Articles

An Open Letter to…

There’s a morning radio program I listen to which features a weekly “Open Letter” to some random topic. This week’s topic was, “An Open Letter to People Who Text and Drive”. It began (as they all do) with – “Here’s an open letter to people who text and drive. Dear people who text and drive – seriously?” While listening to that segment, I had the idea to craft my very own Open Letter addressing some of the egregious – some may say ridiculous, insurance carrier estimating guidelines. Here goes… Dear Carrier Estimating Guidelines –

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What are the 2 most common pieces of advice for those who are within a few years of selling?

Q: What are the 2 most common pieces of advice for those who are within a few years of selling?  JT says: First, I’ve heard this phrase well over 100 times the last 20 years, “I should’ve reached out 2-3 years ago when the thought of selling first crossed my mind.” When answers are received late, it can simply be too late to effect positive outcomes or make changes. Early answers resolve many obstacles.   Second, ensure your books are clean. (From a buyer’s perspective, not yours.) Not only misclassifications and ‘miscellaneous’ accounts, but tracking WIP,

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Business Lessons Learned Through Experience

The pitfalls of running a restoration business are incalculable and that’s a threat. Stumbling into one will result in an expensive lesson. Opportunities to make mistakes confront us daily, showing up when we least expect, like an unwanted dinner guest who offers boisterous political opinions early and often. I want to challenge you to shift your perspective.  Instead of fearing the inevitable next failure, look forward to the ensuing lesson. Better yet, learn from the mistakes of others. Each person you meet, place you go, and yes—blunder you brew, all blend to bring you

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The State of Your Company

I know this issue is dedicated to the state of the industry, and I think there are many amazing restoration experts much better suited than me to speak to these trends and issues. However, I do feel able to speak to taking stock of the state of your company. It’s easy to obsess about the state of the industry and what outside forces can affect your company. I understand you don’t live in a bubble and there are things going on in the industry that you need to be aware of. However, I also feel

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State of the Industry Deep Dive: The Labor Force

Every new year brings new problems and new opportunities. The best leaders bring out their crystal ball and try to predict what is coming around the corner, but the cocktail of a potential recession, rising interest rates, and shifting needs of elusive young workers in 2023 could drive anyone to reach for an Advil. That’s why C&R and KnowHow surveyed the leaders of nearly 150 restoration companies: to understand how they are preparing for next year. Though our full report provides a detailed summary and action plan for leaders, here are the highest-impact insights: 

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Creating Conflict in the Workplace

If you spend any time around carpenters, you will likely witness a hearty, often colorful debate about how to perform a repair on a building. Methods and materials are discussed, sometimes with language that you wouldn’t hear anywhere else (and that would likely make even the most worldly of people blush). Those debating will be certain that their method is correct because, right or wrong, they have completed the task hundreds of times. In these conflicts, often the best idea wins. Occasionally, an animated discussion devolves into name calling, someone walking off the job,

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The Importance of Transparent Communication During Flood or Fire Restoration

Professionals in the cleaning and restoration industry must possess a skill set that’s both wide-ranging and deep. They need to master the latest in restoration technologies and techniques, health and safety, and environmental laws. Another skill set that restoration professions should master, which is just as important as those aforementioned, is customer service — specifically, transparent communication.  Property owners reeling from a flood or a fire are often experiencing one of the most challenging moments of their lives. For that reason, it’s important that restoration professionals be adept at managing client relationships and providing

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Better Project Management, Higher Profits

I was officially introduced to project management in the early 90s while serving in the Army Special Forces (as a Green Beret). At that time, I was not exactly aware of what project management entailed, but I was expected to deliver results. I received no formal training and was told to do what had always been done before me. The Army provided me with some basic tools, such as Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint slides, and Gantt charts. The only direction I was given was to fill them out and be ready to brief. I felt

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GUEST BLOG: The Selfless Restorer

This story could start out like so many stories across the country. A locally owned restoration company, where the owners are heavily involved in their day to day operation, even personally visiting job sites, helping customers themselves, and taking care of people in their time of need. This particular story has been told multiple times before with the hardworking entrepreneurs that run water and fire restoration companies. These companies and their staff selflessly give up their family dinners, kids ball games, birthdays and more to be of service when a disaster strikes a stranger.

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The Refreshed & Rebranded Certified Mold Professional

The Certified Mold Professional (CMP) designation has been available to restorers and cleaners for more than 20 years. For most of that time it was offered through the Restoration Industry Association. But in August, C&R shared news from Wonder Makers Environmental that the designation is going through a rebrand, and getting a refresh! Today, the Certified Mold Professional (CMP) is sponsored by the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI™). With this new partnership, the CMP will now be known as the NORMI Certified Microbial Professional (NCMP™). Existing Certified Mold Professionals will be able to migrate

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