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.

Bart Meador is vice president of operations, residential storm, with restoration franchise PuroClean. His division specializes in mobilizing teams following CAT events. Here, Meador shares the experience of approximately 50 PuroClean franchises responding to Hurricane Ida devastation in the southern and northeast U.S. He highlights the importance of preparation, communication, collaboration, compassion and patience. 

R&R Editor Valerie King announces a new Q&A series sharing the stories of the industry’s most driven, engaged and innovative technicians. We are eager to consistently shed light on their ideas, pain points, motivators, paths to restoration and more. In doing so, we hope to help shrink the gap between C-suite and frontline. We hope to help give these unsung heroes a real seat at the proverbial table and a stronger voice in the future of the industry. 

Leslie Anderson is senior vice president of training and launch with Paul Davis Restoration. She was recently elected to the 2022 IICRC board of directors. In this episode of Real Stories in Restoration, Anderson shares insights on delivering valuable training experiences to hundreds of restoration franchises. She also discusses her goals as an IICRC board member, her experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry, the importance of mentorship in her life and the power of positive affirmations. 

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.

Nia Sherrema Pearson is founder of Marketing 4 Real Results, a marketing agency that serves restoration businesses across the country. In this episode of Ask the Expert, Sherrema Pearson shares out-of-the-box digital and traditional marketing techniques. Examples include text communication, community involvement, and relationships with plumbers and property managers. She covers basics like a Google presence and ADA compliance, as well as how to stand out, highlighting that any marketing strategy should start with the unique goals of the business.

PuroClean 2021 Franchise of the Year owners Ivan and Karina Oliver share the impressive growth their franchise, PuroClean of San Antonio Northwest, has experienced since its start in 2017. Their key to success: Focus on the customer first and everything else follows. In this interview they discuss the accomplishments and challenges behind their recognition as a top franchise. They share what it’s like working as a husband-wife team, embracing technology, conquering fears and scaling their business.