JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In just over four years since its first franchise opened, Paul Davis Emergency Services (PDES) has topped the list as the leading new restoration industry franchise concept according to Entrepreneur Magazine. In the March issue, Entrepreneur ranked Paul Davis as number eight among 75 U.S. new franchise brands launched less than five years ago. The primary quantifiable criteria used in determining the rankings included financial strength and stability, growth rate, and system size. Other factors considered included startup costs, litigation, percentage of terminations, and whether the company provides financing.
Paul Davis Emergency Services shares the heritage of Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., a national franchise company and leading provider of fire, water and mold damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties in North America since 1966. Paul Davis currently has more than 310 franchises in the network with locally-owned Paul Davis Restoration, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, and Paul Davis Emergency Services offices.
With 168 fully equipped PDES trucks and owners, the franchise company's mission is to help customers while building a business with experts who are highly trained, fully mobile emergency responders. In 29 states, certified PDES owners and technicians restore residential and commercial property damaged by water, fire, smoke and mold in the aftermath of severe weather, crime and trauma scene bio-recovery, vandalism damage, and other catastrophic events.
"We are honored to be at the top of our sector in the recent rankings. We saw a market for a lean modern business run by highly-skilled owners using the latest in technology, restoration science, and damage mitigation practices," said Robb King, Senior Vice President, Franchise Development and Director of PDES. "The rapid growth and success of this business platform confirms there's a market demand for the franchise model and cutting edge services," he said.
King notes that a PDES start-up is far less costly than other franchise business opportunities and ranges from $45,000 to $148,000 depending on market size and other factors.
"Our franchise owners benefit from the resources of an almost 50-year-old parent company, including technical, business, back office and IT support. At the Paul Davis National Training Center in Jacksonville, Florida, new owners and technicians learn the latest techniques in fire damage cleanup, mold removal, water cleanup, and more," said King. "The PDES business can be home-based and owners have the ability to run and operate their business virtually from their vehicles through remote technology," he said. "Throughout the years in a tough economic environment, the concept has proven to be a recession resistant business and a fantastic opportunity."
Many of the PDES franchises are owned by husband and wife teams in the demographics of 30 to 45 years of age. For many, the decision to purchase a PDES franchise has been a good move financially and personally liberating. Most of the franchise owners have a career history as highly-skilled professionals and when established, often hire staff to assist with company growth including marketers, field technicians, office administrators, and other support personnel. They also grow their business by investing time and energy in their communities as business leaders and humanitarians. King added that the successful PDES office owners thrive in a fast paced problem solving environment, enjoy people, get involved in their community, and thrive on helping others. "This business is a good fit for insurance professionals, sales and marketing professionals, retired military, golden parachute executives, construction industry professionals, and family-owned business professionals." For more information about Paul Davis Emergency Services, call 1.800.722.5066. Visit the website at www.pauldavis.com.
About Paul Davis:
Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (Nasdaq:FSRV) (TSX:FSV), is a national franchisor and leading provider of restoration services for residential and commercial properties since 1966. Paul Davis Restoration also provides complete remodeling services and has franchise locations throughout North America with owners and technicians who are certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Visit the website at www.pauldavis.com.
The Paul Davis Restoration Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11820
About FirstService Corporation:
FirstService Corporation is a global leader in the rapidly growing real estate services sector, one of the largest markets in the world. As one of the largest property managers in the world, FirstService manages more than 2.5 billion square feet of residential and commercial properties through its three industry-leading service platforms: Colliers International, one of the largest global players in commercial real estate; FirstService Residential Management, North America's largest manager of residential communities; and the Property Services, one of North America's largest providers of essential property services delivered through company-owned operations, franchise systems and contractor networks.
FirstService generates over $2.3 billion in annual revenues and has more than 23,000 employees worldwide. More information about FirstService is available at www.firstservice.com.