As General Manager of Tobin Restoration, Nate has helped transform the family business through his innovation, servant leadership, and a commitment to building a people first culture. Those qualities, along with his growing influence within the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), helped earn him the 2026 Trailblazer Award.

“One of the things that stands out most to me about Nate is his desire to help others succeed. He cares about the people he works with and has a real ability to bring people together, develop those around him, and find ways to make things better. His leadership has not only made a difference at Tobin Restoration, but has also allowed him to become involved in the restoration industry on a much broader level. Being recognized as one of the industry’s top Emerging Leaders under 40 and now receiving the 2026 Trailblazer Award are great accomplishments, but I believe they are a reflection of the respect he has earned from the people he works with.” — Rhett Judy

For Nate, restoration has never simply been a job. It’s been part of his life from the very beginning. Growing up, he spent his summers sweeping the shop and helping his dad’s crews with demolition work.

After serving a two-year church mission at 19, he returned home unsure which career path he wanted to pursue. His father offered him a full-time position on the mitigation crew while he figured out what came next. It didn’t take long for Nate to realize he had already found it. “I ended up falling completely in love with the work,” Nate said. “Showing up on some-one’s worst day, navigating a complex disaster, and restoring their life back to normal is uniquely rewarding.”

Since joining Tobin Restoration full time in 2014, Nate has worked in nearly every area of the business. He has led the mitigation department, managed mitigation and reconstruction projects, served as the company’s estimator, and today he serves as General Manager.

Each role challenged him in a different way, taught him something new, and gave him another opportunity to improve both himself and the family business. For Nate, that’s what makes working alongside his family so meaningful. He sees the business as both an opportunity and a responsibility, one that allows him to grow professionally while building some-thing alongside the people who matter most to him.
 

Building a Better Business

Nate loves helping his customers recover after disasters, but there’s another part of restoration that gets him equally excited: finding a better way to do the actual work. During his years as an estimator, he became fascinated with pricing accuracy. Or, as Nate puts it, he developed a “healthy obsession” with Xactimate pricing and accurate, honest data. That curiosity pushed him to become an Xactware Certified Pricing Consultant, spend countless hours refining Tobin Restoration’s custom price list, and working directly with Xactware’s pricing team. And to no surprise the hard work he put in pro-duced results.

Improving their estimating helped increase the company’s margins, which gave Tobin Restoration more opportunities to reinvest in their employees, technology, and long-term growth. Nate also helped modernize the company’s opera-tions by moving the team away from paper files and digital cameras and toward streamlined digital workflows. One of the biggest changes came when he introduced geospatial 3D scanning technology.

Today, that technology serves as the central hub for the team documenting losses and transferring information between their field crews, management, and third-party partners. Every department uses it daily, and it has fundamentally changed how they capture and communicate project details and information.

But to no surprise, Nate didn’t stop there.

Several years ago, he recognized that participating in multiple vendor programs created unnecessary complexity for their employees and their customers. Instead of continuing to adapt their business to several systems, Nate and the team made the difficult decision to pull the company out of every vendor program.

“I have a passion for independent restorers and family business, and I’m excited to share that and make a difference in these capacities.” — Nate Judy

Then, they built one standardized, repeatable process of their own. The result was a more predictable, lower-stress experience for their employees and their customers, along with consistent, scalable growth. Today, Tobin Restoration operates as an $8 million company without any dedicated in-house estimators. Instead, they equip their project managers with better software, stronger systems, and outsourced estimating support. For Nate, innovation isn’t about chasing the newest technology or changing something simply because you can.

It’s about asking a much more important question: Can we do this better?

Leading Through Innovation

Nate’s passion for improving the restoration industry doesn’t stop at Tobin Restoration. He currently serves on the RIA’s Pricing Task Force and as the Chairman of the Independent Advisory Committee, where he advocates for independent restoration companies and family-owned businesses across the industry.

“At first glance, Nate comes across as quiet and unassuming. But he’s a second-generation restorer, and it takes less than thirty seconds with him to understand this industry is in his blood. Nate cares deeply about his team, his family, and his community, and about improving the business and processes at Tobin Restoration, not just for his own benefit, but for every single person employed there.

He’s also a pioneer in process development, all while running a successful restoration company that stays deeply rooted in its local community. And his commitment reaches well beyond his own walls. As Chair of RIA’s Voice of the Independent Advisory Board, Nate is helping make sure independent restorers keep a strong seat at the table in this industry. If you haven’t had the chance to sit down and talk with Nate, do it. I learn something new from him every single time. He’s a trailblazer in the truest sense of the word.” — Anthony Nelson, Pivot My Biz

His involvement comes from a genuine belief in the RIA’s mission and a desire to make sure inde-pendent restorers have a voice in conversations shaping the future of the profession. That work also gives Nate an opportunity to take what he’s learned inside his own family business and contribute those experiences to broader indus-try conversations around pricing, operations, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

“I love the chaos of a massive project coming together. Watching departments align, systems hold up under pressure, and handing back a fully restored building to a relieved client.”

Bringing Order to Chaos

If you work in restoration, you know there are projects that test every system, process, and person in your company. Those are the projects Nate enjoys most. One of his favorite parts of restoration is bringing order to the complexity of large commercial losses.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Nate Judy for several years now. What’s so powerful about Nate is his authenticity — he’s the same guy no matter who he’s in front of, or what circumstances he’s in — and that generates a ton of respect and trust, not just with his team, but in the community Tobin serves, and peers around the industry. Excited to see Nate honored with this award, he’s an inspiring figure, and always looking for ways to grow, innovate, and contribute to our industry at large.” — Chris Nordyke, Floodlight Consulting Group

Recently, his team responded to a two-story water loss that impacted more than 35 offices and exam rooms inside an active medical facility. A water heater supply line failed after business hours, and no one discovered the loss for nearly three days.

Nate helped coordinate the mitigation and reconstruction efforts, and despite the extensive damage, the team returned all the doctors and staff to full operation within a month. That’s the kind of challenge that energizes him.

For Nate, these projects also serve as a test.

• Do the systems work?
• Does the team communicate?
• Can everyone execute under pressure?
• Can the company deliver for the customer when the stakes are high?

When the answer is yes, all the work that happened long before the loss proves its value.
 

We Build People First

Technology and systems can improve a business, but Nate believes people ultimately determine its success. That philosophy lives at the center of Tobin Restoration’s core mission: We Build People First. And for Nate, it isn’t something that belongs on a wall. Their entire team puts that philosophy into practice through intentional coaching, personal check-ins, professional development, and a genuine interest in who their employees are outside of work.

“Nate has always been willing to jump in and help others in the group. His positive attitude is contagious, and he is always encouraging those around him. He is driven to learn, continually improve, and pursue excellence in everything he does.” — Kenny Nash, Clean Image Services

Every week, Nate holds one-on-one coaching sessions with employees. Each month, he also schedules personal development meetings where the team intentionally leaves business out of the conversation. Those conversations focus on their life, personal goals, their family, and how they can support one another as people.

And, probably to no one’s surprise at this point, that’s one of Nate’s favorite parts of the job.

A Leadership Philosophy Built on Service

Nate will be the first to tell you he isn’t the loudest person in the room. He’s naturally more reserved, and he’s never been the leader who wants to stand in the middle of a jobsite yelling orders. That’s simply not his style.

Instead, Nate focuses on creating a clear vision, building dependable systems, giving his team the tools they need to succeed, and trusting them to do their jobs. His goal is to make success predictable without taking ownership away from the people doing the work.

“My goal is to paint a crystal-clear picture of where we're going, build the systems and software framework that make success predictable, equip the team with the best tools, and then get out of their way so they can take ownership. I believe true leadership is service.”

That mindset becomes even more important when restoration professionals face high-pressure situations. Nate believes teams look to their leaders for direction especially when things start to go sideways. If the leader panics, the crew feels it. So, he focuses on staying calm, looking at the bigger picture, and trusting the systems the team built together.

“When your crew knows you care about them as human beings and trust their judgment, crisis situations become moments where the team shines rather than breaks.”

That's servant leadership in action. Not controlling every decision. Not having every answer. But building people, giving them the right tools, and trusting them when it matters most.

Key Accomplishments

Nate's commitment to continuous learning and industry involvement is reflected in his professional accomplishments.

Certifications

• IICRC Certifications 
  • Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
  • Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
  • Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
  • Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
  • Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
• Xactware Certified Pricing Consultant

Volunteer and Industry Service

• Volunteer for the RIA
  • Chairman, RIA Independent Advisory Committee
  • Member, RIA Pricing Task Force
• Industry Recognition & Awards
  • 2025 C&R Magazine and RIA Emerging Leader
  • 2026 R&R Magazine Trailblazer Award Winner
• Community Service and Support
  • Active local church volunteer, previously leading youth development programs and currently serving as a Missionary Effort Leader

“Nate has also taken on leadership roles within the Restoration Industry Association, helping give independent restoration contractors a stronger voice in the industry. He has embraced those opportunities not because he is looking for recognition, but because he genuinely wants to see our industry improve and the people in it succeed.” — Rhett Judy

Advice for the Next Generation

When I asked Nate what advice he would give young professionals entering the restoration industry, his answer was simple: "Don't let yourself think you're 'too young' or 'not cool enough' to get involved. Our industry desperately needs fresh voices who will speak up, innovate, and advocate for our people. Jump in. There are endless opportunities to make a real difference."

Nate believes success starts with relationships. The people are what make this industry what it is. You should surround yourself with great people, including your employees, vendors, clients, customers, partners, mentors, and industry peers, who treat others with genuine respect and challenge you to become a better version of yourself. 

“As his dad, it has been especially rewarding to watch Nate become the kind of leader and man that others can look to and respect. I’m proud of his accomplishments, but even more proud of the way he has accomplished them—with hard work, humility, integrity, and a genuine concern for others. I believe Nate is just getting started, and I’m excited to see the impact he will continue to have on Tobin Restoration, the restoration industry, and the people he leads. The Trailblazer Award is a well-deserved recognition of the leader Nate has become and the future he is helping build.” — Rhett Judy

Being around the right people isn’t enough; you must be intentional about who you surround yourself with, how you treat them, and what you bring to those relationships. For Nate, that’s where some of the best opportunities in restoration start.

Family, Faith, and Life Outside of Restoration

Behind Nate’s accomplishments is a family that has supported him throughout every stage of his journey. His wife, Kenedee, has been by his side for 12 years, supporting his ambition while also living with what Nate jokingly describes as his “never-turns-off brain.” Their three children, Radley, Ryann, and Reese, are his greatest motivation.

As Radley has gotten older, he’s started joining Nate on jobsites, asking questions, and developing an early interest in the family business. Maybe restoration runs in the family after all.

Nate also credits his parents, Rhett and Claudine, for taking a chance on him in their family business and teaching him lessons that extend far beyond the restoration industry. “They have taught me to always seek the Kingdom of God first, and everything else falls into place,” he said. “They have been great examples of a successful partnership, taking risks, and enjoying life.”

His brothers, Blake and Brady, continue working alongside him every day. “I couldn’t ask for better partners or friends.”

Nate also credits his mentors Ben Justesen, Brandon Reece, Chris Nordyke, and Anthony Nelson as important sounding boards throughout every phase of his career. Their honesty and guidance have been invaluable.

Outside of work, family remains at the center of Nate’s life. Whether they’re riding dirt bikes, snowmobiling, camping, or spending time on the lake, the Judy family embraces the “work hard, play hard” philosophy Nate’s parents instilled in him growing up. Now, he’s getting to watch another generation fall in love with those same traditions.

“Seeing my kids start to fall in love with those same hobbies has been the cherry on top.”

Even when Nate is technically “relaxing,” though, his curiosity rarely slows down. You’ll often find him watching YouTube, experimenting with spreadsheets, testing new apps, or thinking about other ways to improve something.

Remember that “never-turns-off brain?” Nate wasn’t exaggerating. That curiosity, combined with his passion for innovation, servant leadership, and investing in people, is exactly what makes Nate Judy R&R’s 2026 Trailblazer Award winner. As the first recipient under the award’s new name, Nate represents what it means to blaze a trail in the restoration industry. He isn’t just simply building his own career or growing a family business, he’s challenging old processes, investing in the next generation, advocating for independent restorers, and creating new paths for generations to come.

And something tells me he’s nowhere near finished…

Meet our Judges

Andrew Dobson

Owner, SERVPRO Team Dobson

 

Luis Suarez

Technical Restoration Educator & Consultant, RestoreRight