Head Heart & Boots

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots , Brandon and I dive into what Netflix got right about radical candor and how restoration leaders can use it to build healthier, faster-growing teams. We pull insights from No Rules Rules , share how we’re applying those same principles inside FP Restoration, and talk about how fear of feedback quietly kills trust, growth, and leadership potential. hope yo...

I’ll be real. Finance used to feel like the boring side of business. But the deeper we’ve gone, the more I’ve realized the numbers tell the story. In this one, Chris and I sit down with Jim Emerich of Backbone CFO to talk about how to turn financial chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth. Jim breaks down what most owners get wrong about money, how to build incentive comp that actually pays, a...

I’m Chris, and in this episode Brandon and I talk about what year-end planning really looks like when you stop chasing perfect dashboards and start leading with purpose. We unpack what worked for Floodlight this year, how we intentionally ran lean to leap ahead, and why your team’s buy-in depends on more than KPIs. What We Cover [00:01:12] Planning Q4 like an investor and how we turned red months...

In this episode, Brandon and I wrestle with a tough reality: what happens when disagreement turns into dehumanization, and free speech no longer feels safe? I share how one of my posts spiraled into thousands of views and heated comments, leaving me questioning how we’ve arrived at a place where words can provoke violence, and why leaders often stay silent. Brandon brings a veteran’s perspective o...

In this one, Chris and I talk fitness, sleep, supplements, and how to keep your body in the game while leading in the restoration industry. Late-night emergency calls, unpredictable schedules, and high-stress jobs can wreck your health if you don’t have a plan. We share how morning training, sleep tech, diet balance, and smart supplementation keep us sharp so we can show up strong for our teams an...

Brandon and I get real about extreme ownership in leadership - not theory, but the daily behaviors that drive results. We cover how to move a struggling team member without micromanaging, why cadence beats intention, and how sales management tools like PDI and golden hours create momentum. If you lead in restoration, construction, or home services, this is your playbook for execution. WHY YOU SHOU...

What’s up, friends! This week Brandon and I are coming to you from our brand-new HHB studio: vaulted ceilings, windows to the world, and a backdrop so good it deserves a tattoo. And for our first show in this space, we went big. We sat down with David Gonzalez and Mark Mushlitz from K4K Construction ,  guys who are pioneering 3D printed concrete homes. Yes, literally printing houses. This isn...

AI isn’t just hype, it’s already changing how service companies capture leads, close deals, and keep customers happy. In this episode, Chris and Brandon dive into the most practical, boots-on-the-ground conversation we’ve ever had about AI for the trades. Our guest, Nick D’Urbano , CRO and co-founder of Distance , brings a wild career path, from Deloitte M&A to running growth for Victoria’s Se...

If you're mid-career and wondering why the grind feels heavier, or you're trying to make peace with a shift in your role - this one’s for you. I finally understood what was really happening in my brain. That realization gave me clarity, and confidence. [00:05:27] Crystallized vs. fluid intelligence: Once you know which one you’re operating from, you stop competing with 25-year-olds. [00:07:02] The...

Ever wonder what it really takes to build an M&A machine inside the restoration world? This week, we sit down with Jeff Moore , the guy leading the charge at ATI Restoration, to get into the weeds on what he’s learned after buying 40+ companies in five short years. We dig into: Why culture eats EBITDA for breakfast 44:00 The million-dollar HR screwup that still makes Jeff cringe 08:25 Why...

In this episode, we get into the weeds with David Obert and Aaron Brunko to figure out what’s actually driving the dip in claim volume, and what it means for us on the ground. Spoiler: It’s not just the weather. We break down six key contributors, from deductible creep to increased competition, and dig into how AI, estimating, and people power are reshaping the game. Check it out: [00:08:00] Why c...

Some people build their businesses one fire at a time. Sadiq Isu builds with the end in mind, and it shows. Brandon and I sat down with Sadiq to talk about what it looks like to lead with clarity. He’s an immigrant who bought, built, and sold restoration companies, and did it on purpose. No scramble, no guesswork. Just steady, strategic growth with people and legacy at the core. This isn’t theory....

The Father, the Builder, the Balance -  This one's personal. Chris and I sat down to talk about the real stuff behind building a business, being husbands, dads, friends—while staying ambitious. If you're in that tension too, you'll feel seen in this one. Why You Should Listen: [04:47] Building can cost more than you think, especially at home. [06:10] Chris opens up about losing his dad and th...

Look—most of us in this industry have lived through tough stretches. When claim volume dries up or margins get squeezed, the gut reaction is to cut, freeze, survive. But Brandon and I are asking a better question: What if this slowdown is the wake-up call your business needed? This conversation is all about what to do now and how to build a company that thrives tomorrow. We're not peddling theory—...

Brandon here. Look — I get it. Financial episodes don’t usually light people’s hair on fire. But this one? This one’s different. Chris and I sat down with Jim Emerich and Melissa Zinni from Backbone CFO — and I walked away with real answers to questions I’ve been wrestling with in my own business. This convo was way more than spreadsheets and P&Ls. We got into the real mindset traps that keep...

Hey friends, Brandon here. This one hit different. Chris and I sat down with Holden Looper , CEO of Blue Shield Environmental and second-gen leader in the Southeast Restoration family. Still in his 20s, Holden’s already building something of his own — with a foundation of grit, integrity, and values that run deep in his family’s business. We talked legacy, leadership, and how to do family business...

Hey friends this is Chris. In this episode, Brandon and I dive into the unique internal culture of 1Tom Plumber alongside guests Leah Hanlon (one of the OGs from Icon Restoration) and Alvaro Leal (Rocky's right-hand man). This isn’t just a recap of a Discovery Day or another 1Tom Plumber promo—it's a transparent look behind the curtain at how intentional culture creation drives growth, team loyalt...

So we jumped into this episode to wrestle with something that's been front and center lately in our client work—and in our own Floodlight team: -Why isn't our “training” sticking? -Why do good people still hesitate or fall short after a solid onboarding or rollout? It’s because we’re mistaking knowledge transfer for skill transfer. Let me break that down. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this...

What’s up, folks? It’s Brandon from Head, Heart, and Boots. In today’s episode, Chris and I sit down with James from LiveSwitch to talk about some seriously cool tech that’s changing the way businesses handle customer interactions—especially in the restoration game. This isn't just about fixing damage; it’s about making real, human connections when your customers are in crisis. If you’ve ever want...

Hey, it's Chris here. In today’s episode, Brandon and I tackle some essential truths about leadership and teamwork that you won’t want to miss. We discuss why emotional intelligence isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a core attribute of leaders who excel. We delve into what makes someone more than just a team member but a true asset to any group. We’ll show you why prioritizing character over technica...

Hey everyone, Chris here from the Head, Heart, and Boots podcast . In our latest episode, Brandon and I get really personal about the trials we face—not just as leaders but as individuals pushing through tough times.  This episode really hits close to home for both of us. We're laying it all out there because transformation starts with being honest with ourselves and with you, our listeners....

Hey everyone, Brandon here. I’m thrilled for you to join Chris and me as we delve into our newest podcast episode. It's filled with personal stories and effective strategies that matter to us and any business leader. Here’s a sneak peek: Real Transformations: We're getting real about the changes happening in our lives and how we're adapting in our businesses. Essential Tools: I'll introduce you to...

Hey everyone, Chris here. In this latest episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Alexus from Thomasville Restoration. She blew us away with her insights on reshaping recruitment and branding in the restoration industry. Trust me, this is an episode that truly revolutionizes how you think about team building and company identity. Here’s Why We...

In this episode of the Head, Heart, and Boots podcast, join Chris and Brandon as they dive deep into how today's leaders can revolutionize their strategies and truly connect with their teams and customers. Here’s What You’re in For: Unlock Pain Solution Selling: In this episode, discover how tapping into your customers’ needs can radically shift your sales game. Systemize Success: Learn the secret...

In this Episode of Head, Heart, and Boots as we sit down with the inspiring Mark Davis to explore the transformative experiences at the RIA convention. Dive into a discussion full of personal stories, professional tips, and the real impact of community and education in the restoration industry. Why You Should Listen: Gain insights from a seasoned expert Uncover the value of RIA for growth and netw...