About Us

Leadership Rooted in Service

Evan Lagace brings over 15 years of leadership experience to his role at Zehr Restorations, where he oversees day-to-day field operations with clarity, structure, and compassion. His professional background spans business operations, hospitality, personal development coaching, and customer service—but the thread connecting it all is simple: a desire to serve people well.

A graduate of Mercyhurst University with a B.A. in Business Management, Evan has held leadership roles across several industries. Whether managing a restaurant, leading coaching programs, or now guiding homeowners through stressful restoration projects, he’s built a reputation for reliability, empathy, and follow-through.

From the Ice to the Job Site

Before stepping into the business world, Evan competed as a high-level athlete. A former Erie Otter hockey player and team captain of the Jamestown Vikings, he learned early on what it takes to lead from the front—discipline, communication, and teamwork. Those same skills show up in how he manages projects and leads restoration teams today.

Evan has also coached national champions and professional athletes, building strong teams and helping individuals unlock their full potential. At Zehr Restorations, that mindset drives his leadership—focusing not only on results but on the people achieving them.

Operations with a Personal Touch

As Operations Manager, Evan ensures each job runs smoothly and efficiently—from initial emergency calls to the final walkthrough. Whether dealing with water, fire, storm, or mold damage, he’s on the ground making sure crews are aligned, clients are informed, and every detail is handled with care.

Evan’s approach is hands-on. He believes great results start with great communication. Clients consistently describe him as thorough, kind, and solution-focused. He doesn’t just manage projects—he helps families navigate unexpected situations with calm and confidence.

Hospitality and Community at the Core

In addition to his role at Zehr, Evan is also a co-owner and operator of Panos Restaurant—an Erie staple since 1956. Running a beloved local restaurant has taught him the power of consistency, hospitality, and building trust over time. Those same values guide how he approaches every restoration project.

Just as diners return to Panos for comfort and familiarity, Evan wants Zehr’s clients to feel that same sense of trust—that even when life feels overwhelming, there’s someone in their corner who will show up, follow through, and do the job right.

A Mission to Restore Peace of Mind

What drives Evan every day is simple: helping people. He understands how overwhelming it can be when disaster strikes. That’s why he leads with empathy, aiming to restore more than just homes—he wants to restore peace of mind.

Whether it’s walking a family through their first insurance claim or stepping in during a late-night water emergency, Evan is committed to being a steady presence during a chaotic time. He brings heart to the job and holds every project to the same standard he would expect for his own home.

Integrity in Every Interaction

At Zehr Restorations, Evan is a key part of a mission-driven team that values service, honesty, and excellence. His role may focus on operations, but his impact is much deeper—restoring confidence, trust, and hope to families when they need it most.

For Evan Lagace, restoration isn’t just construction—it’s care in action. And every project is a chance to serve someone better than they expected.

A Career Built on Problem Solving and People First

With over a decade of experience in the disaster recovery industry, Holly Lagace has dedicated her professional life to helping people through some of their most difficult moments. Her career has been shaped by a deep understanding of both the technical side of restoration and the emotional toll these events take on homeowners, businesses, and professional partners.

Holly holds a B.S. in Business Administration from PennWest University (formerly Edinboro University). Her journey into the restoration field began in Erie, where she quickly discovered a passion for bringing order to chaos and guiding others through the complex insurance and recovery process.

Gaining Experience in a National Market

Holly’s career took her to Atlanta, Georgia, where she served in a key business development role for one of the region’s top restoration firms. There, she sharpened her skills in communication, relationship-building, and strategic outreach—working with insurance professionals, contractors, and property owners to deliver reliable restoration solutions.

Her time in Atlanta not only expanded her industry expertise but also gave her firsthand experience with large-scale disaster response efforts in a high-demand market. It was during this season that she developed the strong systems, follow-through, and client service mindset that define her leadership today.

Leading with Clarity and Care at Zehr Restorations

Now back in her hometown of Erie, Holly serves as Co-Owner and Business Development Manager at Zehr Restorations. Her role involves building strong referral relationships, supporting the internal team, and ensuring homeowners and partners alike feel seen and supported from the very first interaction.

Holly is known for her thoughtful and proactive communication style. Whether she’s speaking with a client who just experienced a loss or working alongside an insurance adjuster, she focuses on understanding the real problem and delivering a clear, timely solution. Her strength lies in her ability to listen deeply, respond efficiently, and stay organized under pressure.

Clients, teammates, and industry partners describe her as dependable, genuine, and always prepared. She believes that every homeowner deserves clarity, dignity, and support when disaster strikes—and she works daily to make sure those values are at the core of every interaction at Zehr.

From the Dance Floor to the Boardroom

Before entering the restoration field, Holly coached the Erie Bayhawks dance team and danced professionally for the Atlanta Hawks. That experience shaped her approach to leadership—bringing energy, discipline, and team-first thinking into everything she does. The same qualities that once helped her lead on the court now empower her to lead teams and navigate business challenges with focus and grace.

Committed to Community and Long-Term Impact

Holly’s vision for Zehr Restorations goes far beyond day-to-day operations. She is committed to building a company that truly puts people first—where integrity, compassion, and consistent follow-through are more than values—they’re how business gets done.

Now firmly rooted back in the Erie community, Holly is investing in relationships that last. Her goal is to make sure that when a family or business experiences the unexpected, Zehr is the name they can trust—not just for expert restoration, but for care, honesty, and peace of mind.

A Heart for Helping Others

Jacob Cramer didn’t just fall into restoration work—he was raised around it. Watching his dad and grandfather build things with their hands sparked something early on. Their craftsmanship, patience, and care laid the groundwork for how Jacob approaches life and work today. He’s not just fixing buildings—he’s helping people feel safe again.

A Hands-On Journey

Right after high school, Jacob took a two-year carpentry course at CCCTC, where he began sharpening his skills and building a strong foundation. Over the next decade, he worked across several trades—garage doors, finish carpentry, and residential construction—gaining experience, solving problems, and building a reputation as someone you could always count on.

That steady dedication eventually led him to Zehr Restorations, where he quickly moved from Crew Leader to Project Manager. His eye for detail and steady leadership made him a natural fit for the role.

Leading Projects with Care

As Project Manager, Jacob’s job is to make sure restoration projects run smoothly from start to finish. Whether it’s a family dealing with storm damage or a business recovering from water loss, Jacob’s goal is always the same: show up, do the job right, and take care of the people involved.

He works closely with crews, homeowners, and insurance reps—making sure everyone stays informed and everything stays on track. He brings organization, calm, and a genuine concern for people into every project.

Someone You Can Trust

What makes Jacob stand out isn’t just his technical skill—it’s his heart. He’s known by coworkers and clients as someone who’s honest, hardworking, and easy to talk to. He believes in being upfront, showing up on time, and doing what he says he’ll do.

More than anything, Jacob wants every family Zehr helps to feel supported. He knows that behind every job is someone going through a tough time—and that’s something he never takes lightly.

Life Outside of Work

When he’s not managing projects, Jacob enjoys quiet moments at home and hobbies that keep him grounded. He loves woodworking, fishing, and cooking Italian meals with his wife. Whether it’s building a custom piece in his garage or spending time outdoors, Jacob values the simple things—family, balance, and doing meaningful work.

Restoring What Matters

For Jacob, working at Zehr Restorations isn’t just a job—it’s a way to serve others. He takes pride in helping people rebuild not just their homes, but their sense of normalcy. And he does it all with the same care, focus, and heart that inspired him all those years ago in his grandfather’s shop.