The DYOJO Podcast

For episode 125 of The DYOJO Podcast we review recent video of the senate hearings lead by Josh Hawley (MS) which include sworn testimony from two policyholders with Allstate and State Farm who were affected by improper insurance claims handling for property damages. The extended video includes sworn testimony from two independent adjusters who worked for insurance carrier Allstate and third party adjusting firm Pilot. Senator Hawley has direct interaction with Mike Fiato who is the executive vice president and chief claims officer for Allstate Insurance Company. Video clips from: * Forbes Breaking News (2 hours) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs2VKoQPvxY* Off The Press (8 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCgzSuwSbqs&t=301s Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractor's shorten their DANG learning curve. Check out thedyojo.com for more information, the DYOJO blog, and sign up for The DYOJO Wire Newsletter.

A few of the questions and topics we will discuss in this episode of The DYOJO Podcast include: * What is the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)? * Should contractors join the RIA? * Is the RIA doing a good job? Episode 124 of The DYOJO Podcast "Construction Ethics, Shared Goals, and a Stronger Future"0:00 More American 1:40 RIA 2025 Recap7:35 Contractor Code of Ethics 13:42 Restoration History 18:47 Is RIA Doing a Good Job? 23:33 Weaponizing Consumer Protection 30:22 Success Tips from Taylor RivasListen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify and watch on YouTube. Read The DYOJO Blog for more information and links to the stories we discuss in this episode. Subcribe to The DYOJO Wire newsletter.

In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast, we explore a case study where a contractor's attempt to secure payment backfired due to unclear communication and a surprise invoice. After alerting a homeowner to hail damage, the contractor demanded the insurance payout and submitted an unapproved $1,200 invoice, sparking a dispute. The episode highlights the importance of clear contracts, transparent processes, and ethical standards to avoid misunderstandings and ensure payment. Contractors are encouraged to use tools like pre-work authorizations, communicate expectations upfront, and align with clients on restoring properties to pre-loss conditions using like-kind materials. Tune in for practical tips on protecting your earnings and building trust with clients.

The discussion in this bonus episode of The DYOJO Podcast emphasizes the importance of trade association involvement, highlighting the upcoming RIA International Restoration Convention and Expo in West Palm Beach from April 28-30. The event will feature member-driven initiatives, including position papers on best practices and ethical standards. The association is working on obtaining a NAICS code to distinguish its unique skill set. C&R Magazine and The DYOJO have joined forces with The 5050 Challenge which aims to encourage contractors to get out of their comfort zone to expand their professional networks. Pete Consigli joins the conversation to invite listeners to his roast to raise funds for educational initiatives. Jon Isaacson's book, Be Intentional: Estimating, will be available at the event, focusing on estimating mindsets and habits.

Will a California Court Finally Follow Through? In this clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 123, Jon Isaacson dives into a heated legal battle between Tong and State Farm Insurance over a denied water damage claim. While claims games, tricks, and denials is nothing new, the discussion unpacks escalating tensions, including allegations of discovery violations and obstruction by State Farm. Despite a court order to release documents, a protective order protects proprietary details, while policyholders push for sanctions over delays. Jon also highlights the critical role of industry associations, regional events, and educational outreach for contractors navigating insurance work. Plus, get insights on networking, skill-building, and doing the job right—along with a shoutout to Jon's books and podcast for trades professionals. Watch this 5 minute episode recap, read the blog post from Merlin Law Group, and keep an eye on Tong vs. State Farm. Listen to TDP on Spotify Listen to TDP on AppleWatch TDP clips on YouTube

Are you a contractor caught in the crossfire of red tape and denied claims? In our latest podcast, Who's The Bigger Headache for Contractors: The Government or Insurance?, we will review two headlines that discuss this complex issue. Not surprisingly, these two rebuild issues both are hatched in the beautiful state of California. While the land and ocean views are unmatched, unfortunately so is the bureaucracy. Episode Includes:How Long will it take to Rebuild Los Angeles? State Farm Plays Games (AGAIN) with Water Protocols 11 People You Should Never TrustWhat is a Trade Association? 50 States, 50 Faces Challenge 

This clip from Episode 123 of The DYOJO Podcast discusses tips for training team members to minimize the impact of mistakes in the field.

The DYOJO Podcast episode 122 focuses on project management, offering resources for career development and team guidance. Host Jon Isaacson promotes a book for aspiring project managers and another for entry-level professionals, emphasizing their utility for company growth. The podcast discussion highlights the importance of a master noting system for project updates, suggesting a simple Google Doc for tracking tasks and customer interactions. This method helps maintain project oversight and efficiency.

In Episode 122 of The DYOJO Podcast we dive into the fundamentals of construction project management, breaking down what it takes to complete projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Listeners will learn about key milestones like understanding the contracted scope, meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, ensuring site safety, and keeping clients happy. Whether you're part of a small team or a large organization, we discuss the critical role of project managers and how clear communication, thorough documentation, and efficient task management are essential for success. Discover practical tips, such as rereading contracts, breaking down projects step by step, and using tools like CRM systems and Google Docs to stay on top of project updates. Subscribe to The DYOJO Podcast to elevate your construction management skills and achieve better results on every project!

This clip from Episode 122 of The DYOJO Podcast introduces six keys to success for construction project managers. The discussion emphasizes the importance in completing tasks on scope, budget, and schedule. The video highlights the multifaceted role of project management. Key milestones for success include delivering the agreed-upon scope, meeting the client timeline, providing quality controls, and maintaining a safe, orderly worksite. Project managers play a critical role in achieving client satisfaction and profitability which are crucial for business continuity. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. Thank you to our advertiser - The Spring Experience - a must attend event for cleaning and restoration professionals. Join us in Punta Gorda, Florida April 8 - 10, 2025. For more information go to ExperienceTheEvents.com.

This video clip from Episode 121 of The DYOJO Podcast emphasizes the importance of project management, stressing the need to complete projects on scope, on budget, and on time to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction. It highlights the challenges in planning, executing, and adapting to changes, and the consequences of failing to meet these benchmarks, such as financial repercussions and damage to reputation. The discussion also touches on the necessity of effective communication and tracking legitimate change orders. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. Thank you to our advertiser - The Spring Experience - a must attend event for cleaning and restoration professionals. Join us in Punta Gorda, Florida April 8 - 10, 2025. For more information go to ExperienceTheEvents.com.

Episode 121 of The DYOJO Podcast focuses on the challenges of project management in construction, emphasizing the need for profitability and customer satisfaction. Key metrics for success include completing projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Various scenarios of lackluster outcomes were examined, such as projects that are on budget and on schedule but off scope (potentially leading to fraud), or projects that are on schedule and on scope but off budget due to unmanaged scope creep. This conversation highlights the importance of clear communication, proper planning, and timely capture of change orders to avoid financial and reputational issues. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 28-30, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX KEYWORDS Construction project management Managing scope creep in construction On-time, on-budget project delivery Construction profitability tips Avoiding project management pitfalls Effective communication in construction projects Change order management strategies Customer satisfaction in construction Construction planning best practices Reputation management for contractors

This clip from an upcoming episode of The DYOJO Podcast (#121) centers on common pitfalls in construction project management, emphasizing the importance of completing projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Host Jon Isaacson highlights that failure in any one of these areas can lead to negative outcomes, affecting both financial performance and reputation - The Carousel of Project Management Lackluster Outcomes. We discuss the challenges of quality control, scope creep, and communication breakdowns, which can worsen over time if not addressed. The conversation also touches on the need for effective recruitment, training, and development of project managers. Resources like the book "Want to Be a Project Manager" are recommended for those looking to improve their project management skills and practices. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. Keywords: Construction project management Project management tips Construction project pitfalls Project manager mistakes Successful construction projects

Episode 120 of The DYOJO Podcast focuses on the importance of contractors, homeowners, and insurance representatives letting the structure speak during the insurance claims process. The discussion emphasizes the restoration triangle involving policyholders, contractors, and insurance companies. Stressing the need for thorough data capture (TDC) to create defensible estimates, advocating for restoring properties to pre-loss conditions with like-kind materials (LKQ). This episode critiques the us-versus-them mentality between contractors and insurers, urging clear communication and adherence to the standard of restoring properties. Listeners will hear about resources for improving estimating and project management skills in the restoration industry. IN EPISODE 120 of The DYOJO Podcast: 1:59 Who is the customer during an insurance claim with David Princeton 3:56 Let the Structure Speak during an insurance claim 6:24 The Restoration Triangle with Pete Consigli 10:37 The Standard all should follow for insurance claims 17:34 Rant Alert * What does it mean to RESTORE property? 25:38 Creating an accurate scope of work for insurance claims 30:45 Resources for insurance estimating and project management LAST EPISODE 119 Falsifying Insurance Claims Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

This podcast clip from Episode 119 revolves around the risks and challenges faced by construction companies, particularly in the aftermath of storms. We discuss the importance of making informed decisions to avoid large financial losses and the pitfalls of not doing things correctly, both technically and politically. We remind the audience of our prior series of episodes (starting with TDP 92) reviewing a case in Texas where a contractor sued a school district for non-payment after providing emergency services, highlighting the complexities and potential for bankruptcy. Our discussion also touches on the importance of authority and clear agreements in contracts. Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTube Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify, Apple, and all platforms Read The DYOJO Blog - thedyojo.com/blog for additional information and sources Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve

The conversation in this podcast clip, from Episode 119 of The DYOJO Podcast, revolves around the issue of insurance companies potentially altering claim estimates to pay out less than the actual damage. We discuss how independent adjusters, who document damages and write estimates, find their work significantly reduced by insurance representatives. An example is given where an adjuster's $488,000 estimate was changed to $13,000. The conversation highlights the discrepancies between the initial detailed assessments and the final payouts, which often favor the insurance company. The discussion also touches on the role of public adjusters and the need for better communication between contractors and consumers to achieve fairer insurance claim outcomes.

The conversation revolves around the issue of insurance claims fraud, where independent adjusters allege that insurance companies manipulate damage estimates to save costs. The discussion highlights a case where an adjuster's initial damage estimate was altered, with the adjuster's name still attached, leading to significant financial discrepancies affecting the storm-damaged homeowner. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of such practices, including the need for transparency and proper documentation in the claims process. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding insurance policies and advocating for policyholders' rights. In Episode 119 of The DYOJO Podcast 0:00 Falsifying Insurance Claims 7:26 Stephen Bush deposing insurance adjusters 11:12 60 Minutes investigates claims being altered 20:04 Professional weigh in on 60 Minutes coverage 28:52 Improving the insurance claims process References and guest appearances for this episode include: Sgt Ed from Restoration Crosscheck, David Princeton (Advocate Claim Service), Bill Wilson (book When Words Collide), Stephen Bush, Bebo Crain, Jim Thompson (book My Life is One Disaster After Another), prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast. LAST EPISODE118 Water Damage Industry Evolution Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSICTheme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

The DYOJO Podcast discusses a $200 million wrongful death trial in Oregon over the fatal shooting of Freddie Nelson Jr. in a Lowe's parking lot by a security guard, Logan Gimble, who is now serving life for second-degree murder. Nelson had a verbal altercation with a Lowe's employee over pallets, despite having permission from store staff. Gimble, who was not authorized to carry a firearm, pepper-sprayed Nelson and his wife before shooting him. The trial involves the property management firm TMT and the security company Cornerstone, with arguments centering on de-escalation training and the high crime area of the parking lot. Read more from The DYOJO Blog - thedyojo.com/blog Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

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 better protect themselves when hiring a construction professional. This discussion is also helpful to business owners and managers looking to elevate their team's abilities to seek, sell, and produce quality projects. LAST EPISODETDP 118 Water Damage Industry Evolution Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXTill I Let Go (Instrumental) by NEFEX

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 DYOJO Podcast 0:00 The 5th Water Damage Air Mover Made 12:49 Robust Conversations with Xactimate 18:16 History and Headway with the AGA 28:00 Becoming a Class A Contractor with Ron Alford References and guest appearances for this episode include: Sgt Ed from Restoration Crosscheck, video from Ron Alford, Cliff Zlotnik, Jim Thompson, Mark Springer, Katie Smith, excerpts from Ron Alford's book How To Win The Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon), prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast. LAST EPISODETDP 117 Xactimate Apologizes to Restorers Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSICTheme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

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 Podcast 0:00 Sgt Ed Cross 2:23 Recap of Episode 116 3:20 Waste Diversion Tracking 4:31 Insurance Denied by Drone 6:09 New Position Statements from RIA 9:46 Xactimate Apologizes to Restorers 16:32 Weaponizing Xactimate 24:28 RIA 2024 Highlights Clips were used in this Episode from * InsurTech Trends, Integrations, Pricing, & More - C&R Magazine / Restoration Today Michelle Belvins interviews Aaron Brunko - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E0JaaJsyk4&t=1098s * Restoration Invoice: PAID - Restoration CrossCheck (Sgt Ed video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVSUelq66uM&t=72s LAST EPISODETDP 116 What Do Customers Know? NEXT EPISODE Join us as we discuss the history of the Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and the progress discussed at the 2024 Convention. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX Cool Revenge - Jeremy Blake

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 right 1:32 Restoration contractor convention 2:45 Do right by the customer - construction scope of work 8:18 Making the impossible possible 13:40 Do right by the customer - insurance scope of work 16:51 Who knows the most 19:39 Thinking differently about the project management role 21:22 Construction cost disputes Clips were used in this Episode from * The RIA Martin L King Award introduction video * Scott Seiss Comedy * Due South Inspections / Due South Brad * 100 TDP Matching Materials for Insurance Claims * Let The Structure Speak by Jon Isaacson (C&R Magazine) LAST EPISODETDP 115 Property Restoration and Insurance Claim Contractors Convention NEXT EPISODE Join us as we discuss hard construction lessons learned from a failed nuclear power plant in Elma, Washington. AND we will discuss some unique perspectives on recruiting, hiring, and developing professionals for the construction project management role. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXCool Revenge - Jeremy Blake

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 DYOJO Podcast  0:00 Industry Issues & Drama 4:48 Passport #1  9:57 Passport #3  14:07 The DYOJO Audiobooks  16:37 Passport #4  19:12 Passport #5 20:57 Passport #6  23:34 Passport #8   26:20 Property Restoration History  31:53 Passport #11 Clips were used in this Episode from  * The RIA Martin L King Award introduction video  * Several prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast  Articles Cited Include * A Brief Walk Through RIA History by Michelle Blevins (R&R Magazine)  * Founding Fathers of Restoration by Pete Consigli (RIA Website, C&R Magazine)  * Restoration's History and the Modern Restorer by Jon Isaacson and Pete Consigli (Cleanfax Magazine)  LAST EPISODE TDP 114 No One Wants to Work NEXT EPISODE  Join us as we discuss hard construction lessons learned from a failed nuclear power plant in Elma, Washington.  Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.  THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.   Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.  P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.  MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

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 Episode 114 of The DYOJO Podcast 0:00 No One Wants to Work 5:07 Should Employees Give a Reason for PTO? 9:42 Podcast Host Called Out by Employee 15:02 Management Echo Chambers 21:49 Did You Get Canceled, Or are You a Jerk? 24:32 Better Employee Communication Clips were used in this Episode from * Demoted Podcast * 23 Nightmarish Job Descriptions by Hannah Marder LAST EPISODE TDP 113 Learning from Job Description and Interview Fails NEXT EPISODE Join us as we discuss hard construction lessons learned from a failed nuclear power plant in Elma, Washington. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

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 EPISODE 113 of THE DYOJO PODCAST: 0:00 Worst Job Interviews 5:51 Designing a Company Around Values with Al Erisman 8:19 The Shingle Principle 13:12 Tips to Prepare for a Job Interview 14:37 Terrible Job Descriptions 24:10 P2T Chapter 5 Audiobook Clips were used in this Episode from * Too Apree on YouTube * TDP 49 with Al Erisman, author of The ServiceMaster Story * P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace (book) Chapter 5 PRIOR EPISODE TDP 112 Creating a Competitive Business Advantage in 2024 NEXT EPISODE Join us as we discuss hard construction lessons learned from a failed nuclear power plant in Elma, Washington. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

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 interview that we share in P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace Read and reread the job description Research the company Prepare a cover letter and references Prepare your own questions Rehearse the interview Dress the part Don't be afraid to ask questions Read about these tips and many more in P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace by Jon Isaacson. ​ THANK YOU SPONSORS: ​Actionable Insights now has a ⁠Xactimate Profile⁠ similar to the Contractor & Carrier Profiles that come with Xactimate. Along with access to all the Insights Sheet Macros, the profile includes Actionable's industry-standard default preferences that focus on accurate and transparent estimating.  ⁠EPIC Estimates⁠ - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.  ⁠Restoration Industry Association⁠ (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.  ⁠P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. 

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 democratic process  23:52 Creating change THANK YOU SPONSORS: Actionable Insights now has a Xactimate Profile similar to the Contractor & Carrier Profiles that come with Xactimate. Along with access to all the Insights Sheet Macros, the profile includes Actionable's industry-standard default preferences that focus on accurate and transparent estimating. EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS. The DYOJO Podcast for Contractors: ​​Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTube Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Apple Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Amazon Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Google ​New episodes are released on Thursdays at 12:01am PST MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

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 review and rethink the standard job description. Achieve better outcomes in recruitment, hiring, development, and employee retention by updating these processes to reflect your unique culture. The DYOJO Podcast for Contractors: ​ ​Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTube Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Apple Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Amazon Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Google ​New episodes are released on Thursdays at 12:01am PST NEW BOOK - Resources for Young Pros As a business owner or manager, are you stressed out, struggling to find ways to engage with young professionals in the workforce? P2T, the new book by Jon Isaacson will help businesses create a competitive advantage. My new book will help you better engage young professionals and articulate a pathway to success for new hires. P2T is a win-win for employers and employees. BUY NOW on Amazon Learn more - ⁠thedyojo.com/book5

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 they have some experience that will set everyone on the right foot. What have your results been with re-hires? I've shared many times before that my personal preference is I'd rather train new habits than retrain old habits. In this episode, I share some examples of doing this at multiple levels in a construction organization. From the technician level, superintendent, project manager, and even at the estimator level. This is what has worked best for my teams. Hear more about this process of recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining quality young professionals in The DYOJO Podcast Episode 112The DYOJO Podcast for Contractors: ​ ​Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTube Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Apple Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Amazon Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Google ​New episodes are released on Thursdays at 12:01am PST NEW BOOK - Resources for Young Pros As a business owner or manager, are you stressed out, struggling to find ways to engage with young professionals in the workforce? P2T, the new book by Jon Isaacson will help businesses create a competitive advantage. My new book will help you better engage young professionals and articulate a pathway to success for new hires. P2T is a win-win for employers and employees. BUY NOW on Amazon Learn more - thedyojo.com/book5

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 stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions. Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating. So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson was written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

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 consider that Xactimate, and similar estimating resources, are primarily communication platforms?  Join us for a discussion that will help listeners update their mindset and habits regarding estimating tools and approaches. Listen to The DYOJO Podcast as we share insights for better insurance claims and construction outcomes. Clips from The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 111, A Simple Formula for Better Construction Estimates.

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 contributions, community outreach, and creative team-building efforts. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. #growthmindset #construction #podcast

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 and the science of construction estimating. If you want better outcomes from your construction estimates, focus on “a good set of quantities” This aligns with what we have termed “Thorough Data Capture” or TDC and “a proper feeling for cost” which mirrors what we have termed “Accurate Data Input” or ADI. Stick around as we discuss a simple formula for better construction estimates. IN EPISODE 111 of The DYOJO Podcast 0:00 Deep thoughts for construction estimators2:47 Career growth tips with Nicole Humber 4:48 Learning from restoration history with Cliff Zlotnik 11:48 Three critical elements of a construction project 16:45 The importance of communication 21:37 All estimates are data-driven 28:01 Simplifying the estimating process Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions. Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating. So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson was written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

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 14:22 Record breaking sock raising efforts 19:38 Nicole Humber on breaking the glass ceiling 27:31 Thank you to SOCKTember participants and contributors SOCKTEMBER 2023 Thirty-eight teams, from Canada and the United States, many of whom were new to the competition, worked diligently during the month of September to enlist their teams and communities to help them raise socks. SOCKTember 2023 set a new world record raising and donating 72,441 pairs of NEW socks. In four years this brings the total of NEW socks raised and donated to charitable organizations to 202,167. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions. Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating. So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson was written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX Opening - Sinister by Anno Domini Beats

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, which would result in more than 400,000 homes built or rehabilitated, creating a pathway for more families to buy a home and start building wealth. The market is in flux right now, especially the housing market. For contractors looking to diversify their portfolio, it may be time to freshen up on what it looks like to work with the federal, state, and local government agencies that are looking to spend this “Build Back America” money. This story shows that at least some of those proceeds, if not additional funding, will be going into the residential market for housing assistance, hopefully, more people will be able to get into affordable housing, as well as housing rehabilitation, allowing homeowners to access low-interest loans for safety, accessibility, and necessary renovations to their existing homes. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. EPISODE 109: 0:00 President Biden announces $16 billion for housing 0:58 Lessons learned from Detamore and RJC 4:07 The temptation of the big construction payout 7:15 Rehabilitation and 203(k) loans 10:32 Unique opportunities for contractors 13:53 Federal, state, and local government contracts 16:23 Closing thoughts and natural gas bans THANK YOU SPONSORS: EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions. Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating. So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson, written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXOpening - Organic Guitar House by Dyalla CREDITS The DYOJO Podcast is produced by The DYOJO (D-Y-O-J-O). Host Jon Isaacson, the Intentional Restorer, is an author and contractor based in Puyallup Washington. You can find out more about this podcast, including blog posts with content references, as well as Jon's books for contractors and other services at thedyojo.com. If you have enjoyed this content, please like, subscribe, and share.

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 for stealing hundreds of thousands, if not millions, from clients near Houston, Texas. We discuss the timeline and details of this story that started with his wife reporting him missing on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 and the fallout from the many unanswered questions related to this unique event. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS: EPIC Esitmates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions. Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating. So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson, written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX Opening - Forever by Anno Domini Beats

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 Competency 21:23 Cashing in on Storm Response 29:41 Collecting & Using Data 36:54 Reviewer as Accountant Shoutouts in this episode include: Pete Consigli, Bob Blochinger, Joe Hughes, Cliff Zlotnik, Andy Ask, Ken Larsen, Michelle Blevins, Paul Donald, Geoff Lawson, Lorne McIntyre, Casey Clark, Ralph Moon, Jeremey Beagle, Bendon Ramsey, David Princeton, IAQ Radio, Winter Break, RIA, and FoCKED. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Encircle, the only all-in-one field documentation solution. EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism. Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member! The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX Last Episode 106 - Productivity Part 2 - Accountability & Leadership with Geoff Lawson

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 with the incoming workforce * Accountability, training, and team discipline IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 Productivity Part 2 with Geoff Lawson 2:35 Join the SOCK-side for SOCKTember 2023 4:01 The importance of quality control 8:15 Collaborating to create team standards 12:22 HISTORY: A chat with Lloyd Weaver's sons 16:53 Practical accountability within an organization 21:54 Working with the incoming workforce Appearances and shoutouts in this episode include: Michelle Blevins Kelsey Isaacson Pete Consigli Cliff Zlotnik Jim Thompson Lloyd Weaver, Jr Lance Weaver Ben Justesen Brendon Rumsey Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism. Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member! The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX Last Episode 105 - Productivity Part 1 - Training & Expectations with Geoff Lawson

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.com/book3)

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 examples The DYOJO Podcast Episode 105 Productivity Part 1 - Training and Expectations​IN THIS EPISODE:0:00 Productivity Part 1 with Geoff Lawson2:07 Restoration History with Michelle Blevins and Pete Consigli* WATCH the full episode "The History of Restoration" on Restoration Today from C&R Magazine 7:46 Using time as a productivity metric16:32 Reducing friction with management expectations21:04 Understanding production rates in estimating27:29 Clarity, consistency, and accountability30:31 Unleash the power of relational leadershipAppearances and shoutouts in this episode include: Michelle Blevins Pete Consigli John Pletcher Cliff Zlotnik Jeff Cross Tom McGuire Ben Justesen Brendon Rumsey Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism.Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member!The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX LastEpisode 104 - Busy But Bankrupt with Brendon Rumsey

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 companies. That story involved a Craigslist meetup and a cup of McDonald's coffee. For this episode he discusses that despite significant revenue growth and being busy his company was on the verge of bankruptcy. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 Busy But Bankrupt 8:17 Defending Your Position 20:22 No One Else Is Doing This 28:50 Enough is Enough 34:20 Best Practices 36:25 Boo-Boo Policies #construction #insurance #bankruptcy #growth #podcast Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism. Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member! The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

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 (while not overstepping legal boundaries). The benefits of a strong national association, like the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), and their ability to advocate and develop resources for contractors. We discuss a few of those tools created by volunteers and subject matter experts through the Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee (AGA). Will there be One Price To Rule Them All? Catch up on Episode 103 and join us next week for Episode 104 as we dive deeper into the topic of defending your pricing as a contractor without being defensive. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Sponsored by EPIC Estimates, Advocate Claim Service, Restoration Technical Institute (RIA), Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and How To Suck Less At Estimating by Jon Isaacson. TheDYOJO.com

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 2:23 A rooftop confrontation with State Farm 12:18 From rooftops to water damage mitigation 16:47 Water damage symposium in Washington 18:21 On the verge of bankruptcy 23:31 Connecting locally with national resources #contractor #insurance #claims #podcast Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism. Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member! The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

Are you a contractor in the Pacific Northwest (PNW)? We are hosting our first half-day water damage and insurance claims symposium in Edmonds, Washington on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. This event will feature three Ted-talk style presentations from subject matter experts. Joyce Gabriel - Landall (Tacoma) and Expert (Olympia) Colby Wynn - Affordable Restoration (Everett) John Walker, Jr. - MAS Solutions (Seattle) Our speakers will be discussing optimizing technology for mitigation excellence, creative solutions for challenging water damage scenarios, and where water damage insurance claims go bad. If you'd like to know more about that or how you can support that you can go to thedyojo.com/events #waterdamage #insurance #claims #propertyrestoration #contractor #education #workshop #training

We discuss the power of contractors connecting at the local, regional, and national levels. Our guest Brendon Rumsey (South Carolina) discusses his experiences with starting a local contractor's networking group, utilizing resources from the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), and defending his business practices in court. In This Video: 0:00 Defending your construction business 0:57 Local and regional networking groups 5:00 Customizing your construction pricing 8:36 Contractor advocacy Stay tuned as we will discuss these topics and MORE in greater detail on the next episode of The DYOJO Podcast. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.

Contractors face many challenges. Friend of the show, Michelle Blevins, returns for Episode 102 of The DYOJO Podcast to discuss some creative ways employers and managers can better engage their community as they build a local brand. Michelle discusses authentic leadership, the importance of marketing TO the team as consistently as one markets to clients, and the unique opportunity to join with other restoration contractors for Restoring Kindness during the month of May. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 Guest Michelle Blevins of C&R Magazine 2:02 Local, Regional, and National Contractor Networking 7:24 What the heck is Restoring Kindness? 14:09 The Do's and Don'ts of Contractor Marketing 18:26 Simple Budgeting Tips for Project Managers 24:22 Authentic Leadership and Engaging Your Team Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Industry Expo is the industry's premier event designed to bring together restoration and reconstruction professionals and vendors for networking, education, and discussing the latest industry trends. You won't want to miss this event on April 24-26, 2023 in at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida. Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

Some contractors love program work and set up their businesses to attempt to thrive in this revenue stream. Some contractors hate third-party administrators and do everything in their power to avoid anything resembling a TPA agreement. Many contractors have questions about preferred vendor programs and who they can best utilize this resource. On Episode 101 of The DYOJO Podcast we will discuss some of the good, the bad, and the ugly of program work and the insurance claims emergency services and repairs process. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 The P Word = Program Work 4:25 Preferred Vendors and Program Work 8:11 Claims Reviewers and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) 11:21 Complaining About Compliance 14:51 Restoring Kindness with Michell Blevins 16:16 Moral High Horsing 17:56 Arbitrary Inclusion and Exclusion 21:15 Changing the Insurance Claims Games with David Princeton and Bill Wilson Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Industry Expo is the industry's premier event designed to bring together restoration and reconstruction professionals and vendors for networking, education, and discussing the latest industry trends. You won't want to miss this event on April 24-26, 2023 in at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida. Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

Discussion with David Princeton, Advocate Claim Service, and Bill Wilson, author of When Words Collide, on what contractors and policyholders can do to attempt to equalize the insurance claims games that carriers play. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping Contractors Shorten Their DANG Learning Curve

How often do policyholders with insurance claims have issues where their roof, siding, flooring, kitchen cabinets, or other materials were the same prior to a water or fire damage occurring, but the insurance company is contesting whether they owe for "matching"? How specific are insurance policies on the definition and execution of matching materials for claims? We discuss this issue and many more with David Princeton, Advocate Claim Service, and Bill Wilson, author of When Words Collide: Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 Matching Materials for Insurance Claims 2:13 Alternative Uses for Ozone Machines with Gwyneth Paltrow and IAQ Radio 8:38 Two Insurance Claims Tips with Bill Wilson 12:56 Would You Describe Public Adjusters as Locusts with David Princeton 30:10 An Extreme Interpretation of Insurance Claims Matching 45:34 The Latest Edition of Cleaning & Restoration (C&R) Magazine 49:32 Diminished Value and Insurance Claims 57:21 Roles, Responsibilities, and Hypocrisy during Insurance Negotiations 1:04:00 The Interests in an Insurance Claim (The Claims Standard) Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Industry Expo is the industry's premier event designed to bring together restoration and reconstruction professionals and vendors for networking, education, and discussing the latest industry trends. You won't want to miss this event on April 24-26, 2023 in at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida. Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis went on television to warn consumers about unscrupulous contractors and public adjusters. Patronis referred to them as "locusts" and "predators" that complicate the recovery process. Patronis says, "The predators are going to come in like a bunch of locusts" while "people are vulnerable." No one would dispute that there are bad actors in all sectors. What left many people questioning his choice of words was the status of the insurance claims industry in his state. There are predatory practices in the insurance claims industry, Mr. Patronis places a lopsided amount of the blame on two parties in particular, contractors and public adjusters. This is a clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 100, which includes guests David Princeton (Guest #1), insurance claims advocate and owner of Advocate Claim Service, as well as insurance policy language guru Bill Wilson, who is also the author of "When Words Collide: Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes." Join us this week as we break down some of Jimmy Patronis' comments and keep your ears open for the full episode number 100 to be released soon. The DYOJO Podcast - Helping Contractors Shorten Their DANG Learning Curve.

Have you observed the popular series Last of Us on HBO Max? Without spoiling too much of the show, this is a zombie-type thriller where the contagion is not a virus or a bacteria, but a parasitic fungus. Cordyceps, an actual mold known to take over the minds and bodies of entire ant colonies, is the culprit. In anticipation of the property restoration and mold remediation companies seizing upon the elevated discourse regarding microbial growth due to this pop culture fixture, The DYOJO has created an advertisement as an exemplar. Which mold removal contractor will be the first to utilize the horrors of Last of Us, an apocalyptic thriller set in the near future, to promote their assessment and remediation services? Join us as we cross between modern cinematic storytelling and real-world horrors in a clip adapted from Episode 99 of The DYOJO Podcast ("Let Us Speak of Moldy Things"). Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.