Local Restoration Workers Need More Support and Recognition, Says Bradley Vercosa

Wellington, Florida Apr 23, 2025 – Bradley Vercosa, the owner of SuperClean Restoration of The Palm Beaches LLC, with over 30 years of experience in disaster cleanup and restoration, is urging greater public awareness and assistance for the often-underappreciated yet vital sector of local water damage and biohazard restoration. Vercosa is using his influence to highlight the challenges related to accessibility, funding limitations, and lack of visibility that impact small restoration businesses and their workers, particularly those from immigrant and minority communities.

“When a disaster or flood occurs, people expect immediate assistance,” Vercosa states. “However, the daily challenges and obstacles faced by small businesses trying to stay afloat often go unnoticed.”

According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses never recover after a disaster. Meanwhile, local restoration services, which are often the first to respond to damage, struggle with increasing equipment costs, complex insurance procedures, and limited exposure on digital platforms.

“There is insufficient support for the small teams that handle the cleanup after the initial attention fades,” Vercosa adds. “We need to address training opportunities, affordable licensing, and equitable contracts. Most importantly, we need to be present for the communities we serve.”

Restoration Workers Are Essential, But Often Invisible

The U.S. disaster restoration industry generates more than $210 billion annually, with much of the work being performed by small, independent businesses that receive little public recognition. Vercosa notes that these workers often lack union protections, have limited financial security, and receive few mental health resources, despite being exposed to stressful cleanup environments such as crime scenes, post-disaster devastation, and mold-infested homes.

“After 9/11, my team assisted in the cleanup of the Pentagon and the World Trade Center area,” Vercosa recalls. “It was some of the most demanding work I’ve ever done. There were no headlines or celebrations, just quiet, difficult work that needed to be completed.”

Accessibility Gaps in Licensing and Training

Vercosa also points out accessibility issues, particularly for first- and second-generation immigrants entering the field. While certifications in mold remediation and biohazard cleanup are required in many states, the costs of training programs and licensing exams can be a barrier.

“We need more scholarships and training programs available in multiple languages,” Vercosa says. “I know individuals who excel in this field but cannot afford the certification process.”

What You Can Do

Instead of soliciting donations, Vercosa encourages the public to take simple, proactive measures:

• Hire local: Choose restoration companies based in your community over large, out-of-state contractors.
• Leave reviews: Small businesses depend on word-of-mouth and online presence.
• Ask questions: Before a disaster occurs, know who to contact and understand your insurance coverage.
• Support trades education: Advocate for funding to support the training of future restoration and emergency response workers.

“You don’t need a large platform to make an impact,” Vercosa says. “Simply support your neighbors, hire local businesses, and acknowledge the individuals who arrive after a disaster.”