Breaking Down the TPA vs. No TPA Debate

The pros, challenges, and long-term considerations behind TPA and non-TPA work in the restoration industry

On this episode of Ask The Expert, we’re joined by Nate Cisney, Partner and Consultant at Restoration Made Simple (RMS). Nate has been in the industry for nearly 20 years, he’s helped build companies from the ground up, developed sales and marketing strategies, and contributes to industry media, trade associations, and suppliers.

This episode Nate shares his insights on TPA vs. No TPA and the pros and cons to both. While the decision is far from a simple yes or no, Nate shares key considerations that may help restorers determine what is best for their business.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

TPAs can provide a steady workflow with high close rates and reliable payments, but restorers often sacrifice their pricing, process flexibility, and autonomy.
It’s possible to remain profitable on TPA work if restorers run them strategically. It takes proper documentation, justifying your equipment and time, and learning the rules so, you can operate within them and not find those as obstacles, but as advantages.
TPAs can help restorers improve their operations and documentation processes. When you’re on TPA work, you’re forced to have better SOPs, stronger files, and more disciplined workflows.
As a restorer, your leverage within TPAs depends on your business maturity and diversification. This shifts when a restorer has strong volume, systems, and diversified revenue streams. If too much work comes in from one place or source, you as a restorer are still vulnerable.
If a restorer is working with a TPA(s) it should be positioned as a strategic marketing tool. Nate shares insight on how he leveraged this for his business. He used his TPA/vendor status to market directly to insurance agents and generated work directly outside of the TPA.
Nate believes the volume of TPA work will continue to rise as insurance carriers look to control claims costs and outcomes, meaning that contractors should understand that TPAs will remain a major variable in the industry.
Those who will win in the long run will be the restorers who diversify and control their own pipeline. Nurture your relationships, direct referrals, and make sure you have consistent branding.

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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.