After a Career Change, Julia Jones Finds Fulfillment in Her Community-Based Business
As Julia Jones evaluated options for a new chapter in her career, the PuroClean franchise won hands-down. Today, she is co-owner of two units of PuroClean, which remediates commercial and residential structures damaged by floods, fires, mold infestations and biohazards. Earlier, Jones had worked in finance for an aerospace company, was a recruiter filling information technology and executive positions and, from 2003-2013, owned a recruiting business. “This business was largely via telephone and was missing the in-person factor I like,” says Jones.
In 2019, after leaving a human resources position in Orlando to move to Bradenton, Fla., with her husband, Jones accepted a remote-work job that promptly was eliminated during the pandemic. A franchise broker introduced her to PuroClean in 2020. “I love that PuroClean is hyper-local, helps people in times of need, and could create a legacy for my family.”
She also praises the collaboration among PuroClean franchisees and the “seasoned, caring people” in the home office. “Many franchises didn’t have the breadth or depth of experience that I was looking for. I wanted a proven enterprise.” PuroClean was founded in 2001 and has almost 500 locations in North America. Jones opened PuroClean of Bradenton in January 2021 and PuroClean of Lakewood Ranch and Siesta Key (Sarasota area) this January. She hails the compassionate, professional focus of the brand, noting that on a daily basis, franchises sensitively and expeditiously help customers deal with crises.
Charitable outreach is also a PuroClean hallmark. For example, staff in the Tamarac, Fla., home office raised more than $13,000 for South Florida’s branch of Feeding America in consecutive Decembers. Jones’ franchise has helped Heroes Welcome Home, which provides financial aid to local veterans who need short-term home-related assistance, and Canines for Heroes, which trains support dogs for military veterans and first responders.
National Superhero Day
PuroClean franchises celebrated National Superhero Day this year by recognizing unsung heroes in their communities and their own heroic teams. On this year’s National Superhero Day, Jones honored Mark and Sandra LaFlamme, founders of Canines for Heroes. Each of its dogs is trained for a particular recipient who may be battling, for example, PTSD, depression or physical challenges. One recipient noted that his dog awakened him from nightmares and sleepwalking; another canine hero fetches low-level objects to help his master cope with balance problems.
Jones and Brenden Williams, her business partner and part-owner of the franchises, share duties. “He handles the team that executes the work, and he works through the process with our customers. My role is to focus on the administration, marketing and strategy. Brenden brought real depth in restoration experience, so even though I was the founder/investor, I was his assistant on jobs. He is an excellent teacher, and I was very blessed that he was my first hire. … Day to day, I’m usually at networking events, going out to check on jobs, and occasionally as needed working in the field.”
That networking is crucial. “PuroClean emphasizes sales and marketing,” Jones says. “The local market must be constantly reminded of your presence and, more importantly, remember you when something goes awry. After Hurricane Ian in September 2022, the phone rang off the hook, and we operated off a generator for a while. Our neighbors were facing the hardest days of their lives, and we answered.”
A Perfect Fit
PuroClean has been a great fit for Jones. “With my earlier business, I had to do everything from scratch — logos, IT, etc. It was a relief to have so much figured out. The first few years at PuroClean require a lot of effort, but it’s inspirational to see the potential from so many other owners. I could not have ventured into this brand-new, fairly complex field without the structure from our franchisor.”
For more information about the PuroClean franchise, visit www.purocleanfranchise.com.
