The GPS Podcast - Navigating Small Business Growth

The first 90 days can make or break a new hire, especially in restoration and plumbing.   In part two of the GPS Podcast's hiring series, Violand coaches Kelley Dolan and Josh Bachman break down how to onboard new employees the right way, including what to prioritize on day one, how to set realistic 90-day expectations, and the warning signs that someone isn't progressing the way they should.   Ne...

Staffing is the biggest challenge in restoration and plumbing right now, and how you hire for each role matters more than most owners realize.   On this episode of the GPS Podcast, Violand coaches Kelley Dolan and Josh Bachman join Jeff to dig into hiring technicians, admins, salespeople, and bookkeepers, including sourcing strategies, referral programs, and the interview questions that separate s...

What does it take for an owner and general manager to stay aligned while leading both a restoration and plumbing business?   Tanya Doucet and Kent Sonnier of Restoration Pros and 1-Tom-Plumber share what they've learned from working together through growth, change, and plenty of tough calls. Tune in as they discuss communication, trust, employee development, and the day-to-day realities of leading...

Growing a business is exciting. Growing too fast can create an entirely new set of challenges.   On this episode of the GPS Podcast, Shawn Folks, CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services, shares his experience taking over the family business and leading the company through a period of significant growth. Shawn and Jeff discuss the $22 million disaster project that changed the trajectory of the compan...

The pressure of ownership is real, especially when you're taking over the family business.   In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Summer Becker-Battles of Steamatic of Albuquerque and Santa Fe shares her experience navigating succession, learning the financial side of the business, developing leaders, and making difficult decisions along the way. The conversation is packed with practical lessons fo...

There are patterns behind every successful restoration company. In this episode, we're joined by Josh Miller, President of Rainbow Restoration, to talk through what he’s learned over years in the industry and now leading a national franchise. They cover leadership, team dynamics, and the decisions that impact growth over time. If you're in restoration and looking to run a better operation, this is...

Sales reps and sales managers are on the same team—but that doesn’t mean they always see things the same way. In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind the tension between reps and managers, why it happens, and what it takes to get aligned. Drawing from our Herding Cats article series, we share practical insights on how high-performing sales teams work through the friction and improve...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Darren Hudema of PuroClean to talk about the role technical skills and soft skills play in building a successful service business. With decades of experience in the restoration industry, Darren shares insights on training, standards, leadership, and why customer experience has become a key differentiator. The conversation covers the gap between...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Tom Laska of ICC Restoration & Cleaning Services to talk about what separates restoration companies that stand the test of time. Tom shares his experience building a business from the ground up, the challenges of hiring and developing the right team, and why focusing on quality, accountability, and culture matters more than chasing growth. T...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Violand Business Advisors Josh Bachman and Bill Prosch to discuss one of the biggest frustrations in the restoration industry: getting paid on insurance work.   The conversation explores why collections really begin before the job starts, how contracts and communication impact payment, and what you can do to reduce delays, pushback, and unexpect...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Chuck Violand, founder of Violand Management, shares the hard‑earned lessons that only experience can teach. Chuck reflects on 40 years of building a business and the insights that continue to shape how he approaches leadership, growth, and success.   The conversation covers leadership blind spots, team dynamics, stalled growth, and the mindset shifts that help...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Ed Ross, Co-Founder of TradeMutt, to have a conversation about mental health in the trades that does not happen often enough. The trades come with long hours, physical demands, and stress that take a real toll over time. Ed shares how TradeMutt started, the impact it is making, and why creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Dooley, co-founder and CEO of Kahi, to discuss the future of restoration and how the next 3–5 years will reshape the industry. The conversation dives into the growing role of data, technology, and AI in restoration, along with how these shifts are changing business models across the industry. Kevin shares practical insights on scaling, lea...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Ross Driscoll Jr. of Driscoll & Driscoll and National E&S Insurance to discuss one of the most misunderstood parts of running a restoration company: insurance.   Ross explains the risks restoration contractors face today, the coverage gaps that often go unnoticed, and how changes in the insurance market are impacting restoration business...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Humber, President of Bravo Restoration & Construction, to talk about what it really looks like to take over a struggling restoration company and turn it into something sustainable and strong. Nicole shares the highs, the setbacks, and the leadership lessons that shaped her along the way.   This conversation is about resilience, cultur...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Jackson, Founder and President of Liberty Restoration, to discuss what it takes to build a construction and restoration business you actually enjoy showing up to. Shawn shares how focusing on the right team, having fun, and being the expert in the room has shaped his leadership style and supported long-term growth.   In this episode, you’l...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Hussey, Owner of United Fire & Water, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, culture, and growth in the restoration industry.   Kevin shares how his approach to leadership has evolved over time, why building the right team becomes critical as a business scales, and how focusing on data, accountability, and people has shaped the futu...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Bre Schmitten, Digital Marketing Specialist at Violand, breaks down key considerations for hiring and managing a digital marketing agency in the trades and home services.   The conversation focuses on what digital marketing is actually responsible for, how to evaluate performance, and why many businesses feel disappointed even when reports look good. This episod...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, advisor Josh Bachman builds on the fundamentals and dives into advanced business numbers that support better decision-making. The conversation focuses on trends, forecasting, cash flow, and key metrics — and how to use those insights strategically, not just understand them. Takeaways: • Advanced metrics that influence smarter decisions • How to interpret trends...

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, advisor Josh Bachman helps owners get comfortable with their financials by breaking down the numbers in a simple, meaningful way. If you want to understand what your financials are really telling you, this conversation is the perfect place to start. Takeaways: • How to interpret your P&L and core financial reports • What revenue, COGS, and expenses really sa...

What happens when restoration professionals find themselves on the other side of disaster? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we talk with Justin Woodard of Woodard Cleaning & Restoration, Rhett Trotter and Jason Schroeck of Green Clean, and Tammy Stokes of Oklahoma Disaster Restoration about the unexpected reality of rebuilding after their own losses. They share how fires, tornadoes, and bus...

In this special episode of the GPS Podcast, we’re joined by Kelley Dolan, Violand Business Development Advisor, and Jim Eckard, CFO of Thomasville Restoration, to unpack the Restoration Industry Association’s Cost of Doing Business Report powered by KnowHow.   Together, they dive into what the data reveals about profitability, labor costs, technology investments, and the real challenges restoratio...

What’s the real secret behind earning 5-star Google reviews and loyal customers? It’s not discounts—it’s trust. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Ed Marchiselli, founder and CEO of The Seal, to talk about how service businesses can build credibility, earn authentic reviews, and win customers for life.   Key Takeaways: How building genuine trust leads to long-term customer loyalt...

AI isn’t here to replace the trades — it’s here to make them better. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we’re joined by LiveSwitch CRO James Hatfield and Violand’s Kelley Dolan to talk about how AI + live video are reshaping workflows in restoration, HVAC, plumbing, and beyond. We dig into: How LiveSwitch tools streamline jobsite documentation and reporting Why AI-powered workflows save time and...

Starting a business is never easy. Starting one with only $5,000, no safety net, and a baby on the way? That’s exactly what Marvin Williams faced when he founded Recon Restoration. His story is about more than building a business—it’s about resilience, faith, and finding purpose through second chances.   In this episode of The GPS Podcast, we sit down with Marvin to hear how he: ✔ Overcame addicti...