SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, a family-owned leader in disaster restoration and cleanup services in the suburban Washington, D.C. area, was recently recognized as the SERVPRO Franchise of the Year – Multi-Unit Owner at SERVPRO’s 56^th Annual Convention in early July. SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, founded in 1980, is celebrating its 45^thanniversary as a SERVPRO franchise. 

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez was chosen for this honor from among 2,300 independently owned and operated SERVPRO franchises across North America. The Multi-Unit Owner Award highlights outstanding customer service, a people-first culture, operational growth, and community impact—distinguishing this Maryland-based business as one of the top-performing SERVPRO franchises in North America, helping customers through every phase of mitigation, reconstruction, remediation or restoration.  

“This award is a testament to the hard work of every single person on our team,” said co-owner, Michelle Gutierrez. “Being named SERVPRO’S Franchise of the Year isn’t just about numbers; it’s about trust, consistency, and showing up for people when they need you most, 365 days of the year. That’s what this company was built on, and what we’ll continue to deliver every day.” 

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez earned the Franchise of the Year award thanks to their relentless commitment to making a difference, a deep-rooted legacy of service, and a culture where employees are celebrated like family. Their strong community involvement, people-first mindset, and strategic use of smart technology drive their operational excellence. The team is also proud of its ongoing philanthropic efforts, regularly giving of their time through the First Responders Children’s Foundation and other community efforts to support First Responders in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. These values are all hallmarks of a team that was founded in March of 1980. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects dedicated leadership, innovative service, and genuine investment in both their team and the communities they serve. 

“Forty-five years ago, I started this business in Montgomery County with a simple goal: do good work and take care of people,” said founder Eric Thompson. “Today, I’m proud that my daughter and son-in-law are continuing the legacy as the owners, leading the team to earn Franchise of the Year. It’s a joy to see how far the business has come and the incredible team that drives it every day.” 

Under Thompson’s guidance, the franchise began as a small operation in Montgomery County. Since then, the business has expanded significantly under the leadership of Eric’s daughter, Michelle, who now co-owns the franchise with husband Jorge Gutierrez and has worked in the business for more than two decades. Under the tutelage of the Gutierrez leadership team, the franchise has transformed into a full-service restoration company specializing in the cleanup, restoration & reconstruction of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. They also mitigate mold and mildew, and biohazards from homes or businesses. 

SERVPRO® Team Gutierrez operates four SERVPRO franchises: SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney, SERVPRO of Silver Spring North, SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE Beltsville E with a growing staff of 65 employees, serving customers throughout the region. 

What began as one family's vision has grown into a regional force. The Gutierrez family’s impact spans far beyond Maryland; Michelle’s brother, Jim operates four SERVPRO franchises in California, and a network of uncles, aunts, and cousins lead other SERVPRO franchises in the city of Annapolis, Md., into Southern Maryland communities, and beyond. 

“SERVPRO Team Gutierrez exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and impact,” said Brett Ponton, CEO of SERVPRO. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional effort and commitment put into the franchise. It’s so much more than just growth—it celebrates leadership with heart and as their motto states and what they demonstrate every day - being the best isn’t sometimes - it’s all the time.” 

The Franchise of the Year honor comes as SERVPRO Team Gutierrez deepens its investment in talent, training, and strategic growth—all while remaining firmly rooted in the Montgomery County community where its journey began.  

About SERVPRO® Team Gutierrez
Founded in 1980 by Eric Thompson, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez consists of four family-owned SERVPRO franchises offering full-service fire and water damage restoration, mold remediation, and cleaning specialization across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties and the surrounding region. With two locations in Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North and sister franchises SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez has grown into one of the area’s most trusted restoration partners. Led today by Jorge and Michelle Gutierrez, the company remains focused on fast response, expert service, and compassionate care when customers need it most. Learn more at their website.