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. Hot topics covered include attracting and retaining talent, employee training, growing a business, marketing, adopting new technology, imposter syndrome, and leading from any chair. 

The new branch in Milwaukee is led by General Manager Aaron Kapellusch, the former president and CEO of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce.

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. 

A lot of people talk about marketing their company, but not enough of them have actual data to back up what they say and think.

Now, more than ever, it’s a “buyer’s market” for labor with workers having the power to choose the organization, culture and job opportunity they want to “buy.” Your task is to be sure that your business entices the right employees to want to buy it over others.

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.

While some of today’s issues are unique, there will always be major obstacles restoration contractors must solve, resolve or absolve to find success. It has always been this way, and it always will be.