Articles

Inspiring Trust

In coaching leaders, I frequently hear the statement, “I looked at the job board and had no idea who half of my customers are.” As a small business grows, the control or influence that a manager has decreases and, in turn, the trust they have in their team must increase. Quite simply, there is not enough time for a manager to oversee the functions of a department or business without help.  This transition can be difficult for managers who have either never trusted someone else to complete tasks with little or no oversight or

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The Restoration Dictionary: Part 2

Effective communication between the various stakeholders in our industry relies on the use of a shared language with clear meanings. Recognizing this need, the IICRC has developed the IICRC Standards, providing industry professionals with a common language and set of definitions. In this article, we’ll cover a few key terms that all cleaning and restoration professionals should know. If you missed it, make sure to review the first set of definitions in Part 1 of The Restoration Dictionary series. Abatement: This is the process of removing the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos

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Don’t Touch the Oscar: Going Beyond Technical Training for Technicians

In  the restoration industry, we work in people’s homes and offices. Our companies are in the most intimate and private portions of people’s lives during a time when stress is very high.  What could possibly go wrong?  To add to this equation, who are we sending out to spend the most time on the jobsite? Field technicians.  Most restorers struggle with attracting and retaining technicians. The job is hard and often thankless, and it is left to those who have minimal job skills, often come from tough backgrounds, and may be lacking in areas

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FTC Bans Noncompetes

Landmark FTC Ruling Bans Noncompete Clauses Nationwide to Boost Competition and Worker Freedom

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made a groundbreaking move by issuing a final rule that bans noncompete agreements across the country. The decision intends to significantly increase competition, enhance worker mobility, and stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship. In January 2023, the FTC issued a proposed rule(the banning of non-competes) which was subject to a 90-day public comment period. The FTC received more than 26,000 comments on the proposed rule, with over 25,000 comments in support of the FTC’s proposed ban on non-competes. FTC has issued its Final Rule. Key details of the FTC’s Decision:

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The ABCs of Casualty Claims for HOAs

As of 2022, the Foundation for Community Association Research estimates that 74.2 million Americans, or roughly 28% of the U.S. population, now live in some sort of a homeowners association. They are everywhere, from urban vertical residential towers and mixed-use condominiums, to sprawling planned communities in suburbia.  Restoration companies work at a frenetic pace, often times under intense deadlines and pressure situations to preserve property. Many companies use different contracts for different types of work, for example, mitigation versus reconstruction work. Estimates are generated based on sophisticated software and created early in the process

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Job Titles Don’t Make Leaders: The True Essence of Leadership

In the bustling realm of any industry, including the restoration where I spend my days, there’s a lingering misconception that leadership is synonymous with having a prestigious job title. You see it all the time, those impressive-sounding titles at the top of business cards and email signatures that command respect and authority. However, as I’ve come to learn through years of navigating the ups and downs, true leadership transcends the confines of a title.  The Myth of the Title It’s easy to assume that once someone has climbed their way to a position like

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Spot On Marketing in 60 Seconds – Don’t Google Your Business

Get ready to tackle a common misconception: searching for your business on Google to see how you are ranking. While it might seem like a quick way to check, there are good reasons not to. Google’s search results are personalized, so what you see isn’t what others see. Plus, if you don’t click on your own ads, Google might think they’re not relevant and show them less. There are better ways to track your performance without skewing the results. Check it out to learn more!  

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Maximizing Efficiency: Revolutionizing Restoration with Proptech

The integration of property technology (proptech) has brought about a revolution in the restoration industry. By streamlining property loss documentation and project management, enhancing communication, and enabling more robust data analysis, proptech has simplified complex workflows. This innovative technology empowers professionals to optimize their operations effectively. Are you leveraging these advanced technologies and digital solutions? If not, you might be missing out. They’re proven to help efficiently manage projects, monitor progress, and ensure seamless collaboration. It’s time to unlock the full potential of proptech and enhance your approach to restoration projects. The Role of

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RIA Knowhow

The Restoration Industry Association & KnowHow Announce the Pioneering 2024 RIA Cost of Doing Business Report

Mt. Laurel, NJ, April 2024 – The RIA, the industry’s leading member association, is proud to announce the 2024 RIA Cost of Doing Business Report, powered by KnowHow, a user-friendly app offering instant on-the-job support, training, and guidance. This landmark report, a first in the industry, embarks on its initial phase with a comprehensive survey designed to securely and anonymously gather financial and operational data from restoration businesses nationwide. The report, slated for release in January 2025, is set to provide an unprecedented analysis of the industry, spanning key financial metrics that will enable

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RIA 2024 Member from Every State

Embracing the Social Awkwardness of Industry Tradeshows

Tradeshows are an excellent way to expand your knowledge and your network. Industry expos can also be socially awkward. Meeting new people can be harrowing. This is true whether you have been to several large events or you are attending your first convention. I will share a few things I have learned that will help professionals embrace the social awkwardness and harvest more value from industry events. In my career, I’ve learned that nothing happens unless I am intentional. It should be no surprise that you will only get out of a trade show

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