As the holiday season approaches, ensuring cooking safety becomes paramount to prevent unexpected disasters that can overshadow festive celebrations. If you do find yourself in a situation where fire or water damage occurs, Scott D. Walker, owner of Action Restoration, has dedicated his life to helping families rebuild after disaster, drawing from a legacy of hard work instilled by his father. Growing up in Wilson County, Scott was immersed in the restoration business from a young age, learning the ropes during weekends and summers alongside his mom and dad.
“My dad always said the keys to a strong business are to do a good job, charge a fair price, treat people right, and the rest will follow” he recalls, a mantra that has guided him throughout his life and career.
From the age of eight, Scott spent weekends and summers working alongside his parents in their family business.
“When I was eleven, I had to help with a water damage cleanup the day after Christmas. I watched kids play with their new toys while pulling up wet carpet. I felt frustrated then, but little did I know my dad was teaching me valuable lessons about hard work and helping people in their time of need.”
After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 2005, Scott returned to the family business, appreciating the meaningful work they provided until his parents both retired when he decided to start his own company, leaving the franchise structure they previously worked under.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of Scott’s philosophy. After joining Leadership Wilson in 2007, he recognized the importance of giving back, serving on the Leadership Wilson Board and the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Board. His wife, Rebecca, has also taken an active role, leading fundraising efforts for their children’s schools. Together, they aim to enhance community support for educators during Teacher Appreciation Week, a project they are eager to expand.
Scott’s commitment to helping people is at the core of Action Restoration. He understands the stress that comes with unexpected water or fire damage.
“I always tell people that I hope you never have to call my company, but if you do, we’re here to help,” he says. “People don’t plan for disasters, and they can completely disrupt lives. Our goal is to ease that stress.”
With over 33 years of combined experience, Scott emphasizes the importance of compassion in their work, “We’ve seen all types of scenarios. Our job is to learn from mistakes and fix them quickly,” he adds.
As the holiday season approaches, Scott and his team anticipate an increase in calls due to colder weather and holiday cooking. Some of the ways he suggests not to have to call Action Restoration include:
- Stay attentive while cooking: Many fire damages happen because people step away from the stove and leave something burning.
- Keep outdoor cooking devices at a safe distance: Whether frying, smoking, or grilling your turkey, ensure your cooking device is at least 15 feet away from your home.
- Protect your plumbing: If temperatures drop below freezing, unhook hoses from outdoor spigots and leave at least one faucet running slightly inside.
- Turn off your water if traveling: A significant number of water line bursts occur when homeowners are away.
But if you do need to call, visit actionrestorationtn.com