On this episode of Ask The Expert, our special guest is Bud Summers, the Executive Vice President of Operations and Training at PuroClean. We discuss restoration strategies companies can use to help scale for future disasters. Bud began his career as an independent owner/operator and later expanded his experience as a general contractor, multi-unit franchise and senior executive. In 2012, Bud decided to retire from active ownership and shifted his focus onto the things he is most passionate about, which are teaching, writing and consulting. 

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Adapting to Higher Deductibles: More homeowners are facing higher deductibles and having to self-pay for restoration work, which requires our industry to develop tools for quick estimates and offer financing options.
• Mobilizing Resources: Bud and the team at PuroClean leverage their open-market territory system and strong relationships between franchise owners to quickly mobilize resources and personnel to disaster areas, rather than being limited to a specific geographic region.
• Commercial Market Growth: We’ve seen an influx of independents and franchises investing in training their management and technicians on commercial work, as the commercial market becomes more predictable and lucrative compared to the increasingly "unstable" residential market.
• Technology and AI: Both resources are game changers for the restoration industry, from streamlining documentation and billing to enabling remote monitoring of equipment and much more. Companies who choose to embrace tech and AI will have a competitive advantage.
• Workforce Solutions: Creative approaches like leveraging legal worker programs and developing quick training programs to onboard new employees can help you with workforce struggles.
• Customer Communication and Service: Building a strategic communications plan and understanding your customers’ preferences will set you apart.