Some people choose their careers. Others have careers that seem to choose them. For Bradley Vercosa, water damage restoration was the latter.
For over 30 years, Vercosa has been at the forefront of disaster recovery. He has helped people reclaim their homes and businesses after floods, hurricanes, and fires. His work has taken him to some of the most catastrophic disaster sites in modern history—including the Pentagon and World Trade Center area after 9/11.
“I never planned on getting into restoration,” Vercosa says. “But once I started, I knew I had found my calling. There’s something about walking into a disaster zone and knowing you can make it right again.”
Early Years and Unexpected Beginnings
Vercosa was born in New York but spent time in Brazil, where his parents were from. Growing up, he was always good with his hands. At 15, he became a car mechanic. But that path didn’t stick.
“I loved working with tools, but cars weren’t for me,” he says.
At 21, he was introduced to disaster restoration. He learned how to clean up water damage, remove mold, and rebuild structures. The work was tough, but it was also rewarding.
“Every job was different,” he says. “Every disaster had its own challenges. I had to think fast and adapt.”
By 33, Vercosa took a big leap. He bought a Service Master franchise and started his own restoration business. From there, his career skyrocketed.
A Career Marked by Crisis and Recovery
Over the years, Vercosa has led cleanup efforts in major disasters across the U.S. He has worked on hurricane recovery in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also handled thousands of individual cases of flood and water damage in West Palm Beach, Broward, Miami, and Port St. Lucie.
But the work that sticks with him most is what he did after 9/11.
“When we were called in to help clean the Pentagon and the World Trade Center area, I knew it wasn’t just another job,” he says. “It was history. And we had to do it right.”
The experience changed him. It made him more aware of the impact his work had on people’s lives. It also solidified his belief in being prepared for anything.
The Art and Science of Restoration
According to Vercosa, restoration is both a skill and a mindset. It’s not just about cleaning up damage. It’s about understanding how disasters unfold and knowing how to prevent further destruction.
“People think water damage is just about drying things out,” he explains. “But water keeps moving. It seeps into places you don’t see. If you don’t handle it right away, it leads to mold, rot, and even structural collapse.”
That’s why experience is key.
“You can’t learn this work from a book,” he says. “You have to be on the ground, in the mess, figuring out what works.”
A Love for Soccer and Coaching
Outside of work, Vercosa has another passion—soccer.
“I’m a die-hard Brazilian soccer fan,” he says. “It’s in my blood.”
For years, he also coached youth soccer in Wellington. Helping young athletes develop discipline and teamwork gave him a different sense of purpose.
“Soccer teaches you a lot about life,” he says. “You learn how to work as a team, adjust to changing situations, and push through tough moments.”
In many ways, he sees restoration work the same way.
Lessons from a Lifetime in Restoration
Looking back on his career, Vercosa says he’s made mistakes, but he’s learned from them. One of his biggest lessons? Grow smart, not fast.
“Early on, I expanded too quickly,” he admits. “I opened multiple locations without the right infrastructure. It almost cost me everything.”
He had to scale back, refocus, and build things the right way.
Now, he tells young entrepreneurs to focus on quality over size.
“If you do great work, people will find you,” he says. “You don’t need to be everywhere at once.”
Looking to the Future
Today, Vercosa continues to run SuperClean Restoration of The Palm Beaches LLC. He stays hands-on, ensuring every job meets his high standards. He also keeps a close eye on industry trends, especially eco-friendly restoration methods.
“We’re moving toward greener solutions,” he says. “People want safer, non-toxic ways to clean up disasters. It’s the future.”
But no matter how the industry evolves, he believes one thing will never change—the need for skilled, experienced professionals.
“This is a hands-on business,” he says. “Technology helps, but nothing replaces real experience.”
After three decades of rebuilding what’s been lost, Bradley Vercosa shows no signs of slowing down.
