BRANDON, Fla. — A Hillsborough County homeowner who recently moved into his new home after rebuilding from Hurricane Ian says he can relate to those impacted by the most recent storms who are just starting the recovery process.

“Breathe, there’s so much stress that happens after a hurricane. Nothing really moves fast,” said John Sims.

More than two years after a tree fell on his Brandon home, it has been rebuilt and he’s moved back in, just in time for the holidays.

“It’s just very difficult to finally see everything put back together and we love it,” said Sims, who is looking forward to using his new kitchen to entertain for Christmas. “We’ve always opened our house to whoever.”

Sims said that it’s been a long process, but he’s glad it’s done. He’s been working with a contractor, Tommy Whitehead, who has been helping to lead the way. Whitehead owns TomCo Solutions sheds some light on the timeframe.

“The first round with this homeowner was working with the insurance company. It took over five months before we received the first check,” explained Whitehead. “Then, they were arguing every step of the way and so it became quite complex and once we got funding to start the construction process, we then had to go into design, development and architecture.”

Whitehead says he really gets to know his clients when dealing with them during disaster and destruction, so it’s rewarding to see them on the other end, after the rebuild.

“It is greatly fulfilling to see them back home for the holidays this year,” said Whitehead of Sims.

Meantime, Sims offers some support to those who are just beginning their recovery process.

“Life does go on for anybody who is dealing with this. It takes time, it takes a lot of patience,” said Sims.