Today we’d like to introduce you to Von Reagan.
Hi Von, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
How I Got Started in Business and Where We are at Today
By Von Reagan
In 2017, a business partner and I were looking at different industries to start something of our own. We wanted something meaningful, hands-on, and aligned with the skills we had developed over the years. That’s when we discovered the restoration industry — a field that combined technical knowledge, service to others, and the opportunity to build something lasting. It felt like the right fit.
Early on, we faced a lot of challenges — especially around hiring and company culture. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a strong leader in the beginning. That lack of direction translated into uncertainty for our team. People didn’t have a clear path forward, and it was hard to keep morale and performance consistent. It became obvious that leadership was a skill I needed to develop if I wanted this company to survive.
Then came a defining moment: about six months in, we were called to handle a large loss — a 45,000 square foot assisted living facility. It was the kind of job that could either make or break a young company. It took intense effort and coordination, but it also taught me one of the most valuable business lessons: how to eat an elephant — one bite at a time. We broke it down, tackled each part with focus, and completed the job. It gave us confidence and credibility, and we never looked back.
My military background has played a huge role in how I operate today. The discipline, the importance of chain of command, and the “always be ready” mentality are things I carried into the business. They’ve shaped not only how I lead but also how I build teams and manage operations.
Fast forward to today — we’ve built something I’m truly proud of. Restoration 1 of the Low Country is home to a strong, supportive team of 15–20 people. We have each other’s backs, and we work incredibly well together. We offer benefits like paid time off (both vacation and sick), paid holidays, bonuses, health insurance, and even a matching 401(k). We’ve moved offices four times as we’ve grown — and we’re already outgrowing the one we’re in now.
Our company mission is clear:
“To establish a secure and supportive work environment where every employee can thrive without the fear of instability. By fostering a culture of respect and dignity, we aim to provide a clear path to success for our team as we expand. At Restoration 1 of the Low Country, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our customers while building a profitable and sustainable business. We are dedicated to ensuring that our employees feel valued and secure, offering them stable, well-paying jobs that can support a family.”
What makes me most proud is seeing who my team has become. Watching someone grow from being unsure into a respected leader — there’s nothing more rewarding than that.
Looking forward, our goal is to grow by 20% year over year. We’re focused, we’re driven, and we’re not afraid to adapt. If I could give any advice to someone just getting started in business, it’s this: get a mentor. Better yet, get a group of mentors. When things get tough — and they will — having someone in your corner who’s been through it can make all the difference.
Above all, I pray for God’s guidance, trust in Him, and selflessly help others as His will would have it. That’s the foundation of how I live and lead today — and it’s made all the difference.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? What were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road — but one worth traveling. Like many small business owners, I faced a steep learning curve in the beginning. I struggled with hiring the right people, creating a solid company culture, and most of all, learning how to lead. Early on, I thought being in charge meant having all the answers. What I’ve learned over time is that good leadership is more about listening, trusting your people, setting a clear direction, and creating an environment where others can thrive.
There were also financial challenges, growing pains, and the pressure that comes from carrying the responsibility of others’ livelihoods. We had jobs that stretched our capacity, times when cash flow was tight, and moments where I questioned if we could keep pushing forward.
One of the hardest parts was realizing that I couldn’t do it all myself. Delegating, trusting others, and investing in the growth of my team was a major turning point — not just for the business, but for me personally. And while it’s still not always easy, I’ve learned to embrace the struggle as part of the process. Every tough moment helped shape the business into what it is today.
Through it all, I’ve leaned on faith, stayed grounded in purpose, and reminded myself that struggles are often the stepping stones to strength. Growth doesn’t come without discomfort — and that’s something I’ve come to be grateful for.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Restoration 1 of the Low Country is a full-service property restoration company based in the Charleston, SC area. We specialize in water, fire, and mold restoration — helping homeowners and businesses recover after disaster strikes. Our job is to bring calm to chaos, and we take that responsibility seriously.
What sets us apart isn’t just what we do — it’s how we do it. From the very beginning, we’ve built our business on integrity, transparency, and trust. We show up when we say we will, we communicate clearly, and we always advocate for the customer, especially when dealing with insurance companies or third-party review firms. People come to us during some of the worst moments of their lives, and we don’t take that lightly.
We’re also known for our team culture. We’ve built a company where people support one another, take pride in their work, and genuinely care about doing the right thing — not just for our customers, but for each other. That’s something we’re extremely proud of.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve earned. We’ve become a trusted name in the community, not just because of the work we do, but because of the way we treat people. We’re not chasing short-term wins — we’re building a long-term, sustainable company that can support families, serve the community, and grow with integrity.
Whether it’s water damage cleanup, fire restoration, mold remediation, or simply being there when a customer doesn’t know where to turn — Restoration 1 of the Low Country is committed to showing up, doing the work with excellence, and making things right.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe luck has played a role — both good and bad — but more than anything, it’s what you do with those moments that defines the outcome.
There were definitely times when a call came in at just the right time, or an opportunity opened up that helped us take the next step forward. Some people might call that luck — I tend to see it as God’s timing. And when something doesn’t go my way, I try to look at it as redirection instead of rejection. I’ve learned that even the setbacks have value if I’m willing to learn from them.
On the flip side, we’ve had our share of tough breaks — jobs that didn’t go as planned, dishonest vendors, delays, or sudden expenses that hit hard. In those moments, it’s easy to feel like bad luck is piling on. But I’ve also learned that those struggles often bring the biggest breakthroughs.
In the end, I don’t rely on luck to build a business. I rely on preparation, faith, discipline, and a commitment to doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. If luck shows up along the way, I’ll take it — but I’ve found that showing up, day after day, puts you in the best position to receive it when it does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://restoration1oflowcountry.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LowCountryRestorationServices
