Restoration Today

Are you ready to kick off 2026? In the last episode of 2025, Scott Severe (SVP, Alliances & Industry Relations at Cotality) and Matthew Parkerson (Senior Director, Customer Innovation at Cotality) join us to dive into what you can expect at Cotality’s INTRConnect Conference — January 20–22 in Washington, D.C. With multiple learning tracks, hands-on sessions, and powerful networking opportunities, INTRConnect gives field leaders, owners, and ops teams the tools they need to navigate tight margins, optimize processes, and build stronger leadership in the year ahead. Registration is still open—team discounts available!

This episode of the podcast we are joined by an amazing group of RIA volunteers and board members that include RIA President, Jeff Moore, Vince Scarfo, Mark Davis, Marcie Richardson, and Davis Ness. We will look at how the Restoration Industry Association moved the industry forward in 2025—and what’s coming next. From record-breaking events and major advocacy wins to education updates, ethical standards, and the future of AI, this episode breaks down why RIA engagement matters and how it’s shaping restoration in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode of Restoration Today, James Hatfield, CRO of LiveSwitch and RIA Affinity Partner, breaks down how real-time video technology, remote collaboration, and AI are reshaping restoration operations — especially during flash flood events. James shares why July’s peak flood season exposes major bottlenecks for contractors, how tools like live video, drones, BIM, and moisture mapping are shifting from “nice-to-have” to essential, and why first-contact video calls dramatically improve customer trust and job accuracy. We also dive into reducing truck rolls, simplifying insurance documentation, crew adoption, and how restorers are seeing 200%+ ROI

What does 45+ years in restoration teach you? A lot. In this episode, industry veteran David A. Olson—consultant, mentor, and retired leader—breaks down the biggest transformations he’s seen since entering the restoration world in 1979. We cover: How the industry has changed in people, profits, and ROI What healthy year-over-year growth really looks like Independent vs. franchise models (and the blindspots of both) His path from the field to leadership, M&A, and industry consulting The biggest workflow, tech, and customer shifts over four decades His best advice for the next generation of restoration leaders

Garret Gray, President of Global Insurance Solutions at Cotality, breaks down the current state and future of the industry. From navigating recent dips in claim volumes to the massive shift from paper to digital—including advanced AI and image analytics for estimating—this is a must-listen for contractors. Garret provides practical advice on how to diversify, use technology to capture market share, and take advantage of better carrier-contractor collaboration. Don’t miss his take on why adapting to AI is essential for competitive survival. The future is digital. Learn how to use data and technology to boost

In this episode of Restoration Today, we sit down with Matt Hensley, the newly appointed President of CORE Group, to talk about leadership, collaboration, and the future of the restoration industry. Matt shares his journey from insurance adjusting to leading one of the most influential networks connecting independent restoration contractors and insurance carriers. He opens up about what makes the CORE Elite membership so impactful — from high-level networking and business growth opportunities to the rigorous vetting process that ensures quality, integrity, and reputation across the board. We discuss how CORE Group is helping

From parachutes to project sites — meet Chris Kushmaul, a U.S. Army veteran turned restoration business owner. In this special Veterans Day episode of Restoration Today, Chris, U.S. Army veteran and owner of a Restoration 1 franchise in Metro Detroit, shares how the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and mission focus from his military service built the foundation for success in the restoration industry. This is more than a business story — it’s about finding purpose after service.

In this Restoration Today episode, we sit down with Yvonne Vanbibber, General Manager of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz of Cincinnati & Dayton, to explore the emotional and logistical side of contents restoration. From hoarding situations to heavy-loss homes, Yvonne shares how her unique background helps her lead with empathy, communication, and care. She discusses: The emotional realities behind contents restoration How tools like Matterport and photo documentation keep claims clear Why Blue Kangaroo uses a VIP tagging system to honor sentimental items How contractors can find contents partners who truly “get it” …and MORE! This