From Wall Street to Water Damage: Brett Leavitt Finds Meaning in the Mess

A former investment banker turned restoration expert, Brett is proving that fulfillment doesn’t come from titles—it comes from making a difference, one clean space at a time.

Brett Leavitt is a three-year Oak Creek resident; he loves the club and the fact that his kids get to live so close to their cousins. Brett is also this month’s neighborhood expert; his field of expertise is the cleaning of carpet, upholstery, tile, and grout, and restoration after water damage.
Brett grew up in a blue-collar home where hard work wasn’t optional, it was expected. “I spent my early years doing construction and other physical jobs, which gave me a deep appreciation for tangible work and visible results,” says Brett. “After college, I took a sharp turn and worked on Wall Street in investment banking, eventually earning my MBA and moving into mergers and acquisitions at a large company. It was exciting, but something was missing.”
He found himself craving more hands-on, meaningful work; he wanted something that made a direct impact on people’s lives. Wanting to be rooted in his local community, he was led to cleaning and restoration, an industry that is recession-resistant, AI-resistant, and most importantly, deeply human. Immersing himself in the field, Brett earned certifications from the IICRC in water damage restoration, fire and smoke restoration, odor control, carpet cleaning, and microbial remediation. “I chose to join the Voda Cleaning & Restoration franchise for its strong support system and the wealth of expertise it offers within the network,” Brett shares. “I’m also fortunate to work alongside an operations manager with years of experience in the field.”
In his line of work, Brett gets satisfaction in leaving spaces better than he found them, and in helping his neighbors get back to normal after life’s unexpected messes. To stay at the top of the game, Brett must stay on top of the latest trends and developments in his industry, and the Voda franchise helps him do that. Through regular meetings with other professionals, using proven operating systems, and national conferences, he stays connected with what’s working across the country. Additionally, Brett stays sharp by pursuing ongoing certifications and continuing education through the IICRC, reading trade publications like Restoration & Remediation and Cleanfax, both of which highlight emerging trends, new technologies, and the best overall practices in the industry.
While Brett is dedicated to the work he does, he says one of his proudest achievements isn’t a title or a deal; it’s choosing to marry his wife, Jenny, nearly twelve years ago. “Her unwavering support gave me the courage to take a leap and start my own business, even though I come from a risk-averse family where entrepreneurship wasn’t the norm,” Brett admits. “Owning and operating a business is new territory for me, but I’ve always taken pride in my work ethic and being able to figure things out. With Jenny by my side and a strong support system behind me, I’ve been able to build something meaningful for both my family and for my community.”
In the future, Brett is looking forward to sponsoring events later this year, and yes, he’s even looking forward to storm season. It provides an opportunity for him to get his neighbor’s lives back on track. He’s ready to make new connections, his excitement persistent as he serves his community and fosters meaningful relationships. He simply wants to help his neighbors. Water and mold damage don’t wait, and Brett doesn’t want his neighbors to wait either. “A fast response can make all the difference in protecting your property and avoiding costly repairs,” he says. In Oak Creek, and through the greater Tyler community, Brett is proud to be a part of the response, taking the utmost care of you and your home.
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