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
  • CATASTROPHE
  • TOPICS
    • Architecture
    • Cleaning & Sanitation
    • Contamination
    • Contractor Safety
    • Contents
    • Fire & Smoke
    • Mold
    • Odor
    • Recon & Reno
    • Water
  • EDUCATION
    • Training & Education
    • Business Management
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
    • Industry Events
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ask Annissa
    • Marketing Monday
    • Tech Tip Tuesday
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Convention & Trade Show
  • ABOUT
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Managing Your Restoration BusinessAsk the Expert

Ask the Expert

Leveraging Technology to Grow Your Business

How Restoration Business Can Use Technology to Overcome Bottlenecks and Drive Growth

By Kayla McGowan
October 15, 2025

On this episode of Ask The Expert, our special guest, James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch, dives into the power of technology and building your business. James has an extensive background in sales, leadership and business innovation, working with entrepreneurs, small business and fortune 500 companies and previously owned a painting and power washing company.

This episode we cover operational bottlenecks, integration, lessons learned and more. Technology is a driving force in our industry and utilizing it properly can grow your business. 

Key takeaways from this episode include:

  • Overcoming operational bottlenecks, and the biggest challenge, managing people and building the right team — not just implementing technology.
  • How visualization tools improve customer trust, job quoting and project timelines.
  • The ability to assess damage remotely, provide quotes and dispatch the proper teams and resources.
  • Key lessons James learned from scaling his painting and power washing business: simplicity and ease-of-use are critical when it comes to technology for our field technicians.
  • Balancing technology costs with ROI.
  • The importance of being proactive, focusing on speed to lead, providing an exceptional customer experience and leveraging technology to grow your business.

     

On the Go?

Listen to the audio version of our conversation!

Your browser does not support the audio element.
KEYWORDS: restoration business growth restoration business profitability restoration business strategy restoration software restoration technology

Share This Story

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

Kayla mcgowan author

Kayla McGowan is the Editor-in-Chief of R&R Magazine, with 10 years of experience in marketing and communications in the restoration and cleaning industry. She leads the editorial strategy for R&R and The Experience Events, creating content that informs and connects industry professionals. 

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She serves as Co-Chair on the RIA’s Marketing Committee.

Kayla is a Microbial Warrior®, a Certified Forensic Operator® and a High Risk/ High Level Decontamination Specialist™. Kayla is passionate about elevating the industry, is a food lover, enjoys spending time with her family, and embracing the outdoors.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Business team analyzing financial data on digital tablets during a meeting

    7 Trends Influencing the Restoration Industry in 2026

    With market uncertainty, workforce transitions, new...
    Guest Columns
    By: Oscar Collins
  • 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
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

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

More Videos

Popular Stories

Mission Critical: How Kyle Chiasson Built 70 Locations Without Waiting for the Phone to Ring

How Kyle Chiasson Built 70 Locations Without Waiting for the Phone to Ring

Bed bug infestation in mattress seam

Bed Bugs After Remediation: Are Restoration Practices Quietly Contributing to Reinfestation?

Photos from homes damaged by WUI Smoke entering stucco walls and hidden building cavities

How Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Smoke Enters Stucco Walls and Hidden Building Cavities

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

April 27, 2026

RIA Convention & Expo

This event empowers professionals through world-class education, powerful networking, and access to cutting-edge tools and services.

September 9, 2026

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoThe Experience Convention and Trade Show unites the cleaning, restoration, inspection, indoor air quality, and HVAC industries through hands-on education, live demonstrations, and high-impact networking. Attendees gain practical skills, business insight, and connections that elevate industry standards and drive growth.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Improving Operations

What is your team most focused on improving right now?
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

  • Technical Tip Tuesday: Using Speech-to-Scope Technology to Improve Restoration Estimates

    Using Speech-to-Scope Technology to Improve Restoration Estimates

    See More
  • Ask the Expert: How Restorers can Use AI and Partnerships to Improve Their Operations

    How Restorers can Use AI and Partnerships to Improve Their Operations

    See More
  • Ask the Expert: Why Restoration Growth Is Shifting from Market Count to Market Density

    Why Restoration Growth Is Shifting from Market Count to Market Density

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • COVER pdf.jpg

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

  • Cover.jpg

    How To Get More Water Damage Jobs (ebook)

  • red-guide-national-815.png

    National Red Guide - A Step by Step Guide to Disaster Recovery

See More Products

Related Directories

  • LearnToRestore.com

    LearnToRestore.com is the leading IICRC-approved school with certification courses in water, fire, smoke, odor, contents processing, and more. Learn and earn your certification in person or online with our live-stream classes. Our expert-led training prepares you with essential skills to excel in the restoration industry!
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our newsletters.

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
    • Newsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing