Did Rocky Hensley really exit 1-Tom Plumber? In this episode of Restoration Domination, host Rico Garcia Jr. sits down with Justin Ghadery, CEO of Eversmith Brands, to explain what actually happened in the 1-Tom Plumber acquisition, and why the plumbing and restoration trades may be one of the most AI-proof, recession-resilient franchise opportunities available in 2026. We cover the real story behind Rocky's role today, what the Eversmith Brands portfolio brings to 1-Tom Plumber franchisees, why you don't need to be a plumber to own a plumbing business, and how the window for premium territories is closing faster than most people realize. What you'll learn in this episode Did Rocky exit 1-Tom Plumber? Why the answer is no. He brought in strategic partners, remains the largest franchisee with six territories, and sits on the board of advisors.What is Eversmith Brands? A portfolio of seven home-service franchise companies, with 1-Tom Plumber as its most recent and promising acquisition.Are the trades AI-proof? Why skilled labor like plumbing and restoration can't be replaced by AI, and where AI does help.Do you need to be a plumber to own a 1-Tom Plumber franchise? Why operator mindset beats trade experience.What franchisee profile does Eversmith look for? Competitive, coachable, playbook-driven team builders.Is now a good time to buy a 1-Tom Plumber territory? The opportunity bell curve and the real cost of waiting.Frequently asked questions Did Rocky Hensley exit 1-Tom Plumber? No. According to Justin Ghadery, Rocky brought in strategic partners rather than exiting. He remains the largest 1-Tom Plumber franchisee with six territories, has purchased other Eversmith Brands concepts, and serves on the board of advisors. What is Eversmith Brands? Eversmith Brands is a multi-brand franchise platform of seven home-service companies, including 1-Tom Plumber, its most recent acquisition. Is plumbing an AI-proof business? Justin argues that skilled, emergency, hands-on trades like plumbing and restoration are highly resilient to AI, since AI can't physically repair a pipe on-site. AI's role is enhancing marketing, sales, dispatch, and logistics, not replacing technicians. Do you need plumbing experience to own a 1-Tom Plumber franchise? No. Eversmith looks for disciplined, coachable operators who can lead teams and follow a proven playbook, not master plumbers. About the guest Justin Ghadery is the CEO of Eversmith Brands, a portfolio of seven home-service franchise companies including 1-Tom Plumber. He has spent nearly 20 years in franchising as a franchisee, area developer, franchisor, and senior leader across health and wellness, healthcare, and service brands. He serves as Vice Chair of the VetFran committee at the International Franchise Association (IFA), helping veterans and first responders enter franchise ownership. About the host Restoration Domination is hosted by Rico Garcia Jr., a restoration business owner who also runs one of the most results-driven marketing agencies in the industry. Rico lives in both worlds. He owns and operates a restoration company, so he understands the chaos, the claims, and the day-to-day of running crews, and he has spent years studying elite direct-response marketing and applying it specifically to restoration and home-service businesses. That is exactly why restoration contractors across the country trust Rico and his team to handle their marketing. If you are a restoration or home-service business owner who wants more qualified leads, more market share, and a marketing partner who actually speaks your language, this is who you call. Rico's agency builds the lead generation, branding, local SEO, Paid Ads and direct-response systems that help restoration pros dominate their local markets instead of just competing in them. Want marketing that is built by someone who actually knows how and has run a 7-figure restoration company? If so, fill out the Marketing Application to see if you qualify. If approved, someone from our team will reach out: https://forms.gle/4THApkMRLnm6NJcd9 If you got value from this episode, follow the show, share it with another owner who needs to hear it, and tune in for the next one. Until then: hustle, hack, dominate.