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
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
ColumnsRestoring Success

Restoring Success: What's Your Story?

By Lisa Lavender M.T.R., M.F.S.R., M.W.R.
restoring success story
July 12, 2018

Stories rich in history, struggles, perseverance, success and achievement are just some of characteristics of the journeys shared last month at the Violand Management’s Women in Restoration summit led by R&R's very own, Michelle Blevins. This year’s event was based on writing our own story as restoration professionals as it is an important and powerful concept. In addition to a day of fun and comradery, the stories led to ideas and inspiration and also led to connection and positivity. Knowing your story, sharing your story, and hearing the story of others in our industry can be of great value to you, your organization, and your soul.

Story telling has become the new “hot topic” and subject matter in the business world. Initially, my cynical side thought, “a gimmick topic that has limited or no value to an operation…”, then I went to a workshop about story telling and I gained a deeper understanding and respect for the process of defining or exploring an individual’s story. As I pieced together my story, my childhood, influences, my turning points and obstacles, I understood on a deeper level my sense of purpose and how it formed. It also became clear to me that my story has a direct influence on my leadership and values and ultimately the culture, purpose and values of my organization.

As I went back to my company, I talked with many of my coworkers about their stories and personal sense of purpose and it all made sense. Their respective rolls and passions in the organization fit to their story and purpose with their professional endeavors. Each of us has a story that has led us to who we are, what we do, and how we do it. Our stories go beyond story telling and sharing; our stories let us get more in tune with our purpose and drive as individuals. As organizations, the story likely has a direct impact on the values, culture, and even processes of the organization.

My recent experiences with storytelling helped me ponder several notions. First, there is the big story which is the journey that led us to what we are today as individuals and collective organizations. In addition, there are lots of little stories that shaped us and our companies. Story telling and the importance of the journey shaping our values and culture is not new. “Grandma and Grandpa are frugal because they lived through the Great Depression.”

The power of our stories is indisputable. Consider the movies, books, and people’s who stories have inspired and engaged so many of us. As restorers, knowing, sharing, and listening to stories can be of great value personally, professionally and for both individuals and organizations, the stories can:

  1. Communicate who you are and what you believe in and create a deeper sense of connection with others. Developing relationships and communicating your capabilities through story telling can be very compelling and credible.
  2. Help communicate and engage the team with the values and purpose of the organization. Consider telling the story from the beginning during the interview process to help start a foundation for engagement and accountability to the new perspective team member.
  3. The past, your history, the journey can often bring clarity and direction to the future.
  4. Engage your team members by giving them the insight and understanding to their story, passion, and purpose and to have the opportunity to continue the professional journey in the industry and in your company with alignment and joy. It also helps in connecting and understanding your team mates and contribute to their success.
  5. Many policies, procedures, and “must dos” probably have a “story” behind them; share the story to allow for understanding and commitment from others.
  6. Story listening can help you learn from others, find inspiration and energy, and make you smile.

Storytelling, story sharing, and story listening can bring you much restoring success.

KEYWORDS: 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,...
    Mold 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

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

water on basement floor

How Much Water Causes Water Damage?

hurricane

To CAT or not to CAT? Who Should Stay Home

flooded living room

Baseboard Water Damage - Causes, Repair and Prevention

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

  • whats your why

    Restoring Success: What is Your WHY?

    See More
  • Inventory_control

    Restoring Success: What’s Your Inventory Control Solution?

    See More
  • Polar Vortex

    Restoring Success: What the CAT Just Happened?

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • fires out.jpg

    Fire’s Out, Now What? Vol. I & II

  • CONTENTS_SUCCESS_BOOK-(2)-1.gif

    The Contents Restoration Success eBook! (PDF download)

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