Oxi Fresh franchise opens in Charleston with Navy-led husband-wife team

Chris and Sara Olson have launched a new Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning franchise in Charleston, South Carolina, expanding the brand’s low-moisture, fast-drying service across the Lowcountry. The move gives the couple a local business tied to Chris Olson’s Navy career and Sara Olson’s operations background as they build a customer base in the region.

Why it matters: - The Charleston launch expands Oxi Fresh’s footprint in a growing South Carolina market. - The Olsons are betting on a faster-drying, low-moisture carpet cleaning model that is designed to appeal to homeowners and businesses looking for a more convenient alternative to traditional steam cleaning. - Chris Olson said the franchise is also a long-term income plan as he prepares for life after his Navy career.

What happened: - Chris Olson and Sara Olson opened a new Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning franchise in Charleston, South Carolina. - The franchise serves Charleston, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Summerville, North Charleston and surrounding Lowcountry communities. - Chris Olson serves as a U.S. Navy Electrician’s Mate and is currently an instructor at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. - Sara Olson is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Charleston Southern University while helping run the business.

The details: - Oxi Fresh’s cleaning system uses less water than traditional steam cleaning and is designed to leave carpets dry in about one hour. - The brand positions its approach as family-friendly and green. - Chris Olson joined the Navy in 2019 and served aboard the USS Georgia, where he worked on propulsion plant and electrical distribution systems. - Chris and Sara Olson are high school sweethearts originally from Baytown, Texas, and now live in the Charleston area. - Sara Olson brings experience in accounting, accounts payable, vendor relations, administrative work and customer service. - Chris Olson said a family friend and entrepreneur coach introduced him to Oxi Fresh and helped him evaluate franchise options. - Oxi Fresh appealed to the Olsons because of its operational support, investment range, repeat-customer potential and customer-friendly cleaning system. - Kris Antolak, president of Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, said the company values the couple’s discipline, humility and service mindset. - Oxi Fresh was founded in 2006 and has roughly 450 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a broader franchise trend: veterans and military families often look for businesses with repeatable systems and clear procedures. - Chris Olson said Navy training shaped his approach to business ownership, especially around process, discipline and continuous learning. - The couple’s pitch centers on trust, quick dry times and service quality, which can matter in a market where convenience and reliability drive repeat business. - The franchise could also become a path to local hiring if the business scales as planned.

What’s next: - The Olsons plan to build customer relationships one appointment at a time and grow their local reputation. - Chris Olson said he hopes the business will strengthen his financial literacy and create a steady source of income for his family. - The Charleston-area franchise will continue marketing Oxi Fresh’s low-moisture cleaning service to homes and businesses across the region.

The bottom line: - Oxi Fresh’s Charleston opening pairs a veteran-led ownership team with a fast-drying carpet cleaning pitch aimed at customers who want convenience, green cleaning and dependable local service.