Articles

Getting to Your Freedom Point

Simon Sinek kicked off the conversation about the “why” behind things back in 2009 with his book “Start With Why” and his uber-famous TED Talk that same year. In many ways, I think this concept, led by him, marked what has become a massive change in business: this idea of bringing our people along with us, leading with more transparency, getting better at communicating the vision and what’s in it for them and helping connect the dots so that people understand the purpose and impact of things that might otherwise be mundane, hard, or,

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Why Should I Use an Exit/Decon Chamber for Mold Remediation? Is It Really Important or is It Just An Unnecessary Cost?

There are several important components needed for successful containment. One of the most important components is the use of an exit/decon chamber. These chambers are attached to the main containment chamber and function as a transitionary space between the contained area and the unaffected areas. It provides a space for the technician to don and doff their personal protective equipment to prevent contaminants from being released from contaminated suits and gloves upon exit. It also provides a spot for bags of debris and contaminated equipment to be placed and decontaminated prior to removing it

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Restored for Easter

Share a little bit about your company – its background, location, etc. We’re a full-service restoration company headquartered in Central Iowa with employees throughout the country. Our consulting and restoration division, Pro Commercial Construction and Consulting, brings together expertise in insurance claims and a well established national commercial development company.  Combined, we are able to expertly consult on otherwise complex claims throughout the country with the ability to sign a contract to perform the scope of work if needed.   When did you first get the call about the loss? How did you land

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A Closer Look at 2024 Severe Weather Trends To Date: Hail, Wind, and Hurricane Activity

Publisher’s Note: This podcast and article are part of an ongoing conversation with leadership at Verisk. Check out our previous conversation with Aaron and David here, and be on the lookout for future dialogue on industry data, trends, etc. Have a question you would like asked in a future podcast? Email [email protected] The first half of 2024 has brought significant shifts in severe weather patterns compared to the same period in 2023. Public reports, while sometimes inconsistent due to reliance on voluntary reporting, indicate that severe hail activity has decreased by 4-8%, whereas severe

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The Purpose and Importance of Documentation

We constantly hear about the importance of documentation, often required by clients and insurance companies. But why is it so important? What is the purpose of writing down so many things and taking so many pictures?  Some reasons include: Clarity on services being provided, the payments required, and who is paying the bill. This is accomplished through Contracts and Change Orders. Policyholders often assume the contract is between the contractor and the insurance carrier. It can be an interesting relationship, for sure, so understandings and expectations need to be clearly established. Liability protection. Can

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Spot On Marketing in 60 Seconds – Best Practices for Blogs

Blogging is more than just a way to fill your website with content—it’s a crucial strategy for boosting your online presence and establishing your business as an authority in your field. Whether you’re a plumber, HVAC specialist, or restoration contractor, a well-maintained blog can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility. When crafting blog content, it’s essential to understand who you’re writing for. Are your readers homeowners looking for professional services or business owners seeking industry expertise? Tailoring your content to their needs and interests will make your blog more relevant and engaging. Another key

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Mid-Year Check-In

It’s hard for me to believe I am already writing the mid-year Publisher’s Note!  How are you all doing? If the first part of the year was slow for you, you are not alone. In May, I had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Aaron Brunko and David Obert from Verisk (you can find the video on the C&R website) to discuss current industry data. During that interview, they noted that claims volume was down 22% in Q1 of this year from Q1 of 2023. I am looking forward to ongoing

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Why Should I Go to the Expense of Buying a Manometer to Measure Negative Pressure?

If My Plastic is Sucking In, That is Proof Enough That My Containment is Under Negative Air! The primary liability for a mold remediation contractor is cross-contamination from a failure in containment. Failure can result from poor construction, not using an exit/decon chamber, improper doffing of PPE, poor cleaning techniques, and not maintaining adequate pressure differentials.  When I ask most restorers how they determine if they have created negative pressure inside containment, the most common answer I get is, “Well, of course! If my plastic pulls in, we have plenty of negative air!” But

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Elevate Your Restoration Career with the RIA!

RIA’s Advanced Designation program is the perfect way to get ahead in the restoration industry by becoming a Fire Loss Specialist (FLS), Content Loss Specialist (CLS), Water Loss Specialist (WLS), Environmental Risk Specialist (ERS), and ultimately, a Certified Restorer (CR). These advanced designation courses cover industry standards, technologies, and advancements. As we all know, ongoing education is crucial in our dynamic industry, and it is more important than ever to stay competitive and deliver top-notch service to your clients.  Participants in RIA’s advanced courses will be instructed by industry-leading and experienced peers, gain top-notch

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Upholding Hygiene Standards Across Diverse Controlled Environments

One could argue that all the spaces we work, play, and live in are “controlled” environments. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and healthy indoor spaces, especially considering that we spend over 90% of our time indoors. This article will provide a high-level overview of what we consider traditional controlled environments. By definition, a controlled environment is a space designed to maintain specific conditions essential for its intended use, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and stability. These environments are equipped with technologies and systems that regulate variables such as temperature,

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