Panama City, FL SouthernCAT,Inc., a leading firm in the restoration industry, recently announced the appointment of Sara Raley as Director of Restoration. With over 41 years of unparalleled expertise, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to SouthernCAT.
As Director of Restoration, Sara's responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum to include best invoice practices, Client/Carrier communications, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, training and development and team leadership. “Her approach is a testament to her passion for making a meaningful impact in the restoration field, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the SouthernCAT family.” Jason Henry, President of SouthernCAT recently commented.
Sara's multifaceted skills as an entrepreneur, restorer, certified remediator, contractor, property appraiser, auditor, and consultant, combined with her acute attention to detail, drive her continuous pursuit of challenges and learning opportunities.
“I’m very excited to be part of the SouthernCAT team and look forward to being an integral part of the continued mark they are making in the restoration industry.” Sara's commitment to implementing the best billing and documentation practices is not just about “checking the box” but also aims to expedite the payment process, inspiring others to deliver work that they can take pride in.
Before joining SouthernCAT, Sara utilized her skills at Sedgwick as a Building Consultant and also served as the Restoration Practice Director at J.S Held, both globally recognized consulting firms. In these roles, she was instrumental in reorganizing processes, creating restoration invoice analysis guidelines, training teams, and establishing vendor programs. Her role as a Subject Matter Expert has led her to author numerous legal opinion reports, testify as an expert witness, conduct webinars, and publish articles focusing on billing practices.
A respected voice in the industry, Sara has been a guest speaker at various prestigious conferences and events, sharing her insights on project documentation, restorer fraud, and technological advancements in water damage assessment. She has also produced educational content, such as a training module on the “Misuse of Technology in Water Investigations” for PLRB.
Sara's journey in the restoration industry began in September 1982 alongside her husband, Bill. Together, they managed three Servpro franchises and led the Trainership for Central Florida for 29 years, demonstrating their profound industry impact. Her independent venture started with HW3 Group in 2006, followed by the establishment of her consulting firm in 2010, before joining J.S. Held in 2018.
A proud Orlando native, Sara is a Florida Southern College alumna, holding degrees in music and business management. Her personal interests include walking, swimming, golfing, shopping, traveling, and attending music concerts.
SouthernCAT is excited to have Sara lead their Restoration department and is confident that her expertise and leadership will greatly benefit their clients and the restoration industry at large.
