In 2016, Benjamin Surdi, founder and CEO of PureDry Restoration, purchased a business that was in major debt and all-around bad shape. Since then, the company has quadrupled in size and revenue, and it is a recognized market leader in Washington State. In this episode of Real Stories in Restoration, Surdi shares hardships, triumphs and secrets to his success. A few of the themes covered include: Creating raving fans out of customers, cultivating a culture of employee excellence, attracting talent in a tight labor market, financial literacy as fundamental, systematizing business operations, branding that stands out and emotionally intelligent leadership.

Learn how restoration companies can scale for future disasters with expert tips on technology adoption, resource mobilization and customer communication strategies.

Discover how CAT response is evolving with drones, AI and predictive analytics that help improve disaster preparedness and restoration outcomes for 2026 and beyond.

JoAnn Wiechmann discusses emotional intelligence, customer care and team culture in restoration, offering insights for building trust and resilience.

Nick D’Urbano shares how AI and technology help restoration businesses boost leads, optimize customer experience and gain a competitive edge in the market. 

Learn why it’s crucial for restoration contractors to understand markup vs. margin and overhead to avoid costly mistakes and improve their profitability.

Hear from Kaylin Glaspie, R&R’s 2025 Technician Award Winner, as she shares insights on her career, leadership and advice she has for fellow restoration professionals.