Chem-Dry is more than just a carpet cleaning solution. It is much more than a unique process or even a growing franchise system. Chem-Dry is really a true "Horatio Alger" story, the tale of a determined and energetic American Entrepreneur named Robert Harris.

As a young man working his way through law school in the early 1970's, Robert Harris was a carpet cleaner who was working for someone else. Unhappy with the performance of the cleaning products then available, he began looking for a better solution. His research stretched into years and years of studying the chemical properties of cleaning formulas and years of backbreaking experiments which required cleaning areas of dirty carpets with one formula and then another.

Eventually, he found his formula, a revolutionary carbonated solution that not only cleaned beautifully, but was also safe and non-toxic. With the birth of Chem-Dry came self-employment and success. The demand for his cleaning services mushroomed and soon friends and family clamored for his secret. From the first small group of franchises, the Chem-Dry network has grown to thousands of successful franchises around the world. As the Chem-Dry family increases, Robert Harris has seen his own success story repeated by many franchisees.

And, now, for the LOCAL story:

Mr. Harris had a 10 year-old neighbor boy water his lawn from time to time. The boy's parents were early Chem-Dry franchisees and the boy, Roger Schultz, began helping his father with the business at the age of 12. He graduated to cleaning vacant homes and apartments as soon as he could drive.

In 1985 the Schultzes bought the Bend franchise and young Roger took over the business in 1990. That same year (in fact, just one month later) Roger married Christine. They have enjoyed raising their five children in Central Oregon while working as a team to build their Chem-Dry businesses.

And that, as they say, is the REST of the story!