The Restoration & Remediation Ask the Expert Podcast

In the final Women in Restoration episode, Staci Sargent shares how leadership, training, and real-world experience are shaping the industry. She highlights the importance of structure, accountability, and continuous learning in building confident restoration professionals.

With over 50 years in the restoration industry, Darren Hudema has built a career centered on education, service, and giving back. He reflects on the power of leadership, mentorship, and industry collaboration.

Alma West of Quick Dry Water Restoration and Magdalena Rebuild shares how she built her businesses by focusing on leadership, communication, and improving customer experience.

Learn how the Restoration Golf Leage (RGL) helps restorers build relationships, network, and strengthen collaboration across the industry. 

ServiceMaster Restore’s Jeff Todd shares how operator-led growth and market density strategies help restorers scale and improve their performance.

In this episode of Ask The Expert, Abby Vallelonga shares how marketing and communication can build trust and humanize the restoration industry. She highlights the importance of education, connection, and empathy in high-stress and high-stakes situations. 

Learn why contents claims break down and how restorers can prevent delays through better communication and documentation.

In this episode of Ask The Expert, Robb Harrell of DocuSketch shares his insights on how the restoration triangle is evolving and what it will take to improve the claims ecosystem. He also shares how shared data, technology, and communication can reduce unnecessary friction. 

Becky Edgren of Puroclean shares her leadership journey and advice for women in the restoration industry, focusing on mentorship, growth, and impact on the industry.

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Alex Duta shares how AI is transforming restoration operations, claims, and business growth. He also shares practical insights on how restorers can effectively adopt AI to improve their efficiency and completive edge.

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Megan Hughes shares key moments in her career and advice for women in the restoration industry.

On this episode of Ask The Expert, we’re joined by CJ Bailey of PuroClean, and he discusses how leveraging partnership and AI help improve operations, training, and consistency in day-to-day operations for restoration business owners.

In this episode of Ask The Expert, Howard Wolf shares his insights on commercial drying, that includes system complexity, why soft skills are critical, and documentation demands. This episode highlights how restorers can transition from residential to commercial drying successfully. 

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Helixco’s COO, Mike Allred discusses T&M billing, ROMs, and managing large loss and CAT events. He shares valuable insights on the importance of documentation, preparedness, and financial planning. 

ServiceMaster Restore’s President John Tovar shares why restoration growth is shifting from a market count strategy to a market density strategy that helps improve response times and service.

Voda CEO, CFE Dan Claps explains how restorers can build, scale, and future‑proof their business using KPIs, people‑first culture, and smart growth strategies.

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Mark Davis shares how PuroClean and Signal Restoration Services drive long‑term franchise growth, data‑driven strategy, and industry leadership.

This week’s Ask The Expert features the ProKlean team, and they talk all things rebranding, chlorine dioxide chemistry, product safety, and training for restoration contractors.

This episode of Ask The Expert features five home service leaders discussing how cross‑industry collaboration improves communication, consistency, and customer experience.

This episode of Ask The Expert features Beth Toenies of BELFOR Franchise Group. She shares franchising advantages, operational support, and growth opportunities in the restoration industry.

Asbestos experts discuss testing triggers, working before the results are received, and best practices for restorers to manage their risk, protect their teams, and stay compliant.

Holly Baldwin of DocuSketch shares how restoration companies can build homeowner trust using service, communication, technology, and partnerships.

Klark Brown and Mike Ellis discuss modern restoration, collaborative training, and networking opportunities in this episode of Ask The Expert.

Overcome cash flow challenges and insurance delays with expert tips from National Claims Funding’s Ilana Ben-Ezra.

Industry expert Becky Callegan explains how HVAC systems impact indoor air quality, customer health, and restoration outcomes and why collaboration is essential.

Drones can enhance efficiency, safety, and claims accuracy. Experts from DSC and Eagleview share benefits, real-world results, and tips for properly implementing them into the restoration industry. 

Find out why partnerships, resource sharing and strategic planning are a big part of restoration business success in this episode of Ask The Expert with Jim Kowalski.

Get an inside look at INTRConnect 2026 with Garret Gray. From keynotes and tech trends to strategies for restoration and insurance professionals. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Learn how restoration companies can scale for future disasters with expert tips on technology adoption, resource mobilization and customer communication strategies.

Discover how CAT response is evolving with drones, AI and predictive analytics that help improve disaster preparedness and restoration outcomes for 2026 and beyond.

JoAnn Wiechmann discusses emotional intelligence, customer care and team culture in restoration, offering insights for building trust and resilience.

Nick D’Urbano shares how AI and technology help restoration businesses boost leads, optimize customer experience and gain a competitive edge in the market. 

Learn why it’s crucial for restoration contractors to understand markup vs. margin and overhead to avoid costly mistakes and improve their profitability.

Hear from Kaylin Glaspie, R&R’s 2025 Technician Award Winner, as she shares insights on her career, leadership and advice she has for fellow restoration professionals.

Learn how restoration businesses can grow through strategic referral partnerships with plumbers, realtors and services professionals with Chris Matts.

Explore the hidden health risks of indoor air pollution with Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, from health impacts to filtration failures and building design innovations.

Learn how National Technology Management (NTM) helps restoration businesses protect their data, automate operations and grow with smart IT and cybersecurity strategies from CEO Kelly Siegel.

Learn how Jesús Miranda rose from laborer to Project Director at First Onsite, inspiring others through leadership, safety and purpose in the restoration industry.

Phillip Rosebrook and Santosh Mohanan unpack the results of the 2025 Cost of Doing Business survey, revealing key financial trends and strategic insights for restoration businesses.

In this episode of Ask The Expert, Travis Parker Martin of KnowHow shares how restoration leaders can use human psychology, not just in technology, but successfully launching software and driving team adoption. Learn more about these three science-backed motivators that make change easy.

Doug Hoffman, Doc Shane and Bret Sallee join Ask The Expert to share mold remediation field strategies, including scoping, communication, client education and the impact of the Bergman Amendment on industry standards.

In this episode of Ask The Expert, James Hatfield of LiveSwitch shares how restoration companies can overcome operational challenges, improve quoting and dispatch and grow their business using simple, effective technology. Learn about key lessons from his experience in field services and leadership.

In this episode of Ask The Expert, John Otero of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE discusses the impact of wildfire smoke and soot on indoor air quality, common misconceptions and the restoration industry’s roles for effective remediation. Learn why the proper training, equipment and communication are essential for protecting the health and property of our customers.

Gregg Taylor of Restoration Partners joins Ask The Expert to reveal how rebuilding your sales team with training and coaching can fuel growth in the restoration industry. Learn how you can scale sales success in a changing market.

Superior Contract Cleaning’s Rinea Blanchard shares her insights on hurricane recovery, flood response and the power of preparedness in restoration.

Join Blue Kangaroo Packoutz on this episode of Ask The Expert and learn more about large loss contents restoration strategies, including tirage, documentation, scaling and client communication.This episode is brought to you by:

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.