Restoration Today

Most restoration owners think they understand their numbers… but they’re only seeing what’s above the waterline. In this episode, John Barnes, President & CEO of Pendleton Street Business Advisors, breaks down what it really takes to understand your financial health—from cash flow and margins to smart growth and long-term value. If you’re navigating tighter margins, fewer claims, and more pressure from carriers, this is a must-watch on how to build a more resilient, profitable business.

What’s really driving growth in restoration today? Grace Weller, Chief Marketing Officer of Rumsey Construction and Restoration, joins the show to break down how marketing and sales are evolving in the restoration industry. From shifting beyond traditional referral channels to building a more diversified strategy that includes digital lead generation, social media, and commercial relationships, Grace shares what’s actually driving growth today. She also dives into the importance of consistency, tracking ROI, and creating real value in every interaction—along with how AI can support your efforts without replacing authenticity.

The labor shortage in restoration is real—but what if the solution has been right in front of us? In this episode, Rod Cruce (former Green Beret, Ranger, and founder of Trifecta Growth Institute) breaks down how the “Hire Veteran” program is helping restoration companies connect with highly skilled, mission-driven talent. We dive into: Why veterans are a natural fit for the industry Biggest hiring mistakes companies make How a structured approach to placement and onboarding leads to long-term success—for both the company and the veteran. …and MORE!  

Founder & CEO of Dorothy, Arianna Armelli, shares how Dorothy is transforming the way restoration pros, public adjusters, and policyholders navigate storm damage and claims. Originally launched as a cash advancement business, the company pivoted to focus on advocacy and AI-driven damage intelligence. Dorothy aggregates real-time data across hurricanes, hail, wildfires, and more—helping identify impacted properties and uncover unreported damage opportunities. Arianna also discusses with Michelle the evolving insurance landscape, the limits of tools like FEMA maps, and how technology is reshaping response and recovery.

What happens when a family-run restoration business outgrows its limits? DJ McCabe shares how he helped scale McCabe Restoration, navigated a family exit, and built Endurant Disaster Recovery into a growing Southeast platform—without losing what made it successful in the first place.

What happens when you launch two businesses at the same time—and scale to $7M? In this episode, Coral Martin, owner of 1-Tom-Plumber Space Coast, shares how she built a powerful combination of plumbing + restoration services to drive growth, efficiency, and consistent lead flow. From leveraging franchise support to integrating dispatch and office teams, Coral breaks down what’s working right now—and what it really takes to build and lead in a competitive, male-dominated industry. You’ll hear: Why plumbing and restoration are better together How branding (yes, even pink trucks) can drive recognition The real

Cash flow is tightening, deductibles are rising, and insurance is shifting—so how are smart restoration companies staying ahead? In this episode of Restoration Today, Nate Cisney of Restoration Made Simple breaks down why financing is becoming a game-changer for restorers. From closing jobs faster to getting paid in 24 hours, we explore how adopting financing—and rethinking your sales approach—can help you survive and thrive in today’s market.