The DYOJO Podcast

How does a consumer know whether a contractor is competent enough to complete remodeling and repair work? Author Ron Alford provides insights into the four types of contractors in his book, designed for property owners, titled How to Win the Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon). In this video we review those four types of contractors, Ron's tests of competence, and how the consumer can b...

The water damage response and repair industry has emerged into the consumer discourse. But how many property restoration contractors are aware of the rich history of innovation and collaboration that have laid the groundwork their livelihood? In this episode we take a field trip into the past with Ron "Alfie" Alford and complete our recap of RIA 2024 with Ed Cross. In Episode 118 of The...

We recap some of the highlights from the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Expo with our friend Ed Cross. Items of interest for property restoration contractors include an apology from the stage by Xactimate/Verisk and a face the advocate with four TPAs from the insurance claims ecosystem; Contractor Connection, Alacrity, Sedgewick, and Westhill. In Episode 117 of The DYOJO Pod...

We know customers aren’t always right. Yet, how come in insurance claims, property restoration, and construction projects we perpetuate this mantra of, “Do right by the customer”? In Episode 116 of The DYOJO Podcast, we will review whether this mindset leads to the positive project outcomes that all parties are looking for. In Episode 116 of The DYOJO Podcast 0:00 The customer isn't always rig...

In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we share tips for making the most of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) annual convention and expo. This year it will be in Dallas, Texas, April 8 - 10, 2024. Watch and listen for several Passport Stops that will help you elevate your mindsets and habits as a contractor specializing with insurance claims and disaster recovery.  In Episode 115 of The DYO...

In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we review an interesting scenario where a podcast host gets called out or canceled for comments made regarding paid time off on Tik Tok. By doing so, we unravel some of the ways employers and employees can create better outcomes in the workplace. We confront mindsets and habit from old school mindsets, young professionals, and leadership catchphrases. In Episod...

Business owners and managers complain about the lack of quality applicants and employees who won't stick around. We take a look at some examples of terrible job descriptions for ways construction professionals can better navigate the recruitment process. We will also review some clips of hilariously bad job interviews for ways modern businesses can better connect with young professionals. IN E...

For those of you watching, who are actually preparing for an interview, we will help you Prepare 2 Thrive. For those business owners, managers, parents, and educators, you will want to share this information with young professionals preparing for interviews. What we discuss in this video will help job seekers stand out and thrive in a job interview. Here are the tips for thriving in a job intervie...

We take a trip down memory lane with a REPLAY plus of Episode 22 of The DYOJO Podcast. We discussed growing your business without compromising your values with guest Lex Sisney, author of Organizational Physics and Designed to Scale.  In this BONUS Episode  0:00 Jon is traveling to Winter Break  4:12 Review of an old episode  8:51 Business structure vs. process 15:14 Organization design is not a d...

When was the last time you reviewed and updated your job descriptions? Do they reflect what you value as an organization? Do they accurately reflect the roles and responsibilities of the position you are hiring for? Do they map out a path to success for the recruit as well as the supervisor? In this short clip from Episode 112 of The DYOJO Podcast, we encourage business owners and managers to revi...

We put the question back to you in the DYOJO Podcast audience - where have some of your best hires come from? Some people hire from the franchise system thinking, "Well, if I'm in this franchise system, and they're in this franchise system, they could plug and play." Has this worked for you? A lot of contractors try to hire someone who has worked for a competitor. Expecting that...

IN EPISODE 112 of THE DYOJO PODCAST: 0:00 Old contractor vs New contractors 2:04 Using Xactimate for Insurance Claims 4:02 Understanding Millennials with Tony Canas 9:06 Improving the Hiring Process 13:51 Creating a Pathway to Success 19:05 Preparing 2 Thrive Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor...

Contractors are frustrated with the insurance claims process. Many have found their villain in the various estimating software programs. Of particular note, Xactimate draws the ire of property restoration contractors. One doesn't have to search far to find a social media rant about the inefficiencies of estimating tools. BUT, has the listener ever silenced the impulse for blame long enough to...

Nicole Humber, CEO of Bravo Restoration in Windsor, California, joined the DYOJO Podcast to share some inspiring words for aspiring construction professionals. Nicole says, "If you don't have a leader that is invested in your growth, then you have to invest in yourself." Hear more from Nicole and others on Episode 110 of The DYOJO Podcast as we discuss record-breaking charitable cont...

Our deep thoughts for construction estimators are brought to us this week by Norm Foster in his book, first published in 1961, Construction Estimates from Take-off to Bid. In this helpful book, Mr. Foster reminds contractors that, “A good estimate is built around a good set of quantities and a proper feeling for cost, rather than being a by-product of statistics.” This is the nexus between the art...

This week we will discuss record-breaking efforts by contractors who care for their local communities. We will share some creative ways business owners and managers can connect with clients and engage their employees. In This Episode #110 0:00 Contractors break charitable record 0:56 Creative community and team engagement 5:40 SOCKTember 2023 results 10:24 Kate Cinnamo on educating young people 14...

Episode 109 of The DYOJO Podcast, we are talking about construction opportunities. Our main story centers around an October 16, 2023 announcement from the White House. This press release outlines new actions on home ownership including $16 billion dollars designated for housing and rehabilitation. CONSTRUCTION STORIES: President Biden proposed $16 billion for the Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit, whi...

On Episode 108 of The DYOJO Podcast, we are talking about crime and construction. Our main story centers around a burning truck, a missing contractor, and millions of dollars for housing developments being unaccounted for. STORY: Today's construction crime, developer Bret Detamore allegedly faked his disappearance for nearly a week and burned his bright yellow Dodge TRX as a potential cover-up...

Paul Donald, CEO of Encircle and MANY others join us to discuss how to position your team to cash in on insurance claims and storm response. We will go behind the scenes of IAQ Radio and review lessons learned from industry pioneers and contractor networking events. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 SOCKTember 2023 7:00 Fall PNW Contractors Symposium 10:46 Learning from Pioneers 15:35 Credentials vs Competenc...

Everyone talks about ACCOUNTABILITY, but what does it mean to create it within an organization? Our guest Geoff Lawson (Auburn, WA) shares his experiences with hiring, training, and developing skilled trades teams. In part two of this discussion on productivity, we will dive into elements such as: * Developing your leadership skills * Collaborating with team members to develop standards * Working...

Our guest Geoff Lawson and host Jon Isaacson discuss examples from relational leaders in their career experiences that helped them develop their own approaches to becoming better managers. Hear more on Episode 105 of The DYOJO Podcast titled Productivity Part 1 - Training and Expectations. Excerpt from "So, You Want To Be A Project Manager" by Jon Isaacson, available on Amazon ( thedyojo...

Productivity leads to profitability. Our guest Geoff Lawson (Auburn, WA) shares his experiences with hiring, training, and developing skilled trades teams. In part one of this discussion on productivity we will dive into elements such as: Training team members to excel Reducing friction through clear expectations Increasing profitability by understanding time as a metric Personal leadership exampl...

What factors cause contractors to lose their businesses? We discuss some of the unique challenges restoration contractors face when working on insurance claims as well as some of the creative solutions that have helped our guest Brendon Rumsey grow by twenty percent annually. In Episode 103 Bredon shared the interesting story of how he wandered into roofing repairs and working with insurance compa...

As a continuation of our discussion with Brendon Rumsey (Rumsey Construction & Restoration, South Carolina) from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 103, we elaborate on: The importance of contractors understanding their costs (Direct and Indirect) so that they can customize their pricing to meet their goals. The value of meeting locally with other contractors to discuss issues and creative solutions (w...

Is your position defensible or are you just being defensive?  Our guest Brendon Rumsey, Rumsey Construction & Restoration (South Carolina) joins us to discuss some of his experiences with getting into property restoration (insurance claims), collaborating with local contractors, and learning to defend your pathway to profitability as a contractor.  IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 An odd way to start 2:2...