By: Olivia McKenzie
Owner and former Navy SEAL Keith Burney builds a nimble, high-trust team serving communities between Seattle and Tacoma
Paul Davis Restoration of Southeast Puget Sound announced an expanded focus on rapid response and full-service recovery for water, fire, smoke, and mold damage across the corridor between Seattle and Tacoma. The locally owned and operated franchise combines disciplined field execution with a customer-first approach to help property owners return to normal safely and quickly.
Expanded Emergency Services for Homes and Businesses
The operation is led by franchise owner Keith Burney, a United States Navy veteran who served with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One from 1995 to 2004. Following military service, Burney earned a law degree and built a career that included roles as a criminal defense attorney, prosecutor, judicial staff member, and Amazon employee. He joined the Paul Davis network in August 2023 and began serving customers in spring 2024. His transition into restoration drew on the small-unit leadership principles that defined his military years and now shape the company’s team culture and service standards.
Veteran Leadership with a Service Mindset
“Small-unit leadership is key to running a franchise,” Burney said. “A team succeeds when the leader knows when to pitch in, when to coach, and when to trust people to solve problems.” That philosophy guides a tight-knit staff of project managers, mitigation technicians, reconstruction specialists, and client service coordinators who mobilize for emergencies at any hour. Their work ranges from burst pipes and appliance leaks to storm damage, smoke and soot cleanup, mold remediation, odor control, and contents cleaning, followed by coordinated repairs and rebuilds.
Service Area and Team Approach
The franchise’s service area covers dense residential neighborhoods and busy commercial zones, including locations near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and several major employers. That mix creates a wide range of calls, from single-family homes and townhouses to apartments, retail suites, and industrial spaces. To maintain consistency, the team relies on documented job plans, transparent communication with insurance carriers, and daily progress updates for property owners.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers cite that communication and follow-through as a key reason they recommend the company. “Paul Davis is the best company I had to work with. Cullen was friendly and professional, answering all my questions promptly. The service provided was exceptional. I highly recommend them,” wrote one customer in a recent five-star review. Another customer, shared that “Zach’s consistent communication, advocacy, and responsiveness have truly made a difference,” adding that the crew “went above and beyond” to keep her family informed and supported during a difficult windstorm recovery. Reviews also highlight the team’s flexibility with scheduling, attention to detail, and willingness to explain each step before, during, and after mitigation.
Insurance Navigation and Reconstruction Quality
Insurance coordination is often the most stressful part of a loss for homeowners and businesses. Paul Davis Restoration of Southeast Puget Sound works within carrier guidelines while advocating for scope accuracy and code-compliant repairs. The franchise pairs that administrative diligence with field excellence, using moisture mapping, structural drying techniques, and industry-standard antimicrobial protocols to stabilize properties and prevent secondary damage. When reconstruction is required, project managers plan finish selections, schedule trades, and keep clients apprised of milestones until the final walkthrough.
Training and Support That Elevate Local Delivery
Burney credits the brand’s training and support with accelerating his team’s readiness. New owners complete a multiweek onboarding program, followed by hands-on launch support in the local office. Ongoing business and marketing coaching helps align field operations with growth targets, while a national network and 24/7 technical resources backstop complex jobs. For local property owners, that framework translates to predictable service, documented quality controls, and a single accountable partner from the moment a loss is reported to the day the last punch-list item is closed.
Clean, Safe, and Communicative Job Sites
The franchise’s service ethic shows up on job sites and in simple, neighborly gestures. Technicians are coached to arrive prepared, protect unaffected areas, and leave spaces clean at the end of each shift. Project managers carry the same standard into reconstruction, whether coordinating finish carpentry on a downtown condo or managing a multi-room rebuild after a major leak. One customer, Irene Harim Cha, described how the crew accommodated a busy schedule during a bathroom water loss and kept communication clear throughout mitigation and rebuild. Another, Nicolette Slaughter, credited a project manager for advocating through a difficult claim and ensuring timely repairs.
From initial assessment to final sign-off, the company’s goal is to remove uncertainty from a stressful situation. The team offers clear estimates, documented scopes, and daily updates so owners know what to expect and when to expect it. Each phase is designed to minimize disruption, protect health and safety, and restore properties to pre-loss condition with craftsmanship that stands up over time.
About Paul Davis Restoration of Southeast Puget Sound
Paul Davis Restoration of Southeast Puget Sound provides 24/7 emergency mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction for residential and commercial properties affected by water, fire, smoke, mold, and storm events. The veteran-led local team serves communities between Seattle and Tacoma with disciplined field operations, transparent communication, and end-to-end project management. Make sure you check out their YouTube channel and Facebook page, where they post content to help homeowners deal with restoration emergencies!
