We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vanessa Van Holland. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vanessa below.
Hi Vanessa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I was raised to work hard and with integrity – values that have guided me throughout my life. I played competitive softball for most of my youth, which taught me resilience, leadership, and how to thrive under pressure. In high school, I umpired softball games on the weekends so I had spending money, and I paid my way through college by serving tables. I eventually graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Economics, always trusting that every chapter of my life was preparing me for something greater.
After college, I worked in real estate and asset management, which gave me a strong foundation in business operations. But I knew I wanted to build something that was both meaningful and service-driven. When my husband Kenny and I came across the opportunity to open Restoration 1 of Rancho Cucamonga, everything aligned.
The emergency restoration industry allows us to show up for people in moments of crisis – whether they’ve experienced a flood, fire, or some other unexpected damage. My background in marketing and relationship-building helps us connect with our community, while Kenny’s engineering and construction expertise ensures we deliver quality, trustworthy service.
I found my purpose in creating calm in the chaos – helping people feel supported, safe, and taken care of when they need it most. All of my life experiences – athletics, education, work, and challenges – led me to this moment, and I truly believe this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Kenny and I are the proud owners of Restoration 1 of Rancho Cucamonga, a 24/7 emergency response company that specializes in water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and biohazard/trauma cleanup. We serve homeowners, business owners, and property managers in Rancho Cucamonga and surrounding cities, often stepping in during some of the most stressful and unexpected times in their lives. What makes our work so meaningful is that we’re not just restoring properties – we’re restoring peace of mind.
Kenny and I run the business together. He brings years of hands-on construction and engineering experience, and I lead the marketing, customer relationships, and community outreach side. Together, we’ve built a company based on integrity, compassion, and professionalism – values we live by at home and in business.
What excites me most about our work is the impact we get to make. People call us when things go wrong – floods, fires, water leaks from broken pipes, mold – and we get to be the calm in the storm. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone through that process and watching their stress turn into relief and trust.
Recently, we were honored to be named Rookie of the Year 2024 at our company’s annual Partner Summit in Frisco, Texas. It was a proud moment that reminded us we’re doing something right – serving our community with care and purpose.
Beyond the business, I also serve as the Ambassador Committee Chair for the Claremont Chamber of Commerce and the Vice President-Elect of BNI Route 66, where I have the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, support member growth, and contribute to the success of our local business network.
Our brand stands for doing what’s right – even when no one’s watching. Whether we’re helping someone recover from a loss or supporting a local event, our mission is to show up with heart and empathy every time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are:
1. Trust & Honesty
2. Work Ethic
3. Relationship-building
Trust and honesty are the foundation of everything Kenny & I do – both personally and professionally. In the emergency restoration industry, we often show up during moments of crisis. People let us into their homes during vulnerable times, and they need to know they’re working with someone who will be honest, transparent, and have their best interest at heart. I’ve learned that earning someone’s trust isn’t about saying the right thing – it’s about consistently doing the right thing.
Work ethic has always been in my DNA. I grew up believing in earning my way, I umpired softball games in high school for spending money and served tables to pay for college. That discipline stuck with me. Running a business is not easy, and there are no shortcuts. Showing up every day, staying consistent, and putting in the work – especially when no one’s watching – is what builds real success.
Relationship-building has been a major part of my journey. From community involvement to networking groups like BNI and the Claremont Chamber, I’ve seen how strong relationships can open doors, create collaborations, and offer support when you need it most. I focus on genuinely connecting with others, listening, and offering value wherever I can.
My advice for anyone early in their journey: Lead with integrity. Show up and do the work even when it’s hard. Focus on building real relationships, not just collecting contacts. When people know they can trust you, respect your hustle, and enjoy working with you, opportunities will naturally follow.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, I’m always open to meaningful partnerships and collaborations!
At Restoration 1 of Rancho Cucamonga, we’re in the business of helping people recover from unexpected property damage. We love working alongside professionals who share our values – integrity, empathy, and a commitment to service. This includes insurance adjusters, plumbers, realtors, commercial facility & property managers, insurance agents and general contractors – really anyone who works closely with homeowners or business owners and wants to provide trusted referrals during a time of need.
We’re also passionate about community involvement, so I welcome opportunities to collaborate on local events, charitable initiatives, or educational workshops that bring value to the people and businesses in Claremont and surrounding cities.
If you’re reading this and feel like our missions align, I’d love to connect. The best way to reach me is through our website at https://restoration1.com/rancho-cucamonga, or you can call our office directly at (909) 765-3581. Let’s make a positive impact together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.restoration1.com/rancho-cucamonga
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoration_1_rancho_cucamonga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Restoration-1-of-Rancho-Cucamonga/61559525630116/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104377487
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/restoration-1-of-rancho-cucamonga-upland-4
Image Credits
Kelsey Daffern Photography, Allen Wayne Photography, Nimages Photography
