Katie Smith, CEO
Passionate about creating an environment where her team can thrive.
Katie Smith, CR is the second-generation owner and CEO of PHC Restoration, which was founded by her father, Carl Sherman, in 1971. A graduate of Campbell University with a BA in Communication Studies, Katie worked in morning radio before joining the family business in 2005. Committed to lifelong learning, she quickly pursued restoration education, and in 2011, became Certified Restorer #577—one of only 11 women in the world with an active CR designation at the time.
After successfully transitioning the company from her father’s leadership in 2014 and becoming Chief Executive Officer, Katie focused on building a company culture that fosters passion, excellence, and purpose among her team members as they work to positively impact each other, clients, and the community.
Katie’s dedication to volunteer service and servant leadership is evident in her leadership history within the restoration industry. She served as President of the MidSouth Cleaning and Restoration Association for five years and was the first woman to lead the Restoration Industry Association as President. She continues to volunteer with both organizations and serves her alma mater, her church, and her community in various capacities. She’s proud to lead central North Carolina’s oldest restoration company alongside her husband, Josh Smith, CR.
Leadership:
- Restoration Industry Association
- President, 2022 and 2023
- Board of Directors, 2015 – 2025
- Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee, Chair
- 2021 Women in Restoration Award
- Campbell University Alumni Board of Directors
- MidSouth Cleaning and Restoration Association, 2014-2019 President
- Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce, 2014 President
- Harnett Health Foundation, Board of Directors
- Lillington Presbyterian Church, Elder
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
Publications:
What Is Company Culture, and How is it Measured? (C & R Magazine)
A Culture of Safety (C & R Magazine)
Communicating Culture (C & R Magazine)
The Employee Experience: Recruiting and Interviewing (C & R Magazine)
The Employee Experience: Onboarding and Retention (C & R Magazine)
The Employee Experience: Separation (C & R Magazine)
The Culture Guide (C & R Magazine)
Maintaining Culture with the Monthly Meeting (C & R Magazine)
Content by Katie Smith
Your Right To Choose Your Contractor, And How To Choose Wisely
When disaster strikes your home or business—whether from water, fire, mold, or storms—you need a trusted, qualified property damage restoration contractor. But in the chaos of an emergency, many North Carolina homeowners feel pressured to go with the contractor...
Restoration Company vs. General Contractor: Which Do You Need After Fire or Water Damage?
If your home has active fire or water damage right now, you need to call a restoration company first. A general contractor comes in later, once the mitigation work is finished and only the rebuild remains. Confusion between these two types of contractors is common....
How Much Does Restoration Cost?
If you're searching for restoration services cost information, you're likely standing in a damaged room right now, trying to decide whether this is something you handle yourself or something you call in a professional for. Restoration costs vary enormously depending...
Smoke Damage vs Fire Damage: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Maybe the fire was small and contained to one room, or maybe it happened in the unit next door. Now the flames are out and the visible damage looks manageable, but the smoke odor has spread to other rooms and surfaces feel slightly gritty or greasy to the touch. ...
Kitchen Fire Cleanup: What Happens After the Fire Department Leaves
The trucks have pulled away. The air still carries a sharp smell, and you're facing a kitchen that no longer looks familiar. You might be tempted to begin a kitchen fire cleanup the moment the scene is cleared, but most homeowners don't realize that the visible damage...
Raleigh Storm Damage Statistics: A Wake County Risk Breakdown
In April 2011, a single storm system produced 32 tornadoes across North Carolina in one day. While that outbreak was extraordinary, it was not anomalous. Raleigh and Wake County sit at the intersection of competing weather systems that make severe storms a recurring...
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More About Katie
Understanding Loss of Use
What is Loss of Use? Loss of use coverage is an insurance policy term that refers to funds available to the policyholder when a covered event, such as severe water or fire damage, makes a home or business temporarily uninhabitable. For example, residential loss of...
PHC Restoration CEO Wins National Award Celebrating Women in Restoration
LILLINGTON, NC – PHC Restoration is excited to announce their own CEO, Katie Smith, has earned national recognition as the winner of the 2021 Women in Restoration Award, presented by R&R magazine. The award recognizes women in a predominantly male industry who are...
Large Business of the Year
The 2019-2020 Lillington Chamber honored community leaders and local businesses at its annual awards and recognition banquet. PHC Restoration was named “Large Business of the Year.” We were so honored to receive the award alongside our peers. Here is what Katie...
