Zeke's Journey: A Restoration Career Built on Hard Work and Dedication
Meet Zeke, FRA’s National Operations Manager. His restoration career is a testament to commitment, perseverance, and seizing every opportunity. Here’s how Zeke carved out his path.
Humble Beginnings: Claims Manager to Field Technician
In 2013, Zeke began his restoration career at FRA as a Claims Manager. Back then, FRA was a small operation, with just four employees in the office and four technicians in the field. Zeke’s role involved compiling reports, liaising with clients, insureds, and stakeholders—handling the vital coordination between all parties.
From the outset, Zeke had his eyes set on advancing. He didn’t simply wait for a promotion; he sought to earn it. He volunteered to assist as a technician, gaining invaluable hands-on experience on-site while continuing to manage claims. The extra money was nice, but Zeke knew that the field experience was crucial for his future. His passion for expanding his restoration career was obvious, and FRA, recognizing his drive, supported him every step of the way.
Rising Through the Ranks: From Project Manager to Senior Leader
By November 2015, when FRA needed a new Project Manager, Zeke’s dedication paid off. He was the clear choice for the promotion, demonstrating his initiative and hard work. Just two years into his restoration career at FRA, Zeke began training as a Trainee Project Manager, where he scoped and quoted jobs, gaining deeper insight into the industry.
Zeke didn’t stop there. His persistence and commitment led to another promotion in 2017, this time as Senior Project Manager. Now, he was entrusted with larger, more valuable projects. His restoration career had grown significantly, but Zeke still saw room for more.
Leadership and Beyond: State Manager to National Operations Manager
In 2018, Zeke’s hard work culminated in another significant leap—he was promoted to State Manager of Victoria. In this role, he oversaw all operations within the state, including financials, employee management, P&Ls, and overall business growth. His ability to balance operational excellence with people management further cemented his standing in the restoration career he had cultivated.
By May 2022, Zeke had reached the pinnacle of his restoration career at FRA, becoming the National Operations Manager. Now responsible for daily operations across all FRA business units, Zeke manages a national team, reflecting on how far the company—and his career—had come. FRA had grown from a small office to a nationwide operation, and Zeke was there every step of the way.
Why FRA?
When asked why he chose to build his restoration career at FRA rather than elsewhere, Zeke credits the company’s working environment. FRA has always been a place where people support each other, regardless of position. This spirit of collaboration remains today. FRA invests heavily in its employees, offering in-house IICRC training and continuous professional development opportunities.
Just like Zeke, many of FRA’s employees have started in entry-level roles and climbed the ranks, taking advantage of the supportive environment and opportunities for career growth. Zeke’s story is one of many at FRA, where a restoration career can flourish with hard work, persistence, and the right support.
Zeke’s journey exemplifies what a restoration career at FRA can become: from starting as a Claims Manager in a small office to leading national operations. His dedication, growth, and commitment to learning are the cornerstones of success.
