The construction and restoration industry relies heavily on Hispanic workers, yet there is a striking lack of educational content in Spanish within our profession. I have personally seen how this gap jeopardizes the future reputation of restoration.
In recent months, thousands and I do mean thousands, of Hispanic workers have been educating themselves. But not through IICRC courses, nor through Xactimate training, nor through qualified education. Instead, many are turning to unqualified “mentors” who gained influence simply because they understand English. I have been contacted by hundreds of restorers who found themselves in serious trouble, even legal trouble, because of guidance from these unqualified coaches. Too often these so-called leaders have no experience beyond a single WRT course, yet they exploit hardworking restorers who believe they have no access to legitimate education in their own language.
There is truth in that belief. Many companies fail to invest in their Spanish-speaking workforce. Independent companies are often struggling to keep their doors open, and an education budget doesn’t even make the list. The result is predictable: confusion, misinformation, and a cycle of vulnerability that threatens both individuals and the credibility of the entire profession.
I have done everything possible to provide Spanish language resources, both informational and educational. Yet reaching this audience and getting the broader industry to recognize the issue has been an uphill battle. The Hispanic worker is not a side note. They are a major force in this industry. Ignoring their educational needs, whether out of apathy or obliviousness, is more than a missed opportunity. It is a danger to the stability of restoration itself.
This should concern all of us. We already face enough disagreements and communication gaps within our industry. If we continue to leave Spanish speaking restorers undertrained, under-supported, and misled by unqualified voices, we risk destroying the very profession we are fighting so hard to protect.
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez is a seasoned technical educator and consultant with over a decade of experience in the Restoration industry. His journey in this field is marked by a passion for education and a strong commitment to helping others succeed.
As the founder and leader of RestorRight Bilingual Academy, Luis has created a dynamic platform aimed at advancing knowledge and skills within the restoration community. This endeavor was inspired and supported by Recovapro LLC, a prominent water and fire restoration company whose mission aligns with Luis's dedication to education and mentorship.
Luis's primary objective is to guide and mentor aspiring professionals in the restoration industry, helping them navigate the challenges that come their way. His immediate goal is to become an approved IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) instructor, enabling him to provide certification courses in both English and Spanish. This reflects his commitment to making high-quality training accessible to a broader, more diverse audience.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Luis is a loving husband and the father of two energetic youngsters who keep him on his toes whenever he's not furthering his own education.
Luis is eagerly anticipating the upcoming opportunity to travel across the United States, sharing his knowledge and expertise with students in both English and Spanish through IICRC certification courses. His journey in the restoration industry is marked by dedication, a passion for education, and a drive to make a positive impact.
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