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Managing Your Restoration BusinessAsk the Expert

Ask the Expert

Rethinking Operator Led Growth in the Restoration Industry

Jeff Todd shares why local expansion and density allow restorers to drive strong performance

By Kayla McGowan
April 17, 2026

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Jeff Todd the Chief Franchise Development Officer at ServiceMaster Restore®. Jeff has an extensive background in franchise development holding notable positions at Launch Entertainment and Driven Brands, where he contributed to the strategic initiatives. Jeff is also a graduate of the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. Jeff shares his insights on how restorers should shift their mindset for growth in the restoration industry.

Kayla and Jeff discuss:

  • The importance of owner-driven expansion and how it outperforms faster, top-down market entry. The key is customers want a local provider, not just a pin on a map.
  • Understanding the operational advantage of adding locations in your existing market. It allows you faster response times, leveraging your resources nearby, and improving your margins.
  • Identifying the criteria for markets that are ready to increase their density. Analyzing key data points like population, commercial activity, and current presence are key.
  • Mastering a single location prior to expanding is key. It allows you to take the sound operation and plug and play with a new location and avoid scaling too fast and running into operational and customer service issues.
  • There’s a “right” way to build and scale, which is around density. Your service offerings, strategic operator support and data decisions are the foundation of successful growth.

 

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KEYWORDS: restoration business development restoration business growth restoration business profitability restoration business strategy scaling your business

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Kayla mcgowan author

Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

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