Advancing Modern Restoration Through Education and Collaboration

Klark Brown and Mike Ellis discuss their new training program built for today’s restoration business

On this episode of Ask The Expert, we’re joined by Klark Brown, Co-Founder of Restoration Advisers and Mike Ellis, a Regional Sales Manager at Aramsco. This episode was developed around modern restoration, education, and collaboration. Klark and Mike’s teams have been working on something exciting for our industry. New training that not only helps you advance your business, it also allows you to network with others in your area.

About the Guests

Klark Brown is a seasoned restoration industry professional, co-founder of Restoration Advisers, and host of the Disaster Podcaster. He has extensive expertise in operational leadership, training, business development, and strategic consulting, empowering restoration companies nationwide to improve profitability, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional client experiences.

Mike Ellis brings more than 23 of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry, with a career spanning in both manufacturing and distribution. He began his career with Prochem in 2002, followed by seven years at Legend Brands, and for the past nine years has worked in distribution with Aramsco. Mike works closely with the sales team across Louisiana, Texas, Kansas City, Omaha, and Minneapolis. He is based in Phoenix, enjoys pickleball, hiking, and weekend road trips across Arizona with his wife, Mandi, and their dog, Wrigley.

Key takeaways from this episode:

The Modern Restoration Program aims to provide training that goes beyond just technical expertise, focusing on critical business management, networking, marketing, and other "soft skills"
Building collaborative partnerships between Restoration Advisors, Aramsco, and attendees, with the goal of transitioning their relationship from a traditional supplier-customer dynamic to a collaborative partnership
The program is designed to drive positive industry change by bringing diverse perspectives and real-world solutions to the table, the modern restoration program is designed to empower restoration companies to overcome their current challenges and unlock new growth and driving positive change in the industry
The first three training event take place next week in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Followed by the fourth event in Phoenix.
These training events will evolve into an ongoing series that provides restoration professionals with valuable learning and networking opportunities.

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KEYWORDS: restoration business growth restoration business strategy

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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.