Leading Through Crisis: Nasutsa Mabwa on Restoration, Resilience & Business Ethics

Featured in the "Real Stories in Restoration" podcast with Valerie King, Editor-in-Chief of R&R Magazine. Watch the Interview

From Social Work to Restoration Leadership

In a heartfelt episode of Real Stories in Restoration, Nasutsa Mabwa, President and Co-Owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, shares how her background in social work shaped her leadership style. Originally trained to help families navigate crises, she now leads one of Chicagoland’s top restoration companies, guiding homeowners and businesses through the aftermath of floods, fires, and other disasters.

"What I loved most about social work — helping people during difficult times — is the same thing I love about restoration," Nasutsa explains. "You walk into chaos and provide calm, clarity, and recovery."

Why Service Focus is Key to Success

In the interview with Valerie King, Nasutsa explains that her company doesn't try to do everything. Instead, they specialize in what they do best: water and fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning.

This decision to stay focused has helped the company:

• Improve job performance and customer satisfaction
• Avoid burnout among employees
• Build a reputation for excellence across Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, and the North Shore.

"We’re not trying to be all things to everyone," she says. "We’re excellent at a few things — and that’s enough."

Responding to COVID-19: Ethics in Action

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons was one of the first companies in the area to offer certified disinfection services.

This quick response, combined with strict IICRC and OSHA protocols, helped them win the 2020 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics and a Stevie® Award for Women in Business.

Nasutsa says the key to navigating high-pressure situations — whether a virus outbreak or a flood — is to stay grounded in your mission and values.

Learning to Say No — and Grow

Another major takeaway from the interview: time management.

"As a business owner, one of the most powerful things you can do is say no," she explains. By declining the wrong jobs or partnerships, she has created space for the right opportunities to find her team.

This focus has helped the company:

• Increase efficiency
• Deepen client relationships
• Build strategic alliances with other ServiceMaster franchisees across Illinois.

Giving Back and Looking Forward

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons continues to give back by supporting local chambers of commerce, speaking at industry events, and sharing their story with the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, Nasutsa says the company will continue leaning into commercial work, including large-scale cleanup and reconstruction for businesses, schools, and churches throughout Northern Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I watch or listen to the full interview with Nasutsa Mabwa?
A: You can watch it here or find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify by searching “Restoration & Remediation Ask the Expert.”

Q: What makes ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons unique?
A: It’s a family-owned business with 40+ years of local service, led by an IICRC Master Restorer and recognized for ethical leadership, customer focus, and commercial expertise.

Q: Did they provide COVID-19 disinfection services?
A: Yes. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons was one of the first in the Chicagoland area to offer certified disinfection starting in early 2020.

Q: Where do they operate?
A: Across the City of Chicago, North Shore suburbs (Evanston, Skokie, Highland Park), and western suburbs (Oak Park, River Forest).

Our Services

We provide expert restoration and cleaning services across the Chicagoland area:

Residential Services

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning

Commercial Services

• Commercial Water Damage Cleanup
• Commercial Fire Restoration
• Commercial Mold Removal
• Reconstruction & Build-Back Services

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve residential and commercial clients in:

• City of Chicago: Lincoln Park, West Loop, Hyde Park, Gold Coast, Loop
• North Shore: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest
• West/Northwest Suburbs: Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Skokie, Glenview, Northbrook

Featured Resource

RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
Written by CEO Nasutsa Mabwa and IICRC Master Restorer Sam Simon, this essential guide teaches homeowners how to prepare for and recover from disasters caused by water, fire, and mold.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm based in Chicago. With over 40 years of service, we are an IICRC-certified firm and proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).

Led by Sam Simon (IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer) and Nasutsa Mabwa (nationally recognized business leader), our team has earned:

• The BBB Torch Award for Ethics
• The Stevie® Award for Business Excellence
• Skokie Business of the Year – Honorable Mention

We serve homes, businesses, schools, and commercial facilities across Chicagoland and Northern Illinois.

📞 Call 773-376-1110 or Contact Us Online

Let us restore your peace of mind.