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Water Damage RestorationFire and Smoke Damage RestorationContents RestorationAsk the Expert

Ask the Expert

Contents Restoration: What You Need to Know

Expert insights on challenges, innovations and strategies shaping the contents restoration industry

By Kayla McGowan
March 19, 2025

In this episode of Ask The Expert, we dive into the intricate world of contents restoration, exploring the challenges, innovations, and strategies that define this critical industry. Joining the conversation are David Gavilanes, Regional Business Coach/Training Manager for Blue Kangaroo Packoutz; Annissa Coy, co-creator of Firehouse Education and Mobile Cleaning Systems; and Stefan Figley, President of 1-800-Packouts. These industry experts share their insights, experiences and expertise and shed light on the art of contents restoration.


Key Discussion Points:

  1. Common Types of Damage and Solutions: Contents restoration professionals encounter various forms of damage, including fire, water, smoke and mold. David, Annissa and Stefan discuss how they address these each of these events.
  2. Overcoming Challenging Restoration Projects: From restoring smoke-damaged heirlooms to salvaging items from severe water damage, these stories highlight the importance of creative problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail.
  3. Technological Advancements in Contents Restoration: Our panelists explain how these innovations have transformed their workflows, improved efficiency and delivered better outcomes.
  4. Prioritizing Items for Restoration: We often race against time, and prioritizing items is crucial in contents restoration. Dive into their decision-making process, weighing factors like sentimental value, material composition and restoration feasibility to maximize results.
  5. Advice for Homeowners and Businesses to Better Protect Belongings in Case of Disaster: Preparedness is extremely important. They suggest creating an inventory of valuable items, storing irreplaceable belongings in waterproof and fireproof containers and more. 

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This episode of Ask the Expert is brought to you by Blue Kangaroo Packoutz and 1-800-Packouts.

Brought to you by Blue Kangaroo PACKOUTZBrought to you by 1-800-Packouts

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KEYWORDS: contents cleaning innovations in restoration packout

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Kayla mcgowan author

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.

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    CRDN’s contents restoration professionals function as an extension of your emergency response team on losses large and small. We work with insurance adjusters, independent adjusters, contractors, TPAs, and policyholders to restore hard contents, upholstery, textiles, electronics, appliances, art, collectibles and more.
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