When a fire, flood, or other disaster hits your home or business, you’re not just dealing with physical damage. You’re dealing with stress, uncertainty, and the feeling that your life has been turned upside down.
My role isn’t to sell you services.
My role is to help you get back to normal — quickly, safely, and correctly.
My name is Sam Simon, and I’ve spent my career restoring homes and businesses across Chicago’s North Shore after fire, water, and smoke damage. This article explains who I am, how I work, and why experience and certification matter when you’re trusting someone with your property and your peace of mind.
Quick Takeaways for North Shore Homeowners
This guidance comes from the person actively overseeing restoration work, not a marketing team
Fire and water damage often affect homes far beyond what’s visible
Master-level IICRC certifications protect homeowners from improper or unsafe restoration
North Shore homes require higher standards due to older construction and high-end finishes
The goal after any disaster should be restoring your life — not overselling services
How I Got Into Restoration Work
I was introduced to restoration work early on through a family member who owned a ServiceMaster franchise. During my college years, from 1989 through 1995, I worked summers in the business. What started as a job quickly became something more meaningful.
In 2003, I began working full-time in restoration. By 2006, it became clear to me that this work mattered deeply. I realized I had the knowledge and experience to help people recover not just their homes and businesses — but their lives.
When restoration is done wrong, people get hurt. When it’s done right, families and business owners regain stability far faster than they thought possible. That responsibility has stayed with me ever since.
What I Personally Do on Fire and Water Losses
I am not a figurehead, and I’m not removed from the work.
On a typical fire or water loss, I am involved in:
The initial assessment
Scope review and planning
Oversight and quality control
Direct communication with homeowners, insurance representatives, and construction partners
I work alongside our project managers to ensure that every job meets industry standards and the homeowner’s expectations. On larger or more complex losses, I stay closely involved from start to finish.
In reality, I’m always involved in some form, because my responsibility is to make sure the homeowner’s needs are met — not just operational checklists.
My Philosophy: Be an Ally, Not a Salesperson
One of the biggest problems I see in this industry is overselling.
After a disaster, homeowners are already overwhelmed. They don’t need a salesperson. They need an ally — someone who can guide them calmly and honestly through a difficult situation.
If a homeowner remembered only one thing about how I work, I’d want it to be this:
We are here to return your life back to normal — quickly and responsibly.
That means:
A Common Mistake Homeowners Make After a Fire or Flood
The most common misconception I see is this:
“If it looks fine on the surface, there must be no damage.”
Smoke, soot, and moisture don’t work that way. Damage is often hidden — inside walls, HVAC systems, insulation, contents, and soft goods. Another common mistake is assuming it can all be handled without professional help.
Those assumptions often lead to bigger problems later.
Why North Shore Homes Are Different
Homes in Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, Skokie, Deerfield, Lake Forest, and Lake Bluff present unique challenges.
The North Shore has:
Higher-end finishes
Custom millwork and materials
A mix of historic homes and new construction
Higher expectations for quality workmanship
A mistake that might slide elsewhere simply doesn’t here.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is homeowners hiring the first restoration company that appears in their feed, rather than relying on a company with deep local roots.
ServiceMaster has served the North Shore since 1929. That reputation still matters — especially to longtime residents — and it’s something I believe should be passed down to newer generations who may not yet understand what the ServiceMaster name represents.
My Certifications — and Why I Took Them Seriously
I hold the highest certifications available in the restoration industry. I am an:
IICRC Master Fire Restorer, Master Water Restorer, and Master Textile Restorer (IICRC Certification #137718).
I pursued Master-level certifications because I believe that if I’m going to guide people through disasters, I need to be the most informed person in the room.
These certifications protect homeowners from:
We know the industry standards — sometimes better than others involved — and that knowledge helps protect your property and your family.
Unfortunately, I often walk into jobs where it’s obvious a non-certified company was involved before us. We regularly stop and wonder how certain work was ever performed. Homeowners usually don’t know — because they trusted someone who claimed to be an expert.
Doing It Right — Even When It’s Harder
Doing it right means:
Explaining pros and cons clearly
Respecting industry standards
Never doing more than is required
Documenting when a homeowner chooses a path that differs from best practices
When insurance coverage limits come into play, I believe it’s critical that homeowners fully understand what their policy does and does not cover. Informed decisions are safer decisions.
Why I’ve Stayed in This Business
I’ve stayed in restoration work because of the people.
Helping someone through chaos.
Seeing the relief on their face.
A handshake at the end of a job.
Rave reviews built on integrity and honesty.
And knowing that when I go to sleep at night, my customers are sleeping peacefully in their own homes.
Many homeowners also thank me for something beyond the technical work — for staying calm. I’m a spiritual, God-loving person, and I believe that calm, steady guidance helps people feel safe when everything else feels out of control.
About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is an IICRC-certified firm with over 40 years of local service across Chicago and the North Shore.
We combine:
The national ServiceMaster legacy
Master-level technical expertise
Deep local knowledge
A reputation for ethics and professionalism
Our goal is simple: restore homes, businesses, and lives the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working With Me
Will Sam Simon be involved in my project?
Yes. I am involved in every project in some capacity, especially when it comes to assessment, oversight, and decision-making.
What does Master-certified oversight actually mean?
It means your restoration follows established industry standards designed to protect health, property, and long-term outcomes — not shortcuts.
How do I know I’m not being oversold services?
I believe in doing only what’s required to return you to normal. I explain the reasoning behind every recommendation so you can make informed decisions.
Why does experience matter after a fire or flood?
Because mistakes are expensive, dangerous, and often permanent. Experience helps prevent them.
Final Thoughts for North Shore Homeowners
Disasters are disruptive — but the restoration process doesn’t have to be.
My job is to guide you calmly, honestly, and competently through one of the most stressful moments you may ever face.
That’s what I’ve done since 1989, and it’s what I’ll continue to do for homeowners and business owners across Chicago’s North Shore.
Credentials & Authority Recap
This article was written by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire Restorer, Master Water Restorer, and Master Textile Restorer (IICRC Certification #137718). ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is an IICRC-certified firm serving Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, Skokie, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and surrounding North Shore communities, combining 40+ years of local experience with the national ServiceMaster legacy founded in Chicago in 1929.
