ServPro has become a well-known name for disaster restoration across the country, but for the local franchise owners and team members serving Benton and Linn Counties in Oregon, (and SERVPRO of Salem West and SERVPRO of Lincoln & Polk Counties) being part of the community means much more than just cleaning up after a fire or flood. As they continue expanding to serve Linn, Benton, Lincoln, Polk, Salem, and other surrounding areas, SERVPRO’s mission remains rooted in providing compassionate and professional restoration services for people facing some of the hardest days of their lives.

Recently, local team members Corey Perrigan, Kevin Fandrem, and Jennifer Benavidez shared at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters event about their work and the commitment that drives them each day. Mr. G, the owner of G & Jenny Insurance Group of Lebanon, was able to add his unique perspective to the conversation as an agent who works closely with SERVPRO when it comes to helping his clients with disaster claims.

Photo Credit: SERVPRO of Benton and Linn Counties

A Business Built on Respect and Restoration

SERVPRO’s emphasis on respect, quality, and compassion has been central since its inception. Corey explained that their mission is not only about restoring buildings but also about respecting people’s homes and properties. “When we go into a house, people take their shoes off, we do a really good job of respecting people’s property,” he said, noting that this attitude is instilled in every team member.

Corey shared the story of SERVPRO of Benton and Linn Counties franchise owner, Tim, who started the business in 2009, partially due to a personal experience with fire. As a child, Tim survived a devastating fire at home, sparking a lifelong commitment to preventing similar situations for others. It’s a mission that now extends through his family and to the whole SERVPRO team, especially as they tackle the tough jobs that many other companies avoid.

Stepping In After the Flames Settle

SERVPRO’s range of services has made them a critical partner for families and businesses dealing with fire damage. Their approach begins with securing the property immediately after a fire, placing board-ups, and adding fencing if needed to prevent theft and ensure safety while investigations are underway. But the heart of their work often centers around a methodical approach to preserving and documenting personal property. SERVPRO’s team is meticulous about documenting every item in the home to provide detailed records for both the client and insurance company.

“We submit that to your insurance. We have a complete inventory report […] and then the adjusters determine your value of your property,” explained Kevin. This includes photographing and documenting everything from large furniture pieces to family photos and heirlooms. He emphasized that SERVPRO’s status as a third-party ensures neutrality. Once insurance approval is in place, some items are cleaned and restored, while others are documented as “non-salvageable” and disposed of according to the client’s wishes.

In many cases, homeowners have SERVPRO help with rebuilding. Corey explained that SERVPRO’s reconstruction team takes over using detailed floor maps and photo documentation of every aspect of the damaged structure, ensuring the rebuilding process is as seamless as possible.

From Water Damage to Biohazards, a Team that Tackles It All

While many know SERVPRO for fire and water damage restoration, their services also extend into biohazard cleanups, mold remediation, asbestos testing, and even graffiti removal. Biohazard services cover a broad spectrum, from crime scene cleanups to pest-related hazards. SERVPRO works closely with local fire, police, and municipal authorities on these cleanups to ensure all health and safety protocols are followed, particularly in sensitive areas like public parks and homeless camps.

Corey noted that even with seemingly minor issues, there’s often more to address than people realize. Water, for example, can seep into walls and hidden areas where mold can develop. SERVPRO uses specialized moisture-mapping equipment to ensure they track every area that has absorbed water, and once it’s fully dried out, they make the necessary “flood cuts” to prevent long-term structural issues.

Advocating for Clients with Insurance and Emotional Support

When disaster strikes, it’s not just the physical damage that families have to face. Navigating insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially for those dealing with the trauma of a major loss. This is where SERVPRO’s unique expertise in insurance claims comes into play. “They have back channel lines and ways to communicate with adjusters in your insurance company that even I don’t have sometimes because of the lingo…they are your advocate,” said Mr. G, noting that SERVPRO’s team often communicates directly with insurance adjusters to advocate for clients.

Beyond insurance, SERVPRO recognizes the emotional toll that disasters take on people. “They’re really good at managing the psychology, the stress and the issues that families go through, and helping them get from this devastation to a point where they might feel a little bit better,” Mr. G said, describing how the SERVPRO team not only guides clients through the restoration process but helps them through the emotional side of recovery, too. Whether they’re dealing with a fire or flood, Corey, Kevin, and Jennifer see themselves as guides, walking clients through one of the most challenging experiences they may ever face.

In the Community and Beyond

The SERVPRO team is an active part of their local community, participating in parades and festivals throughout the year. “You see our trucks everywhere,” Corey said, mentioning that community involvement is an important part of their job. Jennifer took a moment to speak directly to property managers in the community, urging them to make sure renters are insured. “My plea to you is to please…if you are a property management and you have renters, please ask them to get insurance…people being instantly forced out of their home with no coverage and they have nothing,” she explained. As winter approaches, she advised residents to prepare their homes and double-check their insurance policies to prevent avoidable losses.

Recently, Jennifer took her commitment beyond the Oregon borders with a trip to Florida, where she witnessed the devastation of two back-to-back hurricanes. “I was there and I wanted to help people, and I’ve never seen piles of contents lying in the streets like that…all they can do is throw it outside…everything you’ve ever owned on the street,” she said. With local streets lined with piles of belongings people had lost, she saw firsthand the emotional and financial toll these storms had taken. In Florida, as in Oregon, SERVPRO’s services went beyond basic cleanup. Jennifer spoke of how SERVPRO’s work brings dignity back to people by recovering treasured items, emphasizing the hope that careful restoration can provide.

Finding and Restoring What Matters Most

SERVPRO’s work often brings the team into contact with items that hold deep personal meaning for their clients. Corey recounted a memorable experience in which he was able to restore a client’s beloved family heirloom that had been sitting in an attic for years. “Well, I came back the next week and picked up this little Jesus doll and brought it back, and we actually were able to get it cleaned. Smell was completely gone. Brought it back to her, and she was, like, about in tears,” Corey said.

Jennifer also shared a story of helping a woman who had lost everything in a fire. The woman’s insurance company insisted that she inventory every single item in the home. With meticulous attention to detail, the SERVPRO team documented even the smallest items, helping her recover $80,000 in contents. “We went in and we were able to contract the smallest, the smallest thing, get her $80,000 so that she can get content. You’re talking your towels, your cords, your toothpaste, your toothbrushes, things like that [that] we take for granted every day,” Jennifer explained.

Serving Benton & Linn County with Heart

In the end, SERVPRO’s services are about restoring more than just buildings—they’re about helping people regain a sense of normalcy and comfort. With their expansive facilities and specialized equipment, the SERVPRO team is always prepared to tackle any job, large or small. But it’s the compassion and understanding they bring to each client that truly sets them apart. As the team sees it, each restoration is a chance to help families move forward.

For those who haven’t had a chance to see their work up close, SERVPRO of Benton and Linn Counties invites community members to tour their facilities and learn more about their unique processes. As Jennifer put it, “We’re not just restoring homes; we’re restoring people’s lives.”

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