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Belfor branch office, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Key Information

BELFOR Property Restoration is an American multinational disaster recovery and property restoration company,[1] based in Birmingham, Michigan.

History

[edit]

BELFOR began as a Quality Awnings & Construction company in Dearborn, Michigan in 1946.[2][3] The company changed its name to INRECON L.L.C. (for Insurance Reconstruction) in 1981.[3] Taylor, Michigan-based Masco bought 25 percent of the company in 1997, and completed its purchase of INRECON in 1999.[3]

Haniel EnviroServices, a new division of the old European conglomerate Haniel, began in Germany in 1980. Its name was changed to Belfor in 1998.[2]

Masco sold INRECON to Haniel in 2001 and it became part of BELFOR.[2][3] At the time, the company had annual sales of $180 million and employed 1,000 staff.[4]

As of February 2019, Belfor Holdings Inc. was in discussions regarding a potential sale to the American Securities equity firm. These were concluded successfully in April 2019.[5]

United States of America operations

[edit]
Belfor repair truck

BELFOR USA Group Inc, doing business as BELFOR Property Restoration, is based in Birmingham, Michigan and provides integrated disaster recovery and property restoration services. Belfor USA Group Inc. operates as a subsidiary of BELFOR Europe GmbH.[6]

In 2007, BELFOR USA acquired Ductz International, LLC, an air duct cleaning and HVAC restoration franchise network with locations in 22 states.[7] It acquired Hawaii Restorative Services of Honolulu[8] and Coach's Catastrophe in 2010.[9] BELFOR acquired BAMCOR[10] in 2015.[11]

BELFOR opened an office in Corpus Christi, Texas,[12] and a San Antonio office in 2016.[13] As of that year, BELFOR globally had 7000 employees.[14]

Projects

[edit]

In 2003, the Canadian branch of BELFOR worked to recover 100,000 books and manuscripts in the 17th-century Khan Collection at the Urdu Research Library of the Sundarayya Vignana Kendram, as a result of flood damage following record rains in Hyderabad in August 2000.[15] The company was employed in Houston after Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, which caused damage to Jones Hall, the Wortham Theater Center, and the Alley Theater, with the loss of musical scores, ballet costumes and musical instruments, including three Steinway concert grand pianos.[16]

In 2004, after Hurricane Ivan, BELFOR (UK) and BELFOR (Canada) performed thermal vacuum freeze trying to restore more than 4,000 boxes of documents, half of the vital records in the Cayman Islands National Archives.[17] After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, BELFOR helped fulfill Tulane's campus-wide emergency plan,[18] which included the "Landmark Undertaking" of the Tulane Libraries Recovery Center.[19][20][21]

Other projects included recovery from the Chile earthquake[22] and the 2012 Super Storm Sandy.[23][24]

Awards

[edit]
  • 2012, RIA Phoenix Award; BELFOR Rebuilds UGI Headquarters[25]
  • 2013, Chrysalis Award, Residential Insurance Restoration; BELFOR helps family redesign their home after a devastating fire[26]
  • 2015, Chrysalis Award, Commercial Insurance Restoration; Restores Gallo Center for the Arts after a water damage[27]
  • 2016, Chrysalis National Award -Commercial Insurance Restoration; Restoring the historic Hanford Fox Theatre[28]
  • 2016, RIA Phoenix Award, Odessa Hospital; Award for innovations in restoration[29][30]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Belfor

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BELFOR Property Restoration is an American multinational corporation and the world's largest provider of disaster recovery and property restoration services, specializing in response, , and reconstruction for damages caused by fires, , storms, mold, and other catastrophes affecting residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Founded in 1946 in , , as Quality Awning & —a small family-owned focused on awnings and general —the company pivoted to insurance-related restoration work in 1980 under the name Inrecon, LLC, before adopting the BELFOR brand in 1998 to support its international expansion. Headquartered in , BELFOR has been led by CEO since 1985, during which time it has grown through strategic acquisitions and innovation into a global leader with annual revenues of $2.7 billion as of 2024 and approximately 14,000 employees worldwide. The company operates in 57 countries with over 550 branches, delivering 24/7 rapid response services that encompass everything from initial damage assessment and content cleaning to full-scale rebuilding, while emphasizing advanced technologies like and a commitment to restoring not just properties but also community well-being.

Overview

Founding and Headquarters

BELFOR was founded in 1946 by local businessman Sam Fenton as Quality Awnings & Construction in , near , operating as a small family-owned enterprise focused on selling, installing, and repairing awnings alongside general construction services during the post-World War II economic recovery and reconstruction efforts. The business initially catered to local residential and commercial needs in the , emphasizing practical building improvements in a burgeoning industrial region. Over the ensuing decades, it remained under family stewardship, laying the groundwork for expansion through hands-on, community-oriented operations. In 1980, the company shifted its emphasis toward insurance-related property work, rebranding as Inrecon, LLC, and specializing in restoration services for damages caused by events such as floods and fires, which propelled its evolution into a dedicated disaster recovery provider. This pivot under subsequent family leadership marked a critical transition from general to specialized restoration, setting the stage for broader professional management. BELFOR's current global headquarters is situated in , serving as the primary hub for North American operations and coordinating the network of over 550 offices in 57 countries worldwide. The facility supports strategic oversight and innovation in restoration services, reflecting the company's growth from its family-owned roots—initially managed by the Fenton family—to a professionally led organization under CEO , who joined via marriage to the family in 1984 and has driven its international scale.

Core Services and Mission

Belfor specializes in restoration services addressing incidents such as , , , mold, and biohazard damage, alongside reconstruction and rapid response to mitigate further loss. These services encompass board-up and site protection to secure properties immediately after a , extraction and dehumidification for recovery, and removal following , and mold remediation to ensure safe environments. Belfor's approach prioritizes returning properties to their pre-loss condition with minimal disruption to operations, serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients across various sectors. The company's mission is to serve as the leading provider of value-added solutions to customers, while fostering a secure environment for employees and acting as a responsible corporate citizen in served communities. This philosophy drives Belfor's commitment to rapid recovery and restoring normalcy, emphasizing a people-first approach that delivers , integrity, and comprehensive support beyond mere structural repairs. Specialized divisions enhance these efforts, including environmental services for hazardous material handling and biohazard cleanup, contents restoration to salvage personal and business items through cleaning and repacking, and temporary protection measures like board-up to prevent additional damage. Belfor integrates into its restoration practices, utilizing energy-efficient equipment such as advanced dryers and eco-friendly sanitizing agents to reduce environmental impact during recovery processes. The company aligns its operations with , focusing on areas like , , and reduced inequalities through initiatives such as to offset carbon emissions and minimization in decontamination efforts. These practices ensure that restoration not only addresses immediate damage but also promotes long-term environmental responsibility for clients in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

History

Origins and Early Development

Belfor originated in the post-World War II era, founded in 1946 as Quality Awning & in , a of , amid a nationwide housing boom that spurred demand for residential and commercial improvements. The company, started by the father of brothers Randy and Mark Fenton, initially focused on awning installation and general services to capitalize on the era's economic recovery and suburban expansion. Under family leadership, the Fenton patriarch guided the business through its formative years, navigating early challenges such as material shortages and competitive local markets in the Midwest. The Fenton brothers assumed leadership roles, with and Mark acquiring the company around 1984.

Global Expansion and Milestones

Belfor's expansion in the 1980s began with the rebranding of Quality Awning & to Inrecon, LLC, in 1980, shifting focus to reconstruction and laying the groundwork for broader U.S. coverage through strategic acquisitions in subsequent decades. Paralleling this, the company's European arm, founded as EnviroServices in in 1980, initiated an acquisition strategy in 1989 with fire damage restoration services, expanding into , , , and by the early , including the 1990 acquisition of COUTELLAS S.A. in . This dual approach enabled national U.S. penetration under Inrecon. The 2000s accelerated global growth, with Belfor acquiring Relectronic-Remech, a leading European competitor, in 2000, which facilitated entry into the Asian market and prompted a to BELFOR International. This move solidified European dominance and propelled U.S. leadership following the 2001 acquisition of Inrecon, the then-largest U.S. fire and repair firm, achieving market leadership within two years. Further expansions included acquisitions in , the , , and eastern Canada between 2004 and 2005, alongside U.S. additions like Restorative Services in 2009 and Coach's Catastrophe in 2010, and the establishment of BELFOR post-2010 . By the mid-2010s, these efforts resulted in over 100 new North American offices between 2009 and 2013. In the 2010s and beyond, Belfor reached 34 countries by 2019, driven by ongoing acquisitions and organic growth, including the 2022 merger with Partech Group. A key 2010s milestone included bolstering European presence through targeted buys, contributing to revenue escalation to approximately $1.8 billion by 2019 and further to over $2 billion by 2020. Recent developments featured 2023 expansion in the Asia-Pacific via a partnership and share acquisition in Thailand's TBCC, enhancing services in building restoration for luxury and hospitality sectors. As of 2024, operations span 57 countries with annual revenues of $2.7 billion. Additionally, Belfor has integrated digital tools for streamlined global coordination, including moisture mapping software adopted in operations like those in the UK to reduce cycle times and improve documentation efficiency.

Operations

Global Network and Locations

BELFOR operates in 49 countries worldwide, with more than 13,000 employees across over 550 offices and franchises as of October 2025. This extensive network allows the company to provide rapid response capabilities on a global scale, supported by a combination of company-owned branches and franchised operations. North America remains the primary operational hub for BELFOR, with the majority of its infrastructure concentrated in the United States and , where it maintains over 150 offices to handle high-volume disaster recovery demands. In , the company has established a robust presence, particularly in the , , and , where it operates dedicated facilities focused on property restoration amid frequent flooding and industrial incidents. BELFOR's footprint in is emerging and expanding, with key operations in —specialized for seismic events—and , alongside presences in , , and to address typhoons, earthquakes, and urban infrastructure challenges. In , activities center on countries like , , and , tailored to seismic and flood risks in the region. The franchise model, overseen by the BELFOR Franchise Group, plays a central role in this structure, empowering local entrepreneurs to deliver services under the BELFOR brand while adhering to unified global standards for training, equipment, and quality control. In 2025, the group expanded with over 16 new franchise territories for brands like Z PLUMBERZ and earned spots on the Franchise Times Top 400 list. This approach facilitates scalability and cultural adaptation without compromising the company's core protocols for emergency response and restoration. BELFOR adapts its operations to regional environmental hazards through targeted training and localized expertise. Such customizations ensure effective handling of geographically diverse threats, from seismic activity in and to severe weather in and .

United States Focus

Belfor considers the its core market, where it maintains more than 100 offices strategically positioned to serve high-disaster-prone regions such as the Gulf Coast and . These locations enable rapid mobilization for restoration efforts in areas frequently impacted by hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. The company's U.S. operations generate the majority of its global revenue, which reached $2.7 billion in 2024, underscoring the domestic market's dominance. In the U.S., Belfor ensures compliance with (FEMA) guidelines through adherence to federal procurement standards and environmental regulations in its disaster recovery contracts, facilitating efficient engagements. Additionally, Belfor maintains strong partnerships with providers via its Direct Repair Program, which streamlines claims processing and project management to minimize downtime, particularly in hurricane-vulnerable states like and . This program supports adjusters and policyholders with accurate loss assessments and expedited repairs, enhancing recovery speed in regions with high claim volumes. Belfor has introduced domestic innovations tailored to U.S. needs, including nationwide 24/7 response centers that dispatch teams within four hours of a call, ensuring immediate mitigation of . The company also prioritizes employment and supports U.S. through its hiring programs. These adaptations are supported by Belfor's global franchise model, which bolsters U.S. without diluting local focus. The economic impact of Belfor's U.S. operations is substantial, employing over 9,500 workers who contribute to post-disaster recovery by restoring properties and stimulating local economies through job creation and activation. This workforce helps accelerate community rebuilding, reducing long-term financial losses from events like storms and fires by enabling quicker return to normalcy for businesses and residents.

Notable Projects

Major Disaster Responses

Belfor has demonstrated its expertise in large-scale disaster recovery through rapid deployment of specialized teams to address natural and man-made catastrophes, focusing on property restoration, biohazard mitigation, and structural salvage to facilitate community rebound. In the aftermath of in 2005, Belfor coordinated extensive restoration efforts in New Orleans, including the largest single project in the company's history at the time: restoring 87 buildings across the campus and regional facilities, enabling the institution to resume operations by early 2006. The company also addressed water damage at 20 Gulf Coast hospitals and multiple retail sites such as Walmarts, Kmarts, and Home Depots, mobilizing workers from across its network four days prior to landfall to support federal recovery initiatives. These efforts contributed to the salvage and restoration of thousands of properties amid widespread flooding that affected over 1 million structures in the region. From 2020 to 2022, Belfor conducted biohazard cleanups in response to the , sanitizing thousands of facilities nationwide, including hospitals and commercial sites, with over 7,100 dedicated cleaning projects completed since February 2020. Notable operations included deep disinfection of high-profile sites like the Diamond Princess in , utilizing EPA-registered disinfectants and antimicrobial protectants to mitigate viral spread and restore safe environments. These services leveraged Belfor's environmental expertise to support healthcare and business continuity during a crisis that infected millions and overwhelmed facilities across the U.S. In the wake of the 2018 Camp Fire, California's deadliest that destroyed over 18,000 structures in and around Paradise, Belfor provided restoration services, including to the , with on-site teams conducting damage assessments and debris removal to aid rebuilding. The company's response integrated fire damage mitigation techniques, such as removal and structural reinforcement, contributing to the recovery of affected communities amid $16.5 billion in total damages. In 2024, Belfor responded to Hurricane Helene, deploying its National Catastrophe Response Team and utilizing offices across and the Southeast for emergency repairs, debris cleanup, and structural repairs in impacted communities. Later that year, the company activated similar rapid response efforts for Hurricane Milton, assisting with preparation and recovery in and surrounding areas as the storm caused widespread flooding and wind damage.

Key Commercial and Residential Restorations

Belfor spearheaded the restoration of the and AmeriGas Partners LP headquarters in , after an electrical fire in late 2010 caused extensive fire and smoke damage to the 38-year-old, 100,000-square-foot facility. The comprehensive $8 million project encompassed selective demolition, a full structural rebuild, and a 5,600-square-foot expansion of the first floor, incorporating modern energy-efficient systems such as updated HVAC, lighting, and insulation to achieve certification standards. Belfor's team also managed the recovery of critical , including restoring computers and data servers, establishing an on-site ozone treatment area for document salvage, and safeguarding fiber-optic communication lines throughout the reconstruction process to minimize business interruption. In a notable residential project, Belfor redesigned and restored a family home severely damaged by a catastrophic on the second level and , accompanied by widespread smoke and from suppression efforts, earning the company the 2013 National Chrysalis Award for Residential Restoration. The restoration involved complete replacement of the second-level framing, roof structure, and all interior finishes, alongside major repairs to systems. Belfor collaborated closely with the homeowners and adjusters to incorporate value-engineered redesigns, such as relocating the to an enclosed for enhanced space utilization and adding three dormers to the to create a functional walk-up sitting area accessible from the master bedroom, thereby improving overall livability and natural lighting. Belfor conducted commercial mold remediation for properties, exemplified by its work on a luxury where long-term water intrusion from a pot wash area led to microbial growth. Utilizing advanced containment protocols, filtration, and treatments, Belfor's specialists removed affected materials and restored the space without halting operations, demonstrating techniques applicable to major chains facing similar issues during high-demand periods like peak tourist seasons. This approach prevented potential shutdowns by allowing phased remediation that maintained guest access to unaffected areas. For high-end residential contents, Belfor specializes in salvaging valuable items such as art and antiques following water incidents like pipe bursts, employing specialized drying, cleaning, and conservation methods to preserve irreplaceable possessions. In cases of sudden water damage, the company's pack-out services inventory and transport delicate artifacts to controlled environments for restoration, using non-abrasive techniques and climate-controlled storage to mitigate further deterioration, ensuring items like paintings and heirloom furniture return to pre-loss condition without compromising aesthetic or structural integrity.

Awards and Recognition

Industry Rankings

Belfor Holdings Inc. has held the number one position on Qualified Remodeler's annual Top 500 list for 25 consecutive years since 2001, a ranking based on the company's revenue and project volume in the remodeling and restoration sectors. This consistent leadership underscores Belfor's dominance in insurance restoration and property damage repair, with the 2025 edition reaffirming its top spot among North American firms. In recognition of its financial performance and industry impact, Forbes included Belfor on its 2024 list of America's Top Private Companies at position 222, noting the company's $2.7 billion in within the industry, particularly restoration services. This placement highlights Belfor's status as a major player among privately held U.S. businesses, driven by steady growth from global operations and disaster recovery expertise. Belfor maintains market leadership in the U.S. property restoration sector, serving as the primary contractor for a significant portion of insurance-driven restoration projects nationwide. As of 2025, the company commands a substantial share of the market, estimated through its outsized relative to the overall insurance restoration segment, which is projected to exceed $4 billion in sales.

Specific Project Awards

Belfor received the 2012 RIA Phoenix Award for its rebuild of the UGI Headquarters in , recognizing innovative damage recovery techniques that involved an integrated team approach to reconstruction following a major . In 2013, Belfor earned the National Chrysalis Award for Residential Insurance Restoration for redesigning a family's home after a catastrophic that damaged the second level and , with smoke and spreading throughout the home, which included structural repairs, system upgrades, and aesthetic enhancements to exceed pre-loss conditions. In 2025, BELFOR and its CEO received the NAB Leadership Foundation Corporate Leadership Award for exemplary community service and leadership in the restoration industry.

References

  1. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/about/
  2. https://www.forbes.com/companies/belfor/
  3. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/119902-15
  4. https://www.belfor.com/sg/en/about/belfor-in-asia/
  5. https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2009/06/10/insurance-restoration-company-going-strong/
  6. https://www.crainsdetroit.com/construction/property-restoration-giant-belfor-sold-private-equity-firm
  7. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/belfor-global-headquarters/
  8. https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/2017/02/21/how-one-ceo-went-from-working-alongside-mob-figures-to-running-a-1-5b-business/
  9. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/commercial-services/fire-damage-restoration/
  10. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/services/environmental-services/
  11. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/commercial-services/restoration-contractors-reconstruction-services/
  12. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/red-alert-priority-response-program/
  13. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/commercial-services/mold-damage/
  14. https://www.belfor.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/UK_EN_Fact-Sheet_GBS-Commitment.pdf
  15. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/services/contents-restoration-services/
  16. https://www.belfor.com/uk/en/about/sustainability/
  17. https://www.belfor.com/ca/en/sustainability/
  18. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/belfor-property-restoration/
  19. https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20020401/SUB/204010864/disaster-company-leaving-denver-for-digs-in-birmingham
  20. https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2001/07/25/14158.htm
  21. https://www.crainsdetroit.com/behind-data/largest-general-contractors-2020-story-behind-data
  22. https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/belfor-expands-service-portfolio-in-thailand-with-tbcc
  23. https://www.getencircle.com/case-studies/belfor-customer-spotlight
  24. https://www.belfor.com/us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Entrepreneur-What-Rebuilding-After-Disasters-Taught-Me-About-Leading-Through-Crisis-Sheldon-Yellen-October-7-2025.pdf
  25. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/north-american-offices/
  26. http://www.belfor.com/?languageID=1
  27. https://www.belfor.com/jp/en/about/belfor-in-asia/
  28. https://www.cbs42.com/business/press-releases/cision/20250821CL55550/belfor-franchise-group-celebrates-z-plumberz-momentum-heralding-new-openings-nationwide
  29. https://cleanfax.com/six-belfor-franchise-group-brands-earn-spots-on-2025-franchise-times-top-400/
  30. https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2024/05/03/5-fastest-growing-companies-2024-local-business-grows-at-belfor-property-restorations-elmwood-business-park-office/
  31. https://valenciacollege.edu/about/board-of-trustees/documents/2025-08-07-transmittal-ca-2026-28-disaster-recovery-remediation-debris-removal-management.pdf
  32. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/quality-assurance/
  33. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/insurance-direct-repair-program/
  34. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/residential-services/emergency-response/
  35. https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/company/belfor-usa-group-inc/425531/
  36. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/government-public-entities-industry/
  37. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/tulane-university/
  38. https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/2010/08/28/chester-county-companies-recall-katrina-experiences/
  39. https://www.crainsdetroit.com/construction/qa-belfor-ceo-sheldon-yellen-firms-specialty-cleaning-after-covid-19
  40. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/diamond-princess/
  41. https://www.facebook.com/BELFORGroup/videos/belfor-restores-wildfire-damaged-hospital/999013683780744/
  42. https://www.chicoer.com/2018/11/11/photos-day-4-of-the-camp-fire/
  43. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/belfor-is-responding-to-communities-impacted-by-hurricane-helene/
  44. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/hurricane-milton-alert-belfor-is-ready-to-respond/
  45. https://www.timesherald.com/2011/02/07/ugi-rebounds-from-building-fire-with-improved-eco-friendly-headquarters/
  46. https://www.omniapartners.com/suppliers-files/A-D/Belfor_USA_Group_Inc/Contract_Documents/R200101/R200101_Belfor_MA_redacted_2020_05_01.pdf
  47. https://chrysalisawards.com/remodeler/Belfor/
  48. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/california-casino/
  49. https://www.qualifiedremodeler.com/top-500-2025/
  50. https://www.belfor.com/us/en/resources/belfor-celebrates-25-years-as-no-1-on-top-500-list/
  51. https://www.qualifiedremodeler.com/2025-top-500-insurance-restoration-value-in-service
  52. https://www.restorationindustry.org/phoenix-awards
  53. https://www.candrmagazine.com/belfor-ceo-honored-with-nablf-corporate-leadership-award/
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