Owning a franchise comes with serious perks like a clear road to making a profit and more time to hang out with your loved ones. It was the chance to make more family memories that drew the ex-Secret Service honcho to take the reins at Restoration 1 of Birmingham. Check out his remarkable path to entrepreneurship and the special touch his company brings to the table.
Restoration 1 of Birmingham is where you turn when your property is in a mess. They roll up their sleeves to tackle all kinds of restoration jobs around Birmingham, Alabama. Chad Yeilding spills the beans, “Restoration 1 is the go-to when disaster strikes, and folks need top-notch service pronto. We’ve got a lineup of services, from getting rid of water damage and mold to fixing up places singed by fire or smoke. We’re the team you call any time—day or night. No matter the problem, we’re there with professional and steadfast support.”
This business prides itself on being a local hero. Yeilding shares, “Sure, we know our stuff when it comes to fixing things up, but we’re really all about being there for our neighbors in tough times. Quick and reliable response is our trademark. And when there’s something new we bump into, it’s cool to have a network of fellow franchisees on speed dial for advice. It’s this spirit of shared support that really gives us an edge in serving up excellence consistently.”
So how did Yeilding go from protecting presidents to restoring properties? It was all about putting his family first. He shares, “Life as a Secret Service agent meant being ready to uproot anytime. When a swanky D.C. gig beckoned, I had to choose: chase the career dream or be there for my family. I picked family and went hunting for a business that reflected my values and desire to help folks. Restoration 1 felt like a home run, aligning with my knack for offering a helping hand during tough times.”
The company’s biggest badge of honor? Staying up and running for six years. Yeilding says, “Outlasting the five-year mark is a big deal here, where storms—and life—throw you curveballs. It’s not just about staying afloat; it’s about our people who count on us. We’ve weathered cash crunches and giant hiccups like the pandemic by pulling together and getting creative. Through highs and lows, it’s our commitment to serve our community that fuels us.”
The riskiest move Yeilding made was saying goodbye to a steady government paycheck to dive into the entrepreneurial pool. He reveals, “Banking it all on this new venture was scary, but I had faith in my abilities and the franchise. Leaning on the wisdom of other franchise owners was a game-changer. It was a huge gamble, but it paved the way for us to really make our mark locally.”
Yeilding’s nugget of wisdom? Keep pushing forward. He believes wins and fails are both great teachers. He encourages his crew to see hiccups as chances to level up. With a “keep on truckin'” mindset, they uncover solutions and snatch success.
If $100,000 magically landed in their lap, Yeilding has a game plan. He’d beef up the team, snag new gear to boost efficiency, and stash some cash for a rainy day. Solid staff, better tools, and a cushion for surprises is his recipe for thriving in the long run.
Their team slogan? Push boundaries for the neighbor’s sake. Coming from a Secret Service past, Yeilding’s all about going the extra mile—literally. They want every work van ready to lend a hand, whether it’s mowing a lawn for a busy mom or warming a room for the elderly. It’s all about spreading a little kindness without expecting a quick buck in return.
Spotlighting their crew’s hard work is done with flair—they celebrate by treating them to fun stuff like a round of golf, with the clock running so they get paid too. They believe a playful reward now and then cements a strong sense of team spirit.
Yeilding’s favorite words of wisdom? It’s not about the challenges that come our way, but how we navigate through them that defines our journey. It’s an insight from Jim Rohn about setting our sails right, no matter which way the wind’s blowing.