Building Large-Loss Leaders: Why Hands-On Training Matters

How hands-on training builds confidence, preparedness, and technical skills for complex restoration projects

Welcome to another episode of Ask the Expert, where we speak with professionals in the industry who generously share their expertise. This week, we have three such experts: Mike Allred, CEO and COO of Helixco; Javier Del Angel, national account executive of HYCO Logistics; and Parker Olson, owner of Atmos Drying.

It is crucial to have classroom and certification training to understand the science behind restoration, but there is a difference between academic knowledge and applying it. In this episode, we discuss how hands-on training can prepare professionals to safely complete jobs, especially when they run into complications.

Here’s what we discuss:

Train Year-Round: Allred says hands-on training needs to happen before the large-loss job, and before a hurricane or flood occurs. “It’s important we get into the science of things with there. But the certification itself … means nothing without the background and the experience to back it up.”
Equipment Training: Olsen points out how technology can’t truly replicate working with equipment in the field, so hands-on training provides perspective and highlights safety concerns and risks.
Experience Matters: Certification and credentials are great, but they don’t necessarily grant insights and wisdom. Del Angel shares an example, recalling how his company turned down a million-dollar job because it was an unsafe environment.
Additional Benefits: Hands-on training does more than prepare workers to head into the field. It also builds camaraderie by making people who haven’t previously worked together coordinate in realistic conditions.
Avoiding Consequences: Inadequately trained people can cause liability issues, even if it's unintentional, and can even result in worst-case scenarios like injury or death. Hands-on training can reduce those risks.

Check out the full episode here for more details.

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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.