The Preservan franchise is a home-based restoration business that specializes in repairing and preserving wood damaged by rot, decay, or moisture in both residential and commercial properties. According to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the estimated initial investment ranges from $117,300 to $185,900* for a single territory, which includes startup costs, equipment, and working capital.

What sets Preservan apart is its mission-driven model: “We Save the Future by Preserving the Past.” This purpose-driven approach resonates with entrepreneurs who want to combine financial independence with meaningful work. Instead of demolishing and replacing wood, franchisees use specialized preservation techniques that extend the life of historic homes, modern properties, and community landmarks.

For entrepreneurs seeking a business with low overhead, recurring demand, and strong franchisor support, Preservan represents an opportunity to build long-term independence while contributing to environmental sustainability and community stewardship.

For those comparing different opportunities in the franchise sector, the Franchise Brokers Association offers expert resources and guidance to help you evaluate your options.

This article is sponsored by Preservan. The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide insights into its business model and franchise opportunities.

Who Owns Preservan and What’s the Brand Story?

Preservan’s origins go back to 2016, when Ty McBride founded a local window restoration business in Oklahoma City. What started as a small service aimed at saving homeowners money and preserving character quickly evolved into something much bigger: a scalable model dedicated to wood rot repair and architectural preservation.

By leveraging a proprietary epoxy system for repairing rather than replacing damaged wood, McBride realized the business could deliver a unique value proposition—cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and preservation-friendly. This approach became the foundation for Preservan, the first U.S. franchise system focused exclusively on wood rot repair.

In 2022, Preservan officially launched its franchise program, expanding beyond its Oklahoma roots. Since then, the brand has awarded more than a dozen territories across the U.S., with strong growth momentum. What makes Preservan distinctive is its centralized HUB model, which manages quoting, scheduling, and digital marketing. This structure reduces administrative burdens for franchise owners and lets them concentrate on customer service and project delivery.

At its core, Preservan’s mission is “We Save the Future by Preserving the Past.” The brand doesn’t just repair wood—it helps conserve architectural heritage, extend the life of properties, and reduce construction waste. This mission resonates with homeowners, municipalities, property managers, and historic preservation groups, making Preservan both a values-driven and market-relevant business.

How Much Does a Preservan Franchise Cost?

The estimated total initial investment for a single territory is $117,300 to $185,900*, which includes a franchise fee of $54,000* and three months of operating funds.

Startup Costs & Fees* (Single Territory).

Category	Low Estimate*	High Estimate*
Initial Franchise Fee*	$54,000	$54,000
Grand Opening Assistance Fee*	$2,000	$2,000
Marketing & Development Fee*	$2,500	$2,500
Territory Manager Training Fee*	$3,500	$3,500
Construction & Leasehold Improvements*	$0	$3,000
Storage Unit*	$300	$700
Initial Inventory*	$3,000	$9,000
Epoxy*	$4,500	$6,000
Computer, Software & POS*	$0	$3,000
Service Vehicle*	$7,500	$15,000
Start-up Marketing*	$11,000	$20,000
Insurance Deposits (3 mo.)*	$1,500	$4,500
Travel for Training*	$2,500	$7,700
Professional Fees*	$1,000	$3,000
Licenses & Permits*	$0	$2,000
Additional Funds (3 mo.)*	$24,000	$50,000
Total Estimated Investment*	$117,300	$185,900

What Does a Preservan Franchise Do?

The Preservan franchise delivers a highly specialized service in wood rot repair and preservation, addressing a widespread but often overlooked problem in homes and buildings. Unlike general contractors who typically replace damaged wood entirely, Preservan uses a proprietary 100% epoxy system that restores original materials while extending their lifespan.

Core Services Provided by Franchise Owners.

• Residential wood restoration: Franchisees serve homeowners by repairing windows, doors, decks, siding, and trim. The epoxy-based process often allows projects to be completed within 24–36 hours, minimizing disruption for customers.

• Commercial and community projects: Preservan also partners with property managers, municipalities, and historic preservation groups to restore rental units, public buildings, and landmark structures. These larger-scale projects highlight the brand’s commitment to conserving heritage and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

• Eco-friendly repair solutions: At its core, Preservan is about sustainability. By repairing rather than replacing, the system reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, and preserves architectural character that might otherwise be lost. This environmental focus resonates with both individual property owners and communities prioritizing green practices.

Preservan holds a unique niche in the U.S. franchise market as the only system exclusively dedicated to wood rot repair. That focus—combined with a streamlined operating model and mission-driven brand story—gives franchisees a clear differentiation from general contractors, handymen, and other restoration providers.

What Training and Support Are Provided?

The Preservan franchise is designed to be accessible for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, with a structured training and support system that prepares new owners to deliver high-quality service while focusing on local growth.

• Initial Training: Franchisees begin with a five-day in-class and field program, where they learn the technical skills of Preservan’s proprietary epoxy system, customer communication, sales strategies, and the fundamentals of running a restoration business. This hands-on approach ensures owners can confidently oversee projects and lead their teams.

• HUB Support: One of Preservan’s most distinctive features is its centralized HUB system, which handles quoting, scheduling, digital marketing, and even some customer communication. By outsourcing much of the administrative and back-office burden to the HUB, owners are free to concentrate on relationship-building, sales, and overseeing field operations.

• Ongoing Coaching: Every territory is paired with a dedicated territory manager who provides one-on-one guidance, performance insights, and tailored growth strategies. This coaching ensures that new owners continue learning beyond launch and have consistent support as their business matures.

• Marketing Programs: Preservan equips franchisees with both national brand marketing and practical local tools. Programs include digital ad campaigns (sometimes referred to as “digital door knocking”), social media support, and templates for grassroots outreach in local communities.

• Vendor Partnerships: Owners benefit from nationally negotiated vendor accounts for epoxy materials, specialized tools, and branded supplies. These partnerships simplify procurement and help maintain consistent quality across the franchise system.

This layered approach—technical training, HUB-managed operations, coaching, marketing, and vendor support—creates a streamlined path for franchisees. Instead of being bogged down by administrative details, owners can focus on sales, customer service, and scaling their presence in their local market.

What Are the Competitive Advantages?

The Preservan franchise stands out in the restoration and home services category with a mix of financial accessibility, operational simplicity, and a purpose-driven mission.

• Low Investment & Overhead: Unlike facility-based franchises that require expensive buildouts and ongoing rent, Preservan operates as a home-based, mobile business. Owners typically need only a van, epoxy supplies, and minimal storage—keeping startup and fixed costs significantly lower than traditional brick-and-mortar models.

• Mobile, Flexible Model: The home-based structure allows franchisees to manage projects and teams directly in the field. With flexibility to scale as demand grows, owners can start to lean and reinvest in local marketing, staff, or equipment as their territory develops.

• Multiple Revenue Streams: Preservan’s model supports both residential and commercial projects. Franchisees can serve homeowners repairing decks, doors, and windows while also pursuing larger community and municipal projects like historic landmarks and rental properties. This diversification helps broaden customer reach across market segments.

• Exclusive Niche Focus: Preservan is currently the only U.S. franchise exclusively dedicated to wood rot repair and preservation. This specialization reduces direct competition, positions the brand as the category authority, and provides franchisees with a clear, differentiated value proposition.

• Eco-Friendly Positioning: Preservan pairs profitability with purpose. As a proud participant in the 1% for the Planet initiative, the brand contributes to environmental and social non-profits. Its core service—repairing rather than replacing—also aligns with sustainability by extending the life of wood products and reducing landfill waste.

What Is the Day-to-Day Role of a Preservan Owner?

Owning a Preservan franchise is not just about managing projects—it’s about leading a team, engaging with the community, and ensuring quality service delivery. The role combines leadership, sales, and local brand-building in a home-based, service-driven business model.

• Team Leadership: Franchise owners recruit, hire, and manage EpoxyTechs—trained technicians who perform wood rot repair using Preservan’s proprietary epoxy system. Owners provide direction, uphold service standards, and create a positive culture that prioritizes craftsmanship and customer trust.

• Project Management: From initial quote to final inspection, owners oversee each job’s lifecycle. This includes scheduling, ensuring materials are in place, monitoring workmanship, and confirming customer satisfaction. The HUB handles much of the administrative load, but the owner ensures smooth execution and accountability at the local level.

• Sales and Community Engagement: Owners act as the face of the brand in their territory, building relationships with homeowners, contractors, municipalities, and property managers. Networking, local marketing, and involvement in community organizations play a major role in generating new business and reinforcing Preservan’s mission of preservation and sustainability.

• Work-Life Balance: Because Preservan is a home-based franchise model, owners often enjoy greater schedule flexibility compared to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. This allows them to structure their work around family life and community involvement while still focusing on growing their business.

The day-to-day role is highly relationship-driven and purpose-oriented. Preservan owners don’t just manage projects—they educate communities about sustainable restoration, help preserve architectural heritage, and position themselves as trusted local business leaders.

Who Is the Ideal Preservan Owner?

The Preservan franchise is designed for purpose-driven entrepreneurs who want a business that blends financial independence with environmental and community impact. Its low-cost, home-based structure opens the door to a wide range of owner profiles, including:

• Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Those seeking a low-barrier entry into business ownership often find Preservan appealing. With a home-based model and no need for expensive equipment or real estate, it provides a more accessible path to franchise ownership compared to traditional brick-and-mortar concepts.

• Tradespeople or Managers in Transition: Contractors, carpenters, project managers, or even professionals from other industries looking to transition into ownership can leverage their skills in leadership, organization, and client relations. Preservan’s training and HUB support fill the technical gaps so franchisees don’t need prior construction or restoration expertise.

• Community Leaders & Purpose-Driven Owners: Preservan attracts individuals who want to make a difference locally. Its mission of preserving homes, historic buildings, and community landmarks resonates with owners passionate about sustainability, conservation, and neighborhood pride.

• Family Entrepreneurs: For families, Preservan offers the potential to build a legacy business. Its repeatable service model and steady demand in residential and light commercial markets make it attractive to those who want to create something lasting to pass on to the next generation.

• Accessibility Through Training & Support: Importantly, no prior restoration background is required. Preservan equips franchisees with hands-on technical training, operational systems, and HUB support, making it possible for owners from diverse backgrounds—corporate, managerial, or trade—to thrive in this niche restoration market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to open a Preservan Franchise?
Between $117,300 and $185,900*, including the $54,000* franchise fee, vehicle, inventory, and three months of working capital.

What does Preservan do?
It specializes in epoxy-based wood rot repair for homes and commercial properties, restoring doors, windows, decks, and trim.

Do I need construction experience?
No. Preservan provides comprehensive training and HUB support for operations and marketing.

Can I run Preservan from home?
Yes. It’s a home-based model that requires a service vehicle and minimal storage space.

How big is the market?
Nearly 40% of the U.S. experiences significant wood deterioration, with billions spent annually on repairs—making demand for Preservan services strong.

Is Preservan the Right Fit for You?

The Preservan franchise is designed for entrepreneurs who want a business with purpose and community impact. With its low cost of entry, home-based model, and centralized HUB support, Preservan provides an accessible pathway into franchising—particularly appealing for first-time owners seeking guidance and structure.

Preservan may be a strong fit if you are looking for a franchise that:

• Aligns with your values in sustainability and heritage preservation.
  
• Operates lean without the overhead of a traditional facility.
  
• Offers a model that can be scaled from a single territory to multi-territory ownership.

Instead of focusing on replacement, Preservan promotes preservation and stewardship, which resonates with homeowners, municipalities, and communities alike.