As contractors move from pen and paper to digital documentation they’re left wondering what happens to the data they share. Kelly Ruane Melchiondo, a construction attorney with expertise in data privacy and security, answers commonly asked questions.

This special-edition episode features a prestigious panel of Ladder Award finalists from 2021 and 2020. They share innovative ways they are helping advance the property restoration industry, as well as their vision for its future. 

Media blasting expert Wayne Lawrence covers common media blasting applications in property restoration, the range of tools available, notable case studies, product advancements, the importance of equipment training, buying versus renting, equipment cost, and more. 

After years of putting out fires and pointing the finger at employees, Eric Sprague and Larry Wilberton learned to point the finger at themselves. Here, Sprague shares how he and Wilberton transformed their restoration company into one with high engagement, performance and profit.

Jim Kowalski is owner and vice president of Kowalski Construction Inc. He is also president of the Restoration Affiliates board. Here, he shares secrets to success and lessons learned in growing his third-generation, family-run property restoration company. He also explains what Restoration Affiliates is. 

The value of strategic business planning, who should be involved, when it should happen, how to ensure it fuels action, why bother in a world of extreme uncertainty and more common questions answered by Jeff Jones of Violand Management Associates.

Jennifer Todd, president of remediation company LMS General Contractors, discusses her experience as a Black, woman contractor-owner in a white-, male-dominated field, as well as the importance of treating the labor shortage and diversity as a joint issue. 

John Anton of Bioesque Solutions discusses demand for disinfection and cleaning products in the face of the Delta variant of COVID-19; the role of disinfection products during CAT season including notable case studies, lessons learned and common misconceptions surrounding cleaning solutions; as well as a look ahead to 2022 with predictions for the role of disinfection and cleaning products within the restoration industry.

CoreLogic acquired Next Gear Solutions on Sept. 15, 2021. Here, Garret Gray, founder and CEO of Next Gear Solutions dives into what this means for restoration contractors.

RSFG continues to expand its umbrella of insurance restoration services and as it evolves, it recognized the need to improve brand awareness and recognition with a single name that represents the company's multiple services – Prism Specialties.