Voda Cleaning & Restoration Joins Entrepreneur's Franchise 500® List

MADISON, Wis. – January 14, 2026 – Voda Cleaning & Restoration, a rapidly expanding home services brand, has secured a coveted position on Entrepreneur magazine's 47th annual Franchise 500®, landing at number 445. This first-time inclusion on the prestigious list marks a significant milestone for the company, validating a year of explosive growth and cementing its status as a formidable player in the essential cleaning and restoration industry.

The ranking serves as a powerful endorsement of Voda's business model, which has attracted over 100 franchise owners to establish more than 270 territories across 32 states since the company began franchising in March 2023. The achievement highlights the brand's scalability and its appeal to entrepreneurs seeking a foothold in a durable market sector.

"Being recognized by Entrepreneur as one of the top franchises in the country is a significant milestone for our brand," said Dan Claps, Voda's chief executive officer and co-founder, in a statement. "This honor reflects the dedication of our franchise owners and support teams, as well as our commitment to building a franchise system designed for sustainable growth and long-term success."

The Playbook for Rapid Expansion

Voda's swift ascent is no accident. The company operates under the umbrella of Franchise Playbook, a platform company specializing in scaling home service brands. This partnership provides Voda franchisees with a robust support infrastructure, including centralized marketing, proven operational playbooks, and leadership with decades of experience across numerous franchise concepts.

This structure is designed to mitigate the risks of starting a new business, allowing owners to tap into a pre-built system for success. "We're focused on building a system designed for long-term growth and franchisee success, where owners can be in business for themselves but not by themselves," noted Steve Miller, Voda's Chief Development Officer.

The financial model is built on this foundation of support. With startup costs ranging from $201,374 to $357,608, the brand points to the performance of its flagship location in Virginia, which generated $1.74 million in gross sales in 2022 with a 61.42% gross profit margin, as a testament to the model's potential. This combination of a lower barrier to entry compared to other industries and strong potential returns has fueled intense interest from prospective franchisees.

Franchisee testimonials echo the effectiveness of this support system, frequently praising the comprehensive training and the high level of guidance from the corporate team. This allows owners to focus on delivering high-quality service and building their local market presence.

A Barometer for a Booming Industry

Voda's success story is unfolding against the backdrop of a thriving and resilient home services market. The U.S. restoration industry alone was estimated at $7.1 billion in 2025, while the broader global disaster restoration market is projected to grow from $78 billion in 2026 to over $115 billion by 2035.

Several powerful trends are driving this demand. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters creates a constant need for water, fire, and storm damage restoration. Simultaneously, America's aging infrastructure leads to more frequent issues like burst pipes and water leaks. Furthermore, a post-pandemic world has brought a heightened awareness of indoor air quality and cleanliness, bolstering demand for services like mold remediation and air duct cleaning—both part of Voda's comprehensive service suite.

This makes the cleaning and restoration sector one of the most recession-resilient industries. Unlike discretionary spending that may be cut during economic downturns, the need for restoration services is non-negotiable for property owners facing damage. Voda's strategic focus on these essential services positions it and its franchisees for stability and growth regardless of the broader economic climate.

The Weight of the Franchise 500®

Earning a spot on the Franchise 500® is more than just a vanity award; it is widely considered one of the highest honors in franchising. Entrepreneur magazine's evaluation process is famously rigorous, analyzing over 150 data points across five key pillars: costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial stability.

"For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year's ranking proves that the best brands don't just survive changing markets; they thrive in them," said Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur's editor in chief. "These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America."

For Voda, this ranking provides a powerful third-party validation that will likely accelerate its growth trajectory. It distinguishes the brand in a crowded field that includes established giants like Servpro and PuroClean, giving it credibility and attracting a higher caliber of franchise candidates. This accolade, combined with its previous recognition on Entrepreneur's Fastest Growing Franchise and Top New & Emerging Franchise lists in 2025, paints a picture of a brand with significant momentum and a clear vision for the future.