Video: Business Reopens After Taking Hit From Tornado

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) — It’s been a week since a tornado carved a path across Tupelo and Lee County. Businesses along busy North Gloster took a major hit. Some remain closed looking for short- and long-term options to rebuild. Others have found short-term solutions. Through it all, many are developing a new appreciation for some things in business and life.

Like other Crye Leike agents in the Tupelo office, Beth Walker is getting settled in a new space. When the tornado hit, Crye Leike Plaza was in its path.

“I walked in my office and found wet insulation sitting on top of my laptop and when I pulled it off, I had to turn my computer over and water poured out of it,” Walker said.

Miraculously, her computer still works. Within hours after the tornado, the search was on for temporary office space. A local businessman provided this space, free of charge, until the damaged offices are rebuilt.

“We are in a tight spot, we are going to have to share desks temporarily, but it’s going to be a good thing. We are open, we are able to service our clients,” said Broker Greg Gillespie.

A lot of paperwork was waterlogged when rain poured in through the damaged roof. Now, as salvaged forms dry out, many agents have a new appreciation for modern technology.

“It’s taught us, I think, that we need to go digital, rather than paper, because papers get lost and, I think I’m going to do business in maybe a different way after this,” said Crye Leike Property Manager Norma Cother.

And although technology allows realtors to work from just about anywhere, agents say having an office is crucial for many reasons.

“I like to have a place to come and get still and to write everything down because you can’t do that a lot when you are driving, so a place to kind of get your thoughts back together,” Walker said.

“I think it’s important because we need connection with each other, especially in times of crisis, we need to kind of bond together,” Cother said.

It could take six to eight months to repair Crye Leike’s permanent offices.