Editor's Blog

The Polar Coaster

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 01:00:00 -0500

In doing some research for this month’s column, I came across the Farmer’s Almanac’s extended forecast for the first portion of 2020. Guess what they’re calling it? Yep – The Polar Coaster.

How Expanding Lines of Service Can Add Value to Your Business

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 01:00:00 -0500

As we continue to expand our services, we are constantly looking at the bigger picture. How can we grow?

Avoiding Burnout

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0500

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the restoration industry from a few different angles over the last year, wearing a few different hats. Each hat has given me some fresh perspective and understanding of the daily life of you all, restorers.

Gearing Up for Preparing to Respond

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 01:00:00 -0400

It feels like just yesterday the R&R team, and some event staff at BNP Media, got together for the first call to discuss launching a brand new event in the disaster restoration industry. After months of careful research and planning, we are now less than one month away from the inaugural event. Booth and exhibitor space sold out early, and attendee spaces are filling up.

Start Acting Like a Kid

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400

As you say goodbye to summer, here are four things you should do today (which you used to do so well) that your kids master every day.

Attracting Candidates in Today’s Hiring Climate

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Almost every day, I see restoration companies posting openings on industry Facebook pages like the Rebels, NORRP, RIA Young Professional Restorers, and others.

Our Calling | Our Passion | Our Story

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 00:00:00 -0400

The story of our lives is written one day at a time. One success at a time. One failure at a time. One solitary moment at a time. Often, life’s defining moments happen without our knowledge.

A Season of Renewal

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Wed, 09 May 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Many people look at January and the New Year holiday as a time for a fresh start. I don’t know about you, but there aren’t many things all that inspiring to me about the New Year – although that could partially be because in Michigan, we are in the midst of months of gray skies and snow up to our eyeballs.

Three Tips to Maintain Fleet Vehicles

drabantn@bnpmedia.com (Nicholas Drabant) — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Whether you are operating with a fleet of two thousand vehicles or just two vans and a flatbed truck, maintaining a fleet is a difficult but rewarding job involving micromanaging, constant vigilance, and maintenance.

5 Ways to Inspire Teamwork in Your Restoration Company

drabantn@bnpmedia.com (Nicholas Drabant) — Wed, 31 May 2017 04:00:00 -0400

Time to eliminate the weakest link.

“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Fri, 19 May 2017 00:00:00 -0400

As I was trying to figure out what to write for this month’s column, I stumbled upon this quote – and boy did it strike me as profound. This can be read on so many levels!

Remembering Customer Service during CAT Claims

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0400

This special issue of R&R covers CAT work from every angle. Or so I thought, until I was traveling back from Insights in Grapevine, Tex., last month.

Unapologetic Success

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Newsflash, ladies: you worked hard to get where you are today! Don’t be apologetic for your success. Don’t be egotistical about it, but at the same time don’t dismiss it or downplay it.

Establishing an Online Presence

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 00:00:00 -0500

How many of you get the print issue of R&R every month and that’s the extent of your involvement with the publication? Do you turn the local news on in the morning, but don’t have the station’s news app downloaded for breaking news or weather notifications?

Joy vs. Happiness

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 00:00:00 -0500

The pursuit of one is very different from the pursuit of the other, with equally different outcomes.

The Power of No

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0500

That little quote is from the book, “The Power of No: Because One Little Word Can Bring Health, Abundance, and Happiness.” The book talks about the power of saying no, and the freedom it can bring, while admitting the anguish, desperation, fear, and anxiety it can also bring. It is a brave word to say.

The Hustle & the Next Generation of Restorers

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 08:00:00 -0500

Take a look at these two quotes and let them marinate for a moment. This month, they’ve both really spoken to me.

The Difference Between a Leader & a Boss

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:00:00 -0500

A failure to hold yourself or an employee accountable also fails your entire team.

An Industry Full of Kick-Glass Women

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0400

So here is some total honesty for you. When I interviewed for the Restoration & Remediation editor gig in the spring of 2015, I left the meeting thinking there was no way I got the job. You know why? (Okay – everyone in HR, cover your ears!)

You Rise, We Rise: Welcome to the Refreshed R&R!

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0400

In the last year alone, R&R has experienced explosive growth – and that is thanks to YOU! The more you succeed at helping people and restoring lives, the more we can succeed – and continue sharing and creating content that matters to you.

Recognizing Women in Restoration

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Does that quote sound familiar? I think nearly everyone in the restoration industry can attest it was hard work that got them to where they are today. Or, they’re working hard now with their eyes fixed firmly on the prize – whether that be ownership, management, or… retirement.

How far do YOU go for Customer Satisfaction?

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 00:00:00 -0500

Last month, my husband ordered something from a company that sells through Amazon.com. Not only did the company offer free shipping on the minimal $6 purchase, our item arrived in a few short days.

Dumping Debt: 4 Steps to Help You Break Free

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 00:00:00 -0400

Today, more than ever, Americans are taking a stand against debt, both personally and within their business. It IS possible to live a debt free life, if you're prepared for a few uncomfortable years dumping your lenders.

Email Etiquette Do’s & Don’ts

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:00:00 -0400

While perusing Twitter a few weeks ago, I stumbled on an interesting article about email etiquette.

The Impact of Kindness: When Small Gestures Make All the Difference

blevinsm@bnpmedia.com (Michelle Blevins) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 00:00:00 -0400

Contractor Connection came and went so quickly -- and mine was dotted with wonderful, yet small interactions that truly left their mark on my trip.

In Review: The 2015 Xactware User Conference

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0500

The 2015 Xactware User Conference took place earlier this week at the Grand America hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. R&R was on hand to take in all the action, as were hundreds of Xactware users.

Bed Bug Treatment Business Continues to Rise

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 09:00:00 -0500

We’ve featured quite a bit of content about bed bugs here in R&R over the past few years, as more restoration contractors have branched off into this field, taking advantage of a growing pest problem.

Flu Reaches Epidemic Levels

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 10:00:00 -0500

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this season’s influenza activity has reached epidemic levels, as widespread activity has been reported in 46 states as of January 10.

Cleaning the Dallas Ebola Apartment

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 10:00:00 -0500

Earlier this month, Thomas Eric Duncan became the first person in the United States to be diagnosed with the Ebola virus following his return from Liberia.

Guest Blog: Survey Can Help Advance Understanding of Family-Owned Restoration Firms

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:30:00 -0400

For years, we have known that family-owned businesses make significant contributions to the U.S. economy by generating approximately half of our nations GDP, employing 85% of the private sector, and creating 86% of all new jobs, among many other factors.