helping customers overcome their distress and find peace of mind. “Part of the excitement in the restoration industry is responding to client emergencies and urgent needs. I will often respond to an emergency and get the project started until the rest of the team is able to help. It’s really satisfying to help a customer, gain their confidence, explain the process and then solve the issue,” he says.
Benefits for Veteran Franchise Owners
Lightspeed Restoration is ranked No. 32 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 list of Top and Emerging Franchises, and offers a 15% discount off the initial franchise fees for new franchisees who are serving or honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces, including their spouses.
Bennett, Derbes and Holguin cite Lightspeed Restoration’s systems, training and support as other benefits for veterans.
“Franchise owners receive initial and continuing training, plus Lightspeed Restoration elicits your feedback to continually improve training. You have a dedicated regional manager that you can contact at any time for help with a proposal, a job, marketing or job issues. They are very knowledgeable and responsive,” says Bennett, a Home Franchise Concepts franchisee since 2018.
Derbes (above), a franchise owner since 2015 serving Alexandria and Fairfax, Va., says he also appreciates being able to reach out to other Lightspeed Restoration franchisees for business or moral support.
Holguin, the first Lightspeed Restoration franchisee in California, who opened his franchise in July 2024, says he chose to invest in the brand specifically because of the strength and reputation of Home Franchise Concepts, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises. “Both organizations have built supportive, professional teams, and that really stood out during my evaluation process. I’ve enjoyed working with their staff from day one,” he says, adding that hands-on training at Lightspeed Restoration’s state-of-the-art facility in Coppell, Texas, “has been excellent.”
No Typical Day
“Every day is different, and that’s part of what makes this work so engaging,” says Holguin (below). “Some days, I’m out in the field inspecting property damage, setting up or managing equipment, and scheduling crews to meet customer needs. Other days, I’m driving across San Diego County, entering updates for insurance companies or property managers, or handling reports. I also spend time on business development and networking through local organizations.”
Bennett says his days include conducting site visits, writing proposals, doing job follow-ups and marketing, while Derbes’ day includes sales and networking, checking on production teams, making phone calls with scheduling and, every couple of days, checking in with accounting and bookkeeping.
Path to Business Ownership
All three veteran franchise owners agree that franchising is a great option for anyone with a military background. “I think franchising is right for a broad spectrum of veterans who start with a great work ethic, but have little to no business experience. By following the franchisor’s model, they can be successful and continue to grow their skills in leadership, management and commitment to excellence,” says Derbes (below), who retired as a U.S. Navy commander after more than 20 years of service.
Bennett, who served in the U.S. Air Force, says the training, systems and processes, as well as the network of other franchise owners, increase the likelihood of success. His advice to veterans considering franchise ownership: “This franchise, Lightspeed Restoration, gives you that structure to succeed. Follow the plan, work hard and you will be successful.”
Holguin, who spent more than 20 years as a naval officer, advises prospective veteran franchise owners to do their research. “Know where your blind spots are. For many of us, those include insurance, cash flow and labor compliance. Also understand that in the beginning, you are your staff. You need to be proactive in hiring. That said, your military training will give you an edge in discipline and resilience. Pair that with humility, a willingness to learn and a strong network, and you’ll be in a good place to succeed.”
About Home Franchise Concepts
Since starting with a single brand in 1992, Home Franchise Concepts has become one of the largest home services franchisors, with more than 2,600 franchised territories in North America.
In addition to Lightspeed Restoration, Home Franchise Concepts brands include AdvantaClean, Aussie Pet Mobile, Bath Tune-Up, Budget Blinds, Concrete Craft, Kitchen Tune-Up, PremierGarage, The Tailored Closet and Two Maids.
For more information about franchising opportunities, visit the Home Franchise Concepts website.
