Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick O’Connor and Colin Clark.
Patrick, Colin – please kick things off for us. How does this story start?
Patrick and a couple of partners had a large carpet cleaning/water restoration company in Texas. This had a rough ending and Patrick came back home to Chicago and started back up with very limited equipment. Helped mostly by family and friends Patrick began climbing back to level. When Colin got involved 4 years ago, the company was working ultra-hard to make a name for itself, out of what barely passed for a shop/office space. We hadn’t spoken after almost 20 yrs. after somewhat of a falling out from high school. Patrick will tell you he had good feelings from the beginning about where things were going and that I was going to be able to help him. I was surely dedicated and began taking the job and business very seriously. We began traveling the country where storms had hit hard and really learning and mastering this trade, while feeling good about really helping people. We both became and still are certified in mold, water, and fire restoration. Things really started clicking and Colin started soaking in some hardcore training, with some very lofty plans ahead in Patrick’s mind. Pat is an all-out, never stop entrepreneur, with traits absolutely necessary for a business owner. He really keeps things going at a pace meant for success. This made it very hard to run everything, however. The dynamic between the two of us is what drives our business. The trust, reliability, and dedication have brought us into a fantastic warehouse/office space and given us the honor of being a #1 rated restoration company in Chicagoland. People enjoy our easygoing vibe and how well we work together to provide professionalism and outstanding service. We have developed immensely and see no end in sight to what we will accomplish.
Has it been a smooth road?
Among massive debt, the ongoing struggle of finding good help, and exhaustion in a very hard working industry, one story stands out. While on storm travel in Kansas, our trailer of equipment was stolen right from our truck. They cut everything and dragged that thing over to their hitch, leaving a two foot long trench in the concrete. When we woke up and realized $35,000 of equipment was suddenly gone, I think Patrick took it quite well, after waking me up and calling the police, he simply looked over at me and said “I guess they just wanted it more.” We had a good, good laugh. That was an inspiring drive home. We have worked hard enough for him to be able to have replaced not only that equipment but purchase much more, continuing our expansion. We have also suffered some terrible business decisions and nightmare employees who purposely tried to hurt our company.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with 2nd Chance Water Restoration – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are experts in drying out homes after flooding to avoid further damage and mold growth. There are several ways water enter a home (failed sump pumps, broken pipes, drain backup…) sometimes this is sewage or just an amazing amount and homeowners just can’t handle it themselves. We show up at all times and work fast with pride in being there to help someone in need in mind. Sometimes, building materials can’t be salvaged, which takes controlled removal and proper cleaning. We use high velocity fans to whip moisture off affected materials, so our industrial dehumidifiers can collect the moisture from the air, preventing secondary damage from excess humidity. We also excel at mold remediation, improving indoor air quality, and making living spaces safer. We also offer air duct and dryer vent cleaning services, using the best in equipment and techniques. Our biggest goals and source of pride have been maintaining a positive/friendly attitude with employees and customers, while maintaining the highest standards in service and customer satisfaction. Learning our business inside and out and handling it all ourselves have made all the difference for our customers. We have an outstanding reputation, fantastic internet presence, and an amazing amount of 5 star reviews on several different sources. Our ability to show our customers we are knowledgeable, make them feel as they have found the right contractors for them, then come through for them above and beyond keeps us coming back every day.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Of course, traveling through the city at all hours of day and night allows us plenty of exposure. We have seen all the wonders that make it Chicago. We love the views, and the people we interact with on jobsites. Obviously, some calls allow us to partake in our favorite lunch spots. Special shout out to Ricobenes. Unfortunately, we see some trouble through the night and hear stories. Have to be escorted by police to some buildings that have been overtaken and the property owner is at a loss on how to save their building. We also have to deal with the extremely old and overwhelmed sewage systems throughout the city. Which adds up to a lot intense cleanup in our past. Suppose, we could simply say traffic, but we have gotten pretty used to that.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1020 W Republic Dr, Unit 6, Addison, IL 60101
- Website: www.2ndchancewaterrestoration.com
- Phone: (866)575-5814
- Email: 2ndchancewaterrestoration@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2ndChanceWaterRestoration/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/2nd-chance-water-restoration-chicago
- Other: https://plus.google.com/+2ndchancewaterrestoration
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
