Laura Spaulding, founder and CEO of Spaulding Decon, is a former law enforcement officer who has evolved her business from a solo operation to a nationwide franchise that specializes in biohazard disinfection and decontamination. Spaulding Decon topped the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 crime-scene cleaning category in 2022. In this episode of Real Stories in Restoration, Spaulding shares her journey from humble beginnings as a woman-led startup. Today, Spaulding Decon is scaling rapidly with 20 to 30 new franchises a year, has added real estate acquisitions to its business model, and has millions of followers on social media.

The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) is hosting its 2022 Annual Meeting & Expo February 22-25 in Tucson, Arizona. In this episode of Ask the Expert, IAQA President Jay Stake discusses the educational program of more than 40 sessions on topics including infectious diseases, mold remediation, regulations and standards, and more. The annual event brings together contractors, consultants and other professionals across the entire spectrum of the indoor air quality industry. Stake also shares what the IAQA has planned for 2022 and highlights key IAQ industry themes. Use code IAQARR when registering for the IAQA Annual Meeting & Expo to receive a $100 discount!

What does the Restoration Industry Association have planned for the new year? We invited CEO Kristy Cohen, President Mark Springer, President-Elect Katie Smith and Restoration Advocate Ed Cross to share the many fresh RIA initiatives in the works. They discuss the launch of regional focus groups, a new Environmental Risk Specialist certification, a second-edition TPA scorecard, a new membership due structure, developing career pathways with the IICRC, expanding the AGA into Canada, new position papers, a preview of the RIA 2022 International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo in April, key industry trends, and much more.

Dr. Gene Cole shares stories that stick with him regarding the health and safety of restoration contractors and their customers. He also offers COVID-19 cleaning and disinfection tips in the face of the Omicron variant. Dr. Cole has more than 35 years of applied research experience, with emphasis on identification and reduction of pollutant reservoirs and sources, bioaerosols, residential and workplace exposure assessment and control, product evaluation, cleaning and restoration, mold and sewage remediation, and biocides. 

Gokul Padmanabhan, CEO of Restoration Brokers of America, predicts the tidal wave of restoration mergers and acquisitions will continue for the next four to five years as more Baby Boomers look to retire and sell their businesses. However, he sees a big opportunity gap that not enough restoration business owners are seizing on in an environment of meaningful buyer interest. Here, Padmanabhan offers projections, reflections and practical advice regarding restoration business transactions.

“How Can You Tell if Your Mold Remediation Is Good Enough for Sensitized Occupants?” That is the title of an article Michael Pinto, CEO of Wonder Makers Environmental, recently authored for R&R. Here, Pinto dives deeper into the topic, discussing mold sensitivity, mycotoxins, demand for mold remediation contractors who can properly serve mold-sensitive customers and what makes these projects unique. Pinto also highlights mold remediation trends and COVID-19 disinfection. 

What’s new and notable with the IICRC as we embark on a new year? We invited Michael Dakduk, CEO of the organization, to share key IICRC accomplishments, goals, challenges and more in this Ask the Expert episode. He explains the IICRC’s four key areas of focus in serving restoration and cleaning professionals. Two of them – advocacy and research – are new. He also highlights RIA collaboration, and trends in technology, talent and regulations within the restoration industry.