Masters of disaster restoration

We spoke to the leadership team at ServiceMaster Restore to find out more about its offering, training and plans for expansion in the Canadian market…

Masters of disaster restoration

ServiceMaster Restore, one of the leading names in the disaster restoration industry, is built on a foundation of strong leadership, collaborative network support, and a deep commitment to its own standards.

From its early days over 70 years ago to its current expansion, ServiceMaster has carved out a significant space in Canada’s restoration market. For aspiring franchisees, the brand offers not just an opportunity to own a business but also to join a well-established network that thrives on support, innovation, and customer care.

The Foundations of Leadership

The leadership team at ServiceMaster Restore is driving the brand forward through experience, innovation, and a deep understanding of the restoration industry. By focusing on collaboration, technological advancements, and franchisee success, this team has positioned the brand as a leader in disaster recovery and restoration across Canada.

“Our commitment to providing consistent support and fostering collaboration is central to how we operate,” says David Mercer, Vice President of ServiceMaster Restore Canada. “It’s about ensuring that our franchisees and their teams feel empowered and equipped to meet the challenges of the restoration industry.”

Maureen Catania: Empowering Franchisees

Maureen Catania, Director of National Sales, brings a wealth of experience as a former franchise owner. Her understanding of business operations—from managing staff and financials to marketing and customer satisfaction—has shaped her supportive and results-driven approach to working with franchisees.

“Our sales and marketing approach centers on three key strategies,” says Catania. “First, we support franchisees in building strong local business relationships, helping them connect with property managers, brokers, and other community stakeholders. Second, we secure program work through regional and national preferred vendor partnerships with insurance carriers, providing a steady pipeline of opportunities for our network. Finally, we offer centralized commercial services for clients, ensuring seamless coordination and support for complex business needs. Together, these strategies ensure that franchisees benefit from both corporate-driven opportunities and their own local efforts to grow their businesses.”

Catania emphasizes the importance of franchisee engagement, particularly in networking and community-building efforts. “Franchisees who invest in local relationships and participate in community events consistently see the greatest success. At the corporate level, we complement these efforts by providing robust marketing resources and engaging in industry events to drive growth across our network.”

Catania adds that building local partnerships is a cornerstone of the brand’s growth. “When franchisees leverage their knowledge of the community to strengthen relationships with property managers, brokers, and insurers, they’re not just growing their business—they’re also enhancing the reputation of the ServiceMaster brand at a national level.”

David Mercer: Driving Innovation and Excellence

David Mercer, Vice President of ServiceMaster Restore Canada, has been instrumental in elevating the brand’s reputation as a trusted partner for clients and insurance providers.

Mercer’s leadership has been critical in developing the Catastrophe (CAT) response program. “Our CAT program has mobilized the Canadian network to address large-scale disasters with speed, precision, and efficiency,” says Mercer. “It has been a game-changer, strengthening our partnerships with insurance providers and positioning ServiceMaster Restore as a leader in disaster recovery.”

Mercer also highlights the importance of innovation, particularly in leveraging technology to streamline operations. “Streamlining claim intake processes and ensuring seamless collaboration across franchises allows us to reduce administrative burdens and focus on providing exceptional care to our customers,” he says.

A cornerstone of Mercer’s leadership is his focus on franchisee support. “For franchisees, support systems are crucial. Whether they are dealing with a large commercial loss, residential homes or responding to a natural disaster, ServiceMaster Restore ensures they are not alone. The commitment to ongoing training means that franchise owners are always equipped with the tools they need for success.”

Mercer’s vision extends to building trust with insurance carriers and other partners. “When insurers know they can count on us to provide consistent, high-quality restoration services, it strengthens the entire network—benefiting franchisees and customers alike.”

Daniel Loosemore: Unlocking Synergies Across Brands

With over 25 years of experience in the disaster restoration industry, Daniel Loosemore, Chief of Sales and Operations for ServiceMaster Restore and ServiceMaster Clean, has held various ownership and leadership roles that have shaped his approach to driving growth and success. His background includes ownership in a national restoration brand, consultancy roles, and work with a third-party administrator, giving him a unique perspective to address the needs of franchise owners, service providers, and industry partners effectively. His efforts have been one of the driving forces behind ServiceMaster Restore’s successes in Canada.

“The alignment of our restoration and cleaning arms allows franchisees who hold both licenses to diversify their offerings and create new revenue streams,” explains Loosemore. “This integrated approach enables them to provide comprehensive solutions for both ongoing maintenance and emergency response. It’s a powerful way to enhance the customer experience while increasing franchisee opportunities.”

Loosemore emphasizes that while the brands operate as separate licenses, franchisees can leverage the complementary strengths of both. “For example, a commercial client might engage us for janitorial services through ServiceMaster Clean and later require disaster restoration services through ServiceMaster Restore. By providing these distinct yet complementary services, we strengthen client relationships and elevate the reputation of both brands.”

ServiceMaster Recovery Management (SRM), a key component of the brand’s capabilities, plays a crucial role in supporting commercial property owners, managers, and communities in the aftermath of severe weather events. “SRM ensures we have the resources and equipment to respond rapidly to large-scale disasters, such as windstorms, hurricanes, or flooding,” says Loosemore. “For commercial properties, minimizing downtime is critical to avoid further losses, and SRM is designed to help businesses recover quickly and efficiently.”

Loosemore is also leading ServiceMaster’s sustainability initiatives with a passion for making a meaningful impact. “Sustainability is not just a goal—it’s a responsibility,” he says. “We are building a framework for our network to embrace sustainable practices, creating a culture of accountability that benefits future generations. By addressing climate change and promoting responsible operations, we’re empowering our teams to contribute to a better, more resilient future.”

Franchisee Success and Support

The Franchise Support Centre plays a critical role in ServiceMaster’s ability to attract and retain top-tier franchisees. With comprehensive training programs, operational resources, and marketing tools, the brand ensures its franchisees are set up for long-term success.

“I believe one of the main reasons someone chooses to invest in a franchise is the combination of a strong brand, a solid reputation in the marketplace, and a proven system,” says Catania. “Equally important is the support and guidance provided by the franchisor, which we strive to deliver effectively.”

“For franchisees, support systems are crucial,” adds Mercer. “Whether they’re responding to a natural disaster or managing a large commercial loss, they can count on ServiceMaster Restore for the training and resources they need. This support not only benefits franchisees but also ensures a consistent experience for our clients.”

Loosemore highlights the role of collaboration in the franchise network’s success. “By creating a culture of shared learning and mutual support, we’re empowering franchisees to take full advantage of the tools and resources available to them. This culture is a significant driver of our growth.”

The Future of ServiceMaster

“Our collaborative leadership approach ensures that our franchisees are not just supported but truly empowered to succeed,” says Mercer. “By integrating innovative systems and fostering a culture of trust and excellence, we ensure that every franchise owner has the tools and resources to thrive in this dynamic industry.”

“Our franchisees are the backbone of our brand,” says Loosemore. “Their entrepreneurial spirit, local expertise, and dedication to delivering exceptional service are what set us apart. Together, we’re stronger and more agile, making ServiceMaster a trusted name across Canada.”

“Building trust and fostering collaboration are integral to everything we do,” adds Mercer. “By working closely with our franchisees, we ensure they have the resources and support needed to succeed while creating long-lasting partnerships with clients and insurers.”

As ServiceMaster Restore continues to expand across Canada, the leadership team is committed to fostering an environment where franchisees can grow their businesses while delivering exceptional service.
“With more than two decades of experience in the disaster restoration industry, I am able to bring valuable insights to expanding ServiceMaster Restore and ServiceMaster Clean in Canada,” says Loosemore. “Our commitment to innovation, training, and collaboration ensures that both brands remain leaders in their respective fields.”

For prospective franchisees, joining ServiceMaster Restore is about more than just owning a business. It’s about becoming part of a legacy of excellence, backed by a strong support system, innovative solutions, and a commitment to customer care.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ronnie Dungan
Ronnie Dungan
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