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Fire and Smoke Damage RestorationNew Products and TechnologiesAsk the Expert

Ask the Expert

How Tech Is Transforming Fire Restoration and Documentation

By Kayla McGowan
June 20, 2025

In this episode of Ask the Expert, we are joined by industry experts Roger Thorpe, Certified Fire Investigator, and Michael Vervena, VP of Sales & Business Development at iGUIDE. We not only discuss fire restoration we also discuss how technology plays a huge role in fire restoration documentation. 

Roger has nearly 20 years of fire service experience and specializes in fire scene investigation, origin and cause determination as well as evidence handling. He conducts complex fire investigations for insurance and legal clients across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and serves as a Firefighter/EMT/HazMat Technician for the Department of Defense and holds multiple certifications from Internal Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

Michael drives iGUIDE’s expansion, helping simplify property assessments for insurance professionals as well as coaching industry professionals on leveraging their technology. In addition, he brings 20 years of experience in branding and product launches and has worked with key companies like TTI and BLACK+DECKER before joining Planitar Inc. in 2016.

Key topics of discussion include:

  • How does technology change fire scene documentation and what challenges do you face? 
  • What has been your experience with other fire scene documentation technologies? 
  • What is iGUIDE, and how does it assist fire investigation professionals?
  • How does leveraging technology like iGUIDE enhance fire scene documentation and benefit insurers in the claims process? 

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KEYWORDS: insurance claims property restoration restoration documentation

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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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