Back to normal

When disaster strikes, the immediate response must be safety and preservation. In its wake, and once everyone affected is accounted for, the cleanup begins. Part of the psychological endurance of a disaster is how quickly and effectively the cleanup process can happen. At its best, disaster recovery provides further safety, normalcy and closure.

And it’s on these points that SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder prides itself. A 24-hour disaster recovery and cleanup service, SERVPRO is on hand to help homes, businesses, schools and entire communities recover from major devastation. ‘Like it never even happened’ has been the company’s mantra since it was established in 1980; thus, it’s hard to recognize SERVPRO’s hard work and dedication.

But SERVPRO Colorado Vice President Aaron Conner says the company’s motivation does not come from recognition.

“Our motivation stems from a commitment to protecting staff and students, minimizing risks and delivering the highest quality service,” he tells The CEO Magazine.

In his role as Vice President, Conner and his team assist with large-loss and highly sensitive projects. One of SERVPRO Colorado’s key clients is the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), a site that requires the best service SERVPRO has to offer.

In good hands

With years of experience in the field, however, Conner says CU Boulder is in good hands.

“We’ve built a reputation as the number one cleanup and restoration company,” he says.

“Our team specializes in fire and water damage, specialty cleaning, mold remediation, restoration, reconstruction and much more.”

All of this combines to form a big task made even bigger by the scope of CU Boulder. To ensure his team is on the same page and can act with a singular mission, Conner says communication is vital.

“We prioritize clear and consistent communication across all departments, including environment, health and safety [EH&S], facility maintenance and building proctors to ensure alignment and meet project expectations,” he says.

This is done by holding pre-project meetings where goals are established, expectations are set and roles are defined, all with the input of the stakeholders. Throughout the project, daily reporting provides detailed updates, including 3D imaging, progress timelines and next steps.

“We designate key points of contact to convey this information and ensure seamless communication between departments,” Conner says.

“We also conduct regular check-in meetings and site visits to address concerns and adjust plans as required.”

Recovery efforts

It’s a structured approach that fosters and maintains the essential ingredients of an effective disaster recovery effort: collaboration and transparency.

“If you have those, you can drive successful project outcomes,” he says.

It also helps that SERVPRO has over 50 years of experience under its belt, particularly when it comes to speed.

“SERVPRO is built for rapid response,” Conner says. “We take pride in stepping up where others fall short.”

When CU Boulder’s Norlin Library caught fire in early 2024, the SERVPRO team was on the scene immediately, coordinating with facility management, EH&S and other stakeholders to assess the damage and implement a strategic response.

“By leveraging our 24/7 readiness, specialized equipment and highly trained personnel, we minimized downtime and ensured a safe, efficient recovery,” he says.

Thriving under pressure

The pressure of the situations SERVPRO thrives in doesn’t seem to bother Conner. It can’t, he says.

“Success under pressure comes down to preparation, communication and execution. Our proactive approach, daily progress updates and seamless collaboration with all involved parties allow us to deliver results when they matter most,” he notes.

Such is SERVPRO’s reputation that the company has earned a spot as a ‘true turn-key’ Class A general contractor, something Conner is proud of.

“It means we provide end-to-end solutions that allow our clients to rely on a single point of contact from initial assessment to project completion,” he says. “At SERVPRO, we manage every aspect of restoration, reconstruction and mitigation with precision and efficiency.

“Our experienced team handles everything from obtaining necessary permits and adhering to local regulations to coordinating subcontractors and performing final inspections.”

The results, he adds, are seamless; as close to ‘like it never even happened’ as possible.

“By maintaining control over every phase of a project, we ensure quality, streamlined timelines and reduce costs, ultimately delivering a seamless and stress-free experience for our clients,” he says.

Conner says his work at SERVPRO resonates deeply with him.

“What motivates me each day is the opportunity to make a real impact,” he says. “The fast-paced nature of this industry keeps me engaged, and seeing the tangible results of our work is incredibly rewarding.”