Employee Highlight: Marco DeGrazia
- Paulina Ramirez
- 15 hours ago
- 6 min read
Meet Marco. To the outside eye, restoration is just about the immediate response, but Marco’s role is defined by the strategic work that happens out of sight. Whether he is breaking down technical reports, building comparison estimates for insurance partners, or navigating site-specific protocols, Marco is the driving force behind the seamless flow of our projects. He balances complex logistics with a commitment to risk mitigation, ensuring every job is backed by clear communication and expert documentation.
"Leadership and team development are central to how I work — empowering others, assigning responsibilities based on strengths, and supporting growth to help the team build confidence and advance in their careers". - Marco DeGrazia
PART 1: Meet Marco
Briefly introduce yourself and tell us what makes your role unique?
Hi, my name is Marco DeGrazia. My role is Senior Project Manager. I will be celebrating one year at ARS Responds at the end of February.
There are several aspects of my role that others might not immediately see. I spend a significant amount of time interpreting moisture maps, technical reports, and building systems to make informed restoration decisions. I often prepare detailed documentation and comparison estimates to satisfy insurance requirements, including cost breakdowns and vendor backup. I also manage complex logistics—scheduling site visits, coordinating multiple trade partners, and navigating building-specific protocols—all while maintaining clear communication and transparency with every stakeholder group. Even though the work looks reactive from the outside, much of what I do involves proactive planning, risk mitigation, and strategic coordination behind the scenes.
What’s your favourite part of your job, and why?
My part of my job is solving complex problems and turning uncertainty into clarity. In restoration, every project comes with its own set of challenges—unexpected conditions, tight timelines, insurance variables, and high client expectations. I enjoy digging into the details, coordinating the right people, and finding practical solutions that get the job done right while minimizing disruption for the client. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when a difficult situation is resolved smoothly and I know I managed it effectively from start to finish. I also genuinely enjoy working with diverse teams—from field technicians to property managers and adjusters—because strong collaboration leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
How do you define success in your role?
I define success by the results we achieve together as a team—delivering projects on time, within budget, and to high standards of quality and safety, while creating a positive experience for all stakeholders. Success isn’t just about completing the work; it’s about strong communication, collaboration, and how we overcome challenges together.
My focus is on strong project execution, clear and proactive planning, open teamwork across all partners, and supporting my team’s growth through mentorship and development. Ultimately, success means completing projects effectively while helping the team grow stronger, more confident, and more capable in their roles.
Can you share a recent challenge you faced at work and how you handled it?
A recent challenge I faced was managing multiple large-scale restoration projects simultaneously, each with its own timelines, stakeholders, and technical demands. To manage this, I took a structured, team-focused approach—breaking projects into clear priorities, assigning defined roles based on team strengths, and maintaining frequent communication with both the team and stakeholders. I stayed adaptable as conditions shifted, reallocating resources and adjusting plans as needed. As a result, all projects were completed successfully, on schedule, and within scope. This experience strengthened both our internal processes and the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
Teamwork is a big part of what we do. How do you help create a strong, collaborative team environment?
I help create a strong, collaborative team environment by fostering trust, clear communication, and shared accountability. From the start of every project, I set expectations for open dialogue, mutual respect, and a “we win together” mindset. I make it a priority to ensure everyone understands their role, feels heard, and has the support they need to succeed.
What skills have helped you succeed in your role?
Several key skills have helped me succeed in my role as a Senior Project Manager in restoration. Strong strategic planning and organization allow me to break complex projects into manageable steps, set clear priorities, and keep timelines and budgets on track even when handling multiple large assignments at once. Clear and proactive communication with clients, property managers, adjusters, vendors, and team members ensures alignment, minimizes confusion, and builds trust.
I also rely on adaptability and calm problem-solving to assess unexpected challenges quickly and make informed decisions that keep projects moving forward. Leadership and team development are central to how I work — empowering others, assigning responsibilities based on strengths, and supporting growth to help the team build confidence and advance in their careers. Attention to detail in technical reports, moisture mapping, cost estimates, and insurance documentation ensures accuracy and quality in our deliverables. Above all, fostering strong collaboration and building relationships creates an environment where everyone feels valued and invested in achieving shared success.
How do you keep up with industry trends and best practices?
I stay current with industry trends and best practices by actively engaging in ongoing learning and professional development. I regularly complete industry-specific courses and certifications to sharpen my skills and expand my technical knowledge, and I follow reputable resources and trend updates so I’m aware of new tools, technologies, and methods shaping restoration work. I also participate in networking and industry events to share insights and learn from peers, and I bring those learnings back to my team so we can continuously improve how we work together and serve our clients.
Our core values are Trust, Integrity, Exceeding, and Teamwork. Where do you see these values in action at ARS Responds Canada?
At ARS Responds Canada, I see our core values in action every day through how we operate as a team and how we support our clients. Trust is built through open communication, accountability, and consistently following through on commitments. Integrity is shown in the way we do the right thing even when it’s difficult—being transparent with clients, standing by our work, and holding ourselves to industry standards. Exceeding expectations is reflected in our willingness to go beyond the basic scope to find solutions, meet tight timelines, and deliver quality outcomes. Finally, teamwork is evident in how we collaborate across departments, support one another during high-pressure projects, and work collectively to ensure every project is a success.
PART TWO: Work & Growth
What’s one piece of advice that has made a big impact on your career?
One piece of advice that has had a significant impact on my career is that there is never just one “right” way to do something. This perspective taught me to remain open-minded, adapt to different situations, and truly value input from others. That mindset has helped me problem-solve more effectively, collaborate better with my team, and find the solutions that work best for the project as a whole, rather than forcing a single approach.
What’s one skill or lesson you’ve learned at ARS Responds Canada that you’ll carry with you?
One key lesson I’ve learned at ARS Responds Canada is the importance of adaptability and teamwork in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. I’ve realized that staying flexible, communicating clearly, and relying on the collective strengths of the team are critical to delivering successful outcomes—it’s a lesson I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
Who was a mentor, teacher, or leader that made a lasting impression on you, and why?
My dad was the biggest mentor and influence in my life. He taught me that nothing is given—you have to work hard for what you earn—and that treating people with respect matters just as much as the results you achieve. Those lessons shaped my work ethic, how I lead, and how I interact with others; they continue to guide the way I approach both my career and my life.
If you could have a conversation with any person (including historical figures), who would it be and why?
I’d choose Gary Vaynerchuk because of his mindset regarding accountability, adaptability, and long-term thinking. His perspective on leadership, work ethic, and embracing change aligns with how I approach challenges. I would value the opportunity to learn from his experience in building teams, scaling businesses, and staying relevant in fast-changing industries.
What’s a small daily habit that helps you stay focused or motivated?
A small daily habit that helps me stay focused and motivated is starting each day by reviewing priorities and setting clear, achievable goals. This practice keeps me organized and focused on what matters most, providing a sense of momentum right from the start of the day.
PART THREE: More About You
Favourite ice cream flavour?
My favourite ice cream flavour is chocolate chip cookie dough.
Do you have a favourite way to stay active?
My favourite way to stay active is starting my day with a daily gym workout, which helps set the tone and keep me focused. In the summer months, I also love riding my bike with my family—it’s a great way to stay active while spending quality time together.
If you could live anywhere (real or fictional), where would it be?
I’d choose Calabria, Italy, because it’s where my family roots are and where I feel a strong sense of connection. The warm Mediterranean weather, the slower pace of life, and the deep-rooted culture centered around family, food, and community really resonate with me; they reflect the values I was raised with.
What’s something you’re grateful for today?
I’m grateful for my health and my family—both are constant reminders of what truly matters and keep me grounded every day.
What’s one thing you’re really excited about in the future?
I’m really excited for my wife and me to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary with an African safari. It’s something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time, and it feels special to mark such a meaningful milestone with an experience we’ll remember forever.
What is your favourite season and why?
My favourite season is summer because of the warmth and sunshine. I enjoy pool days in the backyard and spending more time outdoors—it’s relaxing, energizing, and a great way to unwind with family and friends.
Comments