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Water Damage RestorationAsk the Expert

Ask the Expert

Leading Causes of Commercial Water Damage: Insights from Shawn Havalotti

Expert Tips on Mitigating Commercial Water Damage

By Kayla McGowan
January 27, 2025

In this episode of Ask the Expert, we are joined by industry veteran Shawn Havalotti, District Manager of United Water Restoration Group. He has been a driving force in restoration and remediation since 2006. Starting his journey out at the age of 16, he has worked in various roles and companies, including a significant tenure with one of the industry's largest firms.

Shawn holds multiple credentials, including IICRC certifications, ASHE training, and a CCITI healthcare remediator certification. His expertise has led to two nationally showcased fire restoration projects featured on TV and in magazines. From managing six- to seven-figure projects and overseeing every detail from initial loss to final delivery to hands-on roles like extraction and selective demolition, Shawn’s comprehensive experience covers every facet of the industry.


Key Discussion Points:

1. Shawn shares how he made his way into the restoration industry and what motivated him to pursue a career in this field. 

2. We discuss the leading causes of commercial water damage and how they differentiate from residential scenarios. 

3. Learn how outdated or corroded pipes can often lead to significant water damage in commercial buildings. 

4. Learn about practical and preventive steps that commercial property owners can take to reduce their risk of water damage.

5. Shawn explains how businesses can make sure their plumbing fixtures are properly installed and maintained to help avoid undetected leaks.

We discuss many more topics in this episode of Ask The Expert. Listen to learn more!

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KEYWORDS: commercial loss restoration water mitigation

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Kayla mcgowan author

Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

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