Inside Restoration & Recovery

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…

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…

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…

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…

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….

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…

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…

Stories from the Field

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…

Restoration Journey

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,”…

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…

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…

Critical Response Stories

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…

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…

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…

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…

Quick Takes from the Industry

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…

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…