True North Restoration, which operates locations in Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, has been recognized as a 2024 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA), as stated in a release from True North.
“It is an honor to have our team recognized by the IFA,” said Erik Skovgard, co-owner of True North Restoration, in the release. “We have an incredibly talented and dedicated team who truly care about the people they serve and see them not only as clients but neighbors.”
The IFA’s Franchisee of the Year awards recognize franchise owners who demonstrate excellence in business operations, community service, workforce development, and support for fellow franchisees. Winners are nominated by their parent companies and selected by a panel of industry professionals.
“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said IFA President and CEO Matt Haller, in the release. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities, and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize True North Restoration with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute their tireless efforts to lift up all those they serve.”
The IFA reports that there are around 830,000 franchised businesses in the United States, providing nearly 9 million jobs and generating more than $896 billion in economic output, as listed in the release. True North Restoration, founded in 2019, specializes in property restoration services. True North Restoration opened its Cedar Rapids location in February.
“We at True North Corporate are absolutely amazed at Erik and Katie’s growth in just their first year,” said Justin Donat, President of True North Restoration, in the release. “Not only are we impressed with their top-line revenue growth which has been the fastest we have seen in our system to date, they also encapsulate our culture of caring for their employees and community in an incredible way.”
In July 2024, the company played a key role in recovery efforts after flooding in Spencer, Iowa. Its Cedar Falls team worked alongside other True North franchises from across the country to assess damage and assist with cleanup.
“When the town of Spencer, IA flooded, they packed their trucks and bags and headed there for weeks on end to help with the damage assessment and clean up!” Mr. Donat said in the release. “They also helped mobilize our other crews from around the country to help their state in need. We are incredibly honored and proud of what they have done already and are excited for the next year and their future.”
True North franchise teams have also provided support in other disaster relief efforts, including in Florida following Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Helene in 2024.
“We are constantly pushing ourselves to continue growing to meet the needs of the people we serve,” said Katie Hillyer, co-owner of True North Restoration, in the release. “We are always happy to tap into our network of teams and bring them together for those in need. This is great motivation to keep getting better and a reminder of why the work we do matters.”
