Call Disaster Response for Emergency Water Damage Clean-Up
- 24/7 Emergency Response - Call Now!
- Stop The Damage Before Mold Forms
- Our Home Inusurance Claim Experts Are Ready
- Learn How We Help Families With Water Damage
Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Buffalo, NY
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Kimball Tower University at Buffalo in Buffalo to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Buffalo, NY is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Buffalo. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Fire Damage for Ben Leeper
Mold Remediation for hlsmith0814
Sewer Backup for Lisa Beadle
Soot Removal for Edd Bowen
Water Damage for Tonya Luvisch
Fire Damage for Taryn Connell
Mold Remediation for Karen Romonouski
Sewer Backup for Amanda Shohoney
Soot Removal for arlene tortorello
Water Damage for Meagan
Fire Damage for Kala Doyle
Mold Remediation for Joan Campbell
Sewer Backup for Shannon Wade
Soot Removal for Sharrn
Water Damage for Tracy Farah
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Buffalo.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Buffalo, NY
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to CarePatrol of BuffaloNiagara in Buffalo for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Buffalo, NY, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Buffalo?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Delaware Park in Buffalo. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Buffalo, NY, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to The Knox Mansion in Buffalo, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Buffalo restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Buffalo, NY, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Buffalo, NY
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Buffalo, NY, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Buffalo Chophouse in Buffalo. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Buffalo rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Buffalo, NY
How to help victims of Hurricane Helene by donating in WNY
Sarah Russohttps://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/how-help-victims-hurricane-helene/71-46da38ba-db30-41fa-b4a5-a74679e771ee
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, just eight days ago. The storm caused deadly flooding throughout Georgia and the Carolinas, to Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.There are plenty of ways to support the victims of the natural disaster by donating to national and local groups. The popular Erie County Blotter Facebook page by Tim Berry and Shaw...
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, just eight days ago. The storm caused deadly flooding throughout Georgia and the Carolinas, to Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.
There are plenty of ways to support the victims of the natural disaster by donating to national and local groups. The popular Erie County Blotter Facebook page by Tim Berry and Shawn McMahon have already made the trip down to Tennessee with supplies to be sent to North Carolina. The two are back in Buffalo now to regroup, reload and drive down again.
But they're not the only ones in WNY helping out. The Hamburg Highway Department, Angola Fire Department and Lons and Leisure in Lockport are just a few places opening their doors to collect donations. A more comprehensive list of donation spots can be found below.
There are also online ways to donate. The Erie County Blotter page is accepting donations on their PayPal. The Asheville Bills Backers is another group accepting donations. You can find their GoFundMe here. Cash is also being accepted at many of the donation sites.
Supplies Needed
Donation Locations
BuffaloDavid's Star Automotive303 Hopkins Street
Cheektowaga50 Meadowlawn Drive
Depew53 Lemans Drive
East Aurora11046 Jamison RoadFriday, October 4 from 12pm to 5pmSunday, October 6 from 10am to 3pm
Angola Fire Station #2Starting Saturday, October 512pm until 9pm
Lockport6942 Academy Lane
Lons & Leisure (6949 Academy Lane)
Williamsville200 Berkley Road
National Support
Donations can also be made online at American Red Cross Disaster Relief and Samaritan's Purse.
Related Articles
Big Lots closing more stores in Upstate NY after filing for bankruptcy: See list
Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.comhttps://www.syracuse.com/business/2024/10/big-lots-closing-more-stores-in-upstate-ny-after-filing-for-bankruptcy-see-list.html
Big Lots is closing two more stores in Upstate New York following its bankruptcy filing.The discount retail chain’s list of store closures has grown to include 12 stores in New York state — up from 10 that were previously announced. ...
Big Lots is closing two more stores in Upstate New York following its bankruptcy filing.
The discount retail chain’s list of store closures has grown to include 12 stores in New York state — up from 10 that were previously announced. Big Lots stores in Binghamton and Troy are having 20% off going-out-of-business sales, according to the company website, in addition to closing sales already underway in Buffalo, Canandaigua, Ithaca, New Hartford, Plattsburgh and Poughkeepsie. (Scroll down to see full list of stores closing in New York state.)
Big Lots listed 344 stores for closure last month when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy ahead of an expected acquisition, but also said it would shutter “additional stores.” It’s unclear how many locations in total are affected now, but USA Today reports at least 50 more stores are now closing nationwide. The company had 1,400 stores at the beginning of 2023.
The bankruptcy filing included an announcement that the company has entered into a sale agreement with an affiliate of Nexus Capital Management, who said it would “help return this iconic brand to its status as America’s leading extreme value retailer.”
“Though the majority of our store locations are profitable, we intend to move forward with a more focused footprint to ensure that we operate efficiently and are best positioned to serve our customers. To accomplish this, we intend to use the tools afforded by this process to continue optimizing our store fleet in an orderly manner,” said Bruce Thorn, President and CEO of Big Lots.
Thorn said the company’s actions will enable Big Lots to move forward with its new owners.
Big Lots still has nearly 50 locations operating in New York state, including stores in Auburn, Buffalo (Clarence), Clifton Park, Cortland, Geneva, Hamilton, Liverpool, Massena, Mattydale, Niagara Falls, Oneida, Oswego, Pulaski, Rochester, Rome, Utica and Watertown.
“We appreciate the tremendous loyalty of our customers,” Thorn said. “As we move through this process, we remain committed to offering extreme bargains, enabling easy shopping in our stores and online, and providing an outstanding customer experience. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our associates who remain focused on delivering the best service possible for our valued customers, and we deeply appreciate the partnership of our vendors as we start a new chapter for our business.”
Thorn previously expressed doubt about the company’s ability to survive, citing a “challenging consumer environment” and “a continued pullback in consumer spending by our core customers, particularly in high ticket discretionary items.”
Big Lots stores closing in New York state (as of Oct. 2, 2024):
Binghamton: 10 Glenwood Ave.
Buffalo (Linden Corners): 2276 Delaware Ave
Buffalo (Sloan): 698 S Ogden St
Canandaigua: 4406 State Route 5 & 20, Ste 129
Carle Place: 260 Voice Rd
Centereach: 231 Centereach Mall
Ithaca: 2309 N Triphammer Rd
New Hartford: 4645 Commercial Dr
Plattsburgh: 316 Cornelia St
RECOMMENDED•syracuse.com
Leaf peepers, rejoice: Peak fall foliage arrives in parts of Upstate NYOct. 2, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Poughkeepsie: 43 Burnett Blvd
Queensbury: 751 Upper Glen St, Ste 2
'Just something Buffalo does': Western New Yorkers driving south for Hurricane Helene relief
Taylor Eppshttps://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/just-something-buffalo-does-western-new-yorkers-driving-south-for-hurricane-helene-relief
Posted and last updated BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The City of Good Neighbors is going above and beyond to make sure victims of Hurricane Helene have everything they need while clean-up begins."We're Western New York. We care, when we have our snow storms, people come help us. Why can't we help them," said Tim Berry.Berry and Shawn McMahon run the Erie County Blotter page and asked neighbors to donate, watch below.We caught up with McMahon and Berry before they packed up and hit the road Wednes...
Posted
and last updated
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The City of Good Neighbors is going above and beyond to make sure victims of Hurricane Helene have everything they need while clean-up begins.
"We're Western New York. We care, when we have our snow storms, people come help us. Why can't we help them," said Tim Berry.
Berry and Shawn McMahon run the Erie County Blotter page and asked neighbors to donate, watch below.
We caught up with McMahon and Berry before they packed up and hit the road Wednesday morning with more donations than they expected to get.
"It's emotional to see WNY come together for people they don't even know," said McMahon.
The one thing they need is benadryl, which they're stopping for during the 10-13 hour drive down south. They plan to stay for a week.
Their Paypal is still active and they're updating their Facebook page with what they need.
Helping first responders
Many of the ambulances and emergency vehicles were destroyed by Hurricane Helene, rendered unusable.
So teams are getting rental vehicles and Gabe Casucci is making sure they have what they need.
"We actually manufacture something called our rapid deployment kit," said Casucci, National Manager for Fire & EMS with Soundoff Signal. "Where we can get the rental vehicles that these agencies are using with warning lights and sirens and they can have them up and running in less than an hour."
As a firefighter himself, he says there's no hesitation in times like this.
"A critical part of what we're doing is we're bringing four truck loads in from Wisconsin, Michigan, Buffalo with personal hygiene, food, water, dog food, flashlights," said Casucci.
Springville Drop-offNeighbors are putting together a drop-off on Wednesday, October 2 from 5:30-7:30 at 5880 Rt. 39 Springville, NY.
They're looking for:
You can text 716-715-1805 for alternative arrangements.Another Drop-off
Joseph Bellaus is collecting items to drive down as well, you can give him a call at (716) 254-7248.
American Red CrossThey already have around 25 folks volunteering and CEO Nick Bond made his way down on Wednesday with a food van.
"People won't leave their homes. Even though there's not much left, they won't go to shelters or feeding locations, so we will actually take these vehicles into those communities," said Bond.
The food in his truck will feed 400 people a day.
"Then we'll rotate, come back, get some more food and do it again," said Bond.
They plan to have crews there through December helping out.
For other ways you can help out and donate, click here for BBB-approved fundraisers.
Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
A Voice For Everyone
We want to hear what’s going on in your community. Share your voice and hear from your neighbors.
New-look Sabres face familiar challenge in attempting to end what’s become a 13-year playoff drought
JOHN WAWROWhttps://apnews.com/article/sabres-playoff-drought-pegula-adams-guelli-a1379975396d5905ad589b75479dbb4c
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres have a new coach in Lindy Ruff and a new captain in Rasmus Dahlin. They have an arena with a flashy new scoreboard and a newly insta...
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres have a new coach in Lindy Ruff and a new captain in Rasmus Dahlin. They have an arena with a flashy new scoreboard and a newly installed roof to plug its many leaks.
And with that comes a history of unfulfilled hopes accompanying the team’s NHL-record 13-year playoff drought.
So what separates this year from the past?
“I guess the best way to answer that is, I understand,” general manager Kevyn Adams told The Associated Press before leaving for Europe, where Buffalo opens its season in Prague against New Jersey with a pair of games. “Until you get the results, until you become a contending team and winning in the playoffs and putting yourself in position to win, then there’s going to be people that question decisions you make.”
Adams then outlined spending the past three years overhauling the roster — highlighted by trading captain Jack Eichel to Vegas in November 2021 — and rebuilding through youth.
“Our plan has been to get into this spot where we can get this young core that wanted to be here for the right reasons and play together,” Adams said. “That’s the simplest way for me to say that I believe in the people in our locker room. I believe in the coaching staff. And now we have to turn them into results, for sure.”
RELATED COVERAGE
Cotter scores as Devils beat Sabres 3-1 to sweep season-opening series in Prague
Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jack Campbell enters the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program
It was Adams who declared the window of contention open a year ago — before the Sabres stumbled through a season which ended with Don Granato’s firing, marking Buffalo’s seventh coaching change since Ruff was let go in 2013.
The franchise ranked eighth in the NHL with an average attendance of 18,690 in 2006-07, the last time Buffalo won a playoff round. Last year, the Sabres ranked 28th with an average turnout of 15,981.
These are the challenges facing a team that’s finished last overall four times and no better than 19th in the NHL standings since 2010-11.
Much of the drought coincides with the arrival of Terry and Kim Pegula, who bought the Sabres in February 2011, followed by the NFL’s Bills in 2014. Despite various approaches — free-agent spending, bottoming out and youth movements — undertaken by four GMs, the Pegulas have little in return but a team that was losing millions before the pandemic.
The business of marketing the Sabres now falls on Pete Guelli, who was hired as CEO of both franchises in March. Aside from various front-office shakeups, Kim Pegula was unable to continue her role as president of both teams after suffering a cardiac arrest in June 2022.
“Look, we definitely have to improve the financials,” said Guelli, a former Bills VP of business ventures who left in 2009 for the NBA in Charlotte, where he oversaw the Bobcats become the Hornets. He spent the past five years overseeing the New York Giants business operations.
Guelli sees similarities between the Hornets and Sabres in terms of their struggles and potential by focusing on improving the fan experience.
“Obviously, you can never control what happens on the court, on the field, on the ice,” he said. “What you try to do is set up a sustainable business model that can help you maximize success in some ways regardless of performance.”
The new scoreboard and roof help. Guelli is introducing other amenities to draw fans into the building with a belief the on-ice product will turn around.
“Just because people might be skeptical, you can’t deviate from that strategy,” added Guelli, who is from nearby Rochester.
The Sabres remain Pegula’s passion project, having been a fan of the team since the early 1970s while growing up in Pennsylvania. It’s reflected in Pegula’s commitment by investing his own money for arena improvements while also being on the hook for nearly $1 billion in funding the construction of the Bills new stadium set to open in 2026.
The Bills are the AFC East’s four-time defending champions. The closest the Sabres have come in recent years was in 2022-23 when they finished a win short of ending the drought.
“I don’t think there’s a disconnect. I think the business is not an exact science,” Guelli said, comparing the franchises. “Sometimes you can see things populate the way that they did with the Bills, and look where they are today. I think you just keep trying to do the right things.”
And yet, the Sabres are remembered more for their missteps:
— Forward Ville Leino spent more time on Buffalo’s payroll, nine years, than on the actual roster, three, after having his contract bought out in 2014.
— This is a team Ryan O’Reilly accused of having a losing mentality in closing the 2017-18 season, leading to his trade to St. Louis where he won the Stanley Cup the following year.
— In February 2020, Eichel vowed the wheels weren’t going to fall off as happened in previous playoff runs, before they did.
Adams closed the 2022-23 season dismissing a question on whether he considered it a lost opportunity. He’s somewhat softened his stance since.
“You miss the playoffs by a point and it’s not an easy to league to make the playoffs. So I understand,” Adams said, before reiterating the valuable experience players received for being in the hunt. “For me, it was a growth opportunity. And that’s kind of what I still believe. And I believe it’ll help us this year.”
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
'He's a Buffalo Bills hero': Bills Mafia honoring Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass with another donation blitz
Julia Skevalhttps://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/hes-a-buffalo-bills-hero-bills-mafia-honoring-buffalo-bills-kicker-tyler-bass-with-another-donation-blitz
Ten Lives Club said it began seeing an influx of donations after Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass made the game-winning kick in Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Bills Mafia, doing what they do best — recognizing major moments in the franchise's history by donating to charity.This time, it's Ten Lives Club, an animal shelter in Western New York. And the history-making moment was a 61-yard field goal by Tyler Bass in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins, which set a new franchise record....
Ten Lives Club said it began seeing an influx of donations after Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass made the game-winning kick in Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Bills Mafia, doing what they do best — recognizing major moments in the franchise's history by donating to charity.
This time, it's Ten Lives Club, an animal shelter in Western New York. And the history-making moment was a 61-yard field goal by Tyler Bass in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins, which set a new franchise record.
Ten Lives Club said it began seeing an influx of donations essentially right after Bass made the kick.
It happened in the last seconds of Sunday's game, when the Bills and Dolphins were tied at 27. The ball went through the uprights with five seconds left in the 4th quarter, setting Buffalo up to claim a 30-27 victory over their AFC East rival.
"So far $2,000 has been donated through the Ten Lives Club website and Facebook in various amounts with support for Tyler Bass," the shelter said in a statement to 7 News Sunday evening.
It said many fans are donating $61, a nod to Bass' 61-yard kick.
UPDATE: As of Monday, more than $23,000 has been donated to Ten Lives Club.
But this isn't the first time Bills fans have launched a donation blitz for the shelter in Bass' honor.
The Bills kicker missed a game-tying, 44-yard field goal with less than two minutes to go in last year's AFC Divisional Playoffs. Buffalo ultimately fell to Kansas City 27-24.
In the days after that loss, Ten Lives Club said Bills Mafia showed their support for Bass by donating more than $400,000 to the shelter.
In May, the club said it would build the "Tyler Bass Adoption Center" after receiving all the donations from the community.
7 News spoke to Ten Lives Club Public Relations Manager Kimberly LaRussa when donations eclipsed $270,000 in January 2024, she said in part "We are all speechless at Ten Lives Club and can’t believe this is happening." You can watch our previous report below and read more here.
This time around, the donations tell a different story.
The shelter said, "This time it's for Tyler's redemption story!"
If you're looking to donate to Ten Lives Club, you can do so through their Facebook page or website.
Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
A Voice For Everyone
We want to hear what’s going on in your community. Share your voice and hear from your neighbors.
Disclaimer:
