Julia Jones

Meet Julia Jones – CEO/Owner of PuroClean of Bradenton

Julia Jones

Julia Jones

We’re excited to introduce you to the always- interesting and insightful Julia Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julia below.

Interviewer: Julia, we appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Julia: A most unlikely choice.

As a business professional, I have held white-collar jobs, owned an executive staffing firm, and I find myself as an owner of a PuroClean franchise.

Interviewer: What prompted this 180° shift?

Julia Jones: Several factors. One was a relocation from my employer, another was a substantial hearing loss that forced a career change and lastly, COVID forced an accelerated timeline of needing to make a choice.

In considering my next venture – looking at employment options and self-employment options, I sought a solution that was locally based vs. the long- distance work my past history presented. After considering several franchise options, PuroClean was an unexpected fit.

Interviewer: Why unexpected?

Julia Jones: Well, this field is one that focuses on the worst side of property damage. This can include extensive water damage, mold, fire, and trauma. However, I often come across as more of an “inside” girl, who, has not worked in this realm professionally, ever. The idea of helping my neighbors, enjoying the true science of remediation, and seeing our geographic area in a growth phase – made this option speak to my heart- the heart i saw missing from many local competitors.

Interviewer: As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, Before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Julia Jones: In my journey, I’ve been a professional recruiter and business owner, as an employee and employer. I’ve always been involved in business; my father was a business broker. In college, I was awarded a BSBA and an MBA.

PuroClean is a franchise that specializes in property damage. We help property owners, often on one of their worst days. We are known as the Paramedics of Property Damage, and we serve the SW coast of Florida.

In 100 years, our area had not been directly hit by a hurricane. Last September, Ian changed that. The storm hit south of our office. Despite losing power for two days, we had a generator that kept us online. Our phones started ringing off the hook; many of our cherished neighbors were dealing with unimaginable loss. Many were made homeless as their homes were uninhabitable. Some called us in tears. Our own office manager called us regarding her status from a kayak she used to find a cell phone service. It was a gut-wrenching time.

We rose to the challenge, and we were able to mobilize other PuroClean franchises to help in the effort. We witnessed fallen trees in bedrooms, water lines 3 feet high, and many home’s contents having to be discarded along the roadside. Ultimately, mold became a secondary devastation. Interiors had leopards spot of mold throughout.

Interview: Hmmm, Interesting, so I learned you have a partner? How’d you meet your business partner?

Julia Jones: My business partner Brenden, came to PuroClean 3 years ago from a job ad. He was a bit reluctant, as after 10 years in this industry he swore off continuing his restoration career. I had just bought the franchise and finished training, but what the business needed was a seasoned professional that knew the ropes. In the interview, he asked, “So how many employees do you have?” When I answered, None, he hesitated, understandably. But as the saying goes, the rest is history. We’re now preparing to open a second location in Sarasota.

Interview: What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Julia Jones: I bought this franchise and started from scratch. People weren’t familiar with the brand, and they often confused us with maid or janitorial services. PuroClean corporate does a great job with the branding, but it is up to the owners to build a following. I did attend numerous networking events- I went to everything I knew about. I was lucky enough to hire Aimee, who was already known in many circles from her selling of all things, make-up. Our Owner, Selling make-up is a personal thing and requires a lot of trust. Aimee’s warm personality lent an air of credibility and integrity that was priceless. Most people wouldn’t think of a career shift from make-up to property damage, but for us, Aimee was a great fit.

Our company culture emphasizes treating our neighbors with respect. It boils down to putting our hearts into what we do. The red in our branding is there to remind you that we work from the heart, serving our clients with compassion and sincerity.

Our Owner

Contact Info: Our Owner

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Last edited on 12th of September 2023

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