Restoration Today

Restoration Today is a video and audio podcast covering everything restoration-related.

Every week, Michelle Blevins sits down with an industry peer – a contractor, a colleague, a supplier, an innovator, an insurer, etc. Every conversation covers the hottest topics in today’s restoration industry – going beyond fire and water damage restoration and diving into topics like M&A, company culture, hiring and recruiting, innovations in restoration, and tools of the trade.

Plus, there are some guaranteed laughs and heartfelt moments.

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From Myths to Medical Standards: Mold Remediation’s Evolving Landscape

In this episode, we sit down with Skip Jankoski, owner of Purified Environments, to unpack the intersection of mold remediation, indoor air quality, and public health. Skip shares his perspective on the latest NIH updates, the unique needs of sensitized individuals, and how evolving science—and even climate change—are reshaping industry standards. From busting dangerous mold myths to highlighting practical steps contractors can take today, this conversation is a must-listen for restoration professionals ready to better serve their clients and prepare for the future.

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Alternative Equity: Unlocking Phantom Stock

In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Buttenham, Co-Founder of Reins and co-author of Alternative Equity: The Owner’s Guide to Phantom Stock & Modern Incentives. Chris breaks down how business owners can retain and inspire top talent without giving up ownership—using modern incentive models like phantom stock. We cover: What phantom stock is and how it compares to equity or profit-sharing The biggest misconceptions around non-traditional incentives How phantom stock fosters a sense of ownership without losing control A step-by-step look at implementing a phantom stock plan Case studies, including one from the construction

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Insurance Essentials for Restorers: Mold, Coverage Gaps & Staying Protected

Insurance can make or break a restoration business. In this episode, David Dybdahl of ARMR Network dives into the evolution of specialized insurance for restoration contractors and why mold-related risks and pollution liability coverage matter more than ever. In this episode: Why specialized contractor pollution liability insurance is essential How frequent policy changes can leave you exposed to coverage gaps The importance of additional insured endorsements when working with networks New TPA efforts to simplify insurance requirements for contractors A real case study showing the dangers of unstable insurance coverage How restorers play a

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Secret Sauce: Leadership, Cash Flow & Industry Headwinds

Rising rebuild costs. Tighter insurance markets. Labor shortages. A volatile storm season. In this Market Update, Tim Hull, of Violand Management Associates, shares insights from his article “Secret Sauce” and covers: Why discipline beats “easy button” fixes Cash flow strategies for CAT season KPIs contractors must track weekly How to retain and empower teams under pressure The biggest opportunities in the next 12–18 months …and MORE! Tune in to this must-watch episode and start to build an unshakable restoration business in 2025.

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From More Floods to Trusted Restorer: Helping Contractors Compete & Win

Why the big rebrand? What does Trusted Restorer bring to independent and growing contractors—and how are they helping restorers compete against big franchises? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Hadley, Program Manager, & Darcy Koan, VP & GM, of Trusted Restorer to talk about: ✨ The story behind the rebrand from More Floods ✨ How they empower restoration contractors to grow and thrive ✨ Insights into their upcoming event (and why you can’t miss it) ✨ The challenges restorers are facing right now—and the opportunities ahead Whether you’re an established contractor or

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2025 Weather Patterns and Insurance Risk: The False Calm Before the Storm

The relative quiet in catastrophic weather losses during the first half of 2025 is deceptive. While year-to-date claims are down, global climate patterns and ocean conditions are aligning for what could be a volatile second half of the year. This is not just a meteorological story – it’s a business risk story for insurers, reinsurers, and coastal communities alike. Two interconnected drivers – the likely transition of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) toward La Niña and record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures – are creating a high-confidence forecast for an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. When

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Thriving in Uncertainty: Building A People-First Restoration Company

After 20 years in restoration, Katie Smith, second-generation owner and CEO of PHC Restoration, has learned that success isn’t just about profit—it’s about people, purpose, and impact. She shares how personal transformation, strategic planning, and clear leadership roles reshaped her company. From cash flow protection to thriving as an independent restorer, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom for building a restoration business that lasts.

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Lobbying for Restoration: Legislative Wins & Industry Advocacy

In this episode of Restoration Today, Robbie Bradshaw, IICRC’s Director of Government Relations, shares the latest wins for the restoration industry on Capitol Hill. From pushing mold legislation in states like Michigan to securing the adoption of the S520 standard, Robbie’s work is all about protecting public health and raising the bar for remediation. He reveals how recent federal changes now allow 529 savings plans to cover industry certifications—opening more doors for skilled trade careers—and why the annual Educating the Advocates Symposium is empowering restorers to influence legislation. Robbie also cautions against relying on

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Restoration Realities in a Fairy Tale Setting

Join Michelle outside one of Michigan’s most magical landmarks – an iconic Mushroom House in Charlevoix – for a conversation that bridges the whimsical and the cutting-edge. In this special on-the-road episode of Restoration Today, Michelle sits down with Jeff Diem of Elkmont Estimates and Levlr to talk about what it would take to restore a property like this, both structurally and historically. From there, the conversation mushrooms into the future of estimating, the evolving role of AI and tech in restoration, and how contractors can stay ahead in a rapidly shifting landscape. It’s

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Beyond Integrations: Building Better Tools for Restoration

In this episode, we’re joined by two industry innovators tackling some of restoration’s most frustrating challenges head-on: Lindsay Bunker, Co-Founder & CEO of JobSight, and Lane Larsen, Founder & CEO of Clean Claims. Together, they unpack how their platforms were born out of firsthand experience in the field—and why tech that actually solves problems is more critical than ever. From meaningful integrations to tackling contractor pain points like delayed payments and labor shortages, Lindsay and Lane share what today’s restorers are really looking for in software, and how thoughtful tech design can create clarity,

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