BOYD
MITIGATION MANAGER
Boyd is a Ferris State graduate with over 10 years of experience and a passion for building strong, reliable teams. Since joining us in 2022, he’s been leading the charge on the ground, handling tough jobs with focus, care, determination, and a whole lot of grit.
Boyd was drawn to this line of work for its growth potential and the chance to do something meaningful every day. But outside of work, you’ll find him hunting, dirt biking, or just enjoying the outdoors with friends.
BRANDON
FIELD ASSISTANT
Born and raised in Northern Michigan, Brandon has lived here his whole life and takes pride in helping restore the homes and businesses that make up his community. While he’s newer to the restoration field, his enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and hands-on skills make him an asset on every job.
Before joining the team, Brandon worked as a small engine mechanic, so he’s no stranger to fixing things and getting his hands dirty. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him under the hood of his truck or hanging out with friends.
Inspired by his mentor Brian, Brandon takes pride in seeing each job through from start to finish and helping people when they need it most. He’s the kind of team member who reminds us why we do what we do.
BRIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN
Brian has lived in Northern Michigan his whole life and has spent years working in the restoration industry. He started his career back in 2006, and eventually found his place with us at Lake Effect. Over time, he has earned multiple certifications including water, applied microbial, and advanced structural drying—skills that allow him to tackle the toughest jobs with confidence.
Outside of work, Brian thrives on adventure - he's always looking for ways to push limits and take on new challenges.
One of Brian’s proudest accomplishments has been becoming a certified firefighter. The compassion and responsibility that come with that role mirror the heart of his work in restoration: stepping up in times of crisis, protecting what matters most, and helping people move forward after difficult moments.
CADEN
FIELD ASSISTANT
A Gaylord native, Caden has lived in Northern Michigan his whole life and joined the Lake Effect Restoration team eager to learn the ropes of the restoration industry. Even though he’s new to the field, he’s quickly gaining experience and proving that a willingness to learn and a great attitude go a long way.
Outside of work, Caden enjoys fishing, hunting, and getting out on the golf course every now and then. His first job was in construction, so hands-on work comes naturally. When asked what inspired him to join Lake Effect, he gave a shout-out to his teammate Brandon for helping him get started and showing him how rewarding this work can be.
We’re glad to have Caden on the team. His dedication and positive energy help keep our restoration projects running strong.
COLIN
FIELD ASSISTANT
Colin has lived in Northern Michigan his entire life and brings years of restoration experience to our team. He also has a background as a certified and trained firefighter, which provides him with a deeper understanding of how disasters can impact a property in ways that extend beyond the surface.
When he’s not on-site, you’ll probably find Colin restoring classic cars and trucks, tinkering with small engines, fishing, or participating in bump-and-run races. He’s passionate about craftsmanship and enjoys hands-on work that makes a real difference for others.
Colin’s passion for helping others stems from his work alongside his mom, where he learned about the significant impact one can make. He’s the kind of guy who finds joy in both the big projects and the small details, always ready to lend a hand and put his skills to work helping others.
DAVID
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
David joined us in June 2023 as our Business Development Manager, bringing 12 years of professional experience and a passion for connecting with people. A graduate of Lake Orion High School and Oakland University, he’s been recognized as Petoskey Chamber's Ambassador of the Year, Charlevoix Chamber's Ambassador of the Year, and also serves as a Chamber Ambassador for Gaylord and Harbor Springs. David is the Board Chair for the local Red Cross of Michigan, a member of Petoskey Rotary, and is deeply committed to community involvement.
Outside of work, you'll find David cheering on his favorite Formula 1 team, playing guitar, dominating local trivia challenges, and spending time with his three dogs—including his newest addition, a Dalmatian rescue. His love for people, community service, and building relationships is at the heart of everything he does.
HOUSTON
CARPENTER
With over 15 years of experience, Houston brings a wide range of skills to the table—including drywall, trim, painting, framing, siding, roofing, flooring, masonry, management, and even some electrical and plumbing. His versatility makes him an invaluable member of our team, ready to tackle any restoration challenge.
Outside of work, Houston stays really busy with a variety of hobbies like RC cars, drones, gaming, and Airsoft.
Inspired by his family, Houston chose this career path as a way to provide and to help people in meaningful ways. For him, the most rewarding part of the job is simple—helping people in need and knowing his work makes a difference.
JD
MITIGATION CREW
JD has lived in Northern Michigan for four years and brings a background in technology with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Administration from Michigan Technological University. Though new to the restoration field, JD is quickly gaining experience and learning more every day.
Outside of work, JD enjoys golf, fishing, and hiking. His first job was as a go-kart mechanic, which gave him his start in hands-on work. A fun fact? He can drive a golf ball 340 yards!
JD says he was inspired to join this line of work because Dave believed in him, and one of his proudest professional moments so far has been getting his own company van.
JENNIFER
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
A lifelong Northern Michigan local, Jennifer brings a warm personality, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to help people to everything she does.
She was drawn to this field because she has always wanted to try something different and do something important. Outside of work, Jennifer loves fishing, boating, and spending time with her pup Oakley.
With a big heart and a natural drive to learn and grow, she is a valued member of our team.
JOHN
MITIGATION CREW
With a strong background in construction, John brings hands-on experience and a steady work ethic that fits right into the way we serve our community every day.
John has spent about three years in carpentry, later expanding his skills into masonry and concrete work. Since joining us, he has been diving deeper into water and mold restoration and continues to grow his expertise with every project. He holds an Associate of Applied Science from Jackson Community College and enjoys staying active through reading, writing, exercising, and hiking.
Around the shop, you’ll quickly learn that John has a big heart. Whether he’s sharing homemade lasagna or stepping in to help a coworker through a tough moment, he’s someone who brings kindness and care into everything he does.
JORDAN
LEAD RESTORATION TECHNICIAN
Jordan has lived in the Petoskey area for 35 years. He started with us as a helper, and later worked in carpet cleaning before stepping into his leadership role here. He's also an IICRC-certified carpet cleaning tech and a proud graduate of Petoskey High School.
Jordan brings a strong work ethic, plenty of local knowledge, and a genuine love for helping others. Before joining our restoration team, he worked in the restaurant industry for many years but made the switch to spend more time with his family and make a lasting impact.
He's still a serious foodie, though, and says he can't pick a favorite food because he loves all kinds of dishes! When he’s not on the job, you'll likely find Jordan working in his yard, gaming, or hanging out with his family.
NATHAN
CLAIMS MANAGER
Nathan's roots in restoration go all the way back to 2014 when he first stepped into the field as a technician. His journey, however, started even earlier with FEMA during Hurricane Sandy, where he witnessed firsthand how devastating fire and water damage can be and how meaningful it is to help people rebuild. That experience lit a spark that never left.
When he’s not supporting clients through claims or coordinating with adjusters, you’ll probably find him taking advantage of all the great outdoor recreation in our area. He loves to fish, hike, and spend time with his wife and their three dogs.
Nathan believes deeply in the purpose behind this work. For him, the proudest part of his career isn’t a single moment, but the impact the restoration industry makes on families and the pride our team takes in helping people put their lives back together.
SCOTLYN
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Scotlyn has called Northern Michigan home for over 25 years, and she’s been managing businesses since 2015. She keeps the wheels turning so our crews can focus on helping families and businesses recover after disaster. Her drive and work ethic were shaped early on, growing up watching her parents run a winery—a lesson in dedication and resilience that carries through to her role today.
When she’s not keeping things running smoothly at the office, Scotlyn enjoys spending time with her fiancé Travis and their two dogs, Newt and Sage. She’s also been barrel racing since she was 10 years old and still loves competing today.
Scotlyn’s proudest moments come from being part of a team that helps people through some of their hardest times. She takes pride in knowing her work behind the scenes makes the restoration process smoother and less stressful for the families and businesses we serve.
TRAVIS
OWNER
Travis is an industry pro with over a decade of experience. After moving to the area in 2021, Travis set out to build a team of skilled, reliable individuals who take pride in what they do and enjoy doing it.
A licensed Michigan builder and licensed Florida adjuster with a degree in Business and Finance, Travis is passionate about helping others through tough situations. In the restoration world, every day brings new challenges to put the team's skills to work, and that's what he loves about it.
When he isn't on the job, however, you might find Travis hanging out with friends and family at Barrel Back or cooking up something good at home on the Blackstone—at least when he isn't exploring a fun, new travel destination on a well-deserved vacation.
MUFFY
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Known to boost team morale.
NEWT
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Known to steal others' lunches out of the fridge.