To my colleagues in the restoration industry,
I’m truly humbled by the warm reception to the announcement of my new role, leading Government Affairs & Advocacy for the Restoration Industry Association. It’s an honor to step into this work at a time when our industry’s voice matters more than ever, and I’m deeply grateful to the members, leaders, and volunteers of RIA for their trust and confidence.
During my first few weeks at Clear: Restoration and PreDisaster Consulting, a tornado tore through our town. At the time, I was brand new to the industry. I barely knew the difference between a fan and a dehu, but my teammates had brought me along to a mitigation job so I could learn.
That afternoon, I found myself standing in the front yard of a damaged home, likely tasked by our IICRC Triple Master with ordering lunch for the crew, when an elderly woman from next door slowly walked toward me, crying. I put my phone down and without thinking, gave her a hug and asked how I could help. Through her tears, she told me two trees had come through her roof, destroying her home. She didn’t know who to call or what to do; she had simply seen our team working since the night before and hoped we might be able to help.
Standing there, my assumptions were validated: restoration is about helping people. It’s about showing up when someone’s world has been turned upside down and being the calm during the chaos. In that moment, I knew I had found my new purpose, a new way to help people.
In the weeks that followed, my Clear teammates taught me the ropes, from Category 3 water (yuck) extraction to rebuilding homes and reopening businesses. Les Cunningham invited me into the Business Networks organization, and restoration teams from across the country welcomed me into their shops and shared what they knew. I then found myself at my first RIA conference, where I repeatedly found everyone willing to help me learn the industry. Once again, I found myself thanking the good Lord. I had found my people. Hard-working men and women who cared deeply, helped one another, and showed up for others. It felt like home.
What makes this industry special isn’t just the work, it’s the people behind it. The owners, technicians, leaders, and teams who answer the phone at all hours, walk into damaged homes and help families and businesses begin again. That same ethos guided me while helping run an independent restoration company for nearly five years, and while working shoulder-to-shoulder with crews, coordinators, accounting teams, subcontractors, agents, TPAs, and clients – solving real problems in real time. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the realities restorers face every day; challenges that are often compounded when policy and regulatory decisions are made without our perspective.
Alongside that hands-on experience, I’ve spent nearly two decades working on Capitol Hill and more than twenty years in senior executive leadership roles. What these chapters have taught me is simple: progress happens when people are put first, when we listen more than we speak, and when advocacy is grounded in integrity and real-world experience. This work isn’t about politics, it’s about ensuring policymakers understand the essential service we provide and the realities we face while delivering it.
I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I see this role as an extension of the service ethic that excited me in my first days of restoration. One of elevating teammates, peers, customers, and now, an entire industry that I’ve come to love. I ask you to work with me and our team – to share your experiences, your challenges, and your ideas – so together we can shape a future where restoration businesses of all sizes can thrive.
Thank you for what you do every day, often without recognition. Thank you for your candor, your commitment, and your willingness to help others in their worst moments. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves with you and advocating for our industry with humility, passion, and purpose.
Thank you,
Vince Scarfo
Vincent Scarfo
Vincent Scarfo is the Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs for the RIA. He brings more than two decades of senior executive leadership experience, including leadership roles at three Fortune 50 companies, nearly two decades working on Capitol Hill, and almost five years leading an independent restoration company, Clear Team. This rare combination of corporate leadership, legislative experience, and hands-on industry operations positions him uniquely to work alongside RIA members, legislators, regulators, and partners to protect
restorers’ ability to perform emergency services, advocate for fair and practical regulation, and
elevate the restoration industry’s voice nationwide.
Related Posts
