Restoration Today

AI isn't just giving answers anymore. It's taking action. In this episode of RestorAI, David Grove of BYLT Restoration and Michelle Blevins break down the rise of AI agents that can juggle multiple tasks, close open loops, and work like a team of digital assistants, plus why security is becoming one of the biggest conversations in AI right now. From protecting your data and smart devices t...

Who’s advocating for the restoration industry when it matters most? On this episode of Restoration Today, Vince Scarfo, Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs for the  Restoration Industry Association (RIA) , joins the conversation to discuss how RIA is working to give restoration contractors a stronger voice in government. From the push for a dedicated NAICS code to state-level legislative c...

What happens when you take over a restoration job from a company that went out of business? It might be more than you bargained for! Phil and Michelle sit down with restoration insurance expert Ross Driscoll Jr., of  National E & S Insurance  &  Driscoll & Driscoll , to talk about today’s tough market, cash flow crunches, and the insurance risks contractors can inherit when stepping in...

Why do leadership teams plateau, even when they have the experience and knowledge to grow? In this episode of Chasing the Vision, in partnership with  Violand Management Associates , Michelle & Tim Hull explore the difference between managing processes and truly leading through ownership. Discover why leadership requires more than experience, how decision-making authority develops judgment, an...

In this episode of the Restoration Today Podcast, Susan Fleming, VP of Business Intelligence & Insights at  Verisk , breaks down the latest trends shaping restoration claims. From fewer but larger and more complex losses to shifting severe weather patterns and the growing impact of water damage, the claims landscape is changing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why fewer claims don't nec...

Estimating is changing—and technology is moving fast. In the latest episode of the Restoration Master Class, sponsored by  DocuSketch , Michelle & Chris Tilkov, of DocuSketch &  AskAime , explore how technology and AI are transforming restoration estimating, from field capture to the final scope. What does the future look like? Faster data collection, smarter workflows, better integrations...

The restoration industry is going through a tough stretch - but is this downturn really like the others? Michelle with Timothy Hull, CR and John Monroe, of  Violand Management Associates , dig into what’s happening behind the scenes: what the companies struggling have in common, what the successful ones are doing differently, and whether anyone is truly immune. They talk about TPA dependence, clai...

Think you're ready for CAT work? There's a lot more to it than having enough equipment and being willing to travel. Mike Allred of  Helixco  and Parker Olsen of  Atmos Drying Services  dive into what it takes to successfully prepare for and execute large-loss and catastrophe restoration work—from cash flow and personnel to partnerships, equipment deployment, contracts and legal compliance....

Getting the work done is only half the battle—getting paid for it is another. In this episode of Restoration Today, Carlos Ramirez, Doug Weatherman, and Max Pena, from  JSTFYD , dive into one of restoration’s biggest pain points: the gap between what contractors document and what carriers actually pay. They discuss: How AI is being used on both sides of the claims process How restoration companies...

AI and technology may be dominating the restoration conversation, but when it comes to building a valuable, sustainable company, people still matter most. Join Michelle and JT Kraai, of  Exit Strategies 360 , in episode 3 of the Mini Motivation series and explore why strong leadership, team stability, employee tenure, and frontline training can have a greater impact on company value than simply ha...

The restoration industry is facing a new reality: fewer insurance claims, tighter margins and a changing consumer mindset. In this episode, Jeff Moore, Chief Acquisitions Officer at  ATI Restoration , breaks down what’s driving the decline in claim volume and why restorers can’t rely on the old business model to carry them forward. Jeff shares why understanding your bottom line matters more than e...

What can the 82nd Airborne teach you about running a restoration business? In this episode of the Restoration Today Podcast, George Hernandez, COO of  PuroClean , shares his journey from insurance adjuster to entrepreneur and executive leader, and how military experience shaped his approach to discipline, preparation and leadership. George discusses: PuroClean’s growth to more than 500 locations C...

Scaling a restoration company brings opportunity—but without the right processes and documentation, growth can quickly impact quality, cash flow, and profitability. In episode 8 of season 4 of the Restoration Master Class, Holly Baldwin of  DocuSketch  and Alec Demgen of  SERVPRO Team Bates & Hogan  discuss with Michelle about how standardized processes, strong documentation, employee training...

Recorded live at the Collective by CORE, Ryan Pritchard, VP of Business Development at  PSA , breaks down what it really takes to build profitability by design—not by accident. Ryan explores: The hidden profit drains impacting restoration companies The importance of accurate data and KPIs How technology, accountability, and smarter processes can help contractors protect their bottom line ...and MO...

Emergency Response Plans have come a long way from a binder sitting on a shelf. Today, digital ERPs can give commercial clients instant access to critical property information—and give restoration companies a powerful way to build relationships before disaster strikes. In this episode, Michelle & Jeff Carrier, of  Restoration ERP , explore how restoration companies can use ERPs to differentiat...

Delegation isn't about doing less—it's about giving away real authority. In this episode of Chasing the Vision (in partnership with Violand Management Associates) , we break down why so many restoration owners think they've delegated—when they've really just handed off tasks while keeping every meaningful decision for themselves. If every big call still runs through you, the busine...

AI is changing marketing faster than most businesses can keep up with—and restoration companies are no exception. In this episode, Michelle and Katie Harris, Founding Partner at  Spot On Solutions , dive into how AI is reshaping marketing for service-based businesses, from content creation and search to Google Ads, video, customer engagement, and more. The answer isn’t to panic—or ignore it. It’s...

Technology and AI are reshaping how restoration companies operate—from the field to the back office. Join Michelle Blevins and Leighton Healey of KnowHow as they dive into one of the biggest topics shaping restoration today: Technology & AI. Discover what the latest industry data reveals about AI adoption, automation, and the tools transforming restoration workflows—and what it all means for y...

Underground ductwork presents a unique set of challenges that many restoration professionals overlook. In this episode, Jason Stiles, owner of  Air Doctor Duct Cleaning & Lining , explains why these systems require specialized equipment, proper inspection, and techniques that go far beyond traditional duct cleaning. From hidden debris and rusted ductwork to indoor air quality concerns and Duct...

Growing your restoration company doesn't always mean growing your profits. In this episode of Restoration MasterClass, Nelson Higgins, VP, North America at  DocuSketch , explains why so many restoration companies see their margins shrink as they scale—and what they can do to stop it. From documentation and SOPs to reconstruction workflows and technician efficiency, Nelson shares practical stra...

The restoration labor market is changing—and so are employee expectations. In the third 2026 State of the Industry Deep Dive on Hiring & Retention, in partnership with  KnowHow , join our panel of industry leaders as they break down hiring trends, retention strategies, compensation data, and what it takes to build a company people want to work for.

What makes The Collective one of restoration's must-attend events? Beth Thompson from  CORE Group  shares what's new for 2026, including: Hands-on AI workshops An exciting keynote from Savannah Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum Fresh networking opportunities designed to bring contractors, vendors, and carriers together ...and MORE! If you're attending—or thinking about it—this episode gi...

Asbestos isn't a thing of the past—and assuming it is can put your crew, your customers, and even your family at risk. Dr. Catherine Perrault, Chief Medical Officer at the  Mesothelioma Center , breaks down the myths, the science behind asbestos exposure, and the practical steps every restoration company should take to stay safe.

What does it take to lead in today’s restoration industry? In this episode, Shawn Hester, Director of Operations at  Disaster Restoration Systems/1800 Water Damage of Harrisburg , shares how his background in Air Force combat search and rescue shaped his approach to restoration—where urgency, adaptability, and mission clarity matter every day. From building workflows before technology to leveragin...

Accountability is one of the most misunderstood ideas in business especially in restoration companies. In this episode of Chasing the Vision (in partnership with Violand Management Associates ), we break down why accountability is not something you install through systems, scorecards, or SOPs. It’s something leaders create through behavior, consistency, and expectations. Joined by Katie Smith of P...