BMS Cat
When a two-alarm fire broke out at a large hotel, swift action was critical to minimizing damage and disruption. BMS CAT responded in under 45 minutes, arriving on-site to assess the situation and begin stabilizing the property. This immediate response helped protect the building from further loss. That same night, the local BMS CAT…
Latest
Building Management
Would Your Staff Know Their Role in a Disaster?
In this episode of Critical Response Stories, Kacie Chappell shares a hard truth many organizations face too late: a business continuity plan is only as strong as the people carrying it out. Kacie has seen that the most successful recoveries start long before the storm hits. They begin with preparation, practice, and a clear…
Building Management
What Proactive Planning Really Delivers in a Crisis
In this soundbite, Kacie Chappell shares how proactive planning can turn a chaotic emergency into a moment of calm leadership. For Kacie, preparation is not just about logistics. It is what allows teams to step up when it matters most. “When organizations plan before something happens, they really see the benefit in the heat of…
Hospitality
How Hotels Bounce Back From the Unexpected
In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Josh Creznic, Director of Hospitality Services at BMS CAT, to unpack the unique challenges and critical priorities in hotel restoration. With over two decades of experience in hospitality—spanning major brands like Marriott and Wyndham—Josh brings deep insight into how restoration…
Building Management
What It Takes to Restore a Tornado-Damaged Clinic
When a tornado tore through Oklahoma City in April, BMS CAT was already on-site before many businesses even realized the extent of the tornado damage—including Valor Physical Therapy. Thanks to an existing relationship with Valor’s affiliated hospital, the BMS CAT team was positioned to respond quickly. “We were actually on scene before they knew…
Building Management
How One Florida GM Managed Two Hurricanes in Two Weeks
On this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Shadira Jones, General Manager of BMS CAT’s Tampa office, to talk about resilience, leadership, and preparation during back-to-back hurricanes that hit the Florida coast. With less than two years at BMS CAT under her belt, Shadira was thrust into emergency…
Building Management
What Businesses and Homeowners Should Know About Flood Protection
Many homeowners don’t realize that standard homeowner’s insurance excludes flood protection. That’s a risk worth correcting fast. Lori Callahan, Assistant VP and Account Executive for Personal Lines at B.F. Saul Insurance, stresses the importance of proactive flood coverage. “About 40% of flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk zones,” she explains. Because of that, her…
Latest
From Deloitte to Startup CEO: Johnnie Akin on Risk, Faith, and Reinvention
Success today looks different—defined less by stability and more by the freedom to adapt and evolve. Professionals across industries are reimagining their careers, moving away from predictable ladders toward paths that reflect purpose and balance. What once meant climbing steadily toward partnership or promotion now often means taking bold pivots or pursuing second acts…
From Caregiver to Changemaker: How Purpose and Community Create Lasting Impact
Resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges — it’s about leading with compassion, patience, and faith, even when the path feels uncertain. It’s a quality embodied by every caregiver, whose daily acts of care and commitment reflect the essence of true leadership — helping others grow stronger through empathy, service, and understanding. In this episode…
Great Leaders Share Knowledge, Build Trust, and Empower Future Talent
The conversation around skilled trades is shifting fast. After decades of “college for all” messaging, trade school enrollment is climbing steadily, signaling a renewed respect for hands-on, high-skill careers that literally keep the world running. In commercial HVAC and mechanical service, this change is not just academic — it’s shaping the next generation of leaders…
Slow Stories in a Fast League: Why the NBA Still Deserves Real, In-Depth Journalism
In a sports world increasingly defined by short-form clips, social algorithms, and viral takes, long-form storytelling remains a vital counterweight — the place where depth, nuance, and narrative still matter. The NBA, perhaps more than any other league, sits at the center of this tension: every quote can become a meme, every story a highlight…
Latest Critical Response Stories
Building Management
Would Your Staff Know Their Role in a Disaster?
In this episode of Critical Response Stories, Kacie Chappell shares a hard truth many organizations face too late: a business continuity plan is only as strong as the people carrying it out. Kacie has seen that the most successful recoveries start long before the storm hits. They begin with preparation, practice, and a clear…
What Proactive Planning Really Delivers in a Crisis
In this soundbite, Kacie Chappell shares how proactive planning can turn a chaotic emergency into a moment of calm leadership. For Kacie, preparation is not just about logistics. It is what allows teams to step up when it matters most. “When organizations plan before something happens, they really see the benefit in the heat of…
How Do You Meet Strict Healthcare Protocols Under Tight Deadlines?
Healthcare facilities present a unique challenge in the restoration and disaster recovery process. Unlike other sectors, healthcare must remain operational around the clock to provide essential services to patients. Abel Mendoza, a seasoned project manager at BMS CAT, highlights the meticulous approach required to handle such critical environments effectively. “Our crews undergo additional training…
How Do Disaster Recovery Teams Manager Catastrophic Winter Storms?
In an inspiring soundbite from Inside Restoration & Recovery, Abel Mendoza, Project Construction Manager at BMS CAT, reflects on the extraordinary challenges faced during a season of catastrophic winter storms. As the state froze and transportation came to a halt, the odds seemed insurmountable. Yet, BMS CAT’s team demonstrated resilience and adaptability, pulling resources…
Building Management
Prepare and Recover Your Commercial Property This Winter with BMS Cat
Disasters can strike without warning, and preparation is key to minimizing their impact on your commercial property. Abel Mendoza, a project construction manager at BMS CAT, emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and readiness in handling emergencies. “You almost have to train yourself, like doing fire drills back in school,” he explains. Understanding critical…
How Does Technology Empower Disaster Response?
Chris Matthews, Project Manager at BMS CAT, emphasizes the critical role technology plays in keeping customers informed and in control during the restoration process. Real-time updates and project visibility empower clients to make informed decisions, adjust priorities, and ensure their needs are met efficiently and effectively during disaster response. If you’re interested in hearing…
Latest Inside Restoration & Recovery
Hospitality
How Hotels Bounce Back From the Unexpected
In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Josh Creznic, Director of Hospitality Services at BMS CAT, to unpack the unique challenges and critical priorities in hotel restoration. With over two decades of experience in hospitality—spanning major brands like Marriott and Wyndham—Josh brings deep insight into how restoration…
How One Florida GM Managed Two Hurricanes in Two Weeks
On this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Shadira Jones, General Manager of BMS CAT’s Tampa office, to talk about resilience, leadership, and preparation during back-to-back hurricanes that hit the Florida coast. With less than two years at BMS CAT under her belt, Shadira was thrust into emergency…
From Crisis to Recovery: How BMS CAT Helps After a Fire
In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Cole Coulson, Vice President of Sales for BMS CAT, to explore the company’s front-line efforts during the recent Southern California wildfires and share practical guidance for property owners facing disasters. Cole opens by recalling his first moments on the ground…
Smart HVAC Strategies for Large Commercial Properties
In the latest episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis welcomes Colin Trudo, Senior Director of Training and Marketing at BMS CAT, to dive into the often‑overlooked world of HVAC maintenance and its critical intersection with disaster restoration. With over 20 years of field experience—from air‑duct cleaning to large‑scale catastrophe response—Colin brings a…
Building Management
The Value of a Restoration Team with Healthcare Experience
In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis welcomes Jason McClaren, Director of Facilities Operations at Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals, to discuss the critical advantage of partnering with a restoration team experienced in healthcare. A former firefighter and military veteran, Jason has spent the last decade managing safety, risk, and emergency preparedness…
Helping a Healthcare Facility Rebuild from the Ground Up After a Tornado
In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis chats with Abby Whitaker, Oklahoma City Account Manager at BMS CAT, about the challenges and triumphs of restoration in the face of severe weather. Abby brings a wealth of hands-on experience from her nearly four years at BMS, transitioning from residential to commercial restoration….
The Art of Communication in Disaster Recovery
In this episode of Inside Restoration and Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Chris Matthews, Regional Director for Large Loss at BMS CAT, to explore the critical role of communication, preparation, and adaptability in disaster recovery. Chris shares his personal journey in the restoration industry, including his passion for helping clients during their…
The Human Side of Restoration: Handling Losses with Care
In the first episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Abel Mendoza, a veteran project manager with BMS CAT, to delve into the human and technical aspects of disaster recovery. Abel brings decades of experience to the table, having started his journey with BMS CAT in 1997 as a…
Latest Quick Takes from the Industry
Building Management
What Businesses and Homeowners Should Know About Flood Protection
Many homeowners don’t realize that standard homeowner’s insurance excludes flood protection. That’s a risk worth correcting fast. Lori Callahan, Assistant VP and Account Executive for Personal Lines at B.F. Saul Insurance, stresses the importance of proactive flood coverage. “About 40% of flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk zones,” she explains. Because of that, her…
How to Prep for a Smooth Flood Insurance Claim
When it comes to flood insurance, preparation is key. Tyler Ardron, Executive Vice President at Floodproofing.com, often advises homeowners and businesses to take proactive steps before a storm hits. “We deal with this all the time with our clients,” Ardron explains. “Have a list of your belongings, include estimated values, and schedule everything out ahead…
Latest Restoration Journeys
Building Management
Rebuilding After the Tornado with One Call
In April 2023, a powerful tornado tore through Shawnee, Oklahoma, leaving a trail of destruction—including severe damage to Valir Physical Therapy’s local facility. Half the building was left standing, the other half shredded beyond use. But before Valir staff even arrived on site, BMS CAT was already there. “They beat me to the site,”…
Why Healthcare Facility Managers Choose One Go‑To Company
In this edition of Restoration Journeys, Jason McClaren, Regional Director of Plant Operations for Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals, shares why having a healthcare‑trained restoration partner makes all the difference. A former firefighter and Air Force veteran, Jason brings a unique perspective to facility preparedness—emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, especially in healthcare where lives and operations…
How BMS CAT Cleared an Amazon Warehouse After a Fire
In this installment of Restoration Journeys, we highlight Thomas Malone’s firsthand account of a crisis at his Amazon warehouse and how BMS CAT’s swift response made all the difference. Arriving for his shift early one morning, Thomas was met with flashing lights and an unexpected disaster—a lithium battery had ignited a fire in the…
Latest Stories from the Field
Building Management
How BMS CAT Restored a Hotel After a 2-Alarm Fire
When a two-alarm fire broke out at a large hotel, swift action was critical to minimizing damage and disruption. BMS CAT responded in under 45 minutes, arriving on-site to assess the situation and begin stabilizing the property. This immediate response helped protect the building from further loss. That same night, the local BMS CAT…
What It Takes to Restore a Tornado-Damaged Clinic
When a tornado tore through Oklahoma City in April, BMS CAT was already on-site before many businesses even realized the extent of the tornado damage—including Valor Physical Therapy. Thanks to an existing relationship with Valor’s affiliated hospital, the BMS CAT team was positioned to respond quickly. “We were actually on scene before they knew…
