Laura McCubbin-Thomsen Marks Two Years of Transformative Leadership at SERVPRO Team Brogdon

This month, we proudly celebrate a significant milestone for one of our most dedicated team members— Laura McCubbin- Thomsen , who marks her two-year anniversary as the Sales and Marketing Manager at SERVPRO Team Brogdon . Laura’s leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been key drivers of our success. We’re excited to share her journey and the remarkable impact she has made during her time with us.

A Leader Who Puts Her Team First

Laura’s leadership style is deeply rooted in the principles of servant leadership—a philosophy that emphasizes putting the needs of the team above all else. “In a management role, your team doesn’t work for you. You work for them,” Laura explains. This mindset has been central to her success in guiding and inspiring her team. She highlights the importance of effective communication, empathy, accountability, and resilience, noting that these skills are essential for any leader who wants to make a lasting impact.

One of the hallmarks of Laura’s leadership is her ability to listen more than she speaks. “Effective communication starts with understanding others’ perspectives, and that means listening,” she says. Laura also stresses the importance of self-awareness, understanding how her actions, thoughts, and decisions influence those around her. “As a leader, if you can’t handle criticism, you’re not in the right role,” she adds, emphasizing the resilience required to grow and thrive in leadership, which means continuous learning.

Resilience in Action: A Day in the Life

Laura’s role at SERVPRO Team Brogdon is dynamic and demanding, requiring a strong sense of resilience to navigate the challenges that come with it. She spends several days each week in the field, building and nurturing relationships with clients. The majority of her time, however, is dedicated to working alongside the sales and marketing team, ensuring that jobs are on track, needs are met, and everyone has the tools they need to succeed. “Our success as a team hinges on synchronization—when support and tools are aligned, we achieve our goals,” Laura notes.

Managing these responsibilities effectively requires meticulous planning and time management. “If it’s not on my calendar, it didn’t happen or isn’t happening,” Laura says. She is also a dedicated note-taker, allowing her to stay ahead of what’s on the horizon and make informed decisions. Laura firmly believes in work-life balance and makes it a priority to communicate efficiently with her team and clients, ensuring that personal time remains protected for all.

Leading Major Projects and Overcoming Challenges

Since joining SERVPRO Team Brogdon, Laura has led several major initiatives that have significantly contributed to the company’s growth. One of her first goals was to build a Commercial Sales Team capable of driving substantial business growth. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, Laura successfully recruited top talent, resulting in the addition of multi-million-dollar producers to the team. This initiative not only boosted our profits margins but also brought in a wealth of new clients who have since become loyal partners, thanks to the exceptional work of our teams in both sales and production.

A standout achievement during Laura’s tenure has been her role in helping SERVPRO Team Brogdon secure a spot in the Top 100 of all SERVPRO franchises nationwide—a remarkable feat considering there are over 2,500 franchises across the country. “This accomplishment is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. It wasn’t just sales that got us there, but it certainly played a significant role,” Laura reflects.

Looking ahead, Laura is focused on setting new goals, including improving efficiency, leading in large-loss commercial jobs within specific verticals, and aiming for even higher rankings at the 2025 SERVPRO convention in Boston.

A Career Built on Experience and Resilience

With nearly 12 years in the restoration industry, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at SERVPRO Team Brogdon. Her career began in the Real Estate Services sector, where she quickly rose through the ranks, achieving her goal of becoming VP of Marketing by the age of 30—a significant achievement, especially as a single mom. Laura fondly recalls the mentors who guided her along the way, including Mr. Kim, who helped her build confidence in public speaking, and Mr. Thornton, who nurtured her talents and provided quiet but powerful support.

Laura attributes her resilience and drive to succeed to the lessons she learned from her mentors, as well as her father. “My dad taught me to always be learning, to do the right thing even when no one is watching, and to always be networking,” Laura says. These principles have been instrumental in shaping her approach to leadership and her career.

Active in Professional Development and Community Involvement

Beyond her role at SERVPRO Team Brogdon, Laura is deeply involved in professional organizations that contribute to her growth and success. She is an active member of CREW, California Society for Healthcare Engineering, Inc. (CSHE) , CACM , and Community Associations Institute , and she believes that the professional development opportunities available through these organizations are invaluable. “When you dedicate your time and become involved in committees/boards or volunteer, you gain so much more than just networking—it’s about continuous learning and giving back to the industry,” Laura explains.

Laura’s commitment to giving back extends beyond her professional life. She is passionate about environmental conservation, supporting the The Surfrider Foundation in OC, and is also involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation via Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) —a cause that is particularly close to her heart as a parent. “I like to keep the ocean and beaches clean, and supporting the C&C Foundation is important to me because of the challenges my child faces,” she shares.

Looking Forward to the Future

As Laura celebrates her two-year anniversary with SERVPRO Team Brogdon, she remains focused on growth, both personally and professionally. Her dedication to her team, her clients, and her community continues to inspire those around her. We are incredibly fortunate to have Laura as part of our team, and we look forward to many more years of success together