Ken Sandy, owner of FRSTeam Dryy Restoration in Ashburn, Virginia, has been making a difference since opening his franchise in 2021. He chose FRSTeam because of its strong values, authentic leadership, and commitment to doing the work with heart and integrity. Ken brings that same energy to every job, leading with empathy, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility to his community. As a 2025 Rock Star in the Giving Back category, he’s known for creating real impact through hands-on service, grassroots partnerships, and events like the Dryy Run 5K, which raises funds for local causes. Ken’s work reflects a clear purpose: to build intentional relationships, serve people well, and build meaningful change through his business.
During your research, what made your franchise brand stand out?
In a crowded space full of polished pitches and perfect packaging, we weren’t looking for the brand with the flashiest deck or the loudest presence. We were looking for real. For grit. For partners who lead with both heart and hustle. FRSTeam—and Holly in particular—stood out because they didn’t just speak our language; they embodied it. This wasn’t about perfection. It was about alignment. Shared values. The kind of trust that doesn’t come from a contract, but from locking arms and doing the work, shoulder to shoulder. That’s the energy we felt, and that’s why we chose them.
How did your franchisor help you prepare for and launch your business?
From day one, the onboarding experience at FRSTeam Dryy Restoration didn’t feel like a checklist—it felt like a commitment. This wasn’t a transactional process; it was a deep dive into alignment. The team showed up with radical transparency, challenging us just as much as we challenged them. Calls happened at all hours—no scripts, no fluff, just real answers and real people willing to meet us in the trenches. Training wasn’t just a crash course—it was a full immersion across every angle of the business. And support? It didn’t fade after the ink dried—it evolved, expanded, and proved it wasn’t just a phase. It’s a partnership with real pulse.
What advice would you give to potential franchisees considering your brand?
Restoration isn’t just a business; it’s a BATTLEGROUND of logistics, emotions, and urgency. Make sure you feel the connection, not just how strong the brand is. You need to feel that the support runs deep when the pressure hits. Lastly, if you are not ready to serve people on their worst days with precision, empathy, and urgency, this might not be your lane, but if you are, align with this team (FRSTeam Dryy Restoration), a team that will build with you, NOT JUST BILL YOU.
Name three things that empower your success.
1. Relentless Self Awareness: knowing who I am sharpens my decision making, filters noise, and keeps me from chasing validation instead of value.
2. Radical Ownership: I own the wins, the losses, and the in-betweens. No blame, just execution, adjustment, and at all times moving forward.
3. Intentional Relationships: Investing in people who challenge me, elevate me, and hold me to a higher standard, not the most comfortable one.
What are the causes closest to your heart and why?
Anything that assists overlooked communities:
– Youth resources and opportunities
– Workforce Development – Reentry
– Housing Justice
– Mental Health and Wellness
How does business ownership empower you to give back or “pay it forward”?
Being a small business owner who moves with real social responsibility means I meet the Block with intention. I don’t just sit in a boardroom talking change; I’m on the sidewalk, in the neighborhoods, listening. And I don’t assume what the community needs—I ask. I show up. And what’s wild is when you connect with other purpose-driven professionals who care just as hard, the impact multiplies. No big budgets, no fancy campaigns—just raw, grassroots energy that’s been able to drive real, measurable change.
What is your proudest achievement?
When people ask about our proudest achievement, it’s hard to pick just one—because every time we show up for our community, we walk away with a deeper sense of purpose. From mentorship to mobilization, our outreach is layered and ongoing. But if there’s one initiative that captures the full spirit of what we stand for, it’s our annual Dryy Run 5K—where fitness, fun, and philanthropy collide. Each year, we spotlight a hyper-local cause, person, or program that’s rooted in the community and deserves more visibility and support.
Last year, we partnered with Kidd Ovation Stage, a brilliant grassroots summer theater program in Ward 5. Through the event, we funded 11 children’s full camp experience—and the real win? Watching them light up the stage at their end-of-summer performance. That moment was joy, legacy, and impact all in one. You can’t manufacture that kind of purpose—it’s built, step by step, with intention.
