Justin Grove is the newest Director of Operations for one of Rytech Restoration’s most successful franchises. His experience perfectly matches Rytech of Dallas/Ft. Worth’s expanding Fire & Smoke service arena.
Justin came to Rytech Restoration by way of a nationwide competitor that handled significant fire and smoke restoration. He’s been with owners Gino Lenzi, Amy Edwards and Ted Soetaert who together own Rytech of Houston, Austin, Dallas and latest acquisition, San Antonio, since October of 2021. He won the Ryte-Tech Award for most outstanding technician in November 2021, his first month on the job.
He arrived certified by the IICRC as a Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), and with certifications in Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Odor Control Technician (OTC) and most importantly.. as a Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT).
In fact, fire and smoke is where Justin spent much of his last decade. He estimates he’s managed close to two hundred such job sites averaging around ten or so every twelve months.
He recalls one site, a medium sized town home complex with six units per building. One building had all six units destroyed. “When we left everything looked perfect” he said with obvious pride. It was a big job, but it was one of many that laid the groundwork for his ascension to Rytech Restoration where he’s been spending much of his time “training the others and helping them learn fire and smoke...” the Ryte way.
Justin and his significant other, Vanessa, have been together for seven years. “Together” means more than a home, with kids and pets though--both have been, and still are, in restoration. That’s how they met, at Justin’s former employer and today Vanessa is the contents manager for one of Rytech’s largest national competitors. “Perfect for some stirring dinner conversations” he quips.
Justin’s son Isaac (15) lives in Oklahoma City with his mom. Vanessa’s son lives in DC with his wife. Getting them all together, as they did in DC recently, is challenging but, just like with Rytech’s annual meetings, it’s well worth the effort.
As is so often the case, those who help others recuperate from tragic losses, like a fire or flood, are often animal lovers. Justin is no exception. He just picked up two kittens, literally. “They just jumped in my truck. How could I say no?”
And, almost immediately after the kittens a small Pitbull showed up, lost and roaming the neighborhood. “He’s a real lovebug” Justin says. “He had an electronic chip but, when we contacted the owner he wasn’t interested in keeping him, so we now have two cats and a sweetheart of a dog... a big dog.”
One of Justin’s largest and toughest jobs was an arcade called “Alley Cats” (think Dave & Buster’s). Along with a bowling alley it has eleven thousand (11,000) square feet of pinball machines, laser tag, put-put, food, drinks and much more. “Well...the entire building was flooded, all eleven thousand feet. And we were stretched pretty thin during the Texas freeze.” he recalled. “They had to shut down for nine days while we worked all day and night until 4:00 AM.”
“We used four hundred and eighteen (418) air movers, twelve (12) dehumidifiers and had to disassemble the equipment used to service the bowling alley.” he said. “In the end, I think we basically saved their bowling alley.”
Those are the jobsites, the really tough ones, that make the restoration business challenging and thus, rewarding. “I really love the people who use a little humor to get through it. The characters who can sometimes just crack you up...” he says--expressing an approach he no doubt employs on himself.
“My philosophy is if you’re not having a good time at work might as well find something else to do. I try to lift their spirits with comforting words and a little humor tailored to the persons unique situation.”
Spare time? Two words: Bass Fishing. And lots of it. Also, video games--favorites like “Call of Duty” or “Rocket League. “I even like doing it competitively when there’s time. Groups compete against other groups” he says.
Justin’s long term? “I’d like to help this franchise grow and maybe someday buy in as a part owner.”
“They are pretty much great people” Justin says of the Rytech Dallas owners. “They treat you like a big family, no walking around on eggshells. They appreciate you for what you are and it’s nice to feel appreciated” he says smiling as he talks. “And there’s no ceiling here. I can grow as the company grows.”
Welcome to Team Rytech, Justin... where family is everything and growing is the result!
