Evan Lagace
Co-Owner & Operations Manager
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.
