Draft:Paul Davis Restoration

Paul Davis Restoration
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryProperty restoration
Founded1966
FounderPaul W. Davis
HeadquartersJacksonville, Florida, United States
Key people
ParentFirstService Corporation
Websitepauldavis.com

Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is a property damage restoration company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1966, the company provides emergency services and reconstruction for residential and commercial properties affected by fire, water, mold, and storm damage.

History

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Paul Davis Restoration was established by Paul Woodall Davis, who founded Paul W. Davis Contracting in Jacksonville, Florida. At the time, insurance restoration contracting was a niche market. Davis recognized its potential and helped shape it into a stand-alone industry. The company began franchising in 1969, and Davis personally authored the original operations manual and taught the company’s Owners’ School program for new franchisees.[1][2]

Davis was known for his approachable leadership style and commitment to employee empowerment. In 2016, he published his autobiography, *If I Could, So Can You!*, reflecting on the company’s values and his vision for the restoration industry.

Paul Davis Restoration is part of FirstService Brands, a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation. FirstService Corporation is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol "FSV." FirstService Brands is a leading North American provider of essential property services, and it owns several other property service companies, including California Closets, CertaPro Painters, and Floor Coverings International.

Paul Davis Restoration operates through a franchise model with more than 300 independently owned and operated locations across the United States and Canada.[3] The company offers a seven-week training program for new franchise owners, focusing on customer service, technical skills, and emergency response protocols.

Services

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Paul Davis Restoration provides services including:

  • Emergency response and disaster recovery
  • Fire and smoke damage restoration
  • Water and flood damage mitigation
  • Mold remediation
  • Storm damage repair
  • Reconstruction and remodeling

The company works with insurance providers to support claims and restoration processes.[4]

Recognition

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Paul Davis Restoration has been listed in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® rankings.[5]

It was also named one of Florida’s Best Companies to Work For by Florida Trend magazine.[6]

In 2025, Leslie Anderson, Senior Vice President of Training & Launch, was appointed President and Chair of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).[7][8][9]

Anderson also received the 2025 *Women in Restoration Award* from *Restoration & Remediation Magazine*.[10][11]

Community Involvement

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Paul Davis Restoration supports the American Red Cross through its Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP).[12]

The company also partners with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), participating in events and memorial initiatives.[13]

Disaster Response

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Paul Davis Restoration has participated in disaster recovery efforts following catastrophic events like hurricanes and flooding.

Hurricane Helene

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In 2024, the company contributed $1 million to the American Red Cross in response to Hurricane Helene and other disasters. It also supported community initiatives including blood drives and smoke alarm installations.[14][15][16][17]

Hurricane Katrina

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Paul Davis Restoration was featured in a 2005 episode of the Dr. Phil show titled "Hurricane Katrina: The Aftermath," which focused on recovery efforts in New Orleans.[18][19][20]

Wisconsin Floods

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In 2025, Paul Davis Restoration responded to flooding in southeastern Wisconsin, deploying teams from multiple offices. The company received over 6,000 service requests and assisted hospitals, schools, and homeowners.[21][22][23]

Industry Overview

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The property restoration industry in the United States provides critical services for mitigating and repairing damage caused by fire, water, mold, storms, and other disasters. Restoration professionals serve both residential and commercial clients, often working in coordination with insurance providers, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies.[24]

Industry standards are guided by organizations such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which develops ANSI-accredited protocols for water damage restoration, mold remediation, and fire and smoke damage recovery. These standards are widely recognized and serve as the foundation for technician training, certification, and legal reference.[25]

Franchise-based restoration networks have become increasingly common, offering standardized training and operational support across locations.

The industry is experiencing steady growth, with the U.S. market valued at approximately $7.1 billion in 2025, and projected to grow at a 4.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Globally, the market is expected to reach $55.5 billion by 2030, driven by increasing demand for water, fire, and mold restoration services.[26]

Climate change has emerged as a major growth driver, contributing to the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. These events have led to increased demand for restoration services, particularly in smoke and soot damage, water mitigation, and mold remediation.[27]

Technological innovation is also shaping the industry, with advanced drying equipment, moisture detection tools, and digital documentation platforms improving efficiency and outcomes. Restoration firms are increasingly adopting sustainable practices and climate resilience strategies to meet evolving environmental and regulatory expectations.[28]

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References

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  • American Red Cross. (n.d.). Paul Davis Restoration. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from redcross.org
  • Cleanfax Staff. (2019, June 17). Paul Davis Restoration Founder Dies at 92. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from cleanfax.com
  • Deseret News. (2006, August 11). Dr. Phil talks once again with victims of hurricane. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from deseret.com
  • EIN Presswire. (2025, September 17). Paul Davis Restoration of Southeast Wisconsin Tackles Major Milwaukee Flood. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from einnews.com
  • Entrepreneur. (2025). Start a Paul Davis Restoration Franchise in 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from entrepreneur.com
  • Florida Trend. (2025, July 31). Best Companies to Work For In Florida. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from floridatrend.com
  • FranServe. (2024, December). Paul Davis Restoration Continues Its Support of the American Red Cross. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from franserve.com
  • Franchise Info. (2019, June 19). Franchise Stars: Paul Woodall Davis. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from franchise-info.ca
  • Franchising.com. (2024, November 14). Paul Davis Restoration Continues Its Support of the American Red Cross. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from franchising.com
  • Franchising.com. (2025, April 28). Paul Davis Restoration Senior Vice President Named President and Chair of the Industry’s Important Certification Board. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from franchising.com
  • IICRC. (2025, April 24). New Chairman of the Board Press Release. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from iicrc.org
  • IMDb. (2005, September 8). "Dr. Phil" Hurricane Katrina: The Aftermath (TV Episode 2005). Retrieved October 31, 2025, from imdb.com
  • Journal Sentinel. (2025, August 14). Paul Davis averaging '3 calls per minute' for service after flooding. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from jsonline.com
  • Paul Davis Restoration. (2025). Celebrating Excellence: Leslie Anderson Named 2025 Women in Restoration Winner. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from pauldavis.com
  • Paul Davis Restoration. (2025, May 6). Celebrating Leslie Anderson’s Appointment as IICRC President and Chair. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from pauldavisbusiness.com
  • Paul Davis Restoration. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from pauldavis.com
  • PitchBook. (n.d.). Paul Davis Restoration Company Profile. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from pitchbook.com
  • PR Newswire. (2024, November 12). Paul Davis Restoration Continues Its Support of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Efforts with $1,000,000 Donation. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from prnewswire.com
  • Restoration & Remediation Magazine. (2025). Introducing R&R’s 2025 Women in Restoration Winner, Leslie Anderson. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from randrmagonline.com
  • SuperClean Restoration. (n.d.). Paul Davis Restoration Guide. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from supercleanrestorationpb.com
  • WISN 12 News. (2025, August 15). Can't replace things like this': Flood damages Marines mementos. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from wisn.com
  • YouTube. (n.d.). Paul Davis Restoration Dr. Phil and Hurricane Katrina. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from youtube.com
  1. ^ "Franchise Stars: Paul Woodall Davis". Franchise Info. June 19, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  2. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration Founder Dies at 92". Cleanfax. June 17, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  3. ^ "About Us". Paul Davis Restoration. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  4. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration Guide". SuperClean Restoration. 11 July 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  5. ^ "Start a Paul Davis Restoration Franchise in 2025". Entrepreneur. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  6. ^ "Best Companies to Work For In Florida". Florida Trend. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  7. ^ "Celebrating Leslie Anderson's Appointment as IICRC President and Chair". Paul Davis Business. May 6, 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  8. ^ "New Chairman of the Board Press Release" (PDF). IICRC. April 24, 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  9. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration Senior Vice President Named President and Chair of the Industry's Important Certification Board". Franchising.com. April 28, 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  10. ^ "Celebrating Excellence: Leslie Anderson Named 2025 Women in Restoration Winner". Paul Davis Restoration. 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  11. ^ "Introducing R&R's 2025 Women in Restoration Winner, Leslie Anderson". Restoration & Remediation Magazine. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  12. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration". American Red Cross. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  13. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration". National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  14. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration Continues Its Support of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Efforts with $1,000,000 Donation". PR Newswire. November 12, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  15. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration Continues Its Support of the American Red Cross". FranServe. December 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  16. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration Continues Its Support of the American Red Cross". C&R Magazine. November 14, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  17. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration Continues Its Support of the American Red Cross". Franchising.com. November 14, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  18. ^ ""Dr. Phil" Hurricane Katrina: The Aftermath (TV Episode 2005)". IMDb. September 8, 2005. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  19. ^ "Dr. Phil talks once again with victims of hurricane". Deseret News. August 11, 2006. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  20. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration Dr. Phil and Hurricane Katrina". YouTube. 30 November 2010. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  21. ^ "Paul Davis Restoration of Southeast Wisconsin Tackles Major Milwaukee Flood". EIN Presswire. September 17, 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  22. ^ "Paul Davis averaging '3 calls per minute' for service after flooding". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. August 14, 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  23. ^ "'Can't replace things like this': Flood damages Marines mementos". WISN 12 News. August 15, 2025. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  24. ^ "Disaster Restoration Services". FEMA. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  25. ^ "About IICRC Standards". IICRC. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  26. ^ "Property Restoration Market Trends". IBISWorld. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  27. ^ "Climate Change and Disaster Recovery". EPA. 6 May 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
  28. ^ "Innovation in Restoration Technology". RIA. Retrieved October 31, 2025.