This month, we celebrate Tom Polliard, Senior Project Manager and Estimator, as he marks his 19th anniversary with Reynolds Restoration Services. Tom has been with us since our founding in 2005, making him one of our very first employees. Over these years, Tom has worn many hats and played a pivotal role in the growth and success of our company. In his current role, he manages disaster restoration and reconstruction projects from kickoff through to completion.
Tom’s extensive experience and deep knowledge have also made him a valuable consultant to the insurance industry. Insurance adjusters seek Tom’s expertise to estimate large losses that fall outside their usual scope. His ability to accurately assess restoration and reconstruction costs ensures that customers receive fair and precise claim payouts, embodying our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Interestingly, Tom’s journey into the restoration and construction industry was far from linear. After high school, he set off to college with aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist. However, after several years as a pre-med student, Tom realized that a decade more of schooling wasn’t the path for him. Taking a break from college, he reconnected with two old friends who owned a cabinet shop and joined them as a laborer. It was here that Tom discovered a love for carpentry and construction, learning basic skills on the job and gradually taking on framing and finishing tasks.
“I’ve always had an eye for art and historic buildings and didn’t realize I could take that passion and use it in construction,” Tom shares. “It was love at first sight for me when I realized carpentry and construction could fulfill a passion of mine.”
Tom’s early years in construction were marked by a dedication to learning various facets of the trade, particularly historic restoration. One of his notable early projects included mold abatement for 66 historic homes in Lancaster. As his expertise grew, Tom ventured into working as an independent contractor, traveling extensively to perform historic millwork construction and restoration. This period also allowed him the flexibility to help raise his newborn daughter, balancing his personal and professional life.
Several years later, Tom returned to full-time work at an emergency restoration services company. When the company closed its doors in 2005, Reynolds Restoration Services was in its formative stages and acquired the assets of the closing company. Recognizing Tom’s talent and dedication, the leadership team extended him a job offer. Tom accepted and joined Reynolds Restoration Services as a General Superintendent, quickly becoming an integral part of our team.
After a few years, Tom transitioned from his role as General Superintendent to Construction Manager for a large-scale project at the Milton Hershey School. During his two-year tenure in this position, Tom played a pivotal role in expanding the campus footprint. This experience not only bolstered Tom’s expertise but also proved to be critical for Reynolds Restoration Services.
In 2010, the Milton Hershey School faced a devastating fire that severely impacted Founders Hall. Given Tom’s previous experience with the school, the leadership team at Milton Hershey reached out to Reynolds Restoration for assistance. This project marked a significant milestone as it was the first large loss Reynolds Restoration managed and remains one of the most complex undertakings to date.
“This was the first large loss for the company and is still the largest project we’ve undertaken. The complexity of the project and our success in completing it was a milestone moment for Reynolds Restoration Services. Over my entire career, this is one of the biggest projects I have worked on,” says Tom.
The successful completion of the Founders Hall project not only highlighted Tom’s expertise and leadership but also solidified Reynolds Restoration Services’ reputation for handling large-scale, complex restoration projects. Tom’s contributions have been instrumental in the company’s growth and success, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and exceptional skills in the industry.
“Tom has been an integral part of Reynolds Restoration Services since day one, playing a pivotal role in our success and growth. I am immensely proud of his contributions, from mentoring colleagues to delivering outstanding service to our clients. His unparalleled knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset to our team. Beyond his professional excellence, I am honored to call Tom a friend,” says Anthony Worrall, President of Reynolds Restoration Services.
Tom and his wife of 25 years, Lena, reside in their charming home in Mount Holly. They also own a farm in Cumberland County, where they raised their daughter Lena, and additional properties in Potter County and Delaware. They share their home with Paco, a lively parrot, Fifi, a fluffy Lionhead rabbit, and two adopted stray cats named Apple and Sox. Tom’s commitment to his family and the care of their properties reflects his nurturing nature and dedication, both on and off the job.
Fun Facts:
- Tom fondly recalls his first restoration job, which he undertook at age 13. His father purchased an abandoned house that had experienced flooding. His father, an avid DIYer, engaged Tom and his brother to help restore the house. Outside of a few trades like electrical work and plumbing, the family team restored the entire house.
- In his younger years, Tom embraced his adventurous spirit and spent about ten years traveling up and down the East Coast following the Grateful Dead. One of his wildest adventures included hitchhiking all the way to Duke University just to catch one of their shows. His current favorite musician is Billy Strings and he looks forward to seeing him twice in concert before the year ends.
- Tom’s favorite travel destination is the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He’s visited twice and dreams of living there someday. An avid outdoorsman, he loves hiking and immersing himself in nature.