This weeks featured business is Service Master Restoration by GB Johnson! They pride themselves on the unique past experiences that allow them to see disaster restoration differently than most. Their experience in building new houses and renovating historic houses gives them the ability to understand disaster response and mitigation from the "inside-out".
After graduating from Clemson University in 2001 with a degree in business, Blackwell wanted to follow one of his three loves: sports, children, or Jesus. He moved to Charlotte, NC, and started a position with the YMCA as a Youth Program Director. After working with the YMCA they began working with Saussy Burbank, a local home builder. Over the next two years, he learned all aspects of building and maintaining a home. From ordering materials to the step-by-step home building process, Blackwell was able to learn the process of putting the puzzle together.
The market downturn of 2008 hit the construction industry hard. Blackwell the returned back to Newberry and applied for a position with a local SERVPRO franchise. His previous home building experience and knowledge of construction fit perfectly with the restoration industry and he began as a technician, getting certified in multiple areas, and working with the customer first hand.
Blackwell then realized that he wanted to get more experience in this area. He headed to Charleston and joined a team that provided disaster response and did a lot of work with historic homes. Historic homes bring their own challenges. It was during this time that he gained a tremendous amount of experience working with customers, estimating jobs, and dealing with weather-related issues on the coast of South Carolina.
In 2015, Alison, Blackwell’s wife, and He decided to return to Newberry, because they wanted to establish their family in the small town environment that they were used to and get away from the bustle of the city. Blackwell rejoined a previous restoration team and realized that he had all the skills to run a restoration company. While he enjoyed working for my previous employer, he wanted to own his own business.
January of 2016, he started ServiceMaster Restoration by GB Johnson with the Lexington and Newberry markets. He now has three kids, a dog named Jake, a new business and Alison’s career! They have been blessed by family, friends, and customers who have become friends. And are looking forward to serving the community for the foreseeable future.
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