Why ServiceMaster Is the Most Trusted Name in Restoration — And Why Simons Leads the Way in Chicago
Sam Simon
September 9, 2025ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons combines nearly a century of ServiceMaster’s national legacy with over 30 years of trusted, local expertise in Chicago, Lake County, Northern Cook County, and DuPage County. Family-owned and IICRC-certified at the highest level, our award-winning team delivers expert water, fire, and mold restoration—backed by decades of disaster response across the U.S. From emergency cleanup to full reconstruction, we bring national strength with local authority to every home and business we serve.
National Strength. Local Authority.
Since 1929, ServiceMaster has been a household name in disaster restoration. Originally founded in Chicago by Marion E. Wade as a moth-proofing company, the brand grew into one of America’s most trusted names in water, fire, and mold damage restoration.
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we carry that legacy forward every day—providing expert, IICRC-certified restoration services to homes and businesses across Chicago, Lake County, Northern Cook County, and Northern DuPage County.
Who We Are: Simons Sets the Local Standard
While many restoration companies have appeared in the wake of recent disasters, few have our track record. Led by husband-and-wife team Sam Simon and Nasutsa Mabwa, ServiceMaster By Simons is:
- MBE/WBE Certified
- Family-Owned and Operated
- In Business for Over 30 Years
- Based in the Heart of Chicagoland (Downtown Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Glenview, Oak Park)
- IICRC-Certified as Master Fire Restorer, Master Water Restorer, and Master Textile Restorer
Want to verify our credentials? You can do so here: IICRC Certified Firm Verification
We’re also proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), further reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
What We Do: Complete Restoration Services
Our restoration teams are trained, equipped, and experienced in:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire & Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Mold Remediation & Removal
- Pack-Outs & Content Cleaning
- Hoarder, Trauma, & Biohazard Cleanup
- Construction & Reconstruction Services
Whether it's a burst pipe in Glenview, a kitchen fire in Highland Park, or storm damage in Evanston, we handle every job with speed, care, and expert precision.
Explore Our Services for ServiceMaster Restoration Chicago
Our History of Major Disaster Response
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons isn’t just local—we’re nationally recognized. Our team has been deployed to support some of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, including:
- Hurricane Katrina (Louisiana, 2005)
- Hurricane Sandy (New Jersey, 2012)
- Hurricane Harvey (Texas, 2017)
- Hurricane Ike (2008; caused major flooding in Chicagoland)
- Hurricane Matthew, various tropical storms
- Freeze events in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois
We’ve received multiple certificates of appreciation from ServiceMaster Corporate for our contributions during these catastrophic events.
And yes, we were on the ground during Hurricane Ike’s 2008 remnants that dumped over 8 inches of rain in the greater Chicagoland area—helping Chicagoland homeowners recover from historic flood conditions.
Why Choose Simons Over Other ServiceMaster Franchises?
While other franchises may share the name, not all offer the same level of care, expertise, or professionalism. Here’s what sets Simons apart:
- We don’t use misleading “free estimates.” We tell it straight.
- We work directly with insurance carriers, but always advocate for the homeowner.
- We understand the nuances of Chicago’s vintage homes, lakefront humidity, and city-specific permitting.
- Our leadership is on-site, not behind a desk.
Read our blog: ServiceMaster Simons vs Other Restorers: Who Really Delivers?
Where We Work - Areas We Serve
Our team proudly serves:
- Chicago: Streeterville, River North, Logan Square, Hyde Park
- North Shore: Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Glenview, Skokie
- Lake County & Cook County: Deerfield, Bannockburn, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove
- DuPage County: Oak Park, River Forest, Elmhurst, and surrounding areas
We’re known across these regions for our fast response, industry-leading equipment, and human-first customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons different from other restoration companies in Chicago?
Unlike many restoration firms, we hold the IICRC’s highest certifications (Master Fire, Master Water, and Master Textile Restorer) and are active members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). Our family-owned business combines national ServiceMaster resources with 40+ years of local Chicagoland expertise.
Does ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provide free estimates?
No. We believe in transparency and accuracy, so we don’t use misleading “free estimate” claims. Instead, we provide a thorough assessment and walk homeowners through the real scope of work needed—whether it’s water, fire, or mold restoration.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve Chicago neighborhoods like River North, Logan Square, and Hyde Park, as well as North Shore suburbs including Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Glenview. We also cover Lake County, Northern Cook County, and Northern DuPage County towns such as Oak Park, River Forest, and Elmhurst.
Has your team responded to national disasters?
Yes. Our franchise has been deployed nationwide for Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Harvey, and the 2008 Hurricane Ike floods that hit Chicagoland. We’ve also assisted after freeze events in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, and Iowa.
Are your restoration services covered by insurance?
We work directly with insurance carriers and adjusters, but always advocate for the homeowner. While coverage depends on your policy, our team guides you through the claims process to ensure you receive the support you need.
How quickly can ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons respond to an emergency?
We’re available 24/7 and respond immediately to water damage, fire, and storm emergencies across Chicago and the North Shore. Fast action reduces damage and helps keep restoration costs down.
ServiceMaster: Trusted Then. Trusted Now.
From post-war America to modern-day catastrophe zones, ServiceMaster has been a trusted name for nearly a century.
And today, that national trust continues with ServiceMaster By Simons right here in Chicago.
We invite you to experience why we’re the go-to name in local and national restoration, and why you should choose ServiceMaster Restoration Chicago.
About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm proudly serving Chicago, the North Shore, and surrounding areas in Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. Family-owned and woman-owned, our company is led by Sam Simon and Nasutsa Mabwa—industry veterans with over 30 years of experience in managing residential and commercial restoration projects.
As an IICRC Certified Firm, we hold the highest designations in the industry:
- Master Fire & Smoke Restorer
- Master Water Restorer
We are also members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), reinforcing our commitment to ethical standards, best practices, and continuing education in the restoration field.
Our franchise has been deployed nationwide to respond to catastrophic disasters including:
- Hurricane Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Ike, and Matthew
- Tropical storms and record flooding events in the Midwest
- Historic freeze disasters in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio
Our performance during these events has earned us multiple certificates of appreciation from ServiceMaster Corporate, and we remain one of the most respected restoration teams in the country.
From 24/7 emergency response to reconstruction and specialty cleaning, we bring national resources with a local, hands-on approach. Every job is completed with compassion, urgency, and certified precision.
Verify our certifications with the IICRC
Contact us 24/7 to schedule immediate service or consultation.
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.
He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.
Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.
In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.
Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile
Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.
Under the direction of partner and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:
- Inc. 5000 - 2025 Fastest Growing Companies in America (recipient)
- 2024 Chicago Star Award
- 2021 SB100 Best of Small Business Award
- 2020 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
- Stevie® Award for Business Excellence
- Skokie Business of the Year (Honorable Mention)
- ServiceMaster International Rookie of the Year (2017)
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Flooded basement? Burst pipe? Don’t wait—water damage spreads fast. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency water damage cleanup for Chicagoland and North Shore homes. With 40+ years of local expertise and IICRC-certified crews, we’ll protect your property and start the restoration immediately.
(773) 376-1110
(773) 376-1110
