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Moisture Meter Calibration Tips to Get Paid

February 23, 2022 12:14 pm

Water damage can be an overwhelming experience for a building owner and a complicated process working with an insurer. Navigating the minefield of payment with third-party administrators (TPAs) is often a challenging process on its own, outside of the actual job, with factors like equipment and moisture mapping readings affecting payment outcomes. Confirming the proper operation of equipment is essential, and meter calibration is critical in ensuring fair and uncontested payment for restorers. METER MATTERS Meter calibration helps contractors fulfill the requirements of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S500 standard

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Restoration Squid Game: Carriers, Contractors, and Consumers

February 22, 2022 11:28 am

A recent phenomenon expanded its reach from Hollywood into American pop culture via Netflix. If you have not viewed the immensely popular series Squid Game, you likely have heard about it. Spoiler alert, the premise of the show is that people who are down and out are recruited for a series of simple games with a huge financial prize and a hidden consequence, the losers die. While entrepreneurship isn’t as dire, the survival of contracting businesses that engage in assisting customers with the insurance claims process often feel like they are stuck in a

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Human Resources – Why is it Important to You?

February 21, 2022 5:23 pm

Last week, I read Phillip Rosebrook Jr.’s article, “Predicting 2022 Disaster Restoration Trend.” And while I was reading, it occurred to me…every company needs a solid Human Resource foundation to give an exceptional employee experience to combat unknowns in the workplace. Now, I am sure you are saying to yourself, “Marcie, what are you talking about?” But think about it, all successful companies 1) produce a superior product and 2) deliver impeccable customer service which is delivered by your employees. All of Mr. Rosebrook’s predictions involve Human Resources.  So, lets take each prediction one

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Asbestos Abatement: Don’t Leave Time & Money on the Table

February 21, 2022 5:02 pm

Asbestos abatement has a storied (some would say infamous) U.S. history dating back to the 1960s when exposure started getting widespread attention; the 1970s with the first guidelines to reduce exposure; and then the 1980s with the first laws regulating asbestos. Although mining and manufacture of the six types of asbestos minerals was sharply curtailed in the U.S., there is still no asbestos ban in effect. While the import of asbestos products continues to be legal and thrive, efforts to remove it from homes and buildings have been ongoing for decades. The widespread perception

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The Far Side of Personality

February 21, 2022 3:00 am

I didn’t read much of the newspaper growing up, although I did read some. Every morning, when The Plain Dealer arrived on our doorstep, I went straight to two places: the sports section and Gary Larson’s The Far Side comic strip. Cows, the Chicken of Depression, and poor Thag. Although I enjoyed them all, one of Larson’s cartoons really stuck out to me. Designed in the traditional one-panel format, this 1990 comic was divided into four parts, with four independent drawings of a person staring at a glass of water sitting on a table.

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Incorporating the “Why” Into Odor Removal Training

February 18, 2022 3:00 am

In my 22 years of property restoration experience, I’ve had both the opportunity to be taught and to teach. I often find what’s missing from our conversations today is the “why.” Now I’m not as seasoned as a lot of folks in our industry, but I had the definitive trial-by-fire education associated with a boomer generation of leaders. Often, most of my early training was conducted on the job. That was perfect for my young adult mind, which was ripe with ADHD and burned out from too many hours at a desk in high

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Cross Examination: Don’t Be a Restoration Cannibal

February 17, 2022 9:13 am

Restorers complain that insurance companies pay too little and don’t treat them fairly, but some restorers contribute to the problem by pandering to insurance companies and foolishly undercutting the value of restoration services. I understand and respect restorers’ desire to have a good working relationship with the insurance industry, but it should not be done at the cost of sacrificing quality, eroding the fair market value of restoration services, or jeopardizing public confidence in the restoration industry. In one case, an attorney for a famous member of the San Diego Chargers engaged a contractor

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Taking Steps + Embracing Risks: Elevate Keynote Highlights

February 16, 2022 11:03 am

Linda Alvarado, CEO of Alvarado Construction, spent her time on stage weaving together a story of perseverance, chasing a dream, and not taking “no” for an answer. “We very often stereotype ourselves,” she began. By the end of her talk, it was clear she is an adamant believer that anyone can do anything. “It’s not about gender. It’s not about equality. It’s about opportunity.” From an early age, Linda’s parents, both Hispanic, instilled a strong work ethic in her. Even in elementary school, when she would earn a few dollars here and there, her

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A Mindset Shift: Kindness and Service

February 16, 2022 4:00 am

“Your Influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.” -Bob Burg & John David Mann, The Go-Giver In a society consumed by greed, materialism, and self, I like to think restorers are a rare breed. While, of course, making money is 100% necessary, much of what this industry does is rooted in kindness, goodness, and service. Helping others get through traumatic experiences, and truly caring about their needs, often brings us many rewards beyond just the immediate cash. I was elated when a book showed up in my mailbox around

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RIA News: February 2022

February 16, 2022 2:00 am

As another year at the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) draws to a close, there is a lot to celebrate. One of the RIA’s major achievements over the past year has been the continued work of the Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee. Not only does the committee have a list of industry-improving accomplishments from 2021 to look back on, but it also has a strategic vision for the future to look forward to. The work the AGA has been doing has contributed to unifying the restoration industry, and the committee will be carrying that

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