McMahon Services - Tom McMahan & Hunter Ruder

Tom and Hunter from McMahon Services, a family-owned restoration business serving Grayslake for over a decade. They discuss the company’s evolution from window washing to full-service restoration, emphasizing quick emergency response, community involvement, and the importance of empathy during disasters. Listeners receive practical advice on home maintenance, insurance coverage, and disaster preparedness.

Discovering Grayslake: Lessons in Restoration, Community, and Preparedness from McMahon Services

In the heart of Grayslake, Illinois, family-owned businesses are the backbone of the community. In a recent episode of "Discovering Grayslake," the spotlight shone on McMahon Services—a company that has grown from humble beginnings into a trusted leader in restoration and cleaning services. Hosted at Agora Co-Working, the conversation with Tom McMahon and Hunter from McMahon Services offered a wealth of insights for homeowners, business owners, and anyone invested in the well-being of their community.

This blog post distills the main themes and actionable advice from the episode, diving deep into the nuances of restoration, emergency preparedness, insurance, and the power of community involvement. Whether you’re a Grayslake local or simply looking to safeguard your home, these expert tips will help you prepare for the unexpected and build stronger community ties.

Table of Contents

The McMahon Services Story: From Window Washing to Restoration Experts
Tip 1: The Critical Importance of Rapid Response in Emergencies
Tip 2: Why Homeowners Should Call Restoration Pros Before Insurance
Tip 3: Proactive Home Maintenance to Prevent Disasters
Tip 4: Understanding and Optimizing Your Insurance Coverage
Tip 5: The Value of Community Involvement and Local Connections
Tip 6: Empathy and Support During Times of Crisis
Final Thoughts: Building Resilience and Community Spirit

The McMahon Services Story: From Window Washing to Restoration Experts

McMahon Services’ journey began with Tom’s grandfather, a Chicago fireman, who started the business by washing windows. Over the years, the company evolved—thanks in part to a pivotal connection with a local insurance agent—into a full-service restoration provider. Today, McMahon Services offers:

Water damage restoration
Fire and smoke cleanup
Mold remediation
Biohazard cleanup
General cleaning and home improvement services

With a staff of over 30 employees and a decade of service in Grayslake and Hainesville, McMahon Services is a testament to the power of adaptability, family values, and community engagement.

Tip 1: The Critical Importance of Rapid Response in Emergencies

Key Insight: In restoration, time is everything. The sooner professionals arrive, the better the outcome.

Why It Matters:
Water damage can escalate quickly, leading to mold growth and structural issues within hours.
Fast action minimizes damage, reduces costs, and increases the likelihood of salvaging personal property.

Actionable Advice:
Choose a local provider:** McMahon Services’ local ownership allows them to be on-site within an hour, a crucial advantage over larger, less nimble companies.
Have emergency contacts ready:** Store the number of a trusted restoration company in your phone and on your fridge.
Don’t wait for insurance approval:** Immediate mitigation is often required by insurance policies and can prevent claim denials due to “neglect.”

Expert Tip: Even if the water seems minor, hidden moisture can cause major problems. Professionals use specialized equipment to detect and dry out unseen water in walls and floors.

Tip 2: Why Homeowners Should Call Restoration Pros Before Insurance

Key Insight: Restoration experts can help you assess the situation and guide you on whether to file a claim.

Why It Matters:
Not all water or fire damage is covered by standard policies.
Filing unnecessary claims can raise your premiums or result in denied coverage.

Actionable Advice:
Call restoration first:** Let professionals assess the damage and provide a ballpark estimate.
Understand your policy:** Many homeowners are unaware of exclusions (e.g., sump pump failures, sewer backups).
Get documentation:** Restoration companies can provide detailed reports and photos to support your claim if needed.

Expert Tip: Ask your restoration provider to walk you through the insurance process—they often know what adjusters look for and can help you avoid common pitfalls.

Tip 3: Proactive Home Maintenance to Prevent Disasters

Key Insight: Many emergencies are preventable with regular maintenance and a little foresight.

Why It Matters:
Simple oversights, like not detaching hoses in winter, can lead to burst pipes and costly repairs.
Sump pump fai