The 2026 R&R Trailblazer Award Nominations are now open!

The annual award honors restorers under 35 who are shaping the industry’s future

Welcome to R&R’s 2026 Trailblazer Award, formerly known as the Ladder Award. This annual award was established in 2020, and it recognizes outstanding restoration professionals 35 years and younger who are climbing the ladder of success and shaping the future of this industry. These individuals exhibit leadership, drive, innovation, care for their clients and colleagues, community service, and a clear passion for the industry.

At a time when finding skilled workers, retaining labor and adopting new technology are among the top challenges restoration companies face, the unique traits of millennials and Gen Z pose great promise.

Not only are millennials the largest adult generation in the U.S., but they are also the largest generation in the labor force at 36% majority, according to the Department of Labor. For organizations looking to attract new talent, this cohort is anything but short in supply.

Members of Generation Z, born after 1996, the oldest just launching their careers, are “digital natives.” For them, an existence without smartphones, internet and other relatively recent technological innovations is unfathomable. This second-nature connection with the digital dimension bodes well for addressing the challenge of adopting new technology in the digital era.

It’s time to recognize the rising young professionals blazing new trails with innovative leadership, ideas, and technological advancements in the restoration industry.

Nominations for this year’s award will be accepted through Tuesday, June 30, 2025.

The winner and runners-up will be determined by a panel of industry peers based on the criteria listed below. They will be notified in late July and must be available for interviews in early August.

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The award will be presented at The Experience Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, taking place September 9-11. The winner and runners-up will also be featured in the September 2026 issue of R&R.

Eligibility

Nominees and entrants must be under 35 years of age as of June 30, 2026.
Nominees can hold any position within a restoration company (ownership/upper management is not a requirement).
They should exhibit qualities including, but not limited to, industry experience, leadership and community service.
There is no limit to the number of entries each firm or person can submit, and there is no entry fee.
Past runners-up may enter again.
Past winners of the Ladder Award are ineligible.

Judging Criteria

Thoroughness of the entry
Job growth and future reach
Industry leadership and involvement
Commitment to colleagues and customers
Community service and involvement

Submit your nomination now!

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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.