Meet Sandy Carstens, co-owner of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Lincoln.
Tell us a little about your business. – 1-800 WATER DAMAGE (www.1800waterdamage.com/lincoln) is a property restoration company. Most of our business comes through mitigation work which is drying out a structure in the unfortunate event of water damage, sewage back-up, or fire, and then followed up by putting that structure back together. We also do a lot of mold remediation.
How did you get started in the business? – My husband Jeff was looking to expand our Chem-Dry of Lincoln carpet and upholstery cleaning business and he, along with our oldest son Connor and myself, saw a good fit with a restoration business! I work in all aspects of the business including managing the office, taking part in the mitigation work, and as a construction manager!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Inflation and hiring good help.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’ve had a behind the scenes position in our Chem-Dry Carpet Care business for over 20 years while taking care of our children. With our 1-800 WATER DAMAGE business, it has been an achievement for me to take more of an active role in being the face of the business—getting out there and interacting with our customers and potential customers.
Tell us a little about your family. – I’ve been married to Jeff for 32 years (in June!) and we have four children (Ali, Connor, Tyler, and Ethan) and five grandchildren—all BOYS (Jonathan, Kenney, Braxton, Chayton, and Hudson).
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – So many things! If the grandkids aren’t in school, I’ll go hang with them. I also like bike riding, gardening, watching all the kids’ activities, and, if there’s time, we like to get the boat out on the lake.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – I think the Serenity Prayer sums up my favorite quote. If you don’t know it, look it up!
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Kind.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am invested in the work of Citylight Lincoln where they support refugee families, international students, and work with Launch Global to send support to areas of the world with the greatest physical and spiritual need. I am also grateful for Christian Heritage who supported my daughter and son-in-law through the foster and adoption process of their four sons.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I love reading legal/mystery thrillers and historical romances. Lately, I’ve been listening to Audiobooks more than actually reading, which allows me to also get some work done while listening! Currently, I’ve been reading books by David Baldacci and Harlan Coben.
What is your favorite TV show? – I like some reality shows—The Amazing Race, Survivor, Tough as Nails, etc. I also love watching Nebraska sports!
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill and CheeseSteak Grille are my go-tos.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 318-3737; sandy.carstens@1800waterdamage.com; www.1800waterdamage.com/lincoln.