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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Inside the IICRC: What’s Ahead for Restoration Standards

In this episode, we sit down with Leslie Anderson, SVP of Training & Launch at Paul Davis and President/Chair of the IICRC Board of Directors. Leslie shares her incredible journey in the restoration industry, her leadership role at Paul Davis, and the critical work she’s doing with the IICRC. From new certifications and standards in development to the broader pulse of the restoration world, Leslie gives us an insider’s look at what’s evolving, what’s next, and what restorers should be paying attention to—plus insight into what the latest Colorado State predictions could mean for

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Tradeshow Talk: 2025 Events & The Collective by CORE

What makes a trade show worth your time—and how do you choose which ones to attend? In this episode, Michelle sits down with Beth Thompson, VP of Events at CORE Group, and Ryan Pritchard, VP of Sales & Marketing at PSA, to talk all things restoration industry events. With years of experience attending conferences across the country, they break down what’s working in 2025, how their companies decide which shows to attend, and what sets some events apart from the rest. Plus, get an inside look at The Collective by CORE, happening August 6–8!

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Sales in Restoration: What’s Working, What’s Not

Sales in restoration isn’t like sales anywhere else—and in a year where volume might be down, many companies are asking: How do we innovate, adapt, and keep revenue flowing? In this episode, we talk with Gregg Taylor of Restoration Recruitment Partners, an industry pro with deep roots in the field and a passion for building high-performing sales teams. We cover: Why restoration sales is a different beast Common pain points restorers face in hiring and sales The power of training and ongoing coaching Fresh ways to approach revenue in a shifting market Don’t miss

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How AI is Transforming Contents Restoration

In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of contents restoration with two industry innovators: Saul Lustgarten, Co-Founder of ContentsPal and Jordan Paugh from Just Contents Solutions. Together, they share how artificial intelligence is reshaping how restoration companies approach contents workflows—from inventory to customer experience. Saul breaks down how ContentsPal integrates AI into daily processes, while Jordan offers real-world insights on team adoption, industry shifts, and how tech is helping companies scale smarter. Whether you’re just exploring AI tools or looking to optimize your restoration business, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways

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Setting the Standard: The Journey Behind S700 Fire & Smoke Restoration

Join industry leaders Bran Lynch (Chair, S700 & BELFOR), Brandon Burton (IICRC Standards Chair & Cotality), John Pletcher (Vice Chair, S700 & RestorTech), and Mili Washington (Standards Director) as they take you behind the scenes of the groundbreaking S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration. Learn what it takes to create a trusted, industry-wide standard—from initial concepts to final approval—and why it matters to every restoration professional. Discover key terms, the evolving role of volunteers, and the critical balance required to maintain integrity in the standards process. Whether you’re new to fire

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Faith, Employee Ownership, & Restoration: Celebrating 50 Years of Jenkins

In this powerful conversation, Michelle sits down with Jenkins Restorations leadership—CEO Drew Fetterolf, VP of Strategic Alliances Jason Coleman, and Director of Specialty Services David Ness—to explore how faith, employee ownership, and a commitment to excellence have sustained the company for over 50 years. Hear firsthand how Jenkins has adapted to industry shifts, weathered major challenges like COVID-19, and remained rooted in its mission. Learn how being an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company influences everything from company culture to customer service, and discover the role faith plays in guiding leadership decisions. From memorable

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Speed, Strategy, and Structure: Growing a Restoration Powerhouse

On this episode, Michelle sits down with David Grove, Owner & Founder of BYLT, to dive into what it takes to scale fast in the restoration industry. From navigating rapid growth and building strong company culture, to staying competitive amid consolidation and leveraging AI, David shares real-world lessons and insights.

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What Is It Like to Work for You (Really)?

What is it REALLY like to work for you? This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Eric Sprague, owner of Super Tech University, to dive into the inspiration behind his recent C&R article, “What It’s Like to Work For You, and Why It Matters More Than You Think.” Eric shares what led him to turn the mirror inward and how doing the personal work transformed not just his leadership—but his entire company culture. Michelle and Eric talk about the moments that revealed areas needing growth, how to respond to business owners who think

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Contents Cleaning Mistakes, Must-Knows & Match Points

In this episode, Michelle and Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Packouts, serve up a fun and insightful conversation on everything from contents cleaning to… tennis! They explore how the contents space has shifted over the last 5–10 years, the #1 emotional and practical needs clients have after a loss, and the common mistakes contractors make when handling contents.

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What’s Changed (and What Hasn’t) in Restoration Hiring

Struggling to hire and keep great talent in restoration? In this episode, we sit down with industry expert Hope Folk, COO of Restoration Personnel Source, who brings 12 years of experience and hard-earned insight into one of restoration’s toughest challenges: hiring and retention. From bad hiring habits to personality assessments, reference checks, and some unforgettable stories—you won’t want to miss this honest, practical conversation on what’s really going on in today’s hiring market.

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