Restoration Today

In this episode of RestoreAI, we’re joined by David Grove from  BYLT Restoration  to explore Notebook LLM — a powerful, source-driven AI that creates reports, videos, podcasts, timelines, study guides, and more from your uploaded content (not random internet searches). Key Takeaways: How Notebook LLM avoids AI “hallucinations” by relying strictly on your sources. Real-world demo: Adding content fr...

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 T...

Welcome back to the brand new dynamic and practical video tip series designed to help restoration professionals overcome common team challenges and drive consistent, high-quality results. Erik Berglund, expert and founder of  The Language of Leadership , in collaboration with  RTILearning.com,  presents “How to Get Your Team to Do the Thing.” This series offers actionable insights on building high...

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...

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 opportuni...

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 th...

What’s really shaping restoration in 2025?In this exclusive Market Update episode, we sit down with Aaron Brunko, President, and David Obert, Chief Product Officer, of Verisk Property Estimating Solutions to unpack key industry shifts. Topics we cover: Verisk’s pending acquisition of AccuLynx and what it means for roofing How AI, data stewardship, and privacy are influencing workflows Market data:...

Welcome back to season 2, episode 6 of Chasing the Vision, in partnership with  Exit Strategies   360  and  Violand Management Associates ! In this episode, we dive into how restoration companies are valued. From cash flow and adjusted EBITDA to customer mix and employee tenure, learn what really drives value in today’s market—and why every owner should understand their company’s worth.

After 20 years in restoration, Katie Smith, second-generation owner and CEO of  PHC Restoration , has discovered 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 w...

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 al...

Welcome to the first episode of RestorAI, where hosts Michelle Blevins and co-host Dave Grove, of  Bylt Restoration , explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the restoration industry. In under five minutes, they break down the different types of AI—research AI, co-pilot AI, generative AI, vision AI, predictive AI, and more—explaining how each can be leveraged in real-world restorati...

Eric Berglund discusses how to effectively integrate AI into team operations, emphasizing responsible usage rather than focusing on specific tools. He outlines four main applications of AI in businesses: 1) Data Analysis: AI can process large datasets to provide insights for better decision-making, but caution is needed to maintain familiarity with the data to avoid misinterpretation. 2) Content C...

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. F...

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  CleanClaims . 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 m...

In season 2, episode 5 of Chasing the Vision, in partnership with  Exit Strategies 360⁠  and  Violand Management Associates , we dive into the side of business growth we avoid talking about—the emotional side. From scaling your company to planning an exit (or not), the journey is rarely just about numbers and strategy. It’s about identity, trust, fear, and learning when to listen to your gut. JT K...

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,...

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 compani...

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 differ...

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 int...

What do you do when your vision is bigger than your bank account?  When the hustle runs dry and the resources just aren’t there? In season 2 episode 4, in partnership with  Exit Strategies 360⁠  and  Violand Management Associates , we’re talking with guest Seth Vander Woude, VP of Small Business Lending at  Live Oak Bank , about the real struggle of chasing a business vision when you’re at the end...

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...

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...

Chasing the Vision season 2 episode 3, in partnership with   Exit Strategies 360 ⁠ and  Violand Management Associates , dives deep into one of the most critical — and challenging — aspects of running a restoration business: financial management & cash flow. From tackling the pain points of collections to understanding how proper financial systems build long-term equity, this conversation is a...

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.

Welcome back to Phil & Michelle’s Happy Hour – a podcast designed to make you smile, and hopefully learn a few things along the way. In this episode, Phil & Michelle chat with Russ Palmer, president and owner of  Titan Restoration , and learn more about where he started in the industry to technology, favorite AI tool, empowering your team, favorite stories, and MORE! Pour yourself a cockta...