As countless restoration companies struggle to find and keep employees, Caleb Brunz, head coach and president of Paul Davis of Greater Minneapolis & St. Paul, has more people wanting to work for his franchise than he has openings. He has also launched a non-profit, Pathways Trades Academy, to feed a healthier pipeline of talent into restoration and other trades. This Ask the Expert episode dives into how his company invests in its people and embraces them as its competitive advantage, from compensation to company culture to development to DEI. It also explores the work Brunz is doing to attract more people into the industry overall.

Wildfire and fire losses present complex challenges that go beyond what restorers see. Here’s how restorers should approach, assess, test, involve third parties, and balance their technical and emotional aspects of caring for the homeowner.

Can mobile testing eliminate one of restoration’s biggest bottlenecks? Ben Doebler and Mark Davis share how The Mobile Lab™ brings asbestos sampling and analysis directly to the jobsite, reduces turnaround times, and can change how insurers, contractors, and restorers navigate the claims process.

Fire damage goes far beyond removing soot and repairing visible damage. Learn about commonly overlooked contamination, fire suppression water damage, documentation, safety, and exceptional customer service. 

Wildfire risk is expanding into new regions across the US, creating new challenges for restorers. Jamie Knippen of Cotality shares her insights on conflagration, emerging technology, and how restorers can use data to prepare both their businesses and communities.

Is your business prepared for 2027? Jeff Jones and Josh Bachman share the systems, numbers, sales strategies, and long-term planning restoration businesses should focus on as both competition and the market evolve.

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Verisk experts break down the 2026 Q1 restoration trends that cover claim volume, CAT losses, pricing, labor, materials, and loss severity.