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How One Florida GM Managed Two Hurricanes in Two Weeks

Host Martha Lewis interviews Shadira Jones, General Manager at BMS CAT's Tampa office, about managing two hurricanes within a short span. They discuss how Shadira's leadership and preparedness ensured effective disaster recovery and maintained client trust. Key topics include crisis communication, pre-storm planning, and mobilizing resources.

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By Martha Lewis · Commercial RestorationDisaster PreparednessDisaster RecoveryEmergency Restoration
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Key takeaways

01

Importance of pre-storm planning and strong communication.

02

Effective crisis management during back-to-back hurricanes.

03

Leadership strategies that maintain customer trust.

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On this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Shadira Jones, General Manager of BMS CAT’s Tampa office, to talk about resilience, leadership, and preparation during back-to-back hurricanes that hit the Florida coast.

With less than two years at BMS CAT under her belt, Shadira was thrust into emergency mode as two very different storms—first a devastating flood event and then a high-wind hurricane—struck her region just weeks apart. What followed was a masterclass in crisis leadership. Shadira shares how her team quickly mobilized, communicated with clients under pressure, and provided not just restoration services but critical reassurance during a time of uncertainty.

She highlights the importance of pre-storm planning, strong internal communication, and having national resources at her fingertips—plus the ability to pivot when unexpected damage or delays occurred. From creating a command center in the Tampa office to delivering 24/7 customer updates and fielding late-night calls from long-time clients, Shadira’s approach was equal parts strategy and heart.

This episode is a reminder of why preparation matters, especially in hurricane-prone areas—and how leadership under pressure can strengthen both teams and customer trust.

Listen now to hear how BMS CAT delivers “the calm after the storm”—and why, as Shadira says, “we stay ready so we don’t have to get ready.”

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Martha Lewis

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About the Experts

ML
Martha Lewis

Host, Inside Restoration & Recovery

Martha Lewis is the host of Inside Restoration & Recovery, where she engages with experts to discuss resilience and leadership in disaster scenarios. Her work includes highlighting expert insights and customer stories to showcase effective restoration solutions.

SJ
Shadira Jones

General Manager

BMS CAT

Shadira Jones serves as the General Manager at BMS CAT's Tampa office. She has demonstrated exemplary crisis leadership in managing disaster readiness and restoration response during challenging hurricane scenarios.

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