We asked restoration industry professionals to answer one question as we close out the year: What is your biggest takeaway from 2021? Listen to hear 10 industry peers reflect on what will stick with them most from the past 12 months, from pandemic-induced pivoting, to professional development, to business growth, to family, to personal health and wellness.  

R&R Editor Valerie King shares four first impressions of the restoration industry that stand out six months into her role. She points out that joining a new industry is humbling, and discusses the potential of fresh perspective to breathe new life into established entities when harnessed properly. She challenges restoration professionals to embrace an outside-in lens, even if they are seasoned veterans.

The “M” in NORMI no longer stands for mold. It now represents a broader view of the indoor environment, which is the theme of this Ask the Expert interview with NORMI CEO Doug Hoffman. He discusses contaminants, beyond mold, that restorers and remediators should be knowledgeable about. He also outlines the regulatory landscape for mold remediation licensure in the U.S., separating remediation from assessment, and top indoor air quality trends and tools for 2022. Additionally, Hoffman speaks to notable NORMI developments including FEMA partnership, new and free course offerings, strategic industry alliances, and an on-the-ground disaster resource called Norma.

Staffing is a struggle for many restoration companies. In fact, finding skilled workers, increasing wages and retaining labor are the top three challenges they face, according to R&R’s 2021 State of the Industry report. In this Ask the Expert episode, Leighton Healey, CEO of KnowHow, details the recently launched Restoration Workforce Survey, open through early 2022. Its aim is to shed light how the industry can attract and retain qualified workers. To take the survey, visit restorationsurvey.net.  

In this Ask the Expert episode, Gerry Edtl and Jordan Donald, the father-daughter team behind Gerry Edtl Consulting, join us for an interview on sales and marketing. Together, they help restorers grow their businesses and generate referrals without lead fees, third-party administrators (TPAs) or programs. Here they discuss building reciprocal relationships with insurance agents and taking business development to new heights with direct referrals. 

In this Real Stories in Restoration episode, Nasutsa Mabwa, owner and president of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, shares her unique voyage from social work to restoration, being selective with service offerings, and keeping her business small and agile to stay closely connected to customers. Mabwa also discusses avoiding burnout, working with fellow franchisees and providing COVID-19 disinfection services since early 2020.  

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.