Vanessa Van Holland

I attribute my success to the values I was raised with and the experiences that shaped me along the way. I come from a family of very hardworking individuals, and from a young age, I was taught that if you want something, you go out and earn it. I remember telling my grandfather I had worked a 60-hour week, and his response was, “mija, work harder.” That mindset stayed with me; there is always opportunity, especially here in the United States, but it’s up to you to go after it.

Beyond work ethic, my parents instilled in me the importance of character; being honest, kind, and someone people can trust. I’ve carried those values into both my personal life and our business. In an industry like construction and restoration, we’ve been presented with opportunities that didn’t align with our values, and Kenny and I have always chosen to walk away. We hold a contractor’s license and are an IICRC-certified firm, and more importantly, we’ve built a reputation rooted in integrity. No short-term gain is worth compromising that.

Kenny and I both share a “no excuses” mindset, shaped by how we were raised. We believe that if there’s a goal in front of you, you figure out how to achieve it; you don’t make excuses, you take action. That mentality, combined with consistency, discipline, and a commitment to doing the right thing, has been the foundation of our growth.

At the end of the day, our success isn’t just about business—it’s about the legacy we’re building for our family and our children. Everything we do is with that in mind, and that’s what continues to drive us forward.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: work harder. We live in a world where there is opportunity everywhere, and there are people thriving in every industry; it’s just a matter of finding it and being willing to go after it.

I was also taught early on that how you show up matters. Look professional, communicate well, and take pride in your work. At the end of the day, if you consistently do a good job and operate with integrity, you will build something that lasts. The companies that stand the test of time are the ones that are trustworthy and deliver quality service. The ones that cut corners or try to take advantage of people may see short-term wins, but it eventually catches up to them.

One of the most impactful lessons from my early career was being told, “Here it is, figure it out.” There wasn’t a lot of hand-holding, and at the time it felt challenging, but it taught me how to be resourceful, take initiative, and problem-solve. It reinforced a mindset that if you want something, it’s available, you just have to go out and figure out how to make it happen.

That combination of hard work, personal accountability, and integrity is something I carry with me every day in both business and life.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to be confident in who you are and not be intimidated by the fact that it’s traditionally male-dominated. There is absolutely a place for you here, and your perspective, communication style, and attention to detail are strengths; not weaknesses.

Work hard and take the time to truly learn the business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get hands-on experience, and understand both the technical and customer service sides of the industry. The more knowledgeable and prepared you are, the more confident you’ll become in any room you walk into.

It’s also important to carry yourself with professionalism. How you present yourself, how you communicate, and how you follow through all matter. People may not always remember exactly what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. That’s especially important in this line of work, where clients are often going through stressful situations.

Most importantly, lead with integrity. There may be moments where you’re faced with shortcuts or situations that don’t feel right, and it’s important to stand firm in your values. Your reputation is everything in this industry, and building trust will take you much further than any short-term gain.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to build relationships and put yourself out there. Networking, community involvement, and surrounding yourself with the right people can open doors you didn’t even know existed. There is so much opportunity available, you just have to be willing to go after it.

One of the biggest challenges in our industry right now is navigating the changing landscape with insurance carriers. With recent natural disasters, including the wildfires in Altadena and Pasadena, carriers have become much more detailed in how they review and approve claims. There is a heightened focus on policy interpretation, increased documentation requirements, and a more thorough review process before extending coverage.

This has led to longer approval timelines and delays in payment. In many cases, restoration companies are completing work upfront without deposits and then waiting 30 to 60 days, or longer, to receive payment. That creates cash flow challenges not only for our business, but across the industry as a whole.

At the same time, homeowners are feeling the impact. Many have paid premiums for years, only to face challenges when they actually need to use their coverage. This often places additional pressure on both the homeowner and the restoration company to advocate for what is covered and ensure the claim is properly documented.

With that said, this also presents an opportunity. It reinforces the importance of working with experienced, knowledgeable restoration professionals who can properly document a loss, communicate effectively, and help guide homeowners through the process. It also highlights the need for homeowners to better understand their policies and have the right team in place before an emergency happens.

While the environment has become more complex, it has ultimately raised the standard for professionalism, documentation, and communication within our industry, and those who are committed to doing things the right way will continue to stand out.

The values that are most important to me, both in my work and personal life, are integrity, honesty, and kindness. I believe in being someone others can trust, showing up with consistency, and treating people with genuine respect.

I also strive to be approachable and to create a positive experience in every interaction. I often say that people may not remember exactly what you told them, but they will always remember how you made them feel. That applies to both business and life, especially in an industry where our clients are going through stressful situations.

I believe it’s important to uplift others and lead with positivity. In a world where there can be so much negativity, I try to be a light for those around me, whether that’s through how I communicate, how I serve our clients, or how I show up in my community. Those values guide every decision I make and are the foundation of both our business and the relationships we build.