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 mode as two very different storms—first a devastating flood event and then a high-wind hurricane—struck her region just weeks apart. What followed was a masterclass in crisis leadership. Shadira shares how her team quickly mobilized, communicated with clients under pressure, and provided not just restoration services but critical reassurance during a time of uncertainty.

She highlights the importance of pre-storm planning, strong internal communication, and having national resources at her fingertips—plus the ability to pivot when unexpected damage or delays occurred. From creating a command center in the Tampa office to delivering 24/7 customer updates and fielding late-night calls from long-time clients, Shadira’s approach was equal parts strategy and heart.

This episode is a reminder of why preparation matters, especially in hurricane-prone areas—and how leadership under pressure can strengthen both teams and customer trust.

Listen now to hear how BMS CAT delivers “the calm after the storm”—and why, as Shadira says, “we stay ready so we don’t have to get ready.”

Follow Along for More Episodes and Insights from the Field!

Recent Episodes

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…

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…

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming field service operations across skilled trades, and HVAC is no exception. AI in HVAC is reshaping how technicians access information, troubleshoot systems, and stay productive on the job. As the industry faces an ongoing labor shortage and rising equipment complexity, the need for smarter tools is urgent, especially as…