Last week in Madison, Wisconsin, the Voda Cleaning & Restoration family came together for an unforgettable milestone, our very first “One Voda” Franchise Conference! As someone new to the Voda team, I was blown away by the energy, the passion, and the sense of unity in the room. This wasn’t just a company event, it was a bold celebration of who we are, what we stand for, and where we’re going. I’m beyond excited to be part of this incredible journey!
We welcomed more than 100 attendees from across 28 states. For many, it was the first time meeting face-to-face. What stood out most to me was the energy in the room—genuine excitement, curiosity, and a sense of shared purpose. From early morning keynotes to evening conversations over dinner, you could feel the momentum we’re building as a brand and as a community.
I had the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies, guiding our attendees through the multi-day agenda. It was a role I embraced fully bringing energy, keeping us on track, and helping connect the dots between sessions, themes, and the incredible people in the room. Someone told me afterward, “John, you made it feel personal and professional all at once,” and I took that to heart. That’s what this event was all about: clarity, community, and connection.
We were also incredibly fortunate to welcome Chris Nordyke of Floodlight Consulting Group as our keynote speaker. His message brought tremendous value, offering practical insight and clear direction for business owners seeking to grow strong, sustainable operations. Chris’s energy, expertise, and passion for leadership resonated with our entire network, and we’re grateful to him for setting such a high bar for our speaker series.
One of my favorite moments was Awards night. These weren’t just plagues, they were acknowledgments of hard work, grit, and leadership in the field. Watching our franchisees cheer each other on was a reminder of how much pride we take in each other’s success.
Our strategic partners showed up in a big way at the inaugural “One Voda” Franchise Conference. With over 30 partners in attendance, Expo Day became a dynamic showcase of innovation and operational support featuring everything from tools and equipment to training platforms and marketing systems. The quality and variety of resources on display reflected the true strength of our growing ecosystem.
These partnerships are vital to how we scale, support, and empower our franchise network, and the level of engagement throughout the event was nothing short of outstanding. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all our strategic partners and sponsors. To our Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze partners, your support, insight, and shared belief in what we’re building together were instrumental in making this event such a success. We’re grateful for your continued commitment to the Voda mission.
Our leadership team made an impact as well. Dan Claps, our CEO, delivered a powerful keynote outlining a bold vision for making Voda a household name through consistent, exceptional local service. Steve Miller, VP of Franchise Development, called the event a “milestone moment,” as we charge forward toward 100+ franchise units. During our fireside chat, owners were invited to ask tough questions, and they got thoughtful, transparent answers that showed just how aligned we are as a team.
Breakout sessions added even more value, with tactical insights on water mitigation, advanced cleaning systems, sales strategies, and peer-led business development. These weren’t just presentations, they were working sessions full of best practices and actionable takeaways that franchisees could immediately apply when they returned home.
And beyond education, we had fun. The Welcome Celebration, casual hallway chats and gatherings brought laughter and connection. This wasn’t just business, it was bonding. That’s the kind of culture we’re building at Voda. One rooted in support, pride, and possibility.
As I reflect on everything we experienced in Madison, I’m more confident than ever in our future. This conference wasn’t just a reflection of where we were, it was a declaration of where we’re going. With the right people, strong partnerships, and a network that’s more unified than ever, Voda isn’t just growing, we’re thriving.
I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together before we meet again at Conference 2026. Until then let’s keep the momentum going.
John Ortega
General Manager, Voda Cleaning & Restoration
About Voda Cleaning & Restoration Franchise
Voda Cleaning & Restoration is a fast-growing franchise brand built on a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact. Specializing in water damage restoration, carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, and mold remediation, Voda provides essential services that protect homes and businesses while delivering peace of mind to customers.
With a strong focus on local ownership, world-class training, and a value-driven culture, Voda empowers franchisees to build thriving businesses in their communities. Backed by a leadership team with deep industry experience, franchise partners receive the tools, technology, and support they need to grow with confidence.
Voda isn’t just restoring space, it’s redefining what it means to serve with integrity, professionalism, and heart.
Voda website: https://myvoda.com/
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