PODCAST · business
Restoration Today
by Michelle Blevins
Restoration Today is a video and audio podcast covering everything restoration-related. Every week, Michelle Blevins sits down with an industry peer – a contractor, a colleague, a supplier, an innovator, an insurer, etc. Every conversation will cover the hottest topics in today’s restoration industry – going beyond fire and water damage restoration and diving into topics like M&A, company culture, hiring and recruiting, innovations in restoration, and tools of the trade. Plus, there will be some guaranteed laughs and heartfelt moments.
Episodes
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So… Who’s Responsible for That Job Now? | Phil & Michelle's Happy Hour
What happens when you take over a restoration job from a company that went out of business? It might be more than you bargained for! Phil and Michelle sit down with restoration insurance expert Ross Driscoll Jr., of National E & S Insurance & Driscoll & Driscoll, to talk about today’s tough…
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Stop Managing Everything. Start Building Leaders. | Chasing the Vision S3E7
Why do leadership teams plateau, even when they have the experience and knowledge to grow? In this episode of Chasing the Vision, in partnership with Violand Management Associates, Michelle & Tim Hull explore the difference between managing processes and truly leading through ownership. Discover...
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Following the Data: Where Restoration Claims Are Headed
In this episode of the Restoration Today Podcast, Susan Fleming, VP of Business Intelligence & Insights at Verisk, breaks down the latest trends shaping restoration claims. From fewer but larger and more complex losses to shifting severe weather patterns and the growing impact of water damage…
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Estimating in 2026 and Beyond | Restoration Master Class S4E9
Estimating is changing—and technology is moving fast. In the latest episode of the Restoration Master Class, sponsored by DocuSketch, Michelle & Chris Tilkov, of DocuSketch & AskAime, explore how technology and AI are transforming restoration estimating, from field capture to the final scope.…
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Restoration Pulse Check LIVE! | September 25, 2026
The restoration industry is going through a tough stretch - but is this downturn really like the others? Michelle with Timothy Hull, CR and John Monroe, of Violand Management Associates, dig into what’s happening behind the scenes: what the companies struggling have in common, what the successful...
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Ready for CAT? The People, Capital & Partnerships You Need
Think you're ready for CAT work? There's a lot more to it than having enough equipment and being willing to travel. Mike Allred of Helixco and Parker Olsen of Atmos Drying Services dive into what it takes to successfully prepare for and execute large-loss and catastrophe restoration work—from…
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Getting Paid: How AI Is Changing Restoration Collections
Getting the work done is only half the battle—getting paid for it is another. In this episode of Restoration Today, Carlos Ramirez, Doug Weatherman, and Max Pena, from JSTFYD, dive into one of restoration’s biggest pain points: the gap between what contractors document and what carriers actually...
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AI Gets the Headlines. Your Team Builds the Value. | Mini Motivation
AI and technology may be dominating the restoration conversation, but when it comes to building a valuable, sustainable company, people still matter most. Join Michelle and JT Kraai, of Exit Strategies 360, in episode 3 of the Mini Motivation series and explore why strong leadership, team...
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Restoration Unfiltered: The Truth & Data with Jeff Moore
The restoration industry is facing a new reality: fewer insurance claims, tighter margins and a changing consumer mindset. In this episode, Jeff Moore, Chief Acquisitions Officer at ATI Restoration, breaks down what’s driving the decline in claim volume and why restorers can’t rely on the old...
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Building a Legacy: Inside PuroClean Leadership
What can the 82nd Airborne teach you about running a restoration business? In this episode of the Restoration Today Podcast, George Hernandez, COO of PuroClean, shares his journey from insurance adjuster to entrepreneur and executive leader, and how military experience shaped his approach to...
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Scaling Without the Slip: How Documentation Protects Profitability | Master Class S4E8
Scaling a restoration company brings opportunity—but without the right processes and documentation, growth can quickly impact quality, cash flow, and profitability. In episode 8 of season 4 of the Restoration Master Class, Holly Baldwin of DocuSketch and Alec Demgen of SERVPRO Team Bates & Hogan...
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Profit by Design: The Current Business Climate | Live at the Collective
Recorded live at the Collective by CORE, Ryan Pritchard, VP of Business Development at PSA, breaks down what it really takes to build profitability by design—not by accident. Ryan explores: The hidden profit drains impacting restoration companies The importance of accurate data and KPIs How...
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Stop Selling Restoration. Start Selling Preparedness.
Emergency Response Plans have come a long way from a binder sitting on a shelf. Today, digital ERPs can give commercial clients instant access to critical property information—and give restoration companies a powerful way to build relationships before disaster strikes. In this episode, Michelle &...
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Delegation Is More Than Just Letting Go
Delegation isn't about doing less—it's about giving away real authority. In this episode of Chasing the Vision (in partnership with Violand Management Associates), we break down why so many restoration owners think they've delegated—when they've really just handed off tasks while keeping every...
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AI Just Changed the Marketing Game
AI is changing marketing faster than most businesses can keep up with—and restoration companies are no exception. In this episode, Michelle and Katie Harris, Founding Partner at Spot On Solutions, dive into how AI is reshaping marketing for service-based businesses, from content creation and…
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Deep Dive #4: Tech & AI | 2026 State of the Industry
Technology and AI are reshaping how restoration companies operate—from the field to the back office. Join Michelle Blevins and Leighton Healey of KnowHow as they dive into one of the biggest topics shaping restoration today: Technology & AI. Discover what the latest industry data reveals about AI...
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The Hidden Profit Sitting Beneath Your Customers' Homes
Underground ductwork presents a unique set of challenges that many restoration professionals overlook. In this episode, Jason Stiles, owner of Air Doctor Duct Cleaning & Lining, explains why these systems require specialized equipment, proper inspection, and techniques that go far beyond...
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The Hidden Profit Killer (And How to Stop It) | Master Class S4E7
Growing your restoration company doesn't always mean growing your profits. In this episode of Restoration MasterClass, Nelson Higgins, VP, North America at DocuSketch, explains why so many restoration companies see their margins shrink as they scale—and what they can do to stop it. From...
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Deep Dive #3: Hiring & Retention | 2026 State of the Industry
The restoration labor market is changing—and so are employee expectations. In the third 2026 State of the Industry Deep Dive on Hiring & Retention, in partnership with KnowHow, join our panel of industry leaders as they break down hiring trends, retention strategies, compensation data, and what…
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The Collective Returns: Bigger Ideas, Better Connections & AI
What makes The Collective one of restoration's must-attend events? Beth Thompson from CORE Group shares what's new for 2026, including: Hands-on AI workshops An exciting keynote from Savannah Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum Fresh networking opportunities designed to bring contractors, vendors…
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The Asbestos Conversation Every Restoration Company Should Have
Asbestos isn't a thing of the past—and assuming it is can put your crew, your customers, and even your family at risk. Dr. Catherine Perrault, Chief Medical Officer at the Mesothelioma Center, breaks down the myths, the science behind asbestos exposure, and the practical steps every restoration...
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Build the Workflow First: A Smarter Way to Scale Restoration
What does it take to lead in today’s restoration industry? In this episode, Shawn Hester, Director of Operations at Disaster Restoration Systems/1800 Water Damage of Harrisburg, shares how his background in Air Force combat search and rescue shaped his approach to restoration—where urgency,...
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Accountability Is Not a System
Accountability is one of the most misunderstood ideas in business especially in restoration companies.In this episode of Chasing the Vision (in partnership with Violand Management Associates), we break down why accountability is not something you install through systems, scorecards, or SOPs. It’s...
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The New Reality of Restoration: Fewer Claims, Smarter Tech
Claim volume is down—but the complexity of the industry is rising. Aaron Brunko from Verisk breaks down what’s driving the shift, from changing consumer behavior to tighter margins, and how AI-powered estimating is reshaping the future for contractors.
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BONUS: Stay in the Driver’s Seat | Mini Motivation
In a market full of uncertainty and unsolicited offers, it’s easy for business owners to get pulled out of position. In this Mini Motivation episode, JT Kraai, of Exit Strategies 360, breaks down why staying in the driver’s seat—through data, process, and discipline—is the key to protecting your...
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BONUS: RIA at 80: Real Talk & What’s Coming Next | Phil & Michelle's Happy Hour
Welcome back to Phil & Michelle's Happy Hour! In this episode, Michelle & Phil Rosebrook Jr. of Business Mentors, talk with Mark Davis, of Signal and PuroClean, and Justin Woodard, of Woodard Cleaning and Restoration, about all things RIA: from the buzz around the 80th anniversary convention to...
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What “Scale” Really Means in Restoration (And Why Most Companies Get It Wrong)
In this episode of Restoration Master Class, sponsored by DocuSketch, Michelle and Todd Sangid, Enterprise Solutions Consultant at DocuSketch, break down what “scaling” really means—and why so many restoration companies get it wrong. As the industry faces a perfect storm of shifting claims...
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Deep Dive #2: Getting Paid | 2026 State of the Industry
n this second 2026 State of the Industry Deep Dive, presented in partnership with KnowHow, Michelle Blevins & Travis Martin, of KnowHow, talk with industry leaders Kristin Whitley Smith (Mooring Recovery Services), Sarah Cowell (PHC Restoration), and Jessica Wescott (Stellar Service Brands) and...
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The Numbers That Actually Matter in Restoration
Most restoration owners think they understand their numbers… but they’re only seeing what’s above the waterline. In this episode, John Barnes, President & CEO of Pendleton Street Business Advisors, breaks down what it really takes to understand your financial health—from cash flow and margins to...
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BONUS: Processes Don’t Fix Execution Problems | Chasing the Vision S3E4
Processes don’t fix execution problems—they expose them. In this episode of Chasing the Vision (in partnership with Violand Management Associates), we break down why so many restoration companies rely on processes as a quick fix—when the real issue is leadership and behavior. If you want…
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How Smart Marketing Drives Restoration Growth
What’s really driving growth in restoration today? Grace Weller, Chief Marketing Officer of Rumsey Construction and Restoration, joins the show to break down how marketing and sales are evolving in the restoration industry. From shifting beyond traditional referral channels to building a more...
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Hire a Veteran
The labor shortage in restoration is real—but what if the solution has been right in front of us? In this episode, Rod Cruce (former Green Beret, Ranger, and founder of Trifecta Growth Institute) breaks down how the “Hire Veteran” program is helping restoration companies connect with highly...
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Training Teams to Think in Systems, Not Shortcuts | Master Class S4E5
In this Master Class episode, we dive into why the best restoration teams don’t rely on shortcuts—they rely on systems. Travis Martin, from KnowHow, and Nelson Higgins, from DocuSketch, break down the real reasons processes fail, from poor onboarding to lack of accountability, and how that leads…
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Turning Storm Data Into Action: Inside Dorothy’s Damage Intelligence Platform
Founder & CEO of Dorothy, Arianna Armelli, shares how Dorothy is transforming the way restoration pros, public adjusters, and policyholders navigate storm damage and claims. Originally launched as a cash advancement business, the company pivoted to focus on advocacy and AI-driven damage...
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BONUS: Deep Dive #1 | 2026 State of the Industry
Deep Dive #1 of 4 in The State of the Industry webinar series is here! Join C&R and KnowHow for an exclusive, interactive look at the 2026 report—breaking down key financial trends, workforce realities, tech shifts, and growth opportunities shaping restoration today. Discover what the data says...
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The Rise of Severe Convective Storms (What It Means for Restoration)
Severe convective storms are quietly becoming the biggest driver of insurance losses—and most people don’t even realize it. In this episode, Jon Schneyer of Cotality breaks down why hail, wind, and tornadoes are now outpacing hurricanes, what makes these storms so costly, and why “invisible”…
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Good Teams are Built, Not Bought
What does it take to build a team that lasts in restoration? Jon Vogt and John Warnick, of BluSky, share how they’ve stayed aligned for 15+ years—through growth, acquisitions, and change—by hiring for fit, leading with honesty, and protecting their culture.
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The Current M&A Landscape | Main Street Restorer
In this episode, we sit down with Gokul Padmanabhan, the founder of the newly rebranded Restoration Advisors of America, to break down what’s really happening in 2026. From a slowdown in M&A activity to the rise of tech-driven private equity, the landscape is shifting in ways every restoration...
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The Process Playbook for Restoration Growth | Restoration Master Class S4E4
What does it take to build a restoration company that doesn’t rely on you? In this episode of The Restoration Master Class, in partnership with DocuSketch, special guests Ben Justesen, Enterprise Solutions Consultant at DocuSketch and Chris Laney, Senior Consultant at Midwest Remediation, break...
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Family Business to Regional Platform: the McCabe + Endurant Story
What happens when a family-run restoration business outgrows its limits? DJ McCabe shares how he helped scale McCabe Restoration, navigated a family exit, and built Endurant Disaster Recovery into a growing Southeast platform—without losing what made it successful in the first place.
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Financial Discipline: The Key to Enterprise Value | Chasing the Vision S3E3
What actually makes a restoration company valuable? In this episode of Chasing the Vision, in partnership with Violand Management Associates, Garrett Sigler, a former CFO in construction and restoration, explains why financial discipline is the foundation of enterprise value. Too many companies...
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From Startup to $7 Million: Building Two Businesses at Once
What happens when you launch two businesses at the same time—and scale to $7M? In this episode, Coral Martin, owner of 1-Tom-Plumber Space Coast, shares how she built a powerful combination of plumbing + restoration services to drive growth, efficiency, and consistent lead flow. From leveraging...
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Agents, Automation & the 18-Month Disruption | RestorAI
AI isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. In this episode of RestorAI, David Grove, of BYLT Restoration, and Michelle break down the explosion of AI agents, the race to build massive data centers, and why some experts believe white-collar jobs could be reshaped in the next 18 months. From tools…
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Financing: The Missing Piece?
Cash flow is tightening, deductibles are rising, and insurance is shifting—so how are smart restoration companies staying ahead? In this episode of Restoration Today, Nate Cisney of Restoration Made Simple breaks down why financing is becoming a game-changer for restorers. From closing jobs…
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The Silent Crisis of 2025: Why Restoration Pros Went Broke in a “Record” Hurricane Year
What’s next for restoration estimating—and how is AI changing the game? 👀In this episode of the Restoration Today podcast, David Obert from Verisk Property Estimating Solutions breaks down the latest innovations shaping the industry.We also dive into:✔ The Line Item Advisor and smarter…
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The Most Dangerous Decision Owners Make: Skipping Reality | Chasing the Vision S3E2
Are you seeing your business clearly—or just what you think is happening? In this episode of Chasing the Vision, Michelle and Tim Hull, of Violand Management Associates, break down the hidden danger of operating on assumptions instead of reality. They explore how familiarity, filtered…
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Earnouts Explained for Restoration Owners | Mini Motivation
Welcome to the Mini Motivation series with JT Kraai of Exit Strategies 360! In this short series, JT shares quick, practical insights on mergers and acquisitions in the restoration industry—from evolving deal structures to how owners can start preparing their companies today. In this episode, he...
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RIA Meet the Candidates 2026: Josh Miller
Welcome to this Meet the Candidates conversation with Josh Miller, President, Rainbow Restoration. We encourage you to watch ALL the Meet the Candidate interviews to get to know each of them and what they bring to the table. Our goal is for each of them to be 10 minutes or less! There are 3...
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RIA Meet the Candidates 2026: DJ McCabe
Welcome to this Meet the Candidates conversation with DJ McCabe, president of McCabe Restoration and Endurant Disaster Recovery. We encourage you to watch ALL the Meet the Candidate interviews to get to know each of them and what they bring to the table. Our goal is for each of them to be 10...
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RIA Meet the Candidates 2026: Joe Scroggins
Welcome to this Meet the Candidates conversation with Joe Scroggins, COO of Peak Alliance. We encourage you to watch ALL the Meet the Candidate interviews to get to know each of them and what they bring to the table. Our goal is for each of them to be 10 minutes or less! There are 3 candidates...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Restoration Today is a video and audio podcast covering everything restoration-related. Every week, Michelle Blevins sits down with an industry peer – a contractor, a colleague, a supplier, an innovator, an insurer, etc. Every conversation will cover the hottest topics in today’s restoration industry – going beyond fire and water damage restoration and diving into topics like M&A, company culture, hiring and recruiting, innovations in restoration, and tools of the trade. Plus, there will be some guaranteed laughs and heartfelt moments.
HOSTED BY
Michelle Blevins
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Restoration Today have?
Restoration Today currently has 432 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Restoration Today about?
Restoration Today is a video and audio podcast covering everything restoration-related. Every week, Michelle Blevins sits down with an industry peer – a contractor, a colleague, a supplier, an innovator, an insurer, etc. Every conversation will cover the hottest topics in today’s restoration...
How often does Restoration Today release new episodes?
Restoration Today publishes regularly with 432 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Restoration Today?
You can listen to Restoration Today on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Restoration Today?
Restoration Today is created and hosted by Michelle Blevins.
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