Restoration Industry Top Stories

Darren Hudema: RIA Volunteer of the Year and a Life of Service in Restoration

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Darren Hudema reflects on his 50-year career in the restoration industry, mentorship, and leadership as the RIA Volunteer of the Year.

5 Overlooked Items That Impact Restoration Estimates and Profitability

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Here are 5 commonly overlooked items in the restoration industry and how better documentation improves your estimates, risk management, and profitability.

Historic Theater Restoration Revives Indiana Landmark

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

A two-year restoration project takes a historic Indiana Theater and transforms it into a modern venue while preserving its cultural and architectural heritage.

Do You Know What Happens when You Use AI as a Thinking Partner in Restoration?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:30:00 -0400

Here’s how restorers can us AI as a thinking partner to improve their decision making, strengthen their operations, and drive consistent outcomes.

Taking Care of Yourself in the Cleaning & Restoration Industry - Part 2

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Part 2 of this series focuses on how restorers and cleaners can manage stress, support their mental health, and build resilience.

The New Profit War: How Restorers Will Compete in the Age of Managed Repair Programs

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Learn how programs and margin pressure are influencing the restoration industry and what restorers should do to stay profitable.

Women in Restoration: Leadership and Building a Family Business

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Alma West of Quick Dry Water Restoration and Magdalena Rebuild shares how she built her businesses by focusing on leadership, communication, and improving customer experience.

Two Worlds? The Commercial Drying Difference in Restoration

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Here are the key differences between residential and commercial drying that includes building systems, codes, HVAC, and strategies for large loss restoration projects.

The Real Test of Fire Restoration: Post-Restoration Evaluation Explained

lorne@disaster-education.com (Lorne McIntyre CR) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Here’s how post-restoration evaluation verifies your work after fire restoration is complete through documentation, odor assessment, and residue removal.

5 Steps to Improve Documentation in the Restoration Industry

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Here are 5 steps that restorers can use to improve their documentation, build trust with their customers, and create consistent, defensible estimates.

How the Restoration Golf League Builds Connections and Networking in the Restoration Industry

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Learn how the Restoration Golf Leage (RGL) helps restorers build relationships, network, and strengthen collaboration across the industry.

The Best Social Media Platforms for Restoration Companies

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Learn which social media platforms help restoration companies build trust, increase visibility, and generate more leads.

Improving Negative-Pressure Containment for Biological Contaminants

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Here’s how restorers can improve their containment systems for biological contaminants while using negative pressure, barriers, and filtration.

Rethinking Operator Led Growth in the Restoration Industry

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Jeff Todd of ServiceMaster Restore® shares his insights on why local expansion often outperforms top-down growth.

What Slows Down Contents Insurance Claims and How to Keep Them Moving

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Here’s what slows down contents claims and how better communication, documentation, and inventory processes can help restorers, adjusters, and customers prevent delays.

Preventing Door Lock Failure During Restoration and Remediation Projects

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Here’s how restorers can prevent door lock failures during restoration projects. From avoiding rust to seizing locks with proper maintenance.

Women in Restoration: Marketing, Communication, and Building Trust

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

EHS Restoration’s Marketing Manager Abby Vallelonga shares how communication and marketing help humanize your business and build trust with your clients during high-stress restoration jobs.

How to Improve Restoration Estimates with a Better Initial Walkthrough

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Here’s how a better initial walkthrough helps improve restoration estimates through stronger site observations, documentation, and pricing accuracy.

From Fire Alerts to Fire Intelligence: How Data Is Changing Restoration Response

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Learn how fire dispatch data and property insights help restorers improve their response times and prioritize fire jobs.

Why Contents Insurance Claims Break Down and How to Prevent Delays

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Learn why contents claims break down and how restorers can prevent delays through better communication and documentation.

How Dan Claps Built a 108-Owner Network That Doesn't Run Through Him

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:30:00 -0400

Here’s how Dan Claps built a scalable cleaning and restoration network using key leadership systems, decision-making framework, and operational discipline.

The Restoration Triangle: Improving the Claims Ecosystem with Technology

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:30:00 -0400

Robb Harrell shares how the claims ecosystem can improve through communication, shared data, and technology.

Complications In Removing WUI Fire-Generated Lead Dust and Smoke Residue

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

WUI fire contamination is composed of smoke and heavy metals and has a huge impact on buildings, learn how restorers should assess, test and clean up.

Women in Restoration: Leadership and Industry Impact

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:45:00 -0400

Becky Edgren of Puroclean shares her leadership journey and advice for women in the restoration industry, focusing on mentorship, growth, and impact on the industry.

How AI Is Transforming Restoration Estimates and Documentation

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Learn how technology and AI are transforming restoration estimates and documentation with tools like speech-to-scope and 360 imagery.

Why Smoke Odors Return After Fire Damage Restoration

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400

Learn why smoke odor can return after proper fire damage restoration which includes deodorization limits and the science behind our perception of odor.

How Restoration Companies Can Turn Social Media into More Calls and Jobs

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:30:00 -0400

Here’s how restoration companies can turn their social media content into more calls and jobs by building trust, familiarity, and customer focused content long before an emergency occurs.

One Industry, Different Models: The Future of the Restoration Industry

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

The Restoration Industry Association’s (RIA) President, Jeff Moore, shares his thoughts on the restoration industry and its growth, leadership, and the need for unification and participation.

The Future of AI in Restoration: How Technology Is Transforming the Industry

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:45:00 -0400

Alex Duta, the CEO of Albiware, shares how AI is transforming restoration operations, claims, and business growth. Plus, how restorers can efficiently and effectively adopt AI.

Women in Restoration: Career Growth and Industry Impact

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Megan Hughes shares key moments in her career and advice for women in the restoration industry.