STOP Restoration Franchise – Costs, Fees, Investment & Opportunity

STOP Restoration Franchise Overview

Founded	1971 as STOP Restoration.
Headquarters	Columbia, Maryland
Franchising Since	1996 as STOP Restoration.
Total Units	101
Industry Category	Restoration services
Initial Investment Range	$196,325 to $318,860 (for a new DRYmedic location)

Why You May Choose STOP Restoration?

Franchise Highlights

Embrace a rewarding entrepreneurial journey with STOP Restoration, which will now open all new locations under the DRYmedic Restoration Services brand, continuing its legacy as a veteran name in the restoration industry.

With over 50 years of unparalleled experience, STOP Restoration and DRYmedic, under the umbrella of Authority Brands, is redefining excellence through advanced techniques and outstanding customer service. Experience the seamless transition from STOP Restoration's legacy to the innovative DRYmedic brand, focused on offering impeccable restoration solutions.

The restoration industry is booming, with more than 14,000 water damage incidents occurring daily across the nation, presenting a robust and recession-proof opportunity for potential franchisees. As a DRYmedic franchise owner, you'll dive into a recession-resistant market, valued at over $210 billion, offering essential services like water damage and fire damage recovery, mold remediation, asbestos removal, and bio-hazard cleanup. This robust service range fosters multiple revenue streams and ensures consistent demand, imperative for sustained business growth.

DRYmedic franchises are tailored to excel in both insurance and non-insurance sectors, expanding profitability. Franchise owners benefit from national and local marketing strategies designed to maximize advertising impact, along with supplier discounts that contribute to operational efficiency.

Training and support are foundational at DRYmedic, equipping franchise owners with the expertise needed to deliver top-tier service. Partners thrive in a culture that does not settle for average but goes for excellence, with ongoing training ensuring familiarity with cutting-edge systems and technologies. DRYmedic's commitment to going above and beyond means their team continuously enhances methods while supporting franchisees every step of the way.

By joining DRYmedic Restoration Services, you step into a collaborative and supportive environment, aligning with passionate professionals dedicated to exceeding expectations and driving business success, a culture that has placed them in the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.

Financial Requirements

• Liquid Capital Required: $75,000 (we recommended you have more)
• Net Worth Requirement: $400,000
• Special Discounts: A 30% discount on franchise fee and territory fee for veterans, and a $5,000 discount on the franchise fee for minority owned and women-owned businesses. Discounts may not be combined.

Training & Support

• Onboarding and Initial Training Overview: STOP Restoration and DRYmedic design comprehensive training programs to ensure the success of their franchise owners. They are committed to equipping you with the essential knowledge and backing necessary to operate your restoration company efficiently. Each STOP Restoration franchisee benefits from over 20 days of initial training. This begins with a six-day session, where you’ll engage with management and the marketing training team. This program covers everything you need to launch your business, including Business Planning, Management Best Practices, Industry Knowledge, Estimating, Technical Hands-On Training, and Marketing. Following this, you will participate in industry-certified training courses for the basics of mold removal, water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, operating drying equipment, forming restoration plans, and much more, along with an online course covering software usage and estimating techniques.
• Ongoing Training and Support: With extensive marketing resources and support, you’ll also find very specific guidance on networking, digital campaigns, and other local lead generation tactics to help you attract and retain customers in your area.
• Marketing and Business Support: By joining the Authority Brands family of franchises, you gain access to their extensive partnerships. Both STOP Restoration and DRYmedic Restoration Services have forged strong relationships with prominent platforms like IFA, Google, Facebook, Angi, and more. Their dedicated team will equip you with comprehensive marketing resources and support, enabling you to start receiving calls as soon as your doors open and to quickly deal with insurance companies.

Territory & Operations

• Territory Model: Protected territories.
• Population or area-based guidelines:  Every protected marketing territory encompasses a population of up to 250,000 within a designated geographic area. This territory size is meticulously calculated using population data by zip code alongside industry demand. DRYmedic strives to offer a marketing territory with substantial room to effectively serve a high-quality market, while also providing opportunities to collaborate with nearby franchise owners on larger projects. This collaboration ensures extraordinary service and cultivates a flourishing business ecosystem.
• Operating and Compliance Guidelines: Franchise business owners must adhere to set standards for advertising, supplier relationships, service provisions, and operational conduct within their designated territories. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in penalties or forfeiture of certain corporate program advantages.

History & System Size

Established originally as the Service Team of Professionals (STOP) in 1971 by Mack Clark in San Diego, California, the company began its journey as a pioneering consulting firm serving the cleaning and restoration industry. It gradually evolved, venturing into direct waster, fire, and mold service provision by the 1990s. Recognizing the potential in franchising, STOP opened its first franchise in 1996, steadily expanding its footprint across various regions. The 2018 initiative, the Franchise Fee Giveaway, exemplified STOP's commitment to supporting veteran entrepreneurs, further solidifying its reputation as a community-focused enterprise.

In 2014, the restoration industry witnessed the birth of DRYmedic Restoration Services, founded by Carlos Hesano and Benjamin Gergis in the bustling Detroit, Michigan area. The company swiftly made its mark with its dedication to speed, affordability, and care, transitioning from a single-truck operation to a sizeable fleet of over 40 trucks. DRYmedic has earned acclaim for its comprehensive disaster restoration services, tailor-made to assist clients through challenges, including water extraction after a basement floods from a burst pipe or storm damage, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration work, and many more services that provide relief and peace of mind to property owners after a crisis.

The strategic acquisition of STOP Restoration by Authority Brands facilitated a seamless integration into DRYmedic Restoration Services, combining decades of expertise and customer trust under a unified brand. Today, all new locations carry the DRYmedic name, embodying the same unparalleled service and robust franchisee support that once defined STOP. United by a shared mission to restore and rejuvenate, DRYmedic continues to uphold its foundational values while embracing innovation and expansion. The franchise is poised on a path of sustained growth, driven by a legacy of excellence and a vision for a resilient, client-centric future in the restoration industry.

• First franchise sold: 1996 as STOP Restoration
• Total current locations: 101 now as DRYmedic

How It Works / The Path to Owning a STOP Restoration Franchise

• Step 1: Request Information. Embarking on the journey to own a DRYmedic Restoration Service franchise, formerly STOP Restoration, begins with gathering comprehensive information. This initial step is crucial for understanding the potential and responsibilities that come with owning a franchise. By reaching out to Franchising Path, you can significantly streamline this process. They offer expert guidance, helping you navigate the intricate details of franchising opportunities. Franchising Path’s goal is to help you get access to all necessary resources to make an informed decision, presenting you with a streamlined approach tailored to your needs and goals.
• Step 2: Pre-Approval Process. The pre-approval phase is a critical step during which the franchisor evaluates your suitability as a franchise owner. It involves an assessment of your financial standing, experience, and business acumen. Franchising Path's consulting services can be invaluable during this stage, offering solid consultation and potentially enhancing your profile to make you the best candidate for approval. Their experienced consultants will work closely with you to provide a solid sounding board of an experienced franchise consultant and help determine if what you are looking for in a franchise aligns with DRYmedic and STOP Restoration’s expectations.
• Step 3: Training Program. Once approved by the franchisor, you will be awarded a territory, purchase the franchising rights, and enter the training phase, which is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully operate a DRYmedic and STOP Restoration franchise. The franchisor and fellow franchisees will be supportive partners, offering additional insights and strategies to maximize your learning.
• Step 4: Launch and Ongoing Support After completing your training, the launch phase will begin, with ongoing support from the DRYmedic Restoration Services' business development team. The franchisor's system helps refine your business practices, optimize operations, and foster growth.
• Typical Timeline for Onboarding. The typical onboarding process is meticulously structured to set you on the path to success. Using DRYmedic and STOP Restoration's business model template, you will have a conversation with their operations partners and support team to discuss your path to potential success within the first few weeks after signing the franchise agreement.

Your Path to Owning a STOP Restoration Franchise Starts Here

Thinking about buying a DRYmedic Restoration Services, formerly STOP Restoration, franchise? You're not alone. STOP Restoration is one of the most trusted names in water damage and property restoration—and you're smart to consider a brand backed by decades of success, operational support, and recession-resistant services.

But here's the truth: Franchising isn't just about signing a check and hoping for the best.

That's where Franchising Path can give you benefits.

Clarity Over Complexity: Learn Real Franchise Investigation Through a Proven Process

We break it all down—no fluff, no pressure. Whether you’re exploring STOP Restoration for the first time or you've been browsing franchise directories for weeks, our system walks you through:

• What it really takes to get approved as a DRYmedic and STOP Restoration franchisee
• Disclosure documents and due diligence—decoded
• ROI frameworks—how to evaluate DRYmedic and STOP Restoration against your goals
• Territory analysis, training insights, and startup timelines
• Direct access to advisors who’ve been in your shoes—and succeeded

Navigate with Confidence—Not Guesswork

The franchising world can be confusing, full of jargon and sales speak. We’re here to cut through that noise and put you in control.

Common STOP Restoration Franchise Questions

What’s included in the initial investment?

The initial investment for a new DRYmedic Restoration Service franchise, formerly STOP Restoration, typically ranges from $196,325 to $318,860, depending on the number of territories purchased. The investment range lowers to $65,870 to $245,110 if converting a pre-existing restoration services business. Both will cover the franchise fees, equipment packages, branded vehicle setup, initial training expenses, and working capital. This includes essentials such as water damage restoration and leak detection tools, indoor air quality monitors, software systems, initial and ongoing training, and onboarding support. STOP Restoration often requires purchasing from approved vendors, and a cash reserve (in the form of liquid assets) is necessary to cover early operational expenses. Always refer to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for the most accurate figures and obligations.

What are royalty and marketing fees? 

• Royalty fees are a payment that typically represents a percentage of your gross sales. In STOP Restoration and DRYmedic's case, franchise owners pay a monthly royalty of 5% to 7% of gross revenue, depending on volume and the opening date of the franchise location.
• Some franchises charge an additional monthly advertising or marketing fee, which, in the case of STOP Restoration, is approximately $600 per month but capped at 1.0% of monthly sales after the initial phase. 
• Additional monthly fees may apply for software, training, certification, or events.

How long is the training? 

A total of approximately 20 days of training is required, encompassing both classroom instruction and hands-on field practice with experienced water damage restoration and disaster remediation technicians, as well as other franchisees, and online modules.

Is financing available? 

For new franchise owners, DRYmedic offers some in-house financing for the franchise fee. They also work with third-party franchise ownership financing options for those who qualify, and provide comprehensive guidance to potential franchise owners on how to acquire financing. Additionally, as a listing in the SBA Franchise Directory, STOP Restoration and DRYmedic Restoration Services make you eligible for SBA loans or other financing alternatives to bolster your investment. Reach out to us below for more details or referrals.

Are territories exclusive? 

New franchisees for DRYmedic Restoration Services are offered protected marketing territories of up to 250,000 people.