Inside Restoration & Recovery

Winter storms can leave behind more damage than what’s immediately visible. While frozen pipes and roof leaks are common during extreme cold, the real concern often appears after temperatures rise and systems begin to thaw. Water may seep into walls, ceilings, and flooring, creating hidden moisture that property owners don’t discover until weeks later. This winter season, many buildings experience...

Water damage during winter months can quickly lead to mold growth if it isn’t handled properly. After a leak or burst pipe, the first 24 to 48 hours are critical. Moisture trapped behind walls, beneath flooring, or inside insulation creates the perfect environment for mold to begin developing. Many property owners assume that once visible water is cleaned up, the problem is solved. However, surfac...

Water damage doesn’t always show up as a major leak or flooding. In many cases, the earliest warning signs are subtle and easy to overlook. Bubbling paint, warped flooring, musty odors, or soft spots in walls can all signal hidden moisture behind surfaces. Even an unexpected spike in your water bill may indicate that water is leaking somewhere out of sight. When moisture is trapped inside walls, c...

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 team secured the site, laying the groundwork for a smooth transit...

Too often, HVAC system maintenance is thought of purely in mechanical terms—inspections, repairs, replacements. But as Colin Trudo, General Manager at BMS CAT in Charlotte, points out, cleaning is just as critical and should be treated as a dedicated budget line item, not an afterthought. In this episode of Critical Response Stories, Colin explains why facilities teams should consistently set asid...

In the wake of COVID-19, indoor air quality became a top priority across commercial and institutional buildings. Ventilation strategies were reevaluated and HVAC systems were reconfigured to bring in more fresh air and increase air exchanges. While these updates helped reduce the risk of airborne transmission, they also introduced new challenges—especially when seasonal changes come into play. In...

When it comes to energy consumption in the United States, nearly 50% is tied directly to HVAC systems. That number alone highlights why regular HVAC maintenance is not just a matter of comfort or air quality—it is a major factor in energy efficiency and long-term system health. In this episode, the BMS CAT team breaks down the simple mechanics behind why dirty systems demand more energy and lead t...

Managing HVAC maintenance in a large facility can feel overwhelming. According to Colin Trudo, General Manager at BMS CAT in Charlotte, it all starts with understanding industry guidelines and building a practical inspection plan around them. Referencing the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), Colin explains that most commercial buildings should have both their HVAC units and ductwork...

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 understanding of roles. Teams that rehearse their response, know who to c...

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 the moment,” she says. Whether it is a hurricane on the coast or a tor...

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 teams can best support hotels d...

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 teams can best support hotels d...

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 fl...

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 agency recommend...

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. “Eve...

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 of time. During the claim process, you...

On our recent webinar, we dove into the essential knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the challenges of hurricane season effectively. We invited suggestions for topics that deliver immediate, actionable insights and empowered attendees with practical takeaways they could implement right away. Key areas of focus included: Proven strategies for risk mitigation Building an effective 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 Palisades, Malibu and Altadena areas. “Y...

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 Palisades, Malibu and Altadena areas. “Y...

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 wealth of practi...

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 wealth of practi...

As hurricane season approaches, Chris Matthews, Project Director at BMS CAT’s Tampa branch, shares his top three preparedness tips for businesses. First, establish a relationship by having your chosen restoration partner tour your facility, ensuring familiarity before a storm hits. Next, inspect and clear all first‐floor drainage—interior and exterior—to guarantee free water flow. Finally, remove...

Facility managers often overlook a critical vulnerability: first‐floor drainage. As Chris Matthews, Project Director at BMS CAT Tampa, explains, “It’s not a matter of if water will enter your building—it’s when and where.” Clogged floor drains, whether accidentally or deliberately plugged, can transform routine storms into costly disasters. Regularly inspecting and clearing all drains ensures that...

Chris Matthews, Project Director at BMS CAT’s Tampa branch, kicks off Hurricane Preparedness Week with hard‑earned lessons from New Orleans. First, pre‑position your gear—sub‑pumps in known flood zones, manned as the storm hits—to keep water moving out. Second, stay flexible: when sixth‑floor windows blew out, crews pivoted instantly. Finally, always expect the unexpected—Mother Nature rarely foll...

In this segment of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis revisits her conversation with Jason McClaren, Director of Facilities Operations at Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals, to explore proactive disaster planning with BMS CAT. Jason emphasizes that true resilience hinges on preparation: “We work with BMS CAT to get procedures, policies, and agreements in place ahead of time—so when...