On this episode of Ask The Expert, we’re joined by Jim Kowalski, Partner at Kowalski Construction Inc., a family-run business service Arizona since 1967. He has almost 50 years of experience, he’s played a pivotal role in business development, marketing, public relations and the integration of technology within the restoration and construction industries. 

We dive into the power of networking, leveraging industry associations, advice for restoration business owners and much more. 

Top takeaways for this episode:

• Restoration Affiliates (RA) is a unique network that empowers independent restoration businesses through collaboration, resource sharing and strategic growth opportunities. 
• RA provides benefits to its members, including co-op purchasing, disaster response support, best practice sharing and succession planning guidance. 
• Partnerships and collaboration are critical in this fragmented industry, instead of viewing competitors as the enemy, see them as potential partners and resources.  
• Many restoration business owners struggle with long-term planning and business management, often making short-sighted decisions out of desperation. 
• The restoration industry needs to take more accountability for its practices and stop deflecting blame. 
  • We need to call out unethical or unsafe behavior within the industry. It’s key in driving positive change. 
• We need to have more open discussions about the process of selling your restoration business, and disclose the long-term implications, regret and lessons learned.