Success Story: Yeniferd Salgado Fernandez Builds Community Through Authentic Partnership

Tell us about your business and your journey as a business owner. 

My journey as a business owner is deeply connected to my Venezuelan roots and my roles as a wife, mother, and company co-founder. Building a new life in the United States required me to adapt to a different culture and learn how to navigate a new business environment. That experience taught me to work with discipline, perseverance, and gratitude, even during uncertain times. 

In 2019, Mario and I founded Restorm with a vision to create a company that would not only repair properties, but also help people regain peace of mind after an unexpected loss. We understand what it means to build something from the ground up, which is why we wanted to create a company that responds with empathy, urgency, and accountability when a family or business experiences an emergency. 

Restorm provides residential and commercial mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction services for damage caused by water, fire, mold, wind, and storms. We also offer demolition, contents management, roofing, and 24/7 emergency response services. 

What began as a small family business has grown into an organization with a diverse team, professional systems, specialized certifications, and the capacity to manage increasingly complex projects. We have served individual property owners, insurance companies, property managers, public agencies, and other organizations throughout Indiana. 

As President and Co-Founder, I have been directly involved in Restorm’s administrative and strategic development. My journey has required continuous learning, difficult decision-making, process development, relationship building, and the ability to protect the company’s vision through every stage of growth. 

One of our greatest purposes is to demonstrate that a family-owned company built through hard work can grow, create jobs, and make a positive contribution to its community. We also want to create opportunities for bilingual professionals and for people who are working to build a better future for their families. 

How did you first connect with HBC, BOI, or Indy Chamber, and what motivated you to become involved? 

Our interest in Indy Chamber and the Hispanic Business Council came from our desire to become more actively involved in the Indianapolis business community. We understood that growing Restorm required more than providing excellent service. We also needed to build relationships, learn from other business owners, and participate in the spaces where opportunities are created. 

We were especially motivated to find an organization that understood both the challenges and the potential of Hispanic-owned businesses. From the beginning, we felt that HBC could connect us with resources, knowledge, and people who understood our experience as Latino business owners. 

We also wanted Restorm to have an active presence in the community. We did not want to be members in name only. We wanted to participate, contribute, and develop genuine relationships with other business owners and community leaders in Indianapolis. 

Which HBC, BOI, or Indy Chamber programs, events, or services have you participated in? 

We have participated in networking activities, business events, educational programs, and opportunities offered through HBC and Indy Chamber. We also participated in the ENCLAVE program, which gave us the opportunity to exchange experiences with other business owners, evaluate our company from a strategic perspective, and continue developing our leadership skills. 

We have also participated in initiatives such as Conexión Empresarial and other programs that provide access to business resources, financing opportunities, guidance, and tools designed to support small-business growth. 

Our involvement has not been limited to attending one event. We have made an intentional effort to maintain an active relationship with the Chamber, meet other members, and take advantage of the resources it offers. 

How have these programs, events, or services impacted your business? 

These programs and events have helped Restorm expand its network, increase its visibility, and strengthen the way we lead the company. They have allowed us to learn from the experiences of other business owners, discover different approaches to solving problems, and understand that many of the challenges we face are also a natural part of growing a company. 

ENCLAVE helped us make time to think strategically about the business beyond our daily operational responsibilities. As business owners, it is easy to become focused only on urgent matters. Programs like this remind us of the importance of planning, creating structure, and developing a long-term vision. 

The Chamber has also introduced us to resources, opportunities, and people who can contribute to Restorm’s continued growth. Some relationships produce immediate results, while others develop over time, but each connection broadens our perspective and strengthens our presence within the business community. 

What would you say to someone considering participating in HBC, BOI, or Indy Chamber programs, services, or events? Why are programs like these important? 

I always say that a Chamber membership is like a gym membership: you can pay for it every month, but if you do not show up, participate, and put in the work, you will not see results. 

The Chamber provides resources, connections, and opportunities, but each business owner must become actively involved. You have to attend events, introduce yourself, speak with people, follow up with your contacts, and maintain a consistent presence. Results do not always come after the first meeting. Many opportunities develop through trust, consistency, and genuine relationships. 

I would encourage any business owner considering participation to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to contribute, not only to receive. When you participate sincerely, relationships become stronger and opportunities begin to develop naturally. 

These programs are important because many small businesses have the ability and determination to grow, but they do not always have access to the right people, information, or resources. Organizations such as HBC and Indy Chamber help close that gap. 

Have you made any meaningful connections through HBC or Indy Chamber? If so, please share an example and tell us about the work you are doing. 

Yes, our involvement has allowed us to build relationships with business owners, community leaders, and professionals from different industries. These connections have helped increase awareness of Restorm and given us opportunities to introduce our services to people and organizations that may need or recommend us in the future. 

We also greatly value the relationship we have developed with the HBC and Indy Chamber team. Their willingness to share resources, invite us to participate, and recognize our story has helped us feel connected to the Indianapolis business community. 

Restorm helps homeowners, businesses, and organizations recover from damage caused by water, fire, mold, wind, and storms. Our work begins during a difficult moment for the customer, so our responsibility extends beyond repairing a structure. We must communicate clearly, respond quickly, and reassure each customer that a qualified team is prepared to guide them through the recovery process. 

Our goal is to continue strengthening the relationships we have developed through the Chamber and turn them into lasting partnerships that allow us to serve more people, create more jobs, and expand Restorm’s positive impact throughout Indiana. 

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