Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
ColumnsManaging Your Restoration BusinessRestoring Success

Restoring Success: Improving Effectiveness, Efficiency, & Profitability by Looking Outside the Industry

By Lisa Lavender M.T.R., M.F.S.R., M.W.R.
restoring success 080417
August 3, 2017

Many in our industry feel the strain of increased operational and/or overhead costs that our current operating environment demands: insurance coverages, software, administrative needs, infrastructure, fuel, to name a few. It is a time where it is critical to use company resources as efficiently and effectively as possible to sustain a financially healthy organization without sacrificing quality and service.

Every so often I have the opportunity to engage with experts like my friend Mark Warner, Senior Training Specialist for ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute. During a conversation last week, he started telling me about their time studies: How long does it take to effectively and efficiently clean a bathroom?  A passionate conversation with Mark typically involves words like cross contamination, disinfecting, training, processes, efficiency, quality, and so on … all my favorite things! I could barely keep up with my thoughts as I soaked in his knowledge and began to consider all the ways it can benefit a restoration company.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to engage with experts from other industries and gain insight on their technology, processes, equipment, and products. It is amazing, when we consider their applications and approaches, the potential impact on our effectiveness, efficiency, and profitability. Simply looking a bit outside of our industry you may find a wealth of resources available to us that could benefit our restoration companies in many ways.

The following are some examples of industries and other related organizations. As you open the links, you will see images that resonate. Most of these organizations offer a variety of resources such as publications, standards, processes, training, certifications, and webinars.  

Cleaning: ISSA, https://www.issa.com/ Mark Warner welcomes direct inquiries into the offerings of the ISSA and can be contacted at: mark@issa.com. 
Consider: Cleaning is directly related to the world of restoration.

Warehousing: IWLA, International Warehouse Logistics Association, http://www.iwla.com/
Consider: Optimal logistical placement and organization of our warehouses: equipment, supplies, and contents storage.

Moving and Storage: AMSA, American Moving & Storage Association, http://www.promover.org/content.asp?pl=1&contentid=1
Consider: Packing boxes and trucks for peak efficiency and safe transport and storage.

Manufacturing: National Association of Manufacturers, http://www.nam.org/
Consider: Managing inventory levels and utilizing production line principles.

There are many ways to engage and find benefit from other industries. Seek out local companies that may specialize in different niches, develop relationships, do site visits, and share. There is a saying, “Successful people like helping others succeed.” You can follow blogs, join chat rooms, and follow other industry authorities on social media to stay abreast of developments in those fields.

As you begin to explore, you may find a variety of sophisticated methodology to tidbits and tools. Our director of education made friends with a lady who specializes in balloon décor. He discovered the Clik-Clik as a handy little tool to install, lay flat, and hang poly without a ladder.

Please share your experiences or examples of successful implementation from other industries that you have experienced or considered by commenting below. 

KEYWORDS: restoration association restoration business management

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Lisalrti0183fx

Lisa Lavender holds a BS in accounting from Penn State and is an IICRC Master Fire, Water and Textile Restorer. As chief operating officer and co-owner of both Restoration Technical Institute and Berks ∙ Fire ∙ Water Restorations, Inc., Lavender has over 20 years of experience in the restoration and reconstruction industry, and has been involved in the training other restoration professionals since 2012. In 2018, has expanded her passion for serving other restorers by partnering and becoming VP of operations design for iRestore software. In addition to contributing to the running of the operations of her organizations, she authors a monthly column for R&R, Restoring Success, writes, instructs and develops courses and materials in the pursuit of her passion to give knowledge, passion, and inspiration to others for success in the industry. You can reach her at lisa@RTILearning.com.  

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Contamination Restoration & Remediation​
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

Pop Art Female Superhero Punches a Masked Villain

TPAs vs. Independence: The Restoration Industry’s Own Version of the Cola Wars

RIA Carrier Advocate Mark Springer

Turning the Page: A New Era of Trust and Collaboration in Restoration

Paul Davis Restoration Leadership Team

Justin Graham Expands Paul Davis Restoration’s Reach with Acquisition of Greater Seattle Franchise

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!

Related Articles

  • restoring success hiring

    Restoring Success: Hiring Outside the Industry

    See More
  • employee onboarding and training

    How to Train Someone From Outside or Inside the Restoration Industry

    See More
  • restoring success profit

    Restoring Success: Managing Job Profitability

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • Cover.jpg

    How To Get More Water Damage Jobs (ebook)

  • COVER pdf.jpg

    How to Get More Restoration Jobs in 14 Days... (ebook)

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing