A New Year, A New Paul Davis!
Paul Davis is starting the year off strong with the exciting news of a new office opening in Will and Southwest Cook County, IL. New owner, Bill O’Connor joins Paul Davis as a career changer following 20 years in the investing/finance world. An impressive resume takes Bill from New York to London, and finally Chicago where he has settled with his family. Bill, his wife Stephanie, and their three kids (ages 5, 9, and 12) are ready to start this new journey with Paul Davis.
When asked “why Paul Davis?”, here is what Bill had to say: “I was looking to make a shift after years in corporate life. I was looking for a business that I could grow and call my own when a franchise consultant introduced me to Paul Davis. I was immediately impressed by the caliber of the Paul Davis people I met, their clear passion and commitment to the firm’s brand and mission. This made Paul Davis stand out versus all of the other businesses I had considered.”
Moving into the restoration world may seem brand new to Bill, but he believes his knowledge and experience will transfer over seamlessly.
“Coming from the investment world, I have analyzed and financed businesses across a wide range of industries. I was drawn to the Paul Davis business model because of its commitment to provide insurance providers and property owners with consistent, high quality, and essential services across the entire nation. Paul Davis is clearly positioned to succeed as the restoration industry grows and consolidates. I have also been fortunate to meet other Paul Davis owners, who generously shared their time and experience operating this proven system. There is a clear track record of success. There is no reason we cannot do the same”.
Bill O’Connor, New Owner
Mike Gunaka, Head of Operations
A big layer of excitement for this new franchise is that they are starting off with someone not only full of knowledge from the restoration industry and the Will and Southwest Cook County territory but with Paul Davis as well.
Meet Mike Gunaka. Husband of 27 years, father to 4 beautiful daughters, and Head of Operations for the newly opened Paul Davis franchise. Mike comes with over 30 years of experience, beginning his trade at 17 when he went to work in construction. Over the years, Mike worked for an assortment of businesses and started his own, one of those companies being the previous Paul Davis franchise in Southwest Cook County from 2010-2013. Mike commented: “I loved the Paul Davis brand name. A reputable, national name needs to be brought back in here. Local insurance companies and vendors will realize that Paul Davis brings in another view and will say: “these guys are playing for real!”. I can’t wait for this to be a big dog place”.
Mike brings in high-profit margins and still has his awards to show that he was NPS Champion twice during his previous tenure with Paul Davis. Bill explained that when looking for the right team members “Mike stood out amongst the others not only for his experience but because he shares the vision for the customer-centric business model. This is a relationship business, not a transactional business. We are here to help.”
To which Mike added: “It’s got to be customer-driven. You have to be compassionate because all of the jobs are forced remodels. They are forced into something they did not want, so we have to make their life as comfortable as we can, given the circumstances.”
Mike also shared his excitement with bringing back this great brand to their territory.
“We see a great community, a great market to serve, and want to be active and engaged in all that. We also want to build a great place to work. We want to provide careers not jobs.”
- Mike Gunaka, Head of Operations
Bill, Stephanie, Mike, and all those to soon join this team, we cannot wait to see your business grow, serving your community, and providing opportunities to great people. Welcome to the Paul Davis family!