Backed by Empower Brands, Conserva Irrigation Benefits From Shared Systems and Support
Conserva Irrigation presents a gateway to prosperity for its franchisees, and Vanesa Ellis is a case in point. As owner of Conserva Irrigation of Northeast Florida, Ellis lives the American dream. “Vanesa leads a thriving business, achieving the financial freedom she dreamed of — on her own terms — and inspiring others to chase success no matter where they start,” says Heather Todd, Brand President of Conserva Irrigation.
Ellis’s backstory seems tailor-made for a Horatio Alger plot. “Born in Argentina and raised in the Bronx, she took on adult responsibilities at a young age, helping her immigrant parents navigate life in a new country,” Todd says. “From her first job at Winn-Dixie to balancing full-time work and college, Vanesa’s resilience shaped her future. After years spent raising her family, she reignited her professional ambitions through franchising. Vanesa launched her franchise in 2019 and quickly proved herself a powerhouse in a male-dominated industry. In 2023, she was Conserva Irrigation’s Franchisee of the Year for her impressive sales performance and customer focus.”
A Thriving Market
Ellis and other Conserva franchisees leverage the thriving irrigation market and the brand’s solid business model to achieve success, Todd says. “There are approximately 50 million sprinkler systems installed at residential homes throughout the United States, creating a large and ongoing need for irrigation services. Conserva Irrigation’s business model helps franchisees build financial independence by offering high-margin services, a recurring revenue structure and strong operational support.”
Now with 200-plus locations, Conserva earns kudos for its 15-year track record of solid performance and environmental responsibility in serving residential and commercial customers. “Conserva’s conservation technology and advancements help reduce water use from irrigation by up to 60% per property,” Todd says. “This approach supports lush, healthy lawns and landscapes while saving customers money and reducing strain on the environment.”
A Conservation Effort
The brand was founded by Russ Jundt and Tom Olson, who were appalled by the tremendous waste of typical irrigation systems. “Conserva was started to address this waste, making it the only irrigation company founded solely on the principle of conservation,” Todd says. “Combining technology, water dynamic studies and environmental concerns, Conserva works tirelessly to make water conservation economically feasible.”
Conserva is equally dedicated to its franchisees, helping them launch and scale. “From day one, franchisees receive comprehensive training — the corporate team assists them with operations, marketing, technology, finance, recruitment and more. They receive help building an initial marketing plan and learning to use the tools that streamline daily operations,” Todd says. “Ongoing education is available to continue improving franchisees’ services with a focus on environmental responsibility. The home office team is available to franchisees throughout the tenure of their business.”
Todd’s takeaway is that Conserva Irrigation represents an excellent choice for entrepreneurs seeking financial freedom. Its territories are buffered with “white space” so franchisees can grow and expand, and the business can be home-based to reduce overhead. “Conserva equips you with the knowledge, systems and guidance to grow a successful business with confidence. You don’t need a background in irrigation,” she says. “Its built-in recurring revenue streams, such as seasonal services and maintenance plans, provide long-term income stability and growth potential.”
Empower Brands
Conserva Irrigation belongs to the Empower Brands franchise family, benefiting its small-business owners as follows:
- Empower Brands franchisees comprise a collaborative network. “Empower Brands fosters a community where franchisees can thrive. They operate independently but benefit from the resources of a larger organization,” including national marketing support and advanced technology, Conserva Brand President Heather Todd says.
- Empower Brands offers comprehensive training and proven business models across every franchise in its portfolio.
- Empower Brands cross-promote each other, expanding their customer bases. For example, Bumble Roofing, FRSTeam restoration, Koala Insulation and Wallaby Windows might refer one another in repairing a property after a fire. (Other Empower Brands are Archadeck Outdoor Living, Canopy Lawn Care, JAN-PRO Systems International cleaning service, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives and Superior Fence & Rail.)
Learn more about the Conserva Irrigation franchise.
