What Does Success Look Like to You? – Bradley Vercosa

What Does Success Look Like to You? – Bradley Vercosa

Bradley Vercosa is a seasoned restoration specialist with over 30 years of experience in water damage cleanup, mold remediation, and biohazard recovery. He is the owner of SuperClean Restoration of The Palm Beaches LLC, a locally operated business based in Wellington, Florida.

Born in New York to Brazilian parents and raised partly in Brazil, Bradley began his working life as a car mechanic at age 15. At 21, he transitioned into disaster restoration, a field he has remained committed to ever since. By age 33, he had purchased a ServiceMaster franchise, where he led cleanup projects across New York, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. His team participated in major recovery efforts, including the cleanup of the Pentagon and World Trade Center area after the September 11, 2001 attacks. From 2001 to 2004, Bradley was recognized as Franchisee of the Year in New York State.

Bradley holds certifications in mold remediation and mold assessment, with extensive experience in hurricane response and biohazard cleanup. In 1989, he founded SuperClean Restoration, which now serves clients in West Palm Beach, Broward, Miami, and Port St. Lucie. His work focuses on fast, local response and long-term solutions for home and business owners dealing with disaster damage.

Outside of his career, Bradley has been involved in youth soccer coaching in Wellington and is a passionate fan of Brazilian soccer and the New York Knicks. He continues to live and work in South Florida, committed to helping his community recover and rebuild.

Q&A With Bradley Vercosa: Building Local Businesses in Florida

Bradley, you’ve been in restoration work for over 30 years. What inspired you to start your own business?

Honestly, I didn’t plan it at first. I started working young, fixing cars at 15. But by 21, I was introduced to disaster restoration. I saw there was a real need—and it was work that felt useful. After years in the industry, I realized I could do things my own way and better serve my community. That’s when I started my own company.

As a first-generation American with Brazilian roots, did your background affect how you approached business in Florida?

Absolutely. My parents are Brazilian, and I spent part of my childhood there. That gave me a strong work ethic and a real respect for opportunity. But it also meant I had to figure a lot out myself—no business mentors, no family company. I had to learn by doing. It made me tougher, but also more patient with people going through hard times.

What advice would you give to other immigrants or children of immigrants starting businesses in Florida?

Start small and stay consistent. Don’t try to grow too fast. Build trust with your customers—especially if you’re working in your own community. Word of mouth matters. And don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. The work you do is your best marketing tool.

You’ve built your business around local service. Why stay focused on South Florida?

Because this is home. I know the people. I know the weather, the buildings, the kinds of problems homeowners face. When hurricanes hit, people want someone local. Someone who can show up that day, not next week. Being nearby isn’t just practical—it builds trust.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on?

The paperwork. The permits. The certifications. As an immigrant family, we didn’t grow up with those systems, so I had to learn the hard way. Also, being taken seriously. I had to prove myself with every job. No shortcuts. But if you do good work, people remember.

You’ve mentioned coaching soccer in Wellington. Why was that important to you?

It was about giving back. Soccer is huge in Brazilian culture, and coaching let me connect with local kids and families. It also kept me grounded. Running a business is one thing, but being part of a community means showing up in different ways.

Any final words for immigrant entrepreneurs just starting out in Florida?

Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Just start. You’ll learn as you go. Work hard, treat people right, and remember—your roots are a strength, not a weakness. Florida is full of people who came from somewhere else. Use that to connect.