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,” said Jeff Jankowski, President of Valir Physical Therapy. “Everything was completely secured, and they had already started the process of helping us determine the next steps.”

From that moment, BMS CAT’s turnkey recovery service took over. Acting as a single point of contact, Abby Whitaker, Account Manager at BMS CAT, oversaw everything—from securing documents to coordinating reconstruction after engineers determined the building needed to be rebuilt from the slab up.

“As a turnkey service provider, we’re able to handle every step,” said Whitaker. “For Valir, that meant helping them secure files, coordinating with engineers, and rebuilding with the exact materials they chose. It was a true partnership.”

Instead of juggling contractors and vendors, Valir worked solely with BMS CAT, which streamlined communication and allowed the Valir team to focus on patient care and business continuity.

“It was very, very helpful just to have that contact in place,” Jankowski said. “Knowing they knew the area, the contractors, and had everything under control was incredibly reassuring.”

Today, Valir’s Shawnee facility is fully restored, thanks to a seamless recovery process grounded in fast action, close communication, and a full-scope disaster response team. It’s a clear reminder that when disaster hits, having the right partner already in place can make all the difference.

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