Steamatic: A Global Leader in Restoration and Cleaning Services

Founded in 1948 in Fort Worth, Texas, Steamatic began as a small furniture and dye shop started by two innovative entrepreneurs. After a major flood in 1949 caused by a levee break, the business expanded into water damage restoration to help meet the community’s recovery needs. This pivotal experience shaped the direction of the company, and by 1968, Steamatic had launched its franchising program.

The company is now headquartered in Carrollton, Texas. Steamatic has grown into a worldwide provider of restoration and cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.

Its service offerings include fire and water damage restoration, mold remediation, air duct and HVAC cleaning, carpet and rug cleaning, and hard surface care. With operations in over 20 countries and more than 160 franchise territories, Steamatic has built a solid reputation for reliability and expertise in the industry.

What differentiates Steamatic from other restoration franchises is its diversified revenue model and strong franchisee support. By offering both emergency services and ongoing cleaning solutions, franchise owners can generate consistent income even during slower disaster recovery periods.

Training

Steamatic provides a comprehensive training program to ensure its franchisees and their teams are equipped to successfully operate the business:

1. Initial Training Program: Franchisees, their designated managers, and 1–2 employees are required to complete the Initial Training Program conducted at Steamatic’s headquarters in Carrollton, Texas, or another designated location. The training covers all major operational aspects of the Steamatic business and must be completed prior to opening. Steamatic currently offers this training at no cost for up to four attendees if they attend the same session, and each participant must sign a confidentiality agreement.
2. Ongoing and Remedial Training: From time to time, Steamatic may mandate that franchisees or their managers participate in refresher or additional training sessions. These may be system-wide and may carry a fee, especially if prompted by a compliance inspection identifying operational deficiencies. In some cases, remedial training is required at the franchisee’s expense.
3. Special and Optional Programs: Franchisees may also request additional specialized training beyond the standard offerings, which Steamatic may provide for a fee. These sessions can include advanced topics or specific operational challenges and are tailored to the franchisee’s needs.
4. Successor and Replacement Manager Training: New operating principals or managers must complete the Initial Training Program within 90 days of their appointment. This ensures continuity and adherence to company standards even with changes in leadership.

Territory Protection

Steamatic grants franchisees a designated territory typically based on a population range of 250,000 to 400,000 people, although smaller territories may be granted in rural areas. This territory is geographically defined in the franchise agreement using identifiable boundaries like zip codes or city limits.

While franchisees are given a defined area to operate in, they are not guaranteed exclusivity, and the franchisor may operate or allow others to operate within the same territory.

Franchisees are prohibited from marketing or soliciting customers outside their assigned territories without written consent from Steamatic. If they serve customers in another franchisee’s territory without permission, they may be fined.