Meet Vanessa Van Holland | Emergency Restoration Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Van Holland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be defined by how I made people feel. Whether it’s my customers, my team, or the community I serve, I want to leave a lasting impression of trust, empathy, and unwavering support. When people think of me, I hope they remember someone who treated them with kindness and respect during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

In the restoration industry, we meet people in their most vulnerable states – after a flood, fire, or mold has disrupted their home or business. My mission is to not only restore their property but also restore their sense of stability and peace. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t just solve problems but provided reassurance, comfort, and hope in the process.

As a wife and a mother to two young boys, my legacy is also deeply rooted in the values I pass on to my family. I want my boys to see through my actions the importance of hard work, compassion, and resilience. Being their mother is my most cherished role, and everything I do, whether in business or in life, is driven by my desire to build a future they can be proud of. I hope to teach them that true success lies in how you make others feel and the positive impact you leave behind.

Beyond business, I want my legacy to extend into the community. I strive to uplift others. I hope to inspire others to pursue their goals fearlessly, knowing that success is not just about what you achieve but how you uplift and impact those around you.

Ultimately, I want people to remember that I cared deeply—not just about the work I did but about the people I served. I want my legacy to be a reminder that love, kindness, grit and a commitment to making a difference are what truly endure.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Restoration 1 of Rancho Cucamonga, we specialize in emergency restoration services, including water damage mitigation, fire and smoke cleanup, mold remediation and trauma / crime scene cleanup. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to not only restoring properties but also providing peace of mind to our customers during some of the most stressful moments of their lives. We pride ourselves on being responsive, compassionate, and detail-oriented, treating every home or business as if it were our own.

Innovation is a priority for us. We are always looking for ways to improve our processes, adopt the latest technology, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving restoration industry. Our mission is to develop and maintain a well-trained team of quality people who strive to provide excellent customer service with honesty, integrity, respect, and compassion.

What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built with our community. Seeing homeowners and business owners regain a sense of normalcy after a disaster because of our team’s hard work is incredibly rewarding. I’m also excited about the growth we’ve achieved, which has allowed us to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and hire talented individuals who share our passion for helping others.

Getting to where we are today has not been easy. Early on, our biggest challenge was simply getting our phones to ring. Establishing our presence in a highly competitive industry required relentless social media marketing, networking, and building a reputation from the ground up.

To overcome these obstacles, we leaned into our values of hard work, integrity, and relentless perseverance. Building relationships with local chambers of commerce, industry related associations, insurance adjusters, property managers and plumber community taught us the power of networking and the importance of always delivering exceptional service.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. Emergencies don’t follow a schedule, and neither do our customers’ needs. Staying flexible and focused on problem-solving has allowed us to succeed where others might falter.

What I want the world to know about Restoration 1 of Rancho Cucamonga is that we are more than a restoration company – we are a team of dedicated individuals who genuinely care about our customers and their homes. Our story is rooted in resilience, family, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s responding to a flood in the middle of the night or helping a business recover from fire and smoke damage, we’re here to serve with empathy, compassion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, we’d escape to San Clemente for the perfect coastal getaway. We’d arrive on a Monday in the summer, so we could make the most of the sunny weather. We’d book an Airbnb with an ocean view, waking up to the sound of the waves every morning with a hot cup of coffee – it’s the best way to start the day!

Our first stop would be walking the pier, breathing in the fresh ocean air, and people-watching before heading to Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar for warm clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, listening to the waves and watching the surfers. We’d spend the day on the beach soaking up some vitamin C, snacking, and grabbing ice cream for dessert from a local shop.

One afternoon, we’d have a midweek spa day at a local wellness center for some pampering, then stroll down Avenida Del Mar. The charming street, lined with boutique shops, cafes, and galleries, is perfect for laid-back shopping and people-watching. For dinner, we’d head over to Franco’s Famous Cocktail Bar and Kitchen for the most refreshing margaritas, good food, and to catch a sports game. Later, we’d check out Beachfire Bar & Grill for a live band and some great vibes.

A must-do is mani-pedis at a nail salon on Del Mar, followed by some fun shopping at the San Clemente Outlets. Then dinner at Nick’s San Clemente located on Avenida Del Mar. They are known for their upscale comfort food like prime rib sandwiches, fried chicken, fresh seafood alongside creative cocktails and a well curated wine list. A favorite spot for locals and visitors, perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner or a relaxing happy hour in the heart of San Clemente.

The rest of the week would be a mix of relaxation and exploring. We’d spend time walking along the Beach Trail, hiking through the San Clemente Coastal Reserve for those gorgeous views, bike riding and just soaking up the sun at the beach.

On Sunday morning, we’d stroll through the Farmers Market, grabbing some local goodies and taking in the relaxed San Clemente vibe. Then we’d treat ourselves to brunch at Cafe Mimosa – it’s all about the mimosas and their amazing breakfast options!

San Clemente is such a special place with its laid-back charm, amazing food, and stunning ocean views. It’s the kind of spot where every moment feels like a mini vacation, and it’s the perfect place to make unforgettable memories with your best friend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to two incredible pillars in my life: my parents, Ralph and Josie Lavendera, and my husband, Kenny Van Holland. Their love, sacrifices, and unwavering support have shaped me into the person I am today.

My parents, Ralph and Josie, poured their hearts into ensuring I had opportunities they never had. They sacrificed so much to send me to private school and support my love for softball, teaching me invaluable lessons about dedication, resilience, and self-belief. Their endless encouragement built the foundation for my confidence and drive, and I carry their example with me every day.

Equally deserving of recognition is my husband, Kenny. He has been my steadfast partner through life’s toughest moments – two challenging pregnancies, a torn ACL, and most recently, my battle with papillary thyroid cancer. Kenny’s unwavering love and support carried me through those dark times, and his strength reminded me I was never alone. As my partner in life and in business at Restoration 1 of Rancho Cucamonga, his engineering expertise complements my entrepreneurial energy, grounding me when my ideas start to soar too high. He’s the calm to my storm, and together, we’ve built a life and business that I’m so proud of.

These extraordinary people have shaped my story with their sacrifices, love, and faith in me. They’ve taught me what it means to persevere, to hope, and to pour yourself into something greater than yourself. I owe them more than words can express, and I hope to honor their legacy in everything I do.

Website: https://www.restoration1.com/rancho-cucamonga

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoration_1_rancho_cucamonga

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104377487

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Restoration-1-of-Rancho-Cucamonga/61559525630116/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/restoration-1-of-rancho-cucamonga-upland-4

Image Credits
Kelsey Daffern Photography (individual pic of me in green)
Allen Wayne Photography (professional company photos)