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When disaster strikes, it reveals the strength of our preparation and your people. In September 2024, Applying Pressure faced one of the toughest moments in the company’s history: a devastating shop fire that could have shut them down. Instead, through preparation, quick action, and a few key systems, they were back in business within days. This story isn’t about loss, it’s about resilience, leadership under pressure, and the lessons every BioClean Operator and small business owner can use to protect what they’ve built.
September 2024, Applying Pressures shop went through something no business owner ever wants to face, a major fire. It was chaotic, devastating, and humbling. But the safety measures Justin had in place, the quick action that followed, made all the difference.
That preparation was the line between being shut down for a year and being back in business within days.
I’m sharing this story not for sympathy, but because I believe the lessons we learned can help other BioClean Operators.
The Aftermath: From Shock to Survival
When the fire hit, it was a gut punch. Within minutes, years of investment and hard work were covered in soot. We were looking at a charred building with five trucks inside, unsure if our equipment, unloaders, or guns had melted.
Despite the damage, our downtime was just three days. The full rebuild and office restoration took about ten months, and while we’re still fine-tuning the new setup, we kept our customer flow and operations alive.
That didn’t happen by accident, it came down to preparation, fast decision making, and a few key systems that saved us from a much longer recovery.
Battery Disconnects Are Non-Negotiable
This is my number one takeaway. We’re now installing battery disconnects on every single truck.
Here’s why: many modern trucks, stay energized even when the key is off. In our industry, that’s a dangerous combination. We deal with corrosive and conductive materials, and when those mix with an energized truck, the risk of an electrical fire skyrockets.
A battery disconnect completely removes that power source and dramatically lowers your risk. It’s a small investment that could save your business.
Wireless & Smart Fire Monitoring
If you haven’t already, get wireless or Wi-Fi smoke detectors installed immediately.
Our security cameras were linked to my phone, which was a lifesaver. I could see what was happening in real time. Without that, I might not have even known about the fire until the next morning.
We’ve since added X-sense (or similar) linked detectors that can be tested remotely and send instant alerts. That early warning system is worth every penny
Install a Knox Box
This is one piece of advice I wish I’d known earlier.
A Knox Box is a small, secure safe mounted outside your building that holds keys for the fire department. It lets them access your property instantly in an emergency.
If they can’t get in quickly, they’ll cut through whatever is in the way; doors, walls, you name it. A Knox Box can save your structure (and thousands of dollars in unnecessary damage).
The Insurance & Recovery Grind
The aftermath was a whirlwind. Every fire is treated as arson until proven otherwise, which means investigations, interviews, and endless paperwork. But there were a few things that made this process smoother for us.
Track You Assets with an ELD System
If your business runs vehicles, invest in an ELD (Electronic Logging Device) like Motive or Samsara.
These systems track everything — fuel mileage, braking, G-forces, driver behavior — and create a digital record of your fleet’s history.
When investigators asked questions about our trucks, the ELD data proved exactly where they were, when they were parked, and that nothing abnormal had occurred. That data helped clear us quickly and saved days of back-and-forth.
Create a Detailed Inventory, Now
If I could go back, I’d create a full, detailed inventory before disaster struck.
When we filed our claim, I tried to be conservative — only listing what was visibly melted or destroyed. But in hindsight, everything that had soot, smoke, or heat damage should have been documented.
Don’t wait. Start today. List every piece of equipment, every tool, every compressor. Include photos if you can. You’ll thank yourself later.
Small but Critical Lessons
- Use Plugs Instead of Hardwiring: We now plug equipment like our RO systems and compressors instead of hardwiring them. It makes it easier to isolate power and troubleshoot issues during emergencies.
- Expect Separate Claims: Each truck or major asset will likely require its own claim. We had four trucks in the shop, and each one needed individual processing. Prepare for that administrative lift.
A Rough Reset That Led to Success
Coming back from a fire isn’t easy. It’s messy, emotional, and expensive. But it also gives you a rare opportunity to rebuild stronger.
Now that we’re back in the shop, we’re setting things up the way they should’ve been from the beginning; safer, more organized, and more efficient. Everything’s off the floor, systems are smarter, and workflows are tighter. I’m honest, dealing with the smoke and soot was sometimes worse than if it had all just burned down. But this “rough reset” forced us to grow in ways we wouldn’t have otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Fires test everything — your systems, your leadership, and your resilience. But with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
If you’re a business owner worried about your own setup, I hope these lessons help you protect what you’ve built.
And if you’ve been through something similar, I’d love to hear your story. Have questions about insurance, temporary operations, or rebuilding logistics?