Leigh Gardner, Disaster Restoration Team Manager, tells us about her favorite memory working at MasterCraft, and what she she’d be doing if she wasn’t in disaster restoration.
How long have you been in the disaster restoration industry?
Six years in disaster restoration with a total of 18 years in residential construction
What made you decide to choose it as a profession?
I was subcontracting interior design work to a reconstruction company when the economy took a hit; the company then offered me a sales position, so I gave it a shot, proved to be successful, enjoyed helping people and here I am!
What’s your favorite memory from working at MasterCraft Builder Group Disaster Restoration?
The day a disaster stricken homeowner, who I had met with immediately after their house burned down along with 15 competitor reconstruction contractors (some who had traveled all the way from Orlando), called me to tell me they had chosen Mastercraft Builder Group to rebuild their home. It was the greatest honor and feeling of accomplishment and the largest job I have ever sold. To top it off, when I met the large loss adjuster who flew in to meet me at the job site to discuss the 250 page detailed scope of work I had diligently worked on perfecting for the previous 3 weeks, told me, with the homeowners standing there, that my scope was the most detailed and accurate scope he had ever seen in his 27 years of adjusting. He didn’t bother writing a scope and we worked off of mine! That was the best memory and compliment!
What would you say is the most important thing about working in disaster restoration?
Having compassion and flexibility, always working with a sense of urgency, having a thorough knowledge of construction and in writing accurate and detailed scopes of work and most importantly, a passion for helping others in crisis situations.
What do you enjoy in your free time?
Free time, what’s that? I enjoy cooking and entertaining, interior decorating, playing golf, traveling, spending time on the water and at the beach, and relaxing with friends and family
If you weren’t doing this, what other profession would you like to be doing?
Interior design consulting. Design is my true passion as I enjoy being creative, exploring the endless possibilities and trends, providing the details that go into space planning and experiencing the rewarding result! I was fortunate enough to own my own design firm for 14 years.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this industry?
Always put yourself in the clients shoes, be understanding, compassionate of the situation and have patience. Do what’s right and set the right expectations upfront. Be prepared for an adventure and enjoy learning something new every day!