The Restoration & Remediation Ask the Expert Podcasts

Learn about Violand's Business Planning Retreats with Tim Hull on this episode of Ask The Expert. He shares how restoration and cleaning business can build strategic plans, align their teams and drive growth at both events in Ohio and Florida.

Jorge and Michelle Gutierrez of SERVPRO share how culture, community and resilience help them win Franchise of the Year and a build a legacy in the restoration industry.

Sonny Ahuja shares how AI-powered tools and smart Google Ad strategies help restoration professionals capture leads, save time and grow their business. 

 Scott Gines, Lead Developer for JobSight, shares how in-house development and restoration experience combine and create a smarter, simpler software for contractors.

Patrick Workman shares how he rebuilt his life after facing adversity, he founded Rock Bottom Recovery & Restoration and works to empower others through restoration work.

John Tovar of ServiceMaster Restore shares key strategies for scaling your restoration business and empowering veterans.

Josh Ehmke shares his expert insights on water damage claim denials, AOB, documentation and how contractors can navigate insurance challenges and protect their scope.

Nick Hindle, CIO of PuroSystems/PuroClean, discusses open APIs, AI innovation and the importance of voluntary standards in building a smarter, more connected restoration industry.

Ladder Award winner Caleb Parrotte shares his journey in restoration, leadership lessons, how community and purpose fuel his success and much more.

Jessica Loveless of SERPVRO shares her insights on contents restoration, from estimating and packouts to fire damage and beyond.

Jordan Frady of First Onsite discusses how important it is to lead with empathy, safety and purpose in biohazard remediation. You restore more than the space; you restore dignity and hope for those in need.

Certified Safety Professional Barry Rice joins host, Kayla McGowan, to discuss contractor safety, OSHA compliance and much more.

Leighton Healey of KnowHow shares how AI tools can help improve your cash flow, streamline operations and empower your teams to thrive in a tough market.This episode is brought to you by:

DocuSketch's Todd Sangid discusses survey findings on insurance knowledge, trust gaps and how technology can help improve claims transparency and customer education.

Jeff Milligan of Prism Specialties shares his expert insights on contents restoration, blending technical precision with empathy to deliver meaningful and impactful results.

Crystal Williams of Lemon Seed Marketing shares branding tips for restoration professionals, including authenticity, local engagement and common marketing mistakes to avoid.

JobSight CEO Lindsay Bunker shares her expert insights on transparency, KPIs and technology-driven job management for restoration contractors in this episode of Ask The Expert.

Stefan Figley joins Ask The Expert to discuss Texas' flood recovery, emotional impact and the future of best practices for restoration professionals nationwide. 

R&R's annual Technician Award, sponsored by Violand Management Associates, is now accepting nominations to honor the industry's frontline professionals. In this episode of Ask the Expert, we talk with Jeff Jones of Violand Management about what this award means to the organization and what it means to the industry.

Restoration professional Clay Hernandez explains proper use of disinfectants, EPA label rules and post-remediation testing in this expert-led episode of Ask The Expert.

RIA President Jeff Moore and Past President Ben Looper join Ask The Expert to share updates on the Cost of Doing Business Survey, TPA Scorecard and more.

Jeff Jones shares his insights on fentanyl, human decomposition and forensic restoration ahead of his presentations at The Experience Convention and Trade Show.

In this episode of Ask The Expert, Alexus Neidert of Thomasville Restoration shares insights on brand-building, company culture, and preparing the next generation of leaders in the restoration industry.

Learn about the operational differences between franchises and independent businesses with Danessa Itaya, President of Bio-One®, she shares insights, real world examples and the value of franchise support systems. 

Learn why the restoration industry struggles with employee retention and how you can fix it. This episode of Ask the Expert features expert insights from REINS founder Chris Buttenham on culture, incentives and career growth. 

Explore 360 documentation and how this technology is revolutionizing the restoration industry with faster workflows, transparency and an upcoming special training opportunity at The Experience Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV.

In this episode of Ask the Expert, find out how Elkmont Estimates supports restoration professionals with accurate, compliant estimates that help speed up claims closure.

In this Ask the Expert episode, Jason Krohn of Claims Crafters and Chad Holland of Paul Davis Restoration dive into how AI is revolutionizing contents restoration. Learn how tools like Contents IQ are helping companies speed up inventory, improve accuracy and enhance customer satisfaction. 

In this episode of Ask The Expert, fire investigator Roger Thorpe and iGUIDE's Michael Vervena discuss how technology is revolutionizing fire restoration documentation. Learn how these tools enhance accuracy, speed up claims and support insurers and investigators.

In this Ask The Expert episode, John Otero of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE shares practical tips for preventing water damage during spring and summer storms. Learn how to prepare your customer's homes, respond to flooding and use technology to streamline your processes. 

In this episode of Ask The Expert, we are tackling catastrophe preparedness, back to the basics part 2.  Our panel of industry experts share their experiences, overcoming hurdles and implementing strategies to help protect their communities, teams and collaborate with local, state and government officials. 

On this episode of Ask The Expert, CRS's Visionary Founder Ashley Taylor discusses the company's rapid growth, the rising demand for contents restoration and how CRS is setting new industry standards through transparency and strategic alignment with carriers and TPAs.This episode is brought to you by:

With hurricane and wildfire seasons on the horizon, preparation is everything. On this episode of Ask The Expert, we're joined by industry experts from 1-800-Water Damage and Belfor Franchise Group who have nearly 100 years of experience. Find out how you can prepare your teams, deploy and more.This episode is brought to you by:

Discover how Dan Gordon transitioned from a high-pressure corporate career to owning a thriving restoration franchise, achieving work-life balance and making a community impact.

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Genesis Brown, Founder and CEO of Smart Claims Solutions, breaks down the costly mistakes restoration contractors make when managing their claims. From documentation errors to carrier tactics, find out how you can streamline your process.This episode is brought to you by:

On this episode of Ask The Expert, the RIA leadership team including President Jeff Moore and other top officers. They dove into the future of the restoration industry and several of RIA's initiatives.

Discover how AJ and Becky Callegan transformed a life-threatening scare into a mission to improve home building and air quality. In this episode of "Ask The Expert," the husband-and-wife team shares their inspiring story, highlighting the importance of mold awareness and indoor air quality advocacy. 

In this episode of Ask The Expert, Leighton Healey, CEO of KnowHow, shares his strategies for enhancing business operations. Learn how standardization, knowledge management, technology, training and accountability can boost your efficiency and drive growth.This episode is brought to you by:

In this episode of Ask The Expert, discover the secrets of mastering water damage restoration from Paul Silliman, Head of Sales and Customer Success at Clean Claims. Streamline your processes, improve efficiency and save time and money with expert tips on training documentation and leadership oversight.This episode is brought to you by:

In this episode of Ask The Expert, we go back to the basics of catastrophe preparedness. Our panel of industry experts share their experiences, overcoming hurdles and implementing strategies to help protect their communities and teams.This episode is brought to you by:

In this episode of "Ask The Expert," we feature Kevin Schramm, owner of LIME Painting in Boise, who transitioned from Navy service to successful franchise ownership. Discover the unique strengths veterans bring to the franchising industry and learn how Kevin's dedication to LIME's core principles and commitment to veterans' causes makes him a standout leader.

Industry leader Stephanie Suchocki, Vice President of Operations at Superior Restoration, dives into the Restoration Industry Association's offerings, the upcoming RIA Convention and the transformative power of continuous education in this episode of Ask the Expert.

In this episode of R&R's Ask the Expert, Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Pack-Out, discusses the critical strategies for navigating contents restoration and catastrophe preparedness. Learn how proactive planning, effective workflows and industry-wide collaboration are shaping the future of restoration amid increasing challenges.This episode is brought to you by:

Meet Leslie Anderson, R&R's 2025 Women in Restoration Award winner. With over 25 years of industry experience, Leslie has built a remarkable career defined by mentorship, innovation and servant leadership. 

Join Garret Gray, President of CoreLogic's Insurance Solutions, as he recaps the highlights of INTRConnect 2025, discusses innovative solutions in the property insurance industry and unveils details for INTRConnect 2026.This episode is brought to you by:

Explore the world of contents restoration with industry experts David Gavilanes, Annissa Coy and Stefan Figley. Learn how they overcome challenging projects, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and prioritize belongings for restoration.This episode is brought to you by:

In this episode of "Ask the Expert," we speak with Phill McGurk, owner and director of CARSI, about utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to enhance your business processes, documentation and SOPs. Learn how AI can serve as a valuable tool for businesses without becoming a crutch.

In this episode of "Ask the Expert," we chat with Adam Lyszczarz, a Marine Corps veteran and Program Manager for Document Restoration Services at Prism Specialties, about restoring flood-damaged artifacts at the Smithtown Library. Discover the innovative techniques used and lessons learned from this significant restoration project.

Join industry experts Paul Silliman and Cory Burt in this exciting episode of Ask The Expert as they reveal how remote monitoring can streamline operations, boost efficiency and save time and money. Discover practical strategies to overcome challenges, reduce manual processes and stay ahead with innovative technology.

We dive into the world of recruiting with Jenny Andrawis, Chief Revenue Officer of Implement4. Learn about the latest trends, effective recruiting methods, and how Jenny's unique approach has shaped her success. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their recruiting game in the restoration industry.

Join industry expert Rich Oakes, President of GigSmart, in this episode of Ask the Expert. Find out how on-demand labor solutions can help restoration businesses stay agile and cost-efficient. Learn about flexible labor models, the role of technology in staffing, and real-world examples of success. Uncover strategies for managing temporary workers and maintaining quality standards in the ever-evolving restoration industry.