Managing Your Restoration BusinessAsk the Expert

Addressing Labor Shortages with On-Demand Solutions

In this episode of Ask the Expert, we are joined by industry expert Rich Oakes, President of GigSmart. Rich is an experienced operations leader with deep expertise in workforce solutions and strategic labor management. With a background in managing dynamic teams and optimizing staffing strategies, Rich has helped businesses in industries ranging from restoration to technology navigate complex staffing needs. As a passionate advocate for flexible labor models, he leverages his knowledge to drive efficiency, cost savings and organizational growth. Rich is also a frequent speaker and writer on topics related to workforce agility and the gig economy.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Introduction and Background: Rich shares his journey and how he became involved with GigSmart and the gig economy. He explains what led him to focus on temporary and on-demand labor as a solution for industries like restoration.

2. The Value of On-Demand Labor in the Restoration Industry: We discuss how on-demand labor helps restoration companies stay agile and responsive during unpredictable situations. Rich provides insights into how restoration companies manage to ramp up their workforce overnight when disaster strikes and how temporary workers can be particularly useful during seasonal spikes in demand for restoration services.

3. Flexible Labor Models and Cost Efficiency: Rich addresses concerns businesses often have with temporary labor costs. He explains how companies can ensure that leveraging on-demand workers is cost-effective without sacrificing quality. Additionally, he discusses how GigSmart helps restoration companies build a reliable, flexible workforce and how these workers fit into a company’s existing operations. Rich also shares the most common misconceptions about temporary workers in the restoration industry and how to address them.

4. Technology’s Role in Streamlining Staffing: We explore how technology is playing a key role in streamlining how restoration companies find and hire temporary workers. Rich walks us through how GigSmart’s platform makes the staffing process simple and efficient. He also explains what makes GigSmart stand out, especially for companies in the restoration industry.

5. Real-World Examples and Impact: Rich shares a specific example where a restoration company benefited from using on-demand labor during a major disaster or a specialized restoration project, and the impact it had on their operations. He also explains how GigSmart supports restoration companies when they need highly specialized workers, such as those with certifications for hazardous material handling or mold remediation.

6. Managing Temporary Labor and Maintaining Quality Standards: Rich discusses how businesses can ensure the quality and reliability of temporary workers, including systems for tracking worker performance and gathering feedback.

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7. Looking Ahead: The Future of On-Demand Labor in Restoration: We explore the trends Rich foresees in the future for on-demand labor, particularly within the restoration industry. Rich also addresses the potential impact of the new presidential administration’s plan to deport migrant workers on the industry. He provides steps for restoration companies considering adopting a flexible labor model to ensure they're set up for success.

8. Final Thoughts: Rich shares advice for restoration companies that are still hesitant about using on-demand labor. He wraps up by sharing his vision for the future of the restoration industry and how the workforce model is likely to evolve in the next five to ten years.

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KEYWORDS: restoration business strategy workforce

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Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.