The DYOJO Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jon Isaacson / The DYOJO
Weekly podcast of The DYOJO Way, helping property restoration professionals to shorten their DANG learning curve by developing the mindset and habits for success.
The most mediocre podcast in the industry.
The DYOJO is a coaching firm that specializes in helping start-up phase owners and growth-minded restoration professionals to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. * New episodes are premier on Thursdays at 9am PST * Watch The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube * Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on multiple podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple
The DYOJO Podcast discusses a $200 million wrongful death trial in Oregon over the fatal shooting of Freddie Nelson Jr. in a Lowe's parking lot by a security guard, Logan Gimble, who is now serving life for second-degree murder. Nelson had a verbal altercation with a Lowe's employee over pallets, despite having permission from store staff. Gimble, who was not authorized to carry a firearm, pepper-sprayed Nelson and his wife before shooting him. The trial involves the property management firm TMT and the security company Cornerstone, with arguments centering on de-escalation training and the high crime area of the parking lot.Read more from The DYOJO Blog - thedyojo.com/blogThursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
How does a consumer know whether a contractor is competent enough to complete remodeling and repair work?
Author Ron Alford provides insights into the four types of contractors in his book, designed for property owners, titled How to Win the Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon). In this video we review those four types of contractors, Ron's tests of competence, and how the consumer can better protect themselves when hiring a construction professional. This discussion is also helpful to business owners and managers looking to elevate their team's abilities to seek, sell, and produce quality projects.
LAST EPISODETDP 118 Water Damage Industry Evolution
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXTill I Let Go (Instrumental) by NEFEX
The water damage response and repair industry has emerged into the consumer discourse. But how many property restoration contractors are aware of the rich history of innovation and collaboration that have laid the groundwork their livelihood? In this episode we take a field trip into the past with Ron "Alfie" Alford and complete our recap of RIA 2024 with Ed Cross.
In Episode 118 of The DYOJO Podcast
0:00 The 5th Water Damage Air Mover Made
12:49 Robust Conversations with Xactimate
18:16 History and Headway with the AGA
28:00 Becoming a Class A Contractor with Ron Alford
References and guest appearances for this episode include:
Sgt Ed from Restoration Crosscheck, video from Ron Alford, Cliff Zlotnik, Jim Thompson, Mark Springer, Katie Smith, excerpts from Ron Alford's book How To Win The Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon), prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast.
LAST EPISODETDP 117 Xactimate Apologizes to Restorers
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.
MUSICTheme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
We recap some of the highlights from the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Expo with our friend Ed Cross. Items of interest for property restoration contractors include an apology from the stage by Xactimate/Verisk and a face the advocate with four TPAs from the insurance claims ecosystem; Contractor Connection, Alacrity, Sedgewick, and Westhill.
In Episode 117 of The DYOJO Podcast
0:00 Sgt Ed Cross
2:23 Recap of Episode 116
3:20 Waste Diversion Tracking
4:31 Insurance Denied by Drone
6:09 New Position Statements from RIA
9:46 Xactimate Apologizes to Restorers
16:32 Weaponizing Xactimate
24:28 RIA 2024 Highlights
Clips were used in this Episode from
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InsurTech Trends, Integrations, Pricing, & More - C&R Magazine / Restoration Today Michelle Belvins interviews Aaron Brunko - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E0JaaJsyk4&t=1098s
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Restoration Invoice: PAID - Restoration CrossCheck (Sgt Ed video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVSUelq66uM&t=72s
LAST EPISODETDP 116 What Do Customers Know?
NEXT EPISODE Join us as we discuss the history of the Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and the progress discussed at the 2024 Convention.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Cool Revenge - Jeremy Blake
We know customers aren’t always right. Yet, how come in insurance claims, property restoration, and construction projects we perpetuate this mantra of, “Do right by the customer”? In Episode 116 of The DYOJO Podcast, we will review whether this mindset leads to the positive project outcomes that all parties are looking for.
In Episode 116 of The DYOJO Podcast
0:00 The customer isn't always right
1:32 Restoration contractor convention
2:45 Do right by the customer - construction scope of work
8:18 Making the impossible possible
13:40 Do right by the customer - insurance scope of work
16:51 Who knows the most
19:39 Thinking differently about the project management role
21:22 Construction cost disputes
Clips were used in this Episode from
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The RIA Martin L King Award introduction video
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Scott Seiss Comedy
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Due South Inspections / Due South Brad
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100 TDP Matching Materials for Insurance Claims
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Let The Structure Speak by Jon Isaacson (C&R Magazine)
LAST EPISODETDP
115 Property Restoration and Insurance Claim Contractors Convention
NEXT EPISODE
Join us as we discuss hard construction lessons learned from a failed nuclear power plant in Elma, Washington. AND we will discuss some unique perspectives on recruiting, hiring, and developing professionals for the construction project management role.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.
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Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXCool Revenge - Jeremy Blake
In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we share tips for making the most of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) annual convention and expo. This year it will be in Dallas, Texas, April 8 - 10, 2024. Watch and listen for several Passport Stops that will help you elevate your mindsets and habits as a contractor specializing with insurance claims and disaster recovery.
In Episode 115 of The DYOJO Podcast
0:00 Industry Issues & Drama
4:48 Passport #1
9:57 Passport #3
14:07 The DYOJO Audiobooks
16:37 Passport #4
19:12 Passport #5
20:57 Passport #6
23:34 Passport #8
26:20 Property Restoration History
31:53 Passport #11
Clips were used in this Episode from
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The RIA Martin L King Award introduction video
-
Several prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast
Articles Cited Include
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A Brief Walk Through RIA History by Michelle Blevins (R&R Magazine)
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Founding Fathers of Restoration by Pete Consigli (RIA Website, C&R Magazine)
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Restoration’s History and the Modern Restorer by Jon Isaacson and Pete Consigli (Cleanfax Magazine)
LAST EPISODE
TDP 114 No One Wants to Work
NEXT EPISODE
Join us as we discuss hard construction lessons learned from a failed nuclear power plant in Elma, Washington.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we review an interesting scenario where a podcast host gets called out or canceled for comments made regarding paid time off on Tik Tok. By doing so, we unravel some of the ways employers and employees can create better outcomes in the workplace. We confront mindsets and habit from old school mindsets, young professionals, and leadership catchphrases.
In Episode 114 of The DYOJO Podcast
- 0:00 No One Wants to Work
- 5:07 Should Employees Give a Reason for PTO?
- 9:42 Podcast Host Called Out by Employee
- 15:02 Management Echo Chambers
- 21:49 Did You Get Canceled, Or are You a Jerk?
- 24:32 Better Employee Communication
Clips were used in this Episode from
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Demoted Podcast
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23 Nightmarish Job Descriptions by Hannah Marder
LAST EPISODE
TDP 113 Learning from Job Description and Interview Fails
NEXT EPISODE
Join us as we discuss hard construction lessons learned from a failed nuclear power plant in Elma, Washington.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Business owners and managers complain about the lack of quality applicants and employees who won't stick around. We take a look at some examples of terrible job descriptions for ways construction professionals can better navigate the recruitment process. We will also review some clips of hilariously bad job interviews for ways modern businesses can better connect with young professionals.
IN EPISODE 113 of THE DYOJO PODCAST:
- 0:00 Worst Job Interviews
- 5:51 Designing a Company Around Values with Al Erisman
- 8:19 The Shingle Principle
- 13:12 Tips to Prepare for a Job Interview
- 14:37 Terrible Job Descriptions
- 24:10 P2T Chapter 5 Audiobook
Clips were used in this Episode from
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Too Apree on YouTube
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TDP 49 with Al Erisman, author of The ServiceMaster Story
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P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace (book) Chapter 5
PRIOR EPISODE
TDP 112 Creating a Competitive Business Advantage in 2024
NEXT EPISODE
Join us as we discuss hard construction lessons learned from a failed nuclear power plant in Elma, Washington.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
For those of you watching, who are actually preparing for an interview, we will help you Prepare 2 Thrive. For those business owners, managers, parents, and educators, you will want to share this information with young professionals preparing for interviews. What we discuss in this video will help job seekers stand out and thrive in a job interview.
Here are the tips for thriving in a job interview that we share in P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace
- Read and reread the job description
- Research the company
- Prepare a cover letter and references
- Prepare your own questions
- Rehearse the interview
- Dress the part
- Don't be afraid to ask questions
Read about these tips and many more in P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace by Jon Isaacson.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights now has a Xactimate Profile similar to the Contractor & Carrier Profiles that come with Xactimate. Along with access to all the Insights Sheet Macros, the profile includes Actionable’s industry-standard default preferences that focus on accurate and transparent estimating.
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.
We take a trip down memory lane with a REPLAY plus of Episode 22 of The DYOJO Podcast. We discussed growing your business without compromising your values with guest Lex Sisney, author of Organizational Physics and Designed to Scale.
In this BONUS Episode
0:00 Jon is traveling to Winter Break
4:12 Review of an old episode
8:51 Business structure vs. process
15:14 Organization design is not a democratic process
23:52 Creating change
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
Actionable Insights now has a Xactimate Profile similar to the Contractor & Carrier Profiles that come with Xactimate. Along with access to all the Insights Sheet Macros, the profile includes Actionable’s industry-standard default preferences that focus on accurate and transparent estimating.EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.The DYOJO Podcast for Contractors:
Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTubeListen to The DYOJO Podcast on SpotifyListen to The DYOJO Podcast on AppleListen to The DYOJO Podcast on AmazonListen to The DYOJO Podcast on Google New episodes are released on Thursdays at 12:01am PSTMUSICTheme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
When was the last time you reviewed and updated your job descriptions?
Do they reflect what you value as an organization?
Do they accurately reflect the roles and responsibilities of the position you are hiring for?
Do they map out a path to success for the recruit as well as the supervisor?
In this short clip from Episode 112 of The DYOJO Podcast, we encourage business owners and managers to review and rethink the standard job description. Achieve better outcomes in recruitment, hiring, development, and employee retention by updating these processes to reflect your unique culture.
The DYOJO Podcast for Contractors:
Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTube
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Apple
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Amazon
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Google
New episodes are released on Thursdays at 12:01am PST
NEW BOOK - Resources for Young Pros
As a business owner or manager, are you stressed out, struggling to find ways to engage with young professionals in the workforce? P2T, the new book by Jon Isaacson will help businesses create a competitive advantage. My new book will help you better engage young professionals and articulate a pathway to success for new hires. P2T is a win-win for employers and employees.
BUY NOW on Amazon
Learn more - thedyojo.com/book5
We put the question back to you in the DYOJO Podcast audience - where have some of your best hires come from?
Some people hire from the franchise system thinking, "Well, if I'm in this franchise system, and they're in this franchise system, they could plug and play." Has this worked for you?
A lot of contractors try to hire someone who has worked for a competitor. Expecting that they have some experience that will set everyone on the right foot. What have your results been with re-hires?
I've shared many times before that my personal preference is I'd rather train new habits than retrain old habits. In this episode, I share some examples of doing this at multiple levels in a construction organization. From the technician level, superintendent, project manager, and even at the estimator level. This is what has worked best for my teams.
Hear more about this process of recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining quality young professionals in The DYOJO Podcast Episode 112The DYOJO Podcast for Contractors:
Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTube
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Apple
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Amazon
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Google
New episodes are released on Thursdays at 12:01am PST
NEW BOOK - Resources for Young Pros
As a business owner or manager, are you stressed out, struggling to find ways to engage with young professionals in the workforce? P2T, the new book by Jon Isaacson will help businesses create a competitive advantage. My new book will help you better engage young professionals and articulate a pathway to success for new hires. P2T is a win-win for employers and employees.
BUY NOW on Amazon
Learn more - thedyojo.com/book5
IN EPISODE 112 of THE DYOJO PODCAST:
0:00 Old contractor vs New contractors
2:04 Using Xactimate for Insurance Claims
4:02 Understanding Millennials with Tony Canas
9:06 Improving the Hiring Process
13:51 Creating a Pathway to Success
19:05 Preparing 2 Thrive
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions.
Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating.
So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson was written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Contractors are frustrated with the insurance claims process.
Many have found their villain in the various estimating software programs.
Of particular note, Xactimate draws the ire of property restoration contractors. One doesn't have to search far to find a social media rant about the inefficiencies of estimating tools.
BUT, has the listener ever silenced the impulse for blame long enough to consider that Xactimate, and similar estimating resources, are primarily communication platforms?
Join us for a discussion that will help listeners update their mindset and habits regarding estimating tools and approaches.
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast as we share insights for better insurance claims and construction outcomes.
Clips from The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 111, A Simple Formula for Better Construction Estimates.
Nicole Humber, CEO of Bravo Restoration in Windsor, California, joined the DYOJO Podcast to share some inspiring words for aspiring construction professionals. Nicole says, "If you don't have a leader that is invested in your growth, then you have to invest in yourself." Hear more from Nicole and others on Episode 110 of The DYOJO Podcast as we discuss record-breaking charitable contributions, community outreach, and creative team-building efforts. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.#growthmindset #construction #podcast
Our deep thoughts for construction estimators are brought to us this week by Norm Foster in his book, first published in 1961, Construction Estimates from Take-off to Bid. In this helpful book, Mr. Foster reminds contractors that, “A good estimate is built around a good set of quantities and a proper feeling for cost, rather than being a by-product of statistics.” This is the nexus between the art and the science of construction estimating.
If you want better outcomes from your construction estimates, focus on “a good set of quantities” This aligns with what we have termed “Thorough Data Capture” or TDC and “a proper feeling for cost” which mirrors what we have termed “Accurate Data Input” or ADI. Stick around as we discuss a simple formula for better construction estimates.
IN EPISODE 111 of The DYOJO Podcast
0:00 Deep thoughts for construction estimators
2:47 Career growth tips with Nicole Humber
4:48 Learning from restoration history with Cliff Zlotnik
11:48 Three critical elements of a construction project
16:45 The importance of communication
21:37 All estimates are data-driven
28:01 Simplifying the estimating process
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions.
Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating.
So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson was written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
This week we will discuss record-breaking efforts by contractors who care for their local communities. We will share some creative ways business owners and managers can connect with clients and engage their employees.
In This Episode #110
0:00 Contractors break charitable record
0:56 Creative community and team engagement
5:40 SOCKTember 2023 results
10:24 Kate Cinnamo on educating young people
14:22 Record breaking sock raising efforts
19:38 Nicole Humber on breaking the glass ceiling
27:31 Thank you to SOCKTember participants and contributors
SOCKTEMBER 2023
Thirty-eight teams, from Canada and the United States, many of whom were new to the competition, worked diligently during the month of September to enlist their teams and communities to help them raise socks. SOCKTember 2023 set a new world record raising and donating 72,441 pairs of NEW socks. In four years this brings the total of NEW socks raised and donated to charitable organizations to 202,167.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions.
Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating.
So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson was written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Opening - Sinister by Anno Domini Beats
Episode 109 of The DYOJO Podcast, we are talking about construction opportunities. Our main story centers around an October 16, 2023 announcement from the White House. This press release outlines new actions on home ownership including $16 billion dollars designated for housing and rehabilitation.
CONSTRUCTION STORIES:
President Biden proposed $16 billion for the Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit, which would result in more than 400,000 homes built or rehabilitated, creating a pathway for more families to buy a home and start building wealth.
The market is in flux right now, especially the housing market. For contractors looking to diversify their portfolio, it may be time to freshen up on what it looks like to work with the federal, state, and local government agencies that are looking to spend this “Build Back America” money.
This story shows that at least some of those proceeds, if not additional funding, will be going into the residential market for housing assistance, hopefully, more people will be able to get into affordable housing, as well as housing rehabilitation, allowing homeowners to access low-interest loans for safety, accessibility, and necessary renovations to their existing homes.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.
EPISODE 109:
0:00 President Biden announces $16 billion for housing
0:58 Lessons learned from Detamore and RJC
4:07 The temptation of the big construction payout 7:15 Rehabilitation and 203(k) loans
10:32 Unique opportunities for contractors
13:53 Federal, state, and local government contracts
16:23 Closing thoughts and natural gas bans
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.
Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions.
Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating.
So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson, written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration.
MUSIC
Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXOpening - Organic Guitar House by Dyalla
CREDITS
The DYOJO Podcast is produced by The DYOJO (D-Y-O-J-O). Host Jon Isaacson, the Intentional Restorer, is an author and contractor based in Puyallup Washington. You can find out more about this podcast, including blog posts with content references, as well as Jon’s books for contractors and other services at thedyojo.com. If you have enjoyed this content, please like, subscribe, and share.
On Episode 108 of The DYOJO Podcast, we are talking about crime and construction. Our main story centers around a burning truck, a missing contractor, and millions of dollars for housing developments being unaccounted for. STORY: Today's construction crime, developer Bret Detamore allegedly faked his disappearance for nearly a week and burned his bright yellow Dodge TRX as a potential cover-up for stealing hundreds of thousands, if not millions, from clients near Houston, Texas. We discuss the timeline and details of this story that started with his wife reporting him missing on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 and the fallout from the many unanswered questions related to this unique event.Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. THANK YOU SPONSORS:EPIC Esitmates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what their good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability. Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration. Washington Business Brokers partners with business owners to confidentially explore selling their business with discreet, objective counsel and insight into market activity and comparable private transactions.Encircle - The only all-in-one field documentation solution. Visually document and present high-quality reports, so there are no questions asked. Their floorplan tool now integrates with Xactimate to create an ESX for estimating. So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? The third book from Jon Isaacson, written to help those wanting to advance their careers in the skilled trades. This book covers the mindsets and habits for construction project management with an emphasis on property restoration. MUSICTheme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXOpening - Forever by Anno Domini Beats
Paul Donald, CEO of Encircle and MANY others join us to discuss how to position your team to cash in on insurance claims and storm response. We will go behind the scenes of IAQ Radio and review lessons learned from industry pioneers and contractor networking events.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 SOCKTember 2023
7:00 Fall PNW Contractors Symposium
10:46 Learning from Pioneers
15:35 Credentials vs Competency
21:23 Cashing in on Storm Response
29:41 Collecting & Using Data
36:54 Reviewer as Accountant
Shoutouts in this episode include: Pete Consigli, Bob Blochinger, Joe Hughes, Cliff Zlotnik, Andy Ask, Ken Larsen, Michelle Blevins, Paul Donald, Geoff Lawson, Lorne McIntyre, Casey Clark, Ralph Moon, Jeremey Beagle, Bendon Ramsey, David Princeton, IAQ Radio, Winter Break, RIA, and FoCKED.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Encircle, the only all-in-one field documentation solution.
EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member!
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Last Episode 106 - Productivity Part 2 - Accountability & Leadership with Geoff Lawson
Everyone talks about ACCOUNTABILITY, but what does it mean to create it within an organization?
Our guest Geoff Lawson (Auburn, WA) shares his experiences with hiring, training, and developing skilled trades teams. In part two of this discussion on productivity, we will dive into elements such as:
-
Developing your leadership skills
-
Collaborating with team members to develop standards
-
Working with the incoming workforce
-
Accountability, training, and team discipline
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Productivity Part 2 with Geoff Lawson
2:35 Join the SOCK-side for SOCKTember 2023
4:01 The importance of quality control
8:15 Collaborating to create team standards
12:22 HISTORY: A chat with Lloyd Weaver's sons
16:53 Practical accountability within an organization
21:54 Working with the incoming workforce
Appearances and shoutouts in this episode include:
Michelle Blevins
Kelsey Isaacson Pete Consigli
Cliff Zlotnik
Jim Thompson
Lloyd Weaver, Jr
Lance Weaver Ben Justesen Brendon Rumsey
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member!
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Last Episode 105 - Productivity Part 1 - Training & Expectations with Geoff Lawson
Our guest Geoff Lawson and host Jon Isaacson discuss examples from relational leaders in their career experiences that helped them develop their own approaches to becoming better managers.
Hear more on Episode 105 of The DYOJO Podcast titled Productivity Part 1 - Training and Expectations.
Excerpt from "So, You Want To Be A Project Manager" by Jon Isaacson, available on Amazon (thedyojo.com/book3)
Productivity leads to profitability. Our guest Geoff Lawson (Auburn, WA) shares his experiences with hiring, training, and developing skilled trades teams. In part one of this discussion on productivity we will dive into elements such as:
- Training team members to excel
- Reducing friction through clear expectations
- Increasing profitability by understanding time as a metric
- Personal leadership examples
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 105 Productivity Part 1 - Training and Expectations
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Productivity Part 1 with Geoff Lawson
2:07 Restoration History with Michelle Blevins and Pete Consigli
* WATCH the full episode "The History of Restoration" on Restoration Today from C&R Magazine
7:46 Using time as a productivity metric
16:32 Reducing friction with management expectations
21:04 Understanding production rates in estimating
27:29 Clarity, consistency, and accountability
30:31 Unleash the power of relational leadership
Appearances and shoutouts in this episode include:
- Michelle Blevins
- Pete Consigli
- John Pletcher
- Cliff Zlotnik
- Jeff Cross
- Tom McGuire
- Ben Justesen
- Brendon Rumsey
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member!
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX Last
Episode 104 - Busy But Bankrupt with Brendon Rumsey
What factors cause contractors to lose their businesses? We discuss some of the unique challenges restoration contractors face when working on insurance claims as well as some of the creative solutions that have helped our guest Brendon Rumsey grow by twenty percent annually.
In Episode 103 Bredon shared the interesting story of how he wandered into roofing repairs and working with insurance companies. That story involved a Craigslist meetup and a cup of McDonald's coffee. For this episode he discusses that despite significant revenue growth and being busy his company was on the verge of bankruptcy.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Busy But Bankrupt
8:17 Defending Your Position
20:22 No One Else Is Doing This
28:50 Enough is Enough
34:20 Best Practices
36:25 Boo-Boo Policies
construction #insurance #bankruptcy #growth #podcast
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member!
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
As a continuation of our discussion with Brendon Rumsey (Rumsey Construction & Restoration, South Carolina) from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 103, we elaborate on:
- The importance of contractors understanding their costs (Direct and Indirect) so that they can customize their pricing to meet their goals.
- The value of meeting locally with other contractors to discuss issues and creative solutions (while not overstepping legal boundaries).
- The benefits of a strong national association, like the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), and their ability to advocate and develop resources for contractors. We discuss a few of those tools created by volunteers and subject matter experts through the Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee (AGA).
Will there be One Price To Rule Them All?
Catch up on Episode 103 and join us next week for Episode 104 as we dive deeper into the topic of defending your pricing as a contractor without being defensive.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Sponsored by EPIC Estimates, Advocate Claim Service, Restoration Technical Institute (RIA), Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and How To Suck Less At Estimating by Jon Isaacson.
TheDYOJO.com
Is your position defensible or are you just being defensive?
Our guest Brendon Rumsey, Rumsey Construction & Restoration (South Carolina) joins us to discuss some of his experiences with getting into property restoration (insurance claims), collaborating with local contractors, and learning to defend your pathway to profitability as a contractor.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 An odd way to start
2:23 A rooftop confrontation with State Farm
12:18 From rooftops to water damage mitigation
16:47 Water damage symposium in Washington
18:21 On the verge of bankruptcy
23:31 Connecting locally with national resources
contractor #insurance #claims #podcast
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
EPIC Estimates, winner of the RIA's 2023 Contractor's Choice Award, specializes in writing Xactimate™ and Symbility estimates with speed, precision, and professionalism.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is excited to offer a new First Time Contractor Member discount program making it more affordable than ever to become a member!
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Are you a contractor in the Pacific Northwest (PNW)?
We are hosting our first half-day water damage and insurance claims symposium in Edmonds, Washington on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. This event will feature three Ted-talk style presentations from subject matter experts.
- Joyce Gabriel - Landall (Tacoma) and Expert (Olympia)
- Colby Wynn - Affordable Restoration (Everett)
- John Walker, Jr. - MAS Solutions (Seattle)
Our speakers will be discussing optimizing technology for mitigation excellence, creative solutions for challenging water damage scenarios, and where water damage insurance claims go bad.
If you'd like to know more about that or how you can support that you can go to thedyojo.com/events
waterdamage #insurance #claims #propertyrestoration #contractor #education #workshop #training
We discuss the power of contractors connecting at the local, regional, and national levels. Our guest Brendon Rumsey (South Carolina) discusses his experiences with starting a local contractor's networking group, utilizing resources from the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), and defending his business practices in court.
In This Video:
0:00 Defending your construction business
0:57 Local and regional networking groups
5:00 Customizing your construction pricing
8:36 Contractor advocacy
Stay tuned as we will discuss these topics and MORE in greater detail on the next episode of The DYOJO Podcast. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
Contractors face many challenges. Friend of the show, Michelle Blevins, returns for Episode 102 of The DYOJO Podcast to discuss some creative ways employers and managers can better engage their community as they build a local brand. Michelle discusses authentic leadership, the importance of marketing TO the team as consistently as one markets to clients, and the unique opportunity to join with other restoration contractors for Restoring Kindness during the month of May.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Guest Michelle Blevins of C&R Magazine
2:02 Local, Regional, and National Contractor Networking
7:24 What the heck is Restoring Kindness?
14:09 The Do's and Don'ts of Contractor Marketing
18:26 Simple Budgeting Tips for Project Managers
24:22 Authentic Leadership and Engaging Your Team
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Industry Expo is the industry’s premier event designed to bring together restoration and reconstruction professionals and vendors for networking, education, and discussing the latest industry trends. You won't want to miss this event on April 24-26, 2023 in at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's
Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Some contractors love program work and set up their businesses to attempt to thrive in this revenue stream. Some contractors hate third-party administrators and do everything in their power to avoid anything resembling a TPA agreement. Many contractors have questions about preferred vendor programs and who they can best utilize this resource.
On Episode 101 of The DYOJO Podcast we will discuss some of the good, the bad, and the ugly of program work and the insurance claims emergency services and repairs process. IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 The P Word = Program Work
4:25 Preferred Vendors and Program Work
8:11 Claims Reviewers and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
11:21 Complaining About Compliance
14:51 Restoring Kindness with Michell Blevins
16:16 Moral High Horsing
17:56 Arbitrary Inclusion and Exclusion
21:15 Changing the Insurance Claims Games with David Princeton and Bill Wilson
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Industry Expo is the industry’s premier event designed to bring together restoration and reconstruction professionals and vendors for networking, education, and discussing the latest industry trends. You won't want to miss this event on April 24-26, 2023 in at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida. Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Discussion with David Princeton, Advocate Claim Service, and Bill Wilson, author of When Words Collide, on what contractors and policyholders can do to attempt to equalize the insurance claims games that carriers play.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping Contractors Shorten Their DANG Learning Curve
How often do policyholders with insurance claims have issues where their roof, siding, flooring, kitchen cabinets, or other materials were the same prior to a water or fire damage occurring, but the insurance company is contesting whether they owe for "matching"?
How specific are insurance policies on the definition and execution of matching materials for claims? We discuss this issue and many more with David Princeton, Advocate Claim Service, and Bill Wilson, author of When Words Collide: Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Matching Materials for Insurance Claims
2:13 Alternative Uses for Ozone Machines with Gwyneth Paltrow and IAQ Radio
8:38 Two Insurance Claims Tips with Bill Wilson
12:56 Would You Describe Public Adjusters as Locusts with David Princeton
30:10 An Extreme Interpretation of Insurance Claims Matching
45:34 The Latest Edition of Cleaning & Restoration (C&R) Magazine
49:32 Diminished Value and Insurance Claims
57:21 Roles, Responsibilities, and Hypocrisy during Insurance Negotiations
1:04:00 The Interests in an Insurance Claim (The Claims Standard)
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Industry Expo is the industry’s premier event designed to bring together restoration and reconstruction professionals and vendors for networking, education, and discussing the latest industry trends. You won't want to miss this event on April 24-26, 2023 in at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis went on television to warn consumers about unscrupulous contractors and public adjusters. Patronis referred to them as "locusts" and "predators" that complicate the recovery process.
Patronis says, "The predators are going to come in like a bunch of locusts" while "people are vulnerable."
No one would dispute that there are bad actors in all sectors. What left many people questioning his choice of words was the status of the insurance claims industry in his state. There are predatory practices in the insurance claims industry, Mr. Patronis places a lopsided amount of the blame on two parties in particular, contractors and public adjusters.
This is a clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 100, which includes guests David Princeton (Guest #1), insurance claims advocate and owner of Advocate Claim Service, as well as insurance policy language guru Bill Wilson, who is also the author of "When Words Collide: Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes."
Join us this week as we break down some of Jimmy Patronis' comments and keep your ears open for the full episode number 100 to be released soon. The DYOJO Podcast - Helping Contractors Shorten Their DANG Learning Curve.
Have you observed the popular series Last of Us on HBO Max?
Without spoiling too much of the show, this is a zombie-type thriller where the contagion is not a virus or a bacteria, but a parasitic fungus. Cordyceps, an actual mold known to take over the minds and bodies of entire ant colonies, is the culprit.
In anticipation of the property restoration and mold remediation companies seizing upon the elevated discourse regarding microbial growth due to this pop culture fixture, The DYOJO has created an advertisement as an exemplar. Which mold removal contractor will be the first to utilize the horrors of Last of Us, an apocalyptic thriller set in the near future, to promote their assessment and remediation services?
Join us as we cross between modern cinematic storytelling and real-world horrors in a clip adapted from Episode 99 of The DYOJO Podcast ("Let Us Speak of Moldy Things").
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
On Episode 99 of The DYOJO Podcast, we discuss:
0:00 Let us discuss moldy things
0:58 Pending mold legislation supported by the IICRC
5:18 Holding bad actors accountable within the skilled trades
8:39 Filtering through industry BS with Cliff Zlotnik
11:25 Industry regulation at the state level with Gordy Powell
20:07 Mold in pop culture - Zombie fungal outbreak in Last of Us
27:41 Can your company save the world from Cordyceps?
29:06 Helping young workers bridge the knowledge gap
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Industry Expo is the industry’s premier event designed to bring together restoration and reconstruction professionals and vendors for networking, education, and discussing the latest industry trends. You won't want to miss this event on April 24-26, 2023 in at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
Who is at fault if a "client" signs a contract (or work authorization) but they have no authority or ability to pay?
It only takes getting left holding the bag once for a contractor to realize that there are two critical questions for every construction project.
Want to get paid? Ask these two critical questions:
- Do you have the authority to sign my contract?
- If the answer to the first question is "yes", do you have authority and access to the funds to pay me for the agreed-upon cost of my contract?
On Episode 98 of The DYOJO Podcast, we wrap up a review of an insurance claim from Winter Storm Uri where the contract had to sue the customer, a school district, as they believed they were not paid correctly for their water damage emergency services.
In this video, Bebo Crain and host Jon Isaacson discuss some of the hard lessons learned from being put in awkward positions with customers who either didn't understand the contract or misrepresented their authority to enter into one on behalf of the damaged property. As Bebo says, the simple the agreement, the better. Or even clearer, "The more understood, the better," for all parties involved.
Listen to the rest of Episode 98 or read The DYOJO blog. The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
A good construction contract is not a silver bullet for all customer disputes, but setting clear expectations can help all parties work towards an agreed-upon outcome.
"As a contractor, we're going to be held accountable for what we can prove at that time not necessarily what we actually did. The simpler the better, or the more understood the better." - Bebo Crain
As we continue to wrap up our discussion regarding Robert Jordan Construction (RJC) versus the Arlington Independent School District (AISD), one of the key questions during litigation was whether the two parties ever executed a contract.
For Episode 98 of The DYOJO Podcast, we will review elements of construction contracts, including:
- RJC's claims vs. AISD's fact sheet
- Mutual assent and the meeting of the minds
- A clearly agreed-upon scope and cost of work
- Keeping things simple as a construction professional
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Recap of RJC vs. AISD
4:40 The timeline of events in this case with Bebo Crain
8:50 The initial estimate for services
11:24 What is a large loss with Jim Thompson
20:20 The simpler the better and contracts with Ed Cross
29:45 Do you know what you're doing?
36:39 Closing thoughts with Bebo
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
- Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
- The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Industry Expo is the industry’s premier event designed to bring together restoration and reconstruction professionals and vendors for networking, education, and discussing the latest industry trends. You won't want to miss this event on April 24-26, 2023 in at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida.
- Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme Music - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
This week on The DYOJO Podcast we discuss:
- Book #5 from The DYOJO - Challenge Accepted
- The government’s plan to save us all from gas stoves
- Lessons learned from a missing beam in a 1980’s prison
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 The Power of the Postcard
1:46 An Unnamed Adjuster Talks Matching Materials
8:08 What Are We Working On - Workshop
11:06 Book 5 - Challenge Accepted
19:10 The Government’s Plan to Save Us From Gas Stoves
29:15 One More Tidbit - 1980’s Prisons
34:26 Cutting Edge Tools - The Sony Mavica
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme music "Get Lifted" by Suganuts
Early bird discounts expire SOON. Register yourself or your team to participate in this one-of-a-kind one-day workshop "Lesson Learned from Storm Response and Hurricane Recovery" presented by The DYOJO, Pete Consigli (The Global Restoration Watchdog), and Jon Isaacson (The Intentional Restorer).
WHO: Property restoration contractors, insurance claims professionals, environmental assessors, and building science service providers.
WHAT: One-day workshop, in-person and remote, "Lesson Learned from Storm Reponse and Hurricane Recovery"
WHERE: In-person in Naples, Florida; Remote via Zoom
WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 2023 730am - 530pm EST
HOW: Register via Eventbrite through thedyojo.com
This one-day workshop includes presentations from industry leaders such as:
- The Legal Eagles - David Popper and Justin Peterson
- Remediation Panel - Michael Symula (Assessment) and IAQ Josh Winton (Remediation)
- Restoration Panel - Bob Blochinger (Third-party consultant) and Casey Clark (Contractor)
- Science Panel - Dr. Ralph Moon (Expert witness and researcher) and Jeremy Beagle (Hygienist, IAQA 1st Vice President)
- Shane Bailey (Mechanical contractor)
- Edward Cross (The Restoration Lawyer)
- Peter Crosa (Independent adjuster)
- Special preview presentation of Encircle's data regarding Industry Response for Hurricane Ian (What went Wrong, What went Right?)
- Interactive Workshop Special Guest Moderator Cliff "Z-man" Zlotnik
Approved for continuing education credits (CECs): American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC), Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
How important is moisture documentation? It is the key to getting paid for disaster response and property restoration projects large or small. As we continue our discussion regarding Robert Jordan Construction (RJC) versus the Arlington Independent School District (AISD), it would appear a lack of documentation cost this contractor upwards of $1.2 million dollars.
For Episode 96 of The DYOJO Podcast, we will review elements of water damage documentation, including
- Moisture mapping with Josh Winton
- Moisture science and training with Cliff Zlotnik
- The cost of a lack of documentation with Bebo Crain
If the RJC vs. AISD case intrigues you, please refer to past episodes, including
- Episode 95 - A Tale of Two Contractor Litigation Scenarios
- Episode 93 - Contractors Behaving Badly?
- Episode 92 - Contractor Bankrupted by Storm Response
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Moisture documentation for storm response
0:47 Property restoration litigation
4:54 Shorten, not shortcut, your learning curve with Whitney Wiseman
7:08 Moisture mapping with Josh Winton
12:26 RJC vs AISD agreement and documentation with Bebo Crain
23:57 Drying science and training with Cliff Zlotnik
33:49 Cliff on what Lloyd Weaver would say to the modern restorer
36:15 Setting yourself up for success with Cliff Zlotnik
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme music "Get Lifted" by Suganuts
On a daily basis, intentional restorers are flooded (pun intended) with tidal waves of information. If a restoration contractor wants to learn and perform their duties in a manner that is in step with the best practices in their industry, they have to filter through a lot of misinformation (dare we say, BS). Founding Father, Cliff Zlotnik, shares his perspective on how modern restorers can get a clearer grasp on solid information so they can form and train stellar habits for serving their clients in need.
In a video clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 96, Cliff says, “I think a lot about complication. People can be made to feel helpless. I think that's what happens with a lot of these products. They give you this really sophisticated sales pitch. There are all kinds of numbers with equations and math, and none of us are good at math. People figure that they don't understand it. Therefore, the person who invented it is smarter than them. But it’s not necessarily true.”
Cliff, who has heard it all in his decades of working in this industry, says that filtering through industry information begins with a simple question. He says, “Ask them to explain to you simply. How does it work? Imagine that I'm a six-year-old and explain it to me.” Mr. Zlotnik says if this test was good enough for Albert Einstein it should be good enough for our industry. He continues, “If these people cannot explain it to a six-year-old, they don't understand it themselves.”
Tune in Thursday for the full discussion with Cliff and several others as we discuss the importance of job site documentation. The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
Tune in this Thursday for The DYOJO Podcast as we discuss THREE ITEMS:
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What We're Working On - the Lessons Learned from Storm Response and Hurricane Recovery workshop with G. Pete Consigli, CR, WLS
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In The News - At least 21 independent adjusters are acting as whistleblowers calling out insurance companies for doctoring estimates. Including clips of Attorney Steven Bush interviewing whistleblowers from insurance companies after Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida.
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One More Tidbit - A preview of some content we are developing for the issue of matching materials for insurance claims. This includes snippets from our conversation with Bill Wilson, David Princeton, and an unnamed independent adjuster.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 3 Things
0:58 What We're Working On - Our 1st Workshop
6:25 In The News - 21 Independent Adjusters as Whistleblowers
19:42 One More Tidbit - Matching Materials for Insurance Claims
The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
On Episode 95 of The DYOJO Podcast we discuss A Tale of Two Contractor Litigation Scenarios,
- Tale 1: Robert Jordan Construction v. Arlington Independent School District (Texas)
- Tale 2: Conway Construction v. City of Puyallup (Washington)
These are two very different litigation experiences. We discuss some of the ways that they are similar and mostly the areas where they diverge. We highlight some of the important lessons contractors can learn from both scenarios.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 A Tale of Two Contractor Litigation Scenarios
0:48 Support your local podcasters
4:33 Tale 2 - Conway Construction vs the City of Puyallup
9:14 Two types of contract termination, cause or convenience
17:32 No shortcuts with Whitney Wiseman
19:46 Tale 1 - RJC vs AISD recap with Bebo Crain
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme music "Get Lifted" by Suganuts
In our latest video from The DYOJO Podcast we discuss three things:
- Overcoming the fear of creating content with an article in Property Casualty 360
- Working with the right mentors with Whitney Wiseman
- Becoming an industry expert with Bob Blochinger
IN THIS EPISODE:
- 0:00 Content, Coaches, and Courtrooms
- 0:48 Half-assed contractors - do you agree with Whitney?
- 2:46 Overcoming the fear of creating content with an article in PC360
- 4:40 Working with the right mentors with Whitney Wiseman
- 7:30 Becoming an industry expert with Bob Blochinger
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme music "Get Lifted" by Suganuts
“An expert is somebody who knows what he's talking about through experience, training, and education. You cannot become an expert without all three.” - Bob Blochinger
As a guest for Episode 94 of The DYOJO Podcast, Bob Blochinger shares his thoughts on the roadmap to expertise. For a professional to seek and achieve expertise, they need to be able to:
- Determine whether the information is reliable
- Apply a scientific approach to their journey
- Demonstrate a mastery of relevant knowledge
From his own experience Bob states, “Whatever questions, or problems, or whatever exists that needs explanation or evaluation, the expert needs to know what he's saying and how to explain it so that a regular person can understand.” Josh Winton, aka IAQ Josh, and Pete Consigli join our panel discussion on the roadmap to expertise as well as some great educational events coming up in January 2023.
ON THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Podcast reviews with Ed and Jeff Cross
4:00 IAQ Josh joins the expertise discussion
5:56 Recap of contractor suing schools district for storm response
9:30 Bob Blochingers Pyramid of Expertise (great quote)
16:26 Expert witnesses and the Daubert Standard
21:54 Follow the damn instructions
25:12 Pete Consigli discusses 3 upcoming events in January 2023
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
- Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
- Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme music "Get Lifted" by Suganuts
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What is the opposite of stupid? An expert.
How then does one become a subject matter or construction industry expert?
In this brief video, a promo for Episode 94 of The DYOJO Podcast, "Bavarian" Bob Blochinger shares his thoughts on what it means to be an expert. Bob believes in a triangle of success, "Expert is somebody who knows what he's talking about through experience, training, and education." As a member of the infamous Moisture Mob, Bob reminds all industry professionals, "You cannot become an expert without all three."
Josh Winton, aka IAQ Josh, joins the discussion with Pete Consigli, the Global Restoration Watchdog. Josh shares his thoughts on those who call themselves "experts" and Pete introduces two upcoming events that will help listeners not to be stupid.
The week of January 23, 2023, in Naples, Florida, the guests on our podcast are participating in a three-day event with robust opportunities to learn from a wealth of building science experts and storm damage response leaders. and
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Pete Consigli will be facilitating the Andrew Ask Building Science Symposium (aka Winter Break 2023 - Tuesday, January 24th - Wednesday, January 25th).
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Pete and Jon Isaacson (The DYOJO) will be hosting a one-day workshop Lessons Learned from Storm Response and Hurricane Recovery (Thursday, January 26th). Both Bob and Josh will be presenting at this event.
Read more about these events from The DYOJO blog and stay tuned for more information from The DYOJO Podcast.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
Tune in to The DYOJO Podcast for some exciting news about THREE EXCLUSIVE EVENTS:
Check out TheDYOJO.com/blog for information and links:
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Eventbrite Link for the LIVE recording of The DYOJO Podcast on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 12pm PST - Guests include Pete Consigli, Bob Blochinger, IAQ Josh Winton
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The DYOJO Watchdogs Neighborhood Cardigan Party on Monday evening, January 23, 2023 in Naples, Florida - an opportunity to meet some of the historic figures who have built up the property restoration and the building science industries.
This event will kick off the Ask Andrew Building Science Symposium (aka the Building Science Winter Break 2023) Tuesday, January 24 and Wednesday, January 25, 2023. A highlight of this Symposium will be a four-member Pioneers of Building Science Panel featuring Joe Lstiburek, Gary Nelson, Neil Moyer, and John Tooley.
Read more in the Cleanfax Magazine article on AABSS 2023
- The DYOJO Hurricane Ian Workshop on Thursday, January 26th, 2023 in Naples, Florida. Pete Consigli is working to put together an education-packed panel of specialists who address various aspects of hurricane and storm disaster response. This is a great time to be in Florida, as Bob Blochinger says, "We don't have winter."
IN THIS VIDEO:
0:00 Pete Consigli addresses The DYOJO Nation
2:17 Exclusive invites for The DYOJO Nation
3:43 AABSS walk through with Pete
5:06 Be there or be square
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme music "Get Lifted" by Suganuts
The DYOJO Podcast introduced a series of episodes covering the lawsuit between Robert Jordan (RJ) Construction and the Arlington Independent School District (AISD). According to RJC they brought suit for underpayment of a 2021 emergency response at Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas following the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri. We are diving into the court documents and internet content to draw out the lessons contractors can learn from this unfortunate experience.
- In episode 92, the DYOJO team and guests introduced the preceding events and the outline of the case currently being litigated in the court of appeals for the second district of Texas.
- In episode 93 we will explore the backstory of Robert Jordan and his award-winning construction company.
Whether contractors "chase storms" by responding to national catastrophes such as the devastation left by Hurricane Ian, or provide aid during regional events such as the one we are talking about in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri (2021), or are simply working on projects where there are multiple representatives involved in the decision-making matrix, there are lessons to be learned from this unfortunate story. The DYOJO team has poured over the available court documents and a key component of this case centers around what constitutes a contractual agreement.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 RJC vs AISD recap
2:30 Discussion with Michelle Blevins (C&R Magazine)
3:25 Introducing Robert Jordan with Bebo Crain
8:36 New article series "Myths of O&P" with C&R Magazine
12:06 Is this an instance of a contractor behaving badly?
18:00 Twenty other contractors were paid, why not RJC?
21:11 An invite behind the scenes
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Theme music "Get Lifted" by Suganuts
Restorers Raise OVER 57,000 Socks for Local Charities
If a few local contractors combined forces to ask friends, vendors, and service partners to donate pairs of NEW socks, how many could they raise? In 2020, professionals from various industries in Washington state assembled five teams to test the concept of competitive sock-raising for local charitable organizations. Originally, this group of do-gooders thought it would be awesome to raise and donate over 1,000 pairs of socks. They discovered that they had a simple, and scaleable idea, that brought teams together, elevated spirits, and made an impact in their local communities.
In 2020, the first year of SOCKTember, five teams in Washington State raised over 5,500 pairs of socks and donated them to local charities.
In 2021, the second year of SOCKTember, 39 teams in 2 countries raised over 66,000 pairs of socks and donated them to local charities.
Last year On Side Restoration joined the competition to expand The DYOJO Podcast annual SOCKTember to an international event. New pairs of socks have been raised and donated in at least 15 communities across these two nations. The combined offices of On Side Restoration raised over 33,000 socks and distributed those to charitable organizations from Vancouver in the West to Montreal in the East.
SOCKTember 2022 questions that must be answered now that all of the socks have been counted:
Question 1
Were we able to raise over 100,000 pairs of NEW socks in 2022? The answer is no. Does this mean we failed? The answer is no. But, we will need YOUR HELP to reach this goal next year. Every single pair of NEW socks is a win and a donation that brings our industry closer together through the combined efforts of our competitors and does good in our local communities.
Question 2
Were we able to beat the 2021phenomenal haul of NEW socks? The answer is no. But we still raised a TON of socks, literally and figuratively.
Question 3
Were those valiant Sisters for Socks able to three-peat? The answer is no. This back-to-back (2020 & 2021) winning team is led by Allstars Lindsey Ward (Reliable Contents Services) and Sarah Roberts (ServiceMaster of Tacoma). We know they will be back next year with a vengeance.
Question 4
Who won the third annual SOCKTember event?
Fifth place, with 4,968 pairs of NEW socks, The Best DANG Sock-Raising Team in Pierce County led by David Kean (Arken), Diane Salz (Seattle Contents), and Jon Isaacson (ARES Restoration)
Fourth place, with 6,394 pairs of NEW socks, On Side Restoration - Edmonton
Third place, with 7,021 pairs of NEW socks, Sock Unicorns led by Pierce County realtors Kelsey Isaacson and Joe Vego
Second place, with 8,144 pairs of NEW socks (nearly doubling their sock-haul from last year), On Side Restoration - Red Deer
The winning team this year joined the competition in 2021 and raised a total of 36 pairs of NEW socks. This year, their team returned to the competition with their eyes on the prize and were able to raise a current record of 11,160 pairs of NEW socks. The team behind the Laval office of On Side Restoration are the 2022 SOCKTember Champions! Their record-breaking efforts bring the total quantity of NEW socks raised and donated to local charitable organizations throughout the United States and Canada to 57,791.
The hard work of all of the On Side Restoration offices brings their country's total to 38,881 which means that IF we were competing nation vs. nation, Canada would be the 2022 victor. Which is where YOU come in. Next year we would like to expand this event to at least one other country - Europe and/or Australia, are you reading this? We would like to have competitions at the international, regional, state-by-state, and team-by-team levels.
SOCKTember fits well into the fall plans for those participating in Restoring Kindness as a means of
An unexpected winter vortex rips through Arlington, Texas in February 2021 causing incredible damage throughout the South. Contractor Erick Hernandez who works in the Houston area notes that in the days prior everything seemed normal. Like many Texans, Erick was scrambling to save his home from the effects of freezing conditions and widespread lack of power.
RJ Construction (RJC), a local contractor, hears of damage sustained at Sam Houston High School. According to owner Robert Jordan, "My company sprung into action. Over the course of days, near round-the-clock work, Sam Houston was dried in and dehumidifier." Even though RJC says that certain school officials guaranteed that they would get the company paid and thanked them for their work, Jordan says that they have not been paid for their invoice totaling over $1.2 million dollars.
RJC has sued the Arlington Independent School District (AISD). So, I invited Bebo Crain (Jonesboro, AR) to review the court documents with me so that we can extract as many lessons to help contractors shorten their DANG learning curve as possible. As Bebo says, "It's hard to drive from the backseat after the ride is over," but we will do our best to share the many lessons that can be learned from this case.
This upcoming series of episodes on The DYOJO Podcast will reveal information that will help contractors respond to everyday insurance claims, regional damage events (such as Winter Storm Uri from 2021), and catastrophe responses (such as Hurricane Ian in 2022).
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Episode 92
1:50 Customer used contractors estimate to hire someone cheaper
3:20 A new series - RJC vs. AISD
5:55 RJC's YouTube video received over 33,000 views
9:06 Winter Storm Uri timeline
12:04 Input from Houston contractor Erick Hernandez
15:13 "It's hard to drive from the backseat after the ride is over" - Bebo Crain
18:05 Breaking down the response with Bebo
22:51 Questions about insurance coverage during storm response
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
What happens when an emergency water damage response is provided by a contractor BUT there is a disagreement when it comes time to collect payment for work completed?
The customer says, "Thank you for helping us BUT..."
Recently, one such issue came across the desk here at The DYOJO Podcast between RJ Construction (RJC) and the Arlington Independent School District (AISD).
RJC claims they dehumidified about 450,000 square feet of wet air within Sam Houston High School (Arlington, TX) for what they believed was an agreed-upon price of $2.50 per square foot, plus some expenses.
The total amount invoiced by RJC at the completion of their work was $1,245,600.
When the school district delayed on payment, owner Robert Jordan took his case to the local community and to YouTube. RJC's initial video on the dispute received over 33,000 views.
Jordan states, "I believed the AISD board could be trusted. So, my company went into action. Over the course of days, working around the clock, Sam Houston High School was dried and dehumidified. We did the job we were hired to do."
Those watching the videos or reading the court filing with an open mind may agree that RJ Construction acted in what they perceived to be "good faith" to aid a client in need while forgoing many of their standard operating procedures.
Those reading the Fact Sheet from the school district with some experience in these circumstances will recognize waypoints in the process that may have helped both parties reach a better outcome.
Tune in on Thursdays to The DYOJO Podcast as we dig further into this story and help contractors shorten their DANG learning curve.
Contractor, if YOU do not value YOUR time, no one else will.
Contractors must value their time. Contractors must set a precedence so that the customer will value their time. A customer will waste a contractor's time without thinking twice about it. Some of them don't care, but many of them don't understand. You must understand the real costs that go into all of your services, including things that you think are good marketing items such as offering FREE estimates.
How often does a contractor write an estimate only to have a customer use the detailed scope and cost to hire someone cheaper?
We will discuss creative ways that contractors are being clear and consistent with their client intake, onboarding, and sales processes. At a minimum, contractors need to understand their costs in offering FREE estimates. When a contractor provides an estimate they have actual costs in providing this service, items such as travel, fuel, time, and resources spent. With limited time to spend, the contractor should also understand the drain on opportunity costs. What could a contractor have spent that same time doing if they weren't wasting time on a bad lead?
How much additional work and revenue could you add to your load if you reduced the amount of time wasted on the wrong "customers"?
This is PART 2 of a conversation that we started on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 90. The listener will hear from more peers in the construction industry as well as a deeper dive (as promised) into the implementation of the Letter of Intent (LOI). We will also share a portion of a slideshow presentation on the cost of wasted time and the potential gains of more intentionally applying that time to productive activities for your company. Reduce the time that you spend with tire kickers so that you can grow your business with people who actually have a scope of work in mind and a realistic budget that they are willing to work with.
When the contractor is the only one with "skin in the game" they often are the ones left "holding the bag"; it's time to do better.
In this episode:
0:00 What is a contractor's time worth?
1:50 Recap of TDP 90 - The MYTH of FREE Estimates
3:20 The consultation or staged approach
6:30 Our sponsors
8:20 Testing the LOI with Restoration Rundown
13:00 Assignment of Benefits with Dave Mason & Ed Cross
17:24 A breakdown of the costs of wasted time
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Thank You To Our Sponsors:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
What Contractor Isn't Familiar With This Frustrating Story...
A contractor takes a call for service from a new client. After a brief conversation, they set up a time to inspect the customer's home. The contractor drives to the worksite (30 minutes). While onsite the contractor spends 30-60 minutes discussing the project with the customer, performing a detailed inspection of the conditions, taking measurements, documenting scope items, and listening to what the customer wants to have completed. The contractor drives back to their shop (30 minutes). The contractor spends at least 30-60 minutes researching products, creating an estimate with sufficient scope and cost details to reflect the vision of the customer and sends that to them for review. After a day or two the contractor follows up with the customer, there is a delay in response, and finally the customer notifies them that while they appreciate all of the details the contractor provided they were able to hire someone who could do the work for significantly cheaper.
Is this just a "cost of doing business" or is there a BETTER WAY?
Episode 91 of The DYOJO Podcast will be part 2 of a discussion that we started in Episode 90 on whether contractors should charge for their estimates. For Episode 91 we will continue to review various approaches by construction professionals including providing FREE estimates, getting contracts signed prior to dispatch, using a Letter of Intent (LOI), or other means. At the end of the day, the contractor does well to develop and consistently follow a thorough screening process for all new clients so that they know what they are committing themselves to.
If the contractor does not value their own time, NO ONE ELSE WILL.
In this video promo for Episode 91 of The DYOJO Podcast:
0:00 Customers using a contractor's estimate to hire someone cheaper
0:50 Using a Letter of Intent (LOI) to screen customers
1:40 The 4 Modes of Profitability for Contractors (C&R Magazine)
2:35 Pricing feedback for restoration contractors (Cleanfax video clip) - this is a standalone video that will NOT be in the podcast episode. Watch the full 5 minute video on the ISSA Media / Cleanfax Magazine Take 5 with Jeff Cross platform
3:55 A breakdown of the cost of wasted time for contractors
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Thank You To Our Sponsors:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
Would you say that wasting time is a challenge in your business? On the last episode of The DYOJO Podcast, I made a promise that we would dive deeper into this concept of the Letter of Intent (LOI).
Contractors often debate on whether they should be
- Charging for estimates or providing them for free
- Getting a contract signed before an inspection
- Or various hybrid approaches
For a guest appearance with Ben Ricciardi on the Restoration Rundown podcast, we introduced an approach that we are using in our contracting business; the LOI. In addition to the podcast, Ben also released a book that is an excellent resource for property restoration contractors. The No Bullsht Guide To Internet Marketing For Restoration Contractors. The title tells the reader exactly what is in the book.
Should Contractors be Charging for Estimates?
We discuss some thoughts from various contractors on how they approach estimating.
- One contractor states, “I've done 14 estimates in four days. And I think it comes with the game, you gotta take the good with the bad, I could never see myself charging someone for an estimate.”
- Another one says, “I drove two hours to a location, gave him a quote and drove two hours back home client didn't even respond to me.”
- A contractor raises a good point, “I think of it from a different angle in my business. Why am I not closing these deals?” Follow up with your customers and do your best to close the deal while you are still in the customer’s home. “Just writing proposals and hoping people go with you is a recipe for disaster as business owners, we have to sell it and work at it from every angle.”
If YOU don’t value your time, NO ONE else will.
Each contractor has to decide what process works for their organization. One thing that should not be negotiable is a clear and consistent client intake process. Ask your clients consistent and thorough questions so that each time you onboard them you have a clear idea of what you are committing to.
Next episode of The DYOJO Podcast and upcoming events:
- We will share more about the Letter of Intent (LOI) as an approach to qualifying clients
- We will discuss various approaches with contractors around the country including one controversial approach within the insurance claims industry
- Our article should be coming out soon in C&R magazine the first in a multi-part series with Ben justice in Anthony Nelson and Edward cross. My first article will be The 4 Modes of Profitability for the Contractor
- EVENT in Washington State: On November 2nd, 2022 we are planning to host a watching party for the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Fall Technical Conference
- EVENT in Illinois: If you are in the Chicago area the first week of October, the RIA is hosting a one-day Regional Focus Group followed by a three-day technical training
Thank you to our sponsors: the IICRC, Advocate Claim Service, and How To Suck Less At Estimating
There's a lot of back and forth on socials about whether contractors should be charging for estimates. Before we can argue this point, we need to define a few terms.
- Estimate. An estimate is also known as an informed guesstimate; a rough (non-binding) verbal quote based upon the parameters provided.
- Proposal or bid. A declaration of the scope and estimated cost (binding) based upon a greater level of detail, typically following a site inspection by the bidder.
If you provide something verbal, an educated guess of an estimate, based upon rough details provided by the client, then a FREE (non-binding) estimate may be appropriate. "Based on what you have described to me, your rough cost would be in the range of $______ and $______. If it sounds like we understand your scope and the numbers are in your budget range, would you like to discuss the next steps for having an estimator perform a more detailed inspection followed by a written proposal?
There is no such thing as a free lunch, someone is paying. STOP perpetuating the MYTH of the free estimate. In the free estimate scenario, you pay all the costs to bid on the work. AT A MINIMUM, please screen your clients so you know what you are getting into. We discussed the Client Intake Process in Episode 86 of The DYOJO Podcast. If you have a clear, thorough, and consistent process for client intake, you will generate credibility with the client and set your team up for success. You will know whether the juice (Free Estimate) is worth the squeeze (Your actual costs of inspecting, writing, and producing a free estimate).
THIS IS A CLIP FROM THE DYOJO PODCAST EPISODE 90
-
Article - "The Four Modes of Profitability for The Contractor" in an upcoming in-print version of C&R Magazine
-
Blog post - TheDYOJO.com/blog
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Thank You To Our Sponsors:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
As an entrepreneur in the skilled trades, what do you want?
- You want to feed your family.
- You want your business to have a fighting chance at success.
- You want to compete year-to-year.
For Episode 89 of The DYOJO Podcast, we discuss Profitability, Project Lifecycles, and introduce the Letter of Intent (LOI) as we grow our businesses.
As we discussed in a prior episode (86) the client intake process starts a chain of COMMUNICATION that will set your team down the right path for clear and consistent DOCUMENTATION. As a business owner and manager, you have to first lead by example in setting up the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your organization. If you lead, they will follow.
In an upcoming series of articles that will be in the in-print version of C and R Magazine (C&R) discussing MISCONCEPTIONS about Overhead and Profit (O&P). Ben Justesen, Anthony Nelson, Edward Cross, and I will be collaborating to help contractors understand how to understand and build your O&P TOOLKIT.
In this episode:
0:00 Project Lifecycle Sequences
7:15 Letter of Intent (LOI)
10:10 The Restoration Triangle
15:30 The Four Modes of Profitability
-
Article - "The Four Modes of Profitability for The Contractor" in an upcoming in-print version of Cleanfax Magazine
-
Blog post - TheDYOJO.com/blog
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Thank You To Our Sponsors:
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.
Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.
Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.
We discuss profitability, profits, and introduce the letter of intent as we grow our businesses
What do we all want as contractors? We want to provide a good service and be paid for our work. Where does this process start? As we discuss on Episode 86 of The DYOJO Podcast, positive project outcomes start with a clear and consistent client intake process.
OVERHEAD & PROFIT
The client intake process also initiates the data collection process. The gathering, interpretation, and application of solid data is critical to helping an entrepreneur make good business decisions. If you want to be profitable as an organization you must manage the project lifecycle sequences. We begin this discussion on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 89 as well as a series of articles on overhead and profit that myself, Ben Justesen, Anthony Nelson, and Ed Cross will be releasing for the in-print version of C&R Magazine.
LETTER OF INTENT
Contractor's often discuss whether they should be charging for estimates. Some of the options include:
- Offering free inspections and estimates as a marketing tool
- Charging for inspections and estimates to cover expenses
- Getting a contract signed prior to inspection and estimation
- Using a letter of intent (LOI) to screen clients prior to scheduling an inspection
We talk rather frequently with contractors about this concept of the Letter of Intent or LOI. We will introduce this resource during Episode 89 and will go into further detail in the following episode.
FOUR MODES OF PROFITABILITY
Our competition as contractors isn't even necessarily with the market, but with ourselves. We want to grow our company by laying a foundation. If you want to be a profitable company, it's important to understand some of these concepts that lead towards profitability. So that's why we're tying a lot of this together, from:
- The new client intake process (TDP 86)
- The project lifecycles (TDP 89)
- The Four Modes of Profitability (TDP 89 and an upcoming series of articles in C&R Magazine)
I'm working on the first in a series of articles with C&R magazine that's going to touch on some of those elements of overhead and profit. My contribution, the working title is The Four Modes of Profitability for Contractors.
There's an infographic coming out from Restoration Industry Association (RIA) that will also be a helpful tool for contractors as they work through the process of developing and growing their team. Within that tool there are definitions and visual aides such as these two:
- Revenue is the income you earn by selling your products and services.
- Your gross profit is your sales price minus your cost of goods sold, we also call those COGS or your direct costs.
These resources are designed to help shorten your DANG learning curve and to build your company through those stages of profitability. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast.
In this podcast conversation with Josh Zolin, I asked our guest if there was a recent business or leadership catchphrase that bugged him, without skipping a beat he said,
"Yes! Give it your best effort."
Josh is an advocate for helping young people recognize opportunities in the skilled trades, which is the impetus behind his book and podcast, both by the same name, Blue is the New White. As prominent as he has become as an author, podcast host, and speaker, Josh is also the owner of the rapidly growing WCE in Phoenix, Arizona where he is currently implementing the leadership challenge he shared.
This thought-provoking question that Mr. Zolin dropped during our discussion has caused me to think through our understanding and implementation of EFFORT versus RESULTS in our local contracting company, ARES Restoration based in Puyallup, Washington. Josh continues, "This was a big mindset shift for me. Look, it's a good indication of character. But that's about where it ends."
The episode also introduces the article that will be released in Cleanfax Magazine titled Goals, Effort and Results, Developing Your Team. In preparing for this podcast episode, I did some research. I found an article called The Effort Effect from Stanford magazine. In addition to our discussion with Mr. Zolin, we're going to be talking about the research efforts of a professor of psychology, Carol Dweck.
“The best results are achieved by using the right amount of effort in the right place at the right time. And this right amount is usually less than we think we need.” - Tony Buzan
For The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 88 we consider this question from Josh Zolin and review several others, such as the one above from Tony Buzan, with Kelsey Isaacson, a successful realtor in Pierce County, Washington. It is important for people in a position of leadership to question whether what they believe, practice and reward is leading their team down the right path to achieving their shared goals. Dweck's research uncovered many interesting insights about goals, performance, and achievement which we will discuss in this episode and dive deeper into for the Cleanfax article.
As people in a position of leadership, it is important to take a step back and determine, with brutal honesty, whether we are developing the right mindset and habits for success; both for ourselves as well as for our teams.
This episode includes discussions with and/or about: Josh Zolin Kelsey Isaacson Carol Dweck Robert More Achievement Goal Theory Performance Goals aka Entity Theory Mark Cuban Tony Guzan Charles J. Givens Ernest Shackleton In this episode:
0:00 Josh Zolin - author, podcaster, speaker, and contractor 1:35 Sponsors of The DYOJO Podcast 4:45 Carol Dweck's research on the growth mindset 11:45 Is "give it your best effort" a good metric for business? 17:00 "Nothing worthwhile comes easy..." 21:50 Developing your culture and team for growth 25:20 SOCKTember 2022 30:00 Fake empathy and the importance of candor 49:00 Making empty promises during interviews
More on this topic: * Article - source material for Carol Dweck's research "The Effort Effect" from Stanford Magazine - https://stanfordmag.org/contents/the-effort-effect * Article - "Goals, Effort, and Results: Developing Your Team" in an upcoming in-print version of Cleanfax Magazine * Blog post - TheDYOJO.com/blog
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Thank You To Our Sponsors: * The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. * Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim
For the upcoming Episode 88 of The DYOJO Podcast, we have a conversation with a returning guest who shared a thought-provoking question that I believe all leadership teams should consider, “Which is more important, effort or results?”
Josh Zolin is an advocate for helping young people recognize opportunities for gainful employment and career development within the skilled trades. This passion is the impetus behind his book and podcast, both by the same name, Blue is the New White. As prominent as Josh has become as an author, podcast host, and speaker, he is also the owner of the rapidly growing WCE in Phoenix, Arizona where he is implementing the leadership challenge that he shared.
This teaser video gives you a glimpse of our discussion on the intersection between goals, effort, and results as you develop your team. Be sure to check out the article Goals, Effort, and Results: Developing Your Team by Jon Isaacson and published in Cleanfax Magazine.
In this content clip:
0:00 Josh Zolin drops a thought-provoking bomb
1:30 Psychology professor Carol Dweck weighs in
2:14 Kelsey Isaacson squares up with Mark Cuban
3:17 Pennies for your business growth
4:25 Join us for the 3rd Annual SOCKTember Competition
5:55 Curse words and question marks
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
This content is sponsored by the new best-selling book, How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes by Jon Isaacson.
Property restoration historian and watchdog, Pete Consigli, writes, "Lloyd [Weaver] introduced the first specialty designed Porta Dryer for on-location wet carpet drying. While that might not seem like much in today's sophisticated world, 35 years ago (written in 2007) Lloyd's methodology challenged the rug cleaning establishment and its in-plant wet carpet service." Lloyd Weaver is an icon of the water damage restoration industry, he is the man behind many of the core inventions of the modern age of property restoration as well as an early educator who trained many other industry contributors; as well as butted heads with a few others.
This is an extended clip, with new content, from a prior conversation (Episode 87) with another industry Founding Father, Cliff Zlotnik. Writing for Cleaning and Restoration (C&R) Magazine in March 2007, Pete Consigli identified Martin "Marty" L. King, Lloyd Weaver, Cliff Zlotnik, and Claude Blackburn as the Four Faces on Mount Restoration. This video includes some additional footage with Cliff, Jim Thompson as well as part of our conversation with Lloyd Weaver's two sons and grandson, all of whom are still active in the industry.
Learn more at PropertyRestorationHistory.com
In this video:
0:00 Lloyd Weaver
1:00 Lloyd invents the Porta Dryer
2:50 A discussion with Lloyd's two sons
6:45 Cliff learns water damage from professor Weaver
9:10 Cliff & Lloyd as business partners
11:00 Mr. Weaver learned through trial and error
12:30 Lloyd's restoration industry friends
YouTube.com/thedyojo 12am PST Thursdays
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
Advocate Claim Service (ACS)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve. New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog
Additional Resources from The DYOJO:
BRAND NEW: How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes (book 4)
Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
So, You Want To Be A Project Manager (book 3)
Property Restoration History dot com
Industry icon and property restoration founding father Cliff Zlotnik can be heard weekly on the O.G.'s of industry podcasting, IAQ Radio. Among his many contributions to the professional practice of water and fire damage remediation, Cliff developed an anti-microbial product that was ubiquitous in the industry. There was a time when you would be hard pressed to find a carpet cleaning extraction van or water damage emergency response vehicle that didn't have at least one gallon of Microban on the shelf (or rattling around in the cabin). For this week's episodes of The DYOJO Podcast (#87) Cliff shares a few stories about this product, some historical figures, and a few other nuggets of wisdom that will be of great benefit to intentional restorers.
In this episode
0:00
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 87
5:30
I put that Microban on everything
13:00
Cleaning vs. disinfecting vs. sanitizing
24:00
Lloyd Weaver - Restoration Founding Father
28:30
Martin "Marty" L. King - Restoration Founding Father
35:30
Ed York - Founder of IICRC
40:30
Thoughts from Cliff for the modern restorer
The podcast includes clips from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 60 and Episode 81.
Pop-ups and shout-outs include:
Cliff Zlotnik
Pete Consigli
IICRC
Ken Larsen
John Downey
Lloyd Weaver (RIP)
Ed York (RIP)
Luke Draeger
FoCKED
Claude Blackburn
Marty King (RIP)
John Pletcher
Jim Thompson
Edward Cross
Gordy Powell
The 3rd Annual SOCKTember NEW Sock Raising Challenge
AND MORE...
YouTube.com/thedyojo 12am PST Thursdays
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
Office Services by Brandi
Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve.
New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog
Additional Resources from The DYOJO:
BRAND NEW: How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes (book 4)
Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
So, You Want To Be A Project Manager (book 3)
Property Restoration History dot com
Martin "Marty" L. King's vision was to, "See the business of insurance restoration and damage repair become a profession."
In this video, which originally aired as part of The DYOJO Podcast Episode 85, we talk to John Pletcher. Mr. Pletcher was awarded the 2022 MLK Award at the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Annual Convention. John shares his fond memories of being mentored by and working with Marty.
In the mid-1980s the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR), which would eventually be re-branded as RIA, recognized Marty with a lifetime achievement award for his pioneering work since the late 1960s to carve a restoration niche in the larger cleaning and restoration industry as a standalone discipline from remodeling and general contracting or carpet cleaners and janitorial companies who engaged in restoration work as a sideline business activity. In 1986, the lifetime achievement award was renamed the Martin L. King (MLK) Award given to an individual who has, over many years, made significant and conspicuous contributions to the restoration profession.
The August 2015 issue of Cleaning and Restoration Magazine (C&R) featured property restoration industry icon Martin “Marty” L. King in remembrance of his passing earlier that year in May. The title of the video attached to this article, “Igniter of an industry,” is recognized as a concise summary of Marty’s contributions to fulfilling his vision for the craft of property restoration. Those four words were penned by another industry founding father, Cliff Zlotnik.
For those interested in the history of our industry, Pete Consigli wrote an article recognizing the four faces on Mount Restoration for the same publication (C&R) in March of 2007 which the reader would do well to study.
In the 2015 issue previously mentioned, Pete stated, “Marty had a vision for a new and emerging industry he called “damage repair.” Marty’s life’s work was to see the business of damage repair evolve into a profession. Fifty years after Marty had that dream, the legacy of the restoration industry is in the hands of those he influenced and many of those people are preparing to pass on the stewardship of the industry to the next generation. It is the hope of many that the next generation will take the industry to a place never imagined by the industry’s founders.”
As part of our ongoing commitment to research and share elements of property restoration history, you can read more and contribute historical content to PropertyRestorationHistory.com
As Mr. Consigli says, "Reflecting on Marty’s passing, it is my hope that his teachings and wisdom will be remembered with reverence. In this way, the industry will honor those who paved the path for its success today. This is how we will evolve as succeeding generations seek greatness in the restoration profession.”
Additional resources on this topic:
- March 2007 issue of Cleaning and Restoration (C&R) Founding Fathers of Restoration
- Appearance on IAQ Radio Episode 75
- A Brief Walk Through Restoration History (R&R Magazine)
- Building A Bridge From Restoration's Founding Fathers To The Modern Restorer (Cleanfax Magazine)
The DYOJO Insurance Claims Standard is a guiding principle that will assist owners, managers, and aspiring professionals to train their mindset and habits for success in the property restoration industry.
"Restore the property to resemble pre-loss conditions, with materials of like kind and quality; no more and no less."
The content of this audio is adapted from Chapter 1 of Jon Isaacson's latest best-selling book, How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. The same content will SOON be released as a training course through the Restoration Technical Institute. Included in this segment is an explanation of The DYOJO Claims Standard as well as a common scenario that a restoration professional might come across and how they would use this resource to help set the right expectation with all parties involved in the insurance claims project.
Buy the book
RSVP for the course
Watch the video on youtube.com/thedyojo
Read more at thedyojo.com
Pain Points & Profitability: New Client Intake What is one item that most property restoration owners and managers will agree is an issue in their business? Within the Top 5 pain points for restoration contractors will be some aspect of documentation.
The Key To Getting Paid
Anyone who has been working with water and fire damage mitigation or renovation for more than six months knows that documentation is the key to getting paid in this industry. Owners and managers regularly express that the pain of poor documentation is consistent, if not unbearable, in their businesses.
In Episode 86 of The DYOJO Podcast, we discuss a great place to START, the beginning. We will discuss what we should STOP doing so that we can gain ground, through simple steps, on our vision and goals.
Additional Resources from The DYOJO
- Habits for a consistent client intake process
- Sample Client Intake Form
- Garbage In, Garbage Out Part 1 (Article)
- So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? (Book)
YouTube.com/thedyojo 12am PST Thursday
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
Office Services by Brandi
Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve. New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog
Additional Resources from The DYOJO:
BRAND NEW: How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes (book 4)
Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
So, You Want To Be A Project Manager (book 3)
Property Restoration History dot com
Project Management Resources with guest Purdue Professor Dr. Randy Rapp.
On The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 85 we discuss elements of property restoration history and development of resources such as the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Body of Knowledge.
Pop-ups and shout-outs from restoration past and present include:
Cliff Zlotnik
Pete Consigli
Bob Bonwell (RIP)
LA House at LSU
Paul LaGrange
Claudette Hanks Reichel
AEML Winter Break
Josh Zolin
John Pletcher
Martin "Marty" L. King (RIP)
Immanuel Kant
Claude Blackburn
Lisa Lavender
AND MORE...
YouTube.com/thedyojo 12am PST Thursday 6/30/22
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve. New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog
Additional Resources from The DYOJO:
- BRAND NEW: How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes (book 4)
- Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
- Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
- So, You Want To Be A Project Manager (book 3)
- Property Restoration History dot com
Homeowners need to educate themselves on a few key items as it relates to insurance claims:
- What is covered and what is NOT covered (excluded or capped) in the insurance policy that you purchased?
- How should the insurance process work when I hire a contractor to assist me with water or fire damages to my home?
- Who decides what the right scope and price is for restoring my home to it’s pretty-loss condition?
Contractors need to continue to train their team members on how to best communicate with all parties in the insurance claims process. Reviews and rejections, when legitimate and reasonable, are not “bad faith”.
We invited licensed public adjuster, appraiser, and umpire Roger Howson (Seattle, WA) to join our local meeting for restoration contractors and insurance claims professionals for the month of June. We are going to further discuss and educate ourselves on best practices for working with policyholders and insurance representatives to abide by the claims standards as we work through the claims process.
The Claims Standard, as outlined in So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? “To restore the structure to resemble pre-loss conditions with materials of like kind and quality; no more and no less.”
As Roger aptly points out, if an insurance company purposefully undervalues (minimizes - defrauds) there doesn’t seem to be much of a penalty. On the other hand, if a contractor or homeowner purposefully overvalues (maximizes - fraud) there are potential felony charges.
The DYOJO Podcast - INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve.
Developing Your Leadership Skills
The DYOJO Podcast
Season 3, Episode 84
- Are you an aspiring professional looking to grow your career?
- Are you a new manager looking for some direction in your roles and responsibilities?
- Are you an owner or general manager looking for some fresh perspectives on helping your team develop their leadership skills?
This episode is for you. We will discuss many of the mindsets and habits that will help you lay a strong foundation for career growth and help you navigate the open seas of leadership development. We will discuss how to think outside of the box as well as some tips to structure your approach to management that will help you gain personal and professional ground on your goals. Topics include:
- Thinking outside of the box for hiring, promotion, and retention of employees
- The importance of clarity and consistency in designing the structure of your organization for growth
- How you can better control your day and the other elements you can control in the midst of external chaos
- Better understanding the process and importance of organizational structure
I intended for this episode to be a recap, similar to those of our good friends at IAQ Radio release on a regular basis. But, I couldn't help myself from tweaking the format and merging multiple prior episodes into one semi-coherent semi-new episode. We draw from The DYOJO Podcast episodes 12, 15, and 22. I mention both Organizational Physics and Designed to Scale by author Lex Sisney.
Our guests and shoutouts for this episode include:
- Denis Beaulieu - TDP 15
- David Smith - TDP 12
- Mike Kinney - TDP 12
- Lex Sisney - TDP 22
- Ed Cross
- Eric Sprague
- Larry Wilberton
- Gerrett Stier
- Ben Riciardi
- Rico Garcia, Jr.
- Cliff Zlotnik
- Joe Hughes
- Pete Consigli
- Lisa Lavender
- Jeff Cross
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
Office Services by Brandi
Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast
INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve. New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog
Additional Resources from The DYOJO:
- Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
- Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
- AVAILABLE NOW: So, You Want To Be A Project Manager (book 3)
- COMING SOON: How To Not Suck At Estimating (book 4)
- Property Restoration History
The DYOJO Podcast
Asbestos and Mold Testing for Home Repairs
Season 3, Episode 83
To start off we discuss the TWO THINGS your company needs, no matter how big or small, to be successful 1) Happy Customers and 2) Profitable Projects.
Resource - thedyojo.com/chart
We discuss the importance of identifying and mitigating hazards during water and fire damage restoration projects. There are broad rules such as those in the OSHA General Duty Clause, "The General Duty Clause from the OSHA Act of 1970 requires that, in addition to compliance with hazard-specific standards, all employers provide a work environment "free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm." There are also many specific rules regarding lead and asbestos sampling which are regulated by various entities such as Labor and Industries (LNI) in Washington State.
We discuss some of these elements further in a recent article from The DYOJO Blog - thedyojo.com/blog/asbestos-testing-requirements-for-water-damage
Many of the safety practices that contractors follow for mold remediation originate with asbestos abatement protocols. We discuss some of the resources for these topics including:
- OSHA 10 and 30 Hour Training
- IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST)
- IICRC S500 (Water) and S520 (Mold) Standards
- EPA Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Manual from ehsmaterials.com
- Leadership in Restorative Drying by Ken Larsen
- CLM Magazine
- NU Claims Magazine
- So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? by Jon Isaacson
Our discussion includes shoutouts and/or appearances by these guests:
- Steven Patrick
- Ed Cross
- Amy Siedlecki
- Brandi Hawthorne - #restoringkindness
- Michelle Blevins
- Kayla Harger
- Patti Harmon
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
Office Services by Brandi
Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast - INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve. New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog
Additional Resources from The DYOJO:
- Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
- Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
- AVAILABLE NOW: So, You Want To Be A Project Manager (book 3)
- COMING SOON: How To Not Suck At Estimating (book 4)
- Property Restoration History
The DYOJO Podcast
The Power & Practice of Questions
Season 3, Episode 82
Contractors who specialize in navigating insurance claims, know that the process can be contentious. In this episode, we discuss mindsets and habits that can assist you in achieving better project outcomes.
- According to Merian-Webster, to negotiate means to, “Obtain or bring about by discussion.”
Business is a negotiation. If you take the carrier out of the equation, you are often negotiating with your clients. Part of a successful negotiation is clearly defining the scope and expectations of the project so that you can accurately bid the cost of materials and labor.
If the carrier is paying for the work, they have the right to ask whether the scope has been accurately presented and thoroughly supported. The second meaning for negotiating is to, “Find a way over or through (an obstacle or difficult path).”
You can view the adjuster as your adversary, but assuming so from the get-go only gives them one option - to be adversarial. Or you can proceed with the mindset to attempt to understand their position, in light of The Claims Standard, and find a means to reach a mutually agreeable outcome.
Our primary guest is Steven Patrick of Level the Playing Field. He shares several insights that help contractors develop a framework for working through the claims process. These concepts, also are applicable to instances of resistance between contractors and customer.
- Listening to understanding someone else's position
- Using questions such as, "Have you ever considered this?"
- Explaining and justifying our legitimate observations
- Utilizing credible third part sources
- Ensuring our scope is legitimate and reasonable
Our discussion includes shoutouts and/or appearances by these guests:
- Steven Patrick
- Ed Cross
- Mathew Allen
- Ben Justesen
- Michelle Blevins
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast - INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve. New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog
Additional Resources from The DYOJO:
- Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
- Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
- AVAILABLE NOW: So, You Want To Be A Project Manager (book 3)
- COMING SOON: How To Not Suck At Estimating (book 4)
- Property Restoration History
The DYOJO Podcast
Leveling Up As An Industry
Season 3, Episode 81
This episode provides you with some behind-the-scenes and recap items from the 76th Annual Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Expo 2022. A few items of note include:
- New membership pricing for RIA
- Ongoing discussions with Xactware (Verisk) and Symbility (Core Logic)
- Advocacy and position papers from the AGA - including discussion on overhead and profit (O&P) and supervisory labor
- Efforts to build towards lobbying at the state and federal level
- Regional Focus Groups (RFG)
Our discussion includes shoutouts and/or appearances by these guests:
- Ben Ricciardi
- Ed Cross
- Jim Thompson
- Mark Springer
- Kelly Dolan
- Ben Justesen
- Whatley
- Tony Yost
- David Dickerson
- Michelle Blevins
- Mike Fulton
- Katie Smith
- Pete Consigli
- Gordy Powell
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast
We aim to entertain while we inform (INFOtainment), helping you shorten your DANG learning curve. New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog
Additional Resources from The DYOJO:
- Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
- Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
- AVAILABLE NOW: So, You Want To Be A Project Manager (book 3)
- COMING SOON: How To Not Suck At Estimating (book 4)
- Property Restoration History
The DYOJO Podcast
Common Estimating Shortfalls
Season 3, Episode 80
Lisa Lavender, Restoration Technical Institute (RTI) reached out to me about developing a course around the principles in my first book, Be Intentional: Estimating. While this book centers around the mindset and habits for insurance claims estimating success, the course will dig deeper into the technical aspects. The working title for the book and the course is How To Not Suck At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes. Module/chapters will include Developing The Agreed Upon Scope, The Claims Standard, A Good Sketch Is A Good Start, Don't Play The Blame Game, and more
This episode of the They DYOJO Podcast will center around four common estiamting approaches including, using drywall repairs as an example:
- Square foot (SF) estimates
- Linear foot (LF) estimates
- Insurance program (TPA, preferred vendor) estimates
- Estimating tips and best practices
- A simple scoping formula
- Budgeting and production reports from Xactimate
- Understanding markup and profit as it relates to overhead and profit (O&P)
Our discussion includes appearances by these guests:
- Mili Washington (Indian Trail, NC)
- Mathew Allen, (Whitefish, MT)
- Brian Austin (Provo, UT)
- Gordy Powell (Atlanta, GA)
- Ben Justesen (Moses Lake, WA)
- Pete Consigli (Naples, FL)
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast
We aim to entertain while we inform (INFOtainment), helping you shorten your DANG learning curve. New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website
Large loss specialist and trainer Jim Thompson sat down with Jon Isaacson to discuss his life experiences and the content of his new book, “My Life Is One Disaster After Another.” Jim started from the ground up as a public adjuster, moved into cleaning and property restoration, before taking some time away to work with NASA (yes, THAT NASA).
Jim didn’t think he would return to the industry but found something he enjoyed training local contractors to market, win, and complete large losses. Projects for commercial, residential, industrial, and catastrophic disaster response, Mr. Thompson has done it all. He has compiled his 40 plus years of experience and is sharing it in written form with those willing to listen.
Our conversation also touches on:
- Property Restoration History - interactions with Lloyd Weaver and Cliff Zlotnik
- The early days of local, regional, and national associations
- Seeing an opportunity and taking a chance the right way
- What it takes to start a restoration company
Guest appearances and shoutouts for:
- Cliff Zlotnik
- IAQ Radio
- Lloyd Weaver
- Pete Consigli
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Convention SOON, April 11-13 (Reno, NV)
- Restoration & Remediation Magazine (R&R) - Prior article “A History of Collaboration, A Future of Advocacy”
- Cleaning & Restoration Magazine (C&R) - Upcoming article “The Restoration Zoombie Apocolypse”
- Kelly Dolan
- Mat Allen
- Brian Austin
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast
“Annyoying but helpful.” New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 1201am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - thedyojo dot com /podcast
The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast
File 007: Xactimate Claims Negotiations
Season 3, Episode 79
Guest: Mathew Allen, AdjusterTV (Whitefish, MT)
This is the final planned episode of our series The Xactimate Sessions. File 007 includes a discussion with Mathew Allen of AdjusterTV.com on some of the ways that contractors can learn from adjusters and vice-versa. Mathew shares how his organization has helped to train independent adjusters to learn Xactimate, process claims, and work with contractors. These principles are also helpful to restoration professionals in learning how adjusters operate and how they can collaborate on insurance claims.
Topics include:
- Customary and reasonable claims pricing
- Insurance carrier guidelines
- Accuracy and fluency in writing Xactimate estimates
- Improving your training process
- Negotiating with adjusters
Our discussion includes appearances by these guests:
- Roger Howson (Seattle, WA)
- Kirk Matthews (Salem, OR)
- Chris Stanley (West Palm Beach, FL)
- Steve Patrick (Austin, TX)
- Brian Austin (Provo, UT)
- Gordy Powell (Atlanta, GA)
- Ben Justesen (Moses Lake, WA)
- Pete Consigli (Naples, FL)
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast
New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - thedyojo dot com /podcast
I recently had a fun conversation with Randy R. Rapp, who is the Professor of Disaster Restoration and Reconstruction at Purdue University and Associate Professor of Construction Management Technology.
As our conversation, which will later be released in episodes of The DYOJO Podcast, drew to an end, I asked the Professor if he had any closing thoughts for those professionals aspiring towards are developing in their project management responsibilities. Randy shared some insights that draw from his wealth of experiences in the military, construction management, and disaster restoration response.
Randy shared four principles that he was introduced to in 1984 while serving in the military. According to the NY Times, this Airland 2000 battle doctrine marked a fundamental shift in the tactical approach of the armed forces from defensive to offensive, and eerily apropos to current world affairs, the focus was on the Cold War conflict with Russia. He recalls those foundational disciplines as:
- Initiative
- Agility
- Depth
- Synchronization
Professor Rapp noted that some listeners, or readers, might ask, “What does a college instructor know about what I do day-to-day as a restoration contractor?” It’s a good question, but if you spent some time with Randy or read his excellent book, Disaster Recovery Project Management: Bringing Order from Chaos, you would quickly learn that he isn’t the stereotypical academic.
In addition to his instruction during his military service, Randy has some harrowing experiences to share about working for the military on construction projects in areas that became active combat zones. As such, it is fitting that the fundamental tenets that he shared in our discussion (see attached video) he views as helpful and adaptable as a framework for project management.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/podcast
Have you considered making videos for your business to share on YouTube or social media platforms but you are worried that they may be too cringe? Embrace the suck. As Paul T. Long says, "People bank [insert your business] with people." When he was deciding whether or not to create content for his business he considered:
- Start with educating the public on the value of your products and/or services
- Combine that with finding a way to help them work through the standard procedures of your business that you have to repeat the most
For Paul, this meant creating 42 videos on The Commercial Real Estate Process. Doing so forced him to think through his client on-boarding process and help his clients to better understand and work their way through achieving their goals. Paul reports great engagement as well as process improvement. BUT, it started with him being willing to be terrible at making the videos, following through with the vision, and hitting the "post" button once they were ready. To encourage business professionals, we share some of our early cringe videos to help inspire you to follow through on that initiative that you are considering.
- Register for the South Sound Business Summit (https://southsoundbusinesssummit.com/) on May 8, 2022
- Check out paultlong.com for more great content
- Check out the Business Rountable from the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce, hosted by Stephen Harrington (Cross Insurance) and Jon Isaacson (ARES Restoration) the second Wednesday of every month
South Sound Conneciton (SSC) is all about sharing the stories of local people, business professionals, community members, and entrepreneurs. SSC is sponsored by:
- ARES Restoration (aresrestoration.com) a Puyallup-based general contractor that specializes in insurance claims repairs - "Giving You Back Your Home."
- The DYOJO Podcast (thedyojo.com/podcast) helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Obligations For Insurance Claims Investigations
According to the state of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 284-30-370:
Standards for prompt investigation of a claim. Every insurer must complete its investigation of a claim within thirty days after notification of claim, unless the investigation cannot reasonably be completed within that time. All persons involved in the investigation of a claim must provide reasonable assistance to the insurer in order to facilitate compliance with this provision.
In the second part of our conversation with Roger Howson (Seattle, WA) and many others, we discuss the insurance claim appraisal process. Episode 78 of The DYOJO Podcast will touch on topics, including
- Claims investigations
- Policy litigation
- Insurance fair conduct ordinances
- Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
- Contractors crossing the line into public adjusting
- Carriers playing games with insureds
- Policyholders being shady with contractors
While many contractors dabble in policy interpretation, often because they think they are doing the right thing for the client, they may be crossing into the territory of public adjusting without a license. Roger discusses how, "If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it better be licensed like a duck." Andy McCabe shares a story where he had to answer some tough questions with an Oregon insurance investigator.
Our guests will include:
- Gordy Powell (Atlanta, GA)
- Seat Scott (San Diego, CA)
- David Princeton (Muskego, WI)
- Bill Wilson (Nashville, TN)
- Ed Cross (Palm Desert, CA)
- Andy McCabe (Bend, OR)
- Ben Justesen (Moses Lake, WA)
- Bryan Close (Tacoma, WA)
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
- Office Services by Brandi
THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/podcast
Contractors and consumers are tired of the Squid Games that insurance carriers play when they make up their own arbitrary rules for estimating and releasing funds for work performed.
In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we will addresss some of these pricing games, including the use of New Construction Pricelists being applied to restoration and remodeling projects.
Restoration industry peers Tony Yost (St. Paul, MN), David Dickerson (San Francisco, CA), Ben Justesen (Moses Lake, WA), and many others will join us to discuss this issue and some new resources available to contractors.
As United Policyholders states,
"Computers don’t repair and build homes…licensed contractors do. Your insurance company owes you for what an experienced and reputable contractor would charge you to do the required work to put your home back to its pre-loss condition.”
Yet, some carriers have been manipulating common estimating tools, such as Xactimate, to create arbitrary pricing changes that affect the insured's ability to hire a contractor to perform a reasonable and accurate scope of work.
One resource that has been added to the toolbox of the insurance claims contractor is the Restoration Pricing Position Paper from the Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee (AGA). The position paper on New Construction is available to all members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and addresses conditions such as,
“New construction price settings in certain pricing programs increase labor productivity which reduces prices in a way that may not be appropriate for restoration. Indirect tasks that must occur to accomplish direct repairs – known as “Supporting Events” – may need to be appropriately adjusted due to the extent of the damage in a restoration project.”
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Read the full article "Restoration Squid Games" by Jon Isaacson in C&R Magazine
-
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast Episode 77
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Join the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) so that you can read and utilize the New Construction Pricing Position Paper from the AGA
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 77 includes these guests and appearances:
- Tony Yost (St. Paul, MN) * David Dickerson (San Francisco, CA) * Ben Justesen (Moses Lake, WA) * Kelley Dolan * Gordy Powell * Mark Springer * Katie Smith * Ed Cross * David Watts * Roger Howson
SPONSORS:
-
Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
-
Office Services by Brandi
-
Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
THURSDAYS ARE FORE The DYOJO Podcast
New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/podcast
Contractors and customers feel the squeeze when the insurance carrier plays pricing games with the estimating and collection process of insurance claims restoration.
We discuss New Construction Pricelists being applied to restoration scenarios with contractors in Minnesota, California, and Washington. We discuss the issue, rebuttals, and resources including the Restoration Pricing Position Paper from the Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee (AGA) of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).
“New construction price settings in certain pricing programs increase labor productivity which reduces prices in a way that may not be appropriate for restoration. Indirect tasks that must occur to accomplish direct repairs – known as “Supporting Events” – may need to be appropriately adjusted due to the extent of the damage in a restoration project.”
This discussion educates the listener on the underlying factors which lead to these manipulations and provides the contractor with some well-thought-out rebuttals. While there are no cheat codes that will eliminate the squid games, restorers will find it refreshing to know that resources are being created and advanced regain and maintain sustainable claims practices.
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 77 includes these guests and appearances:
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Tony Yost (St. Paul, MN)
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David Dickerson (San Francisco, CA)
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Ben Justesen (Moses Lake, WA)
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Kelley Dolan * Gordy Powell * Mark Springer * Katie Smith * Ed Cross * David Watts * Roger Howson
SPONSORS:
-
Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
-
Office Services by Brandi
-
Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
THURSDAYS ARE FORE The DYOJO Podcast New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/podcast
The DYOJO Podcast
Season 3, Episode 76
Behind the Scenes of THE Florida Mold Conference
Guests: MANY
If you feel like you missed out on this year's AEML Laboratories Winter Break 2022 - THE Florida Mold Conference, YOU'RE RIGHT. Guest speakers, vendors, and professionals from around the world came together to discuss The Four M's
- Moisture
- Materials
- Mold
- Methodologies
While we won't give away everything, we will recap the event and share some of the things that we learned. Mark your calendars for January 2024, as you won't want to miss it AGAIN.
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 76 includes these guests:
- Pete Consigli, The Global Restoration Watchdog * Cliff Zlotnik * Rachel Adams-Beja * Michael McGuinness * Bob Blochinger * Peter Crosa * Rico Rodriquez * Jeff Cross * Joe Hughes * John Lapotairre * Richard Alexis * Ron Mazur * Brittany Gordon * Paul LaGrange * Ken Larsen * Josh Winton * Jim Thompson * Ivi Sims * Amanda Housey * John Downey * Ken Siders * Gordy Powell * Lisa Lavender * And MORE...
Sponsors of The DYOJO Podcast:
-
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Join your fellow intentional restorers at the RIA 2022 International Restoration Convention and Industry Expo, April 11-13 at the Peppermill Casino in Reno, NV. Let them know The DYOJO sent you.
-
Restoration Technical Institute (RTI) provides world-class training. Designed for those who serve the Restoration, Cleaning and Industries related to the Built Environment.
-
Office Services by Brandi, LLC provides unparalleled personalized bookkeeping services to a broad range of clients in many states. Brandi will help tackle the never-ending list to be done in the restoration industry by handling the R&M billings, collections and many other key areas to take the burden off the owners.
THURSDAYS are for The DYOJO Podcast
New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/podcast
If you feel like you missed out on this year's AEML Laboratories Winter Break 2022 - THE Florida Mold Conference, YOU'RE RIGHT. While we won't give away everything, we will recap the event and share some of the things that we learned.
Mark your calendars for January 2024, as you won't want to miss it AGAIN.
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 76 includes these guests:
- Pete Consigli, The Global Restoration Watchdog * Cliff Zlotnik * Rachel Adams-Beja * Michael McGuinness * Bob Blochinger * Peter Crosa * Rico Rodriquez * Jeff Cross * Joe Hughes * John Lapiotairre * Richard Alexis * Ron Mazur * Brittany Gordon * Paul LaGrange * Ken Larsen * Josh Winton * Jim Thompson * Ivi Sims * Amanda Housey * John Downey * Ken Slider * Gordy Powell * Lisa Lavender * And MORE...
SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
THURSDAYS ARE FORE The DYOJO Podcast
New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO offers Seven Questions to assist you as a manager or business owner to determine whether a strategy or service option is right for your business. These simple questions will assist you to be better prepared to articulate questions in alignment with where you are in your development and where you are trying to go. We believe these questions will help you better determine who can help you on your journey as well as how much credence to give to various sources of input.
Whether you are growing your career or growing your business, you must always remember one key thing – it’s your DANG journey. No one is going to walk it for you. No commenter on social media, no coach, no consultant, no author, and certainly no mediocre podcast host, is going to take the direct hits when you fail or feel the wins as deeply as you do when you succeed. While it is smart to seek and take in good counsel on any element of business that may be new to you, I think it is important to consider a few universal questions:
-
Is this legal?
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Is this ethical?
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Is this the right thing for me?
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Do I understand the upsides and downsides of pursuing this strategy?
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Do I have the resources to pursue this and/or can I afford not to try (i.e. am I willing to allow someone else to fill the void)?
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Who can help me shorten my DANG learning curve on this topic?
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If I have sought counsel, does my chosen counsel have real experience with executing on the particular aspect of business that I am considering?
Recently there have been some discussions, written and in video, regarding direct-to-consumer fire damage service offerings. You may have heard it by another name, fire damage chasing. Most of the responses that I have observed veer into the realm of indoctrination as opposed to an earnest discussion of the facts related to the topic. While fire chasing can be controversial, I am not hearing disciplined thought leading to the leaps [over logic] taken to reach these predetermined conclusions. Hearsay is not helpful in business or life and should not be promulgated as a diagnostic methodology when advising peers or clients towards a determination for their business.
If you would like to read more on how I applied these seven questions to the topic of direct to consumer fire damage service offerings ("chasing"), please read the article published with C&R Magazine, Industry High Horses: Fire Chasing.
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - join us via video on YouTube.com/TheDYOJO or audio via Spotify at 9am PST - thedyojo.com/podcast
My friend, the global restoration watchdog, Pete Consigli, didn’t lie. The AEML winter break 2022 was fabulous. He said, “Be there or be square, and the team delivered on a value packed event.”
We had three days of information that was pertinent to mold assessors and remediator‘s, and so much more. Topics included water damage, building sciences, risk management, professional development, materials testing, litigation preparation, local and national resources, just to name a few. A testament to the value that AEML brought to the industry was that the speakers were excited and engaged in the presentations from the other speakers. They often were the ones asking probing questions of each other to get a better understanding of the area of focus being discussed.
If you want to know more about the event, and whet your appetite for 2024 when THE Florida mold conference returns:
- IAQ radio will be doing a wrapup this Friday on their podcast at 12 PM Eastern time, I encourage you to tune in.
- Jeff cross with straight talk conducted several interviews from the event That they have already published.
- We will be working to edit and release the content that we recorded while on site. In the meantime you can check out the article that Pete and I co-authored in Cleanfac magazine about bridging the gap between our history and the present.
Stay tuned as this event will be coming back in 2024. #mold #waterdamage #training
The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast
File 006: Training Others In Xactimate
Season 3, Episode 75
Guest: Joyce Gabriel, General Manager (Tacoma, WA)
We resume our series, The Xactimate Sessions. We are discussing the mindset and habits that have helped your peers in the insurance claims industry to elevate their scoping, estimating, and project management game. File 006 introduces the audience to Joyce Gabriel, a talented general manager for a full-service restoration company based in Tacoma, WA. Listeners will remember when Joyce joined us for podcast episode 52 to discuss some of the powerful tools she has learned for connecting with and interacting with your team. Joyce rejoins the podcast and helps us explore the mindset and habits for effectively training your employees to understand and utilize the Xactimate estimating software.
Our discussion includes appearances by these guests:
- Main guest - Joyce Gabriel, General Manager (Tacoma, WA)
- Raymond Tittmann, TittmannWeix
- Ben Justesen, Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS)
- Mathew Allen, AdjusterTV
- Christopher Stanley, IA Path
- Ed Cross, The Restoration Laywer
- Gordy Powell, Georgia Clean
- Robert More, BYLT
- Eric Sprague, Morning Tech Meeting
- Larry Wilberton, Blue Collar Nation Podcast
- Gerrett Stier, GMS Podcast
- Pete Consigli, The Global Restoration Watchdog
Sponsors of The DYOJO Podcast:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Join your fellow intentional restorers at the RIA 2022 International Restoration Convention and Industry Expo, April 11-13 at the Peppermill Casino in Reno, NV. Let them know The DYOJO sent you.
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI) provides world-class training. Designed for those who serve the Restoration, Cleaning and Industries related to the Built Environment.
- Office Services by Brandi, LLC provides unparalleled personalized bookkeeping services to a broad range of clients in many states. Brandi will help tackle the never-ending list to be done in the restoration industry by handling the R&M billings, collections and many other key areas to take the burden off the owners.
The DYOJO Podcast New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/listen
We resume our series, The Xactimate Sessions. File 006 with Joyce Gabriel (Tacoma, WA) addresses the mindset and habits for connecting with and training your team members.
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 75 includes these guests:
- Main guest - Joyce Gabriel, General Manager (Tacoma, WA)
- Raymond Tittmann, TittmannWeix
- Ben Justesen, Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS)
- Mathew Allen, AdjusterTV
- Christopher Stanley, IA Path
- Ed Cross, The Restoration Laywer
- Gordy Powell, Georgia Clean
- Eric Sprague, Morning Tech Meeting
- Larry Wilberton, Blue Collar Nation Podcast
- Gerrett Stier, GMS Podcast
- Pete Consigli, The Global Restoration Watchdog
SPONSORS:
- Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
- Office Services by Brandi
- Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)
The DYOJO Podcast New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO Podcast
Insurance Appraisals for Property Claims (Part 1)
Guest: Roger Howson, Claims Dispute Resolution (Seattle, WA)
Season 3, Episode 74
The first part of a multi-part discussion on the topic of insurance appraisals for property damage repairs and restoration. This is an ensemble discussion, with guests from various ends of the spectrum when it comes to assisting home and business owners with property damage claims.
Guests include:
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Main guest - Roger Howson, Claims Dispute Resolution (Seattle, WA)
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Ben Justesen, Just Right Cleaning & Construction
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David Princeton, Advocate Claim Service
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Sean Scott, Author of The Red Guide to Recovery
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Andy McCabe, Claims Delegates
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Ed Cross, The Restoration Lawyer
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Bill Wilson, Author of When Worlds Collide
According to Roger Howson, an appraisal is,
"In property insurance, the terms “appraisal” and “appraisement” refer to a private adjudicatory process created in an insurance policy by which disputes over the amount of a loss are resolved by competent and disinterested appraisers. The purpose of an appraisal provision is to provide a determination of the extent of the loss. When triggered, the appraisal process is mandatory unless the other party agrees to waive its right to appraisal."
In 1997 the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) released The Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act outlines and defines unfair claims practices in Section 4, which include:
"Any of the following acts by an insurer, if committed in violation of Section 3, constitutes an unfair claims practice:
A. Knowingly misrepresenting to claimants and insureds relevant facts or policy provisions relating to coverages at issue;
B. Failing to acknowledge with reasonable promptness pertinent communications with respect to claims arising under its policies;
C. Failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation and settlement of claims arising under its policies;
D. Not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair and equitable settlement of claims submitted in which liability has become reasonably clear;
E. Compelling insureds or beneficiaries to institute suits to recover amounts due under its policies by offering substantially less than the amounts ultimately recovered in suits brought by them;
F. Refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation;
Additional resources on this topic:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about appraisals - https://www.icdrinc.com/appraisal_faqs
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Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) of Washington State - https://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-fair-conduct-act-ifca-laws-and-rules
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Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, NAIC 1997 - https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/MDL-900.pdf
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Stay tuned for Part 2 of our discussion on The DYOJO Podcast
Sponsors of The DYOJO Podcast:
-
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Join your fellow intentional restorers at the RIA 2022 International Restoration Convention and Industry Expo, April 11-13 at the Peppermill Casino in Reno, NV. Let them know The DYOJO sent you.
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Restoration Technical Institute (RTI) provides world-class training. Designed for those who serve the Restoration, Cleaning and Industries related to the Built Environment
-
Office Services by Brandi, LLC provides unparalleled personalized bookkeeping services to a broad range of clients in many states.
The first part of a multi-part discussion on the topic of insurance appraisals for property damage repairs and restoration.
Ensemble discussion:
- Main guest - Roger Howson, Claims Dispute Resolution (Seattle, WA)
- Ben Justesen, Just Right Cleaning & Construction
- David Princeton, Advocate Claim Service
- Sean Scott, Author of The Red Guide to Recovery
- Andy McCabe, Claims Delegates
- Ed Cross, The Restoration Lawyer
- Bill Wilson, Author of When Worlds Collide
The DYOJO Podcast New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO Podcast
Using Mechanics Liens to Secure Payment as a Contractor
The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 73
Guest: Ben Cushman, Deschutes Law Group (Olympia, WA)
Liens are an important resource to aide the contractor in securing payment for the work that they perform. Unfortunately, many general and restoration contractors have expressed some reservations regarding using or enforcing Mechanics Liens. As contracts lawyer Ben Cushman, shares in this video, "Liens are the best security a contractor has for non-payment, and it provides all kinds of strong remedies."
This video is one of many questions we asked contracts lawyer, Ben Cushman of Deschutes Law Group, as we sought his perspectives on the importance of Mechanics Liens in the construction and property restoration process. Ben has been practicing construction law for over 25 years, the last 5 of which have been with his own firm based in Olympia, Washington.
Mechanics Liens resources for contractors:
- If you are in Washington state, join us for our monthly meetings, the second Tuesday of every month
- Check out The Book on Restoration Collections by Ed Cross, The Restoration Lawyer
- Reach out to a local construction lawyer, such as our guest Ben Cushman of Deschutes Law Group
ANNOUNCEMENT: Book #3 from Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? Is NOW available in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover through Amazon or directly from The DYOJO
- Are YOU a professional in the skilled trades who wants to advance your career through project management?
- Are YOU a new project manager who could use some additional direction on how to develop as a leader in this role?
- Are YOU a manager or business owner who oversees training and development for your team?
THIS is a book for YOU!
Featured guests and clips:
- Clip of our discussion on workplace culture from TDP 72
- Clip of the AEML Winter Break Promo Video
- Ad for Book 3 shot by THE Gordy Powell
The importance of employee retention
Recruiting and hiring in all industries is an issue and has been for some time. Construction is no different, and specialty industries such as property damage restoration (i.e. water and fire damage insurance claims) it can seem insurmountable. While I recognize these real challenges, I am not hearing many business people or “influencers” speak about the importance of talent retention.
How much time do you spend in self-inflicted misery wrestling with clients that you should have fired before the job started and lackluster people you should never have hired?
I'm not a big fan of the idea of thought influencers. I am a big fan of the idea of thought and I think influence is important. What I am not a fan of though, is having people think for you, and try to influence you towards their perspective. Our motto at The DYOJO is to shorten your DANG learning curve. I think it's important that you don't replace your dang learning curve.
Many well-intentioned business persons are expending a great deal of energy trying to increase the quantity of employees they have (recruitment). If they would take a step back many of them would find that they are doing so to staff service lines that they would be better off discontinuing. I would encourage you to consider enriching the quality of your employee experience (retention). Retention is no guarantee of success. Clarifying what you do (vision), how you do it (values), and who you need to help you accomplish your goals (quality), rather than just the quantity of people you think you need to keep up with your competition, is a fruitful exercise. I have always been amazed at what a small team of people who are committed to each other can accomplish.
Read more in my final monthly column for Restoration & Remediation Magazine, "Back to the Future, How Restorers can Keep It Simple in 2022" - https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/89815-back-to-the-future-how-restorers-can-keep-it-simple-in-2022
The DYOJO Podcast - video on YouTube, audio on Spotify & Apple - Thursdays at 9am PST
The DYOJO Podcast
Millennials + Workplace Culture + Guest Host
The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 72
Guest: Samantha and Mimi from AEML Laboratories (Pompano Beach, FL)
We shot some on-location footage at AEML Laboratories in beautiful South Beach, Florida. Pete "The Global Restoration Watchdog" Consigli and I were on a planned road trip following the 2021 Restoration Industry Association Convention. We planned to meet up with AEML founder Ron Mazur to tour the facilities and get a sneak peek for Winter Break 2022 - The Florida Mold Conference.
As we met with members of the AEML team, Pete and I had an idea for the podcast, to share some of the wonderful insights that these two talented young ladies shared. Without prompting they discussed attributes such as:
- The workplace culture
- The qualities of their boss and managers
- The importance of internal communication
For anyone wanting to glean ideas from two shining examples of the quality of employees available in the current workforce, you will receive several gems from Mimi and Samantha. Owners and managers will be challenged and encouraged with regards to what you can accomplish with some intentionality.
Big shout out to Pete Consigli, The OG Intentional Restorer, for taking the lead on this episode of the podcast. Pete has dedicated his many years to the growth and enrichment of the restoration industry and you can meet him in person for Winter Break in January in sunny South Beach, Florida.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Book #3 from Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? Is NOW available in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover through Amazon or directly from The DYOJO - thedyojo.com/book3
- Are YOU a professional in the skilled trades who wants to advance your career through project management?
- Are YOU a new project manager who could use some additional direction on how to develop as a leader in this role?
- Are YOU a manager or business owner who oversees training and development for your team?
THIS is a book for YOU!
Featured guests and clips:
- AEML Winter Break Promo Video
- Michelle Blevins, Larry Wilberton, and Eric Sprague from Restoration Today Podcast (C&R Magazine)
- Gerrett Stier, Eric Sprague, and Larry Wilberton from Blue Collar Nation Podcast
- Bonus footage of our road trip
Writing an estimate should be a blend of art and science.
As an estimator, you will utilize equal parts scientific and artistic approaches if you want to set yourself apart from the status quo.
The Science of Estimating
The science of estimating includes growing your knowledge base so that you understand what you are bidding on, how you will approach the project, and why you use certain items to construct your estimate. In the world of insurance claims mitigation and repairs, this often means learning to utilize estimating software such as Xactimate or Symbility.
The science of estimating is all about growing your mindset for success. We have created a series on our podcast called The Xactimate Sessions which reviews some of the resources and approaches to estimating that can help you expand your knowledge base and elevate your skills as an insurance claims estimator. On The DYOJO Podcast we talk about learning to estimate from scratch, resources available from your Xactware license, and habits for improving your estimating game.
The Art of Estimating
The art of estimating includes those habits that will help you stand out from your competition. There is some science in the art form, whereby the habits both help you to be a more consistent estimator as well as methods for composing your estimate in a manner that is understood by insurance carriers, property damage customers, and your production teams that will carry out the restoration work.
Many of these mindsets and habits for success are addressed in the book Be Intentional: Estimating by Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer. Some of these elements include:
- Approaching every loss from the top-down or bottom-up
- Using a consistent estimating structure with headers and detailed line item (F9) notes
- Thorough data capture including photos, diagrams, and 360-degree tools
- Working with your production team to learn how structures are repaired
In this video, we do a brief breakdown of some missing line items and focus on the importance of having an estimating structure to help achieve better insurance claims outcomes.
Read more in our blog - thedyojo.com/blog
The book Be Intentional: Estimating by Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer is available in Kindle and Paperback through Amazon - thedyojo.com/book1
DISCLAIMER: This is NOT insurance advice. We are not agents, adjusters, or qualified to comment on insurance policies. As insurance claims repairs contractors, responding to water and fire damages in homes and businesses, we have some experiential insights that could be of value to home and business owners navigating the claims process.
United Policyholders (uphelp.org) has an excellent resource Top 10 Insurance Claim Tips - Tip #1 from United Policyholders: "Be pro-active in the claim process and keep good notes. Make sure you maintain a paper trail."
From the moment that you call your insurance company regarding a potential or active insurance claim, you should be taking detailed notes. Track names, dates, conversations, instructions, agreements, commitments, etc. You want your insurance policy to protect your assets and do what it is supposed to do in the event of a covered loss, which is to restore you to resemble pre-loss conditions. A key distinction that many home and business owners do not make is the one between an insurance agent and an insurance adjuster.
- Your insurance agent is the local representative with whom you consulted and purchased your insurance policy from. Often when you make a claim you will contact this person as they are the face of the company for you.
- Once a claim is filed, you will be working with an insurance adjuster. This is the person, or persons, who will help to assess and determine what is covered and/or excluded from your policy as it relates to the claim.
In your personal claim notes, keep track of who you spoke to, when you spoke to them, what they role is, and clarify WHO will be doing WHAT and WHEN. You want your insurance policy to do what it is supposed to do during the event that you need it to cover what you purchased it for. Your agent and your adjuster(s) will play important roles in this process.
ARES Restoration is a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor based in Puyallup, Washington that specializes in the insurance claims process. Serving Pierce County residents and business owners with their insurance claim repairs. Our motto is, "Giving You Back Your Home."
Contact us today about your damage repairs
aresrestoraiton.com
253.355.8436
Video created by The DYOJO
Ben Justesen and Jon Isaacson discuss the difference between markup and margin as it relates to overhead and profit.
Don't get stuck holding the bag at only 16.67% margin with a 10% + 10% (20%) markup for overhead and profit (O&P).
This is a clip from The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 71 - The Xactimate Sessions File 005.
TheDYOJO.com/listen - Watch on YouTube or Listen on Spotify and Apple.
The Xactimate Sessions
from The DYOJO Podcast
File 005 - Improving as an Xactimate estimator
The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 71
Guest: Ben Justesen, Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS) and Just Right Cleaning and Construction (JRCC)
Ben Justesen runs a multi-office property restoration company, Just Right Cleaning and Construction (JRCC) based out of Moses Lake, Washington. Like many water and fire damage estimators, he was frustrated with getting his estimates rejected and struggling to make a profit on projects. Ben spent years developing the process that he now teaches through his organization, Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS).
Ben shares the practices he has learned and tested in his company with restoration professionals who want to elevate their estimating process. He knows the system works because he and his team continue to test and improve it in the real world. I had the opportunity to take the course with Ben at his office.
Mr. Justesen joins us for The DYOJO Podcast to discuss elevating your estimating game. He builds on our last episode of The Xactimate Sessions with Chris Tilkov with whom we discussed the importance of internal estimate reviews. Ben builds on estimate reviews, Xactimate feedback, and creating your own pricelist for restoration. Ben discussed Xactimate tips including
- Being humble as an estimator so that you can learn from other people and continue to hone your craft.
- Educate yourself on how structures are built so that you can properly estimate restoration and repairs.
- Dig into the data behind Xactimate, the line item descriptions, and how to properly use the software program to accurately and effectively compose estimates.
SPONSOR: Solutions For You (SFY) third party Xactimate estimating and supplements - sfyoffice.com
ANNOUNCEMENT: Book #3 from Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? Is NOW available for Kindle Pre-Order, it will be published 11/11/2021 - thedyojo.com/book3
- Are YOU a professional in the skilled trades who wants to advance your career through project management?
- Are YOU a new project manager who could use some additional direction on how to develop as a leader in this role?
- Are YOU a manager or business owner who oversees training and development for your team?
THIS is a book for YOU!
We supplement our discussion with Ben with clips and comments from many sources including
- Segments from my first book, Be Intentional: Estimating
- Clips from my trip to Enlightened Restoration Solutions in Moses Lake
- Discussion of mining for coin and estimating solutions with Greg Marthaler Jr. of SFY
- Announcement of the WINNER of The DYOJO Podcast SOCKTember 2021
- Shout out to Elan Pasmanick of Born to Repair, winner of the Out of the Box Award for SOCKTember 2021
- Clips of our costume dance party for SOCKTember 2021 and FOCKED
- Born to Repair disassembles and reviews the new EcoPro LGR compact dehumidifier
The DYOJO collaboration with DocuSketch offering a $100 discount on the initial hardware package to members of The DYOJO Nation who use the custom code "DS-DYOJO1".
The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Restoration Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli (aka The OG Intentional Restorer), exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
This is a clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 71 with guest Ben Justesen who discusses tips for improving as a Xactimate estimator.
This is File 005 for our series The Xactimate Sessions.
The full episode will premier Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 9am PST on YouTube, Spotify, Apple podcast, and elsewhere.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Book #3 from Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? Is NOW available for Kindle Pre-Order, it will be published 11/11/2021 - thedyojo.com/book3
- Are YOU a professional in the skilled trades who want to advance your career through project management?
- Are YOU a new project manager who could use some additional direction on how to develop as a leader in this role?
- Are YOU a manager or business owner who oversees training and development for your team?
THIS is a book for YOU!
The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Restoration Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli (aka The OG Intentional Restorer), exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
This week, on The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast, we sit down to discuss Xactimate with Xactimate. Brian Austin is the director of instructional design at Verisk, Xactware division. Verisk is the parent company that owns Xactware which produces Xactimate. So, if you could ask Xactimate one question, what would it be? We asked Brian several questions and he said that Xactware has worked diligently to build feedback into their systems. Xactimate wants to hear from the everyday restoration contractor and all of its users.
SPONSOR: The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims.
The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast
File 002 - Learning to XM8 with all the Resources from Xactimate
The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 66
Guest: Brian Austin, Director of Instructional Design at Verisk
Brian shares many of the tools available to all Xactimate users including many that are included with your annual Xactware subscription:
- Self-paced online training for Xactimate
- Training courses for Xactimate with certified trainers
- A YouTube channel with Xpert Tips Xactware Training
- ILX Construction Training - 50 courses that take students through the complete building process—from selecting a building lot all the way to the final inspection
Three tips for elevating your Xactimate skills:
If you didn't catch this from the previous paragraph, Xactware offers ILX Construction Training which is included in your annual Xactware license and is designed to help take employees through the complete building process. In addition to these resources, Brian shares three tips for elevating your Xactimate game as well as your personal and professional development:
- Embrace the change, or as Brian says, "The suck." Most of us are resistant to change but the rate of change is always accelerating and if you want to remain competitive you must embrace it.
- We are all very busy, yet you must set aside time to work on your personal and professional development. If you recognize the truth of the first point, you understand that making time, even if it's thirty to sixty minutes a week, is critical to your growth as a leader, manager, and restoration professional.
- Participate in the discussion. Brian outlines how Xactware had built-in feedback from contractors and encourages professionals to reach out to him directly if they are in need of assistance.
- Listen to The DYOJO Podcast. Brian literally says it is, "Terrific."
**The DYOJO collaboration with DocuSketch offering a $200 discount on the initial hardware package to members of The DYOJO Nation who use the custom code "DS-DYOJO1".
The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli, exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. WATCH on YouTube or LISTEN on Spotify, Thursday at 9 am PST.**
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 70
Guest: Michelle Blevins, owner of C&R Magazine
Our good friend Michelle Blevins returns to the show to discuss her recent purchase of C&R Magazine. Cleaning & Restoration Magazine is the oldest trade publication specifically dedicated to the cleaning and restoration industry. C&R was founded by the Restoration Industry Association more than four decades ago, as a member-only benefit.
In July 2021, C&R came under the leadership of ongoing industry media partner, Michelle Blevins. Blevins has been part of the restoration industry since 2015, and is endlessly passionate about bringing high-quality educational content of all kinds to contractors, through the expertise of industry educators, thought leaders, trainers, and peers. She lives in Metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.
Please feel free to reach out to Michelle any time with comments, questions, and topic ideas at michelle@candrmagazine.com
Topics include:
- What else does Michelle have brewing in her cauldron
- History of this legacy publication and the industry
- The role of journalism in cutting through the noise
Sponsor: Solutions For You (SFY) third party Xactimate estimating and supplements.
The DYOJO Podcast - helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
The Xactimate Sessions
from The DYOJO Podcast
File 004 - Efficient and consistent Xactimate reviews
The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 69
Guest: Chris Tilkov, Ask AiME
How do we scale our ability to create constantly high-performing Xactimate estimates? Chris Tilkov joins us on The DYOJO Podcast to share his experiences working his way from the ground up as a restoration technician, to estimator, and then to team leader training and reviewing estimates for multiple estimators in a large organization. Chris talks about the challenge of scaling your efforts to consistently and efficiently provide internal reviews for your team.
This week, on The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast, we sit down to discuss Xactimate with a restorer who has sat in all of the seats related to learning, training, and elevating estimates. Chris shares the good news of how you can put his robots to work enhancing your efforts to improve your peer review process.
Chris shares a few tips for aspiring professionals and growth-minded estimators, stellar insights such as:
- Think in the broader context of your team. When you write an estimate you are representing "real people's work" and therefore it is essential to thoroughly capture what is needed to charge a fair price so that you can continue to pay a fair wage.
- Think like an adjuster. As a member of the triangle of restoration, you are part of the process to accurately input a scope of work that represents what is needed to restore the structure to resemble pre-loss conditions with materials of like kind and quality (the standard).
SPONSOR: The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Book #3 from Jon Isaacson - So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? If you are a NEW project manager with a year or less on the job, we are sending out 10 advance copies of the book (once we print them) to get your feedback. GET ON THE LIST.
If you are a business owner, manager, or intentional restorer, you will appreciate Chris' insights as well as the challenge to master, to the best of your ability, the line items of Xactimate. We supplement our discussion with Chris with clips and comments from many sources including
-
Ben Justesen of Enlightened Restoration Solutions
-
Brian Austin (File 002), Director of Instructional Design at Verisk
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Recap of my trip to Austin, TX for The Collective by CORE
-
Whatley of Actionable Insights
-
SOCKTember 2021 update
-
David Smith and Ty Panzone discuss winning the TPA game
-
Chris Stanley of IA Path
-
Matthew Allen of AdjusterTV
The DYOJO collaboration with DocuSketch offering a $200 discount on the initial hardware package to members of The DYOJO Nation who use the custom code "DS-DYOJO1".
The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli, exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
The Xactimate Sessions
from The DYOJO Podcast
File 003 - Fake it until you Xactimate it
The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 68
Guest: Nick Sharp, Consulting Specialist at Reets Drying Academy
If you can't estimate, you become a trainer. Right? Nick Sharp joins us on The DYOJO Podcast to share his experiences from cleaning carpets to learning to fake it until he made it as a reconstruction estimator. Nick shares how his positive mindset and consistent work ethic helped him to progress in his property restoration career. As Nick says, "I never went into anything thinking that I can't do this."
This week, on The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast, we sit down to discuss Xactimate with a restorer-turned estimator who transformed into a restoration industry trainer. Nick shares a few tips for aspiring professionals and growth-minded estimators, including:
- Don't be under-informed. Know your IICRC S500 (and other industry standards related documents)
- Don't limit yourself. Always be adapting.
- Don't be stagnant. It's ok to make mistakes. Learn the basics and keep expanding your knowledge base.
- Don't be just data input. Understand the items that lead to a thorough and accurate estimate so that you can be profitable.
SPONSOR: The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims.
If you are a business owner, manager, or intentional restorer, you will appreciate Nick's insights as well as this key question, "Why are we teaching estimators the program (IE Xactimate) instead of what is going to be profitable?" We supplement our discussion with Nick with clips and comments from many sources including
- Ben Justesen of Enlightened Restoration Solutions
- Brian Austin (File 002), Director of Instructional Design at Verisk
- IICRC Triple Master Restorer Robert More
- Jon Isaacson's mediocre appearance on the stellar IAQ Radio Ep 633 (the OG's of restoration podcasting)
- The Founding Father's of Restoration with Pete "The Global Watchdog" Consigli
The DYOJO collaboration with DocuSketch offering a $200 discount on the initial hardware package to members of The DYOJO Nation who use the custom code "DS-DYOJO1".
The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli, exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
The month of September will now be known as SOCKTember. We are in the pre-season of our 2nd Annual The DYOJO Podcast SOCKTember 2021 NEW Sock-Raising Challenge. We hosted a Zoom call for team captains and new team members to help set everyone off on the right foot. If you still have questions about the event, hopefully, this will provide some clarity on what you are signing up for. While each team wants to win, we also want to collaborate on creative ideas so that we can blow the prior event's haul of NEW socks out of the water.
Last year, in the middle of the shutdowns, four local NEW Sock-Raising teams raised over 5,500 socks. These socks were distributed to local charities that each team elected as the recipient of their shared efforts. Sisters for Socks raised over 2,200 socks and took home the SOCKTember Trophy for 2020. This year the competition is heating up with teams from Washington, California, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Canada joining the challenge.
There is still time to LEAD and/or JOIN a local NEW Sock-Raising team so that you can WIN SOCKTember. Have some FUN and do some GOOD, as we connect, collaborate, and conquer.
MORE INFO on our webpage.
We are doing something different for The DYOJO Podcast Episode 67. This week, Eric "The Tech Whisperer" Sprague and Larry "Pineapple Man" Wilberton, invited Gerrett Stier of GMS Podcast and myself to join them for what they called The Podcast Summit of Blue Collar Nation (BCN).
Blue Collar Nation Podcast + GMS Podcast + The DYOJO Podcast = Restoration Podcastalypse Megazord 2021.
Eric, Larry, and Gerrett were onsite in Charleston, South Carolina for The Experience, where GMS Podcast unveiled their mobile podcasting booth. You can listen to the results of these escapades on Blue Collar Nation Podcast and GMS Podcast. We hope that this Podcastalypse will be the first of many continued video, audio, and physical collaborations. GMS and BCN will be in Las Vegas for The Experience in September 2021, back at it with their live shenanigans.
We hope to assemble the team for our first combined live event at Restoration Industry Association (RIA) in Reno on April 13-17, 2022. In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast, we share some snippets of Restoration Podcastalypse Megazord 2021 (aka Podcast Summit). We give each other a hard time and dig deeper into what makes each of us tick as well as the value proposition for our shows. The first question we want to ask (POLL), who has the better podcast opening?
- We talk about Eric and Larry's stellar company, MorningTechMeeting.com, which helps business owners in the skilled trades to develop their employee's soft skills. This resource will shorten your DANG learning curve for employee development and will impact your profitability by elevating your customer experience.
- We released our first article in the NEW C&R Magazine, which addresses a topic that Gerret did a masterful job of addressing from multiple perspectives. Please check out GMS Podcast "The Young Guns" parts one and two as well as the third episode (Ep. 66) in the series with Dr. Jessica Stahl, The Employee Experience.
READ MORE in The DYOJO Blog The DYOJO Podcast is THE podcast for intentional restorers, helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. Catch us every Thursday at 9 am PST on YouTube (video) or Spotify / Apple (audio).
Last year, in the middle of the shutdowns, we hatched a crazy idea to bring our friends, peers, and clients together to have some fun while doing some good in our local communities. The DYOJO Podcast launched SOCKTember as a competitive NEW sock-raising challenge. This year competitive NEW sock-raising teams are assembling to challenge each other for the title of 2021 SOCKTember Champion and hoist the trophy at the end of the season. SOCKTember is a great event for:
- Escalating client outreach
- Elevating employee engagement
- Expanding community partnerships
When is the SOCKTember NEW Sock-Raising Season?
August 2021 - The Pre-Season:
Teams form in local communities to raise NEW socks by reaching out to clients, vendors, friends, and community partners.
September 2021 - The Season:
Teams collect NEW socks. We have a weekly count of NEW socks raised by all teams, keeping with the competitive spirit.
October 2021 - The Post-Season:
We perform a final official count of NEW socks raise and this year we plan to announce the WINNER at a LIVE local event in Tukwila, Washington on Friday, October 22, 2021. Local teams distribute NEW socks to local charities that they want to support.
How do I get Involved with SOCKTember 2021?
Reach out to The DYOJO (thedyojo.com) if you would like to:
- LEAD a local team
- JOIN a local team
- SPONSOR the event
Stay tuned as the SOCKTember 2021 season kicks-off on September 1, 2021. Read more about this event in the press release from Restoration & Remediation Magazine, stay tuned with event updates on The DYOJO YouTube and the webpage - thedyojo.com/dogood.Current teams include:
- Sisters for Socks - Lindsey Ward - The Contents Specialists (Seattle, WA)
- Sock Agents - Kelsey Isaacson - Home with Kelsey Isaacson (Puyallup, WA)
- SockARES - Jon Isaacson - ARES Restoration (Graham, WA)
- Groovy Tube Socks - Gordy Powell - Georgia Clean (Atlanta, GA)
- Culture Sock - Elan Pasmanick - Born to Repair (San Diego, CA)
- New England No Shows - Brandi Hawthorne - Office Services by Brandi (Alton Bay, NH)
Current sponsors include:
- ARES Restoration (Graham, WA)
Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, was invited to present a breakout session for the 2021 IA Path Virtual Job Fair.
What is the IA Path Adjuster Job Fair?
The IA Path Adjuster Job Fair is an online platform for adjusters and companies looking for adjusters to find each other. This is adjuster-specific networking designed for insurance adjusters and those looking to recruit and hire insurance adjusters.
https://virtual.adjusterjobfair.com
This is a twice-annual event. Dates for the two upcoming events are,
-
January 10th-12th 2022
-
July [TBD] 2022
This event was created by Chris Stanley and his team. Chris was a guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 38 where, among other topics, we discussed how to work with an insurance adjuster's "box". Chris explained his process for working insurance claims in the automobile wing and how those principles can apply to property insurance as well.
For this presentation, How To Go Toe-To-Toe With A Contractor And Win Every Time During Insurance Claim Negotiations, we played off of the title of a presentation that Bill Wilson, author of When Words Collide, used to use to share his process for doubtful and disputed claims. We had the pleasure of diving into this topic with Bill and David Princeton (Advocate Claim Service), on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 48.
Sample dialogue from this presentation:
In insurance work, where Xactimate is the common estimating platform, the first step is to establish the agreed-upon scope (based on data capture) and then build an estimate that reflects this approach (data input).
Thorough data capture leads to accurate data input.
These are also fundamental elements of a contract. Insurance is a bit unique in this aspect, where the scope is negotiated between the contractor and the insurance carrier which establishes the agreed-upon scope whereby the contract between the customer and the contractor will be created. The primary goal (aka the standard) for insurance claims repairs is:
To restore the property to resemble pre-loss conditions, no more and no less.
This is the standard by which all efforts should be judged. This standard is critical to remember during all phases and starts with the estimating process. The property restoration estimator, insurance adjuster, and homeowner/insured should have a “meeting of the minds” to confirm the scope of work relevant to that standard.
The DYOJO Way of the Intentional Adjuster: Use this standard as your opening statement to the client as well as your introduction to the contractor, take the lead on the conversation and establish the process for your discussions. (see more - thedyojo.com/scope)
In insurance work, the agreed scope of work is a foundational element. While many people focus on the price, in insurance the standard estimating tool is called Xactimate which helps create a common language between contractors and carriers. Xactimate estimates are constructed based upon quantities and are composed line by line and room by room. While Xactimate is often over-utilized as a guide for the insurance claims repair process, it is also blamed when either party doesn’t agree with the output. Thorough data capture leads to accurate data input. The software’s role should be understood as communicating a fair and reasonable price in relationship to the scope of work necessary:
To restore the property to resemble pre-loss conditions, no more and no less.
The DYOJO Podcast airs Thursdays at 9am PST, you can WATCH on YouTube or LISTEN on Spotify. The podcast for the intentional restorer, helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. thedyojo.com/listen
NEW SEASON + NEW SERIES
The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast
File 001 - Learning Xactimate from scratch with Greg Power
The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 65
Greg Power is a project manager/estimator based in Tacoma, WA who learned Xactimate rapidly with no prior industry experience. He initially started writing estimates for property managers responding to damages in apartment complexes and then was soon inundated with a high volume of program work (third party administrator or TPA) for insurance claims. Greg will share some insights on how he approached learning Xacitmate which will be helpful to aspiring estimators and training managers alike.
Building from the success and reception for Benchmarks of Growth, a six-part series which The DYOJO Podcast produced earlier this year, the team will be releasing these multi-part Xactimate Sessions weekly over the next few months. Viewers and listeners will receive a great deal of value from the mindset and habits that have helped our guests as well as some deals from the participating vendors and sponsors of the show. Listeners are encouraged to leave comments and/or questions on any of the social media platforms including Youtube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram so that the discussion can evolve in relationship to need as the episodes drop.
SPONSOR: The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims.
Our discussion with Greg includes:
- Qualifications for a candidate who could succeed with learning Xactimate. Greg shares that had a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and could read a tape measure. Greg learned how to construct an estimate from the ground up by first creating paper sketches on graph paper, something he still practices to this day.
- Greg shares that as he was learning the Xactimate terminology, it was helpful to memorize (Tip #1) the most common categories and line items (as discussed in Be Intentional: Estimating). By doing so, Greg was able to make his time onsite more efficient by writing his scope notes in Xactimate lingo. This could also be helpful if you are sending notes to a remote estimator.
- We are interrupted by an Xactimate celebrity cameo from Ben Justesen, of Enlightened Restoration Solutions, who tries to take the show over. Thankfully he departed gracefully (teaser clip).
- Greg and Jon, who initially trained Greg, discuss the importance of not taking criticism personally (Tip #2). This goes for estimators, who should always be looking to improve, and for training managers who should be mindful of the learning style of their recruits.
- The duo also discuss the value of using a top-down approach with a consistent heading structure for estimates. Something Jon points out is in his book (shut up already) Be Intentional: Estimating in Chapter 17.
As we close File 001 of The Xactimate Sessions, we extend the conversation by discussing approaches to training your team to sketch, as this was brought up in one of social media groups for restorers. Jon references an old video where he was teaching his young children to sketch and announces The DYOJO collaboration with DocuSketch which is offering a $200 discount on the initial hardware package to members of The DYOJO Nation who use the custom code "DS-DYOJO1".
The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli, exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. thedyojo.com/listen
Building from the success and reception for Benchmarks of Growth six-part series which The DYOJO Podcast produced earlier this year, the team will be releasing these multi-part sessions weekly over the next few months. Viewers and listeners will receive a great deal of value from the mindset and habits that have helped our guests as well as some deals from the participating vendors and sponsors of the show. Listeners are encouraged to leave comments and/or questions on any of the social media platforms including Youtube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram so that the discussion can evolve in relationship to need as the episodes drop.
Whatever your area of core service, Xactimate has become the primary tool for creating estimates in the preferred "language" for insurance carriers and their representatives, such as adjusters, third-party administrators (TPAs), claims reviewers, etc. The team that brought you Be Intentional: Estimating, the book which discusses means and methods for developing the right mindset and habits for yourself and your team to succeed with estimating property insurance claims, is now releasing a series titled The Xactimate Sessions designed to help remove some of the fears and misconceptions around this prevalent software system.
Who will benefit most from watching the Xactimate sessions on The DYOJO Youtube or listening to the audio version via The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify or Apple? Great question.
New property restoration business owners
Contractors pivoting towards insurance claims
Managers looking for creative ideas to help lead their teams
Growth minded water and damage professionals looking to progress in their careers
Xactimate is a tool and our goal is to help you shorten your DANG learning curve with this particular tool. We have assembled guests with diverse perspectives and experiences to share the mindset and habits that have aided them in mastering this tool in their daily operations. The DYOJO Nation will benefit from the sage advice they receive from:
Greg Power - a project manager/estimator who learned Xactimate rapidly with no prior industry experience. Greg will share some insights on how he approached learning Xacitmate which will be helpful to aspiring estimators and training managers alike.
Chris Tilkov - a former project manager/estimator who used his experience to create Ask Aime, an industry-leading resource for expediting internal estimate reviews.
Brian Austin - director of instructional design as Verisk, Xactware Division (the parent company for Xactimate). Brian discusses the broad menu of resources available directly from the creators of the program.
Mathew Allen - an independent adjuster and creator of Adjuster TV, who has a passion for elevating the claims experience through helping adjusters and contractors to educate and empower themselves to thrive.
Nick Sharp - a former project manager/estimator who is now an instructor at Reets Drying Academy. Nick will dive deeper into some of the elements of estimating specific to mitigation.
Ben Justesen - is both an active full-service restoration company owner, Just Right Cleaning & Construction (JRCC), as well as an Xactimate trainer through his company Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS). Listeners may recall Ben from his sponsorship of the program and our trip out to his training facility. Ben shares from his vast experience with mastering the program to write an estimate with "no fluff" that you can defend and be profitable with.
Joyce Gabriel - a senior project manager with training responsibilities shares her tips and tricks for helping others to grow as estimators.
The DYOJO Podcast exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Water damage restoration historical figure from South Dakota, The DYOJO Podcast crew discusses Lloyd Weaver (clips from episodes 60 and 47).
Contributions from:
- Cliff Zlotnik
- John Downey
- Ken Larsen
- Pete Consigli
- Claude Blackburn
Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development - The DYOJO Podcast.
Benchmarks of Growth - Part 6 of 6
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 64
Guest: Andrew Golkin, President Paul Davis (Manassas, VA)
Released on audio and video Thursday, June 10, 2021
SPONSOR
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims.
Andrew Golkin shares his experience entering the industry, helping his family start an emergency services division from the ground up for their existing restoration company. Going from two guys in a van to building a multi-million dollar organization. He shares many of the lessons learned the hard way as they continue to build their team.
Andrew shares his thoughts on building and hiring for the company that you want to be, not just what you are. Seeing the bigger picture for your organization as well as for your team members. This effort includes hiring people for the role that you want them to grow into, rather than just for an immediate need.
As the team grows, so does the importance of accountability. Andrew discusses building an accountability chart based upon vision, so that you team hiring and developing are in alignment with your growth objectives. We also discuss how many people outside of the industry don't understand what restoration professionals do and are capable of. Unfortunately, this also applies to many people in positions of leadership in our industry, as turnover continues to be high in many companies.
Andrew discusses many of the lessons learned while growing as a person in a position of leadership on this episode of Benchmarks of Growth. This is part 6 of 6 from The DYOJO Podcast.
The DYOJO Podcast is THE podcast for intentional restorers, helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. Catch us every Thursday on YouTube
Books available from The DYOJO:
- Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
- Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
- Check out our NEW t-shirt designs on Instagram
Benchmarks of Growth - Part 5 of 6
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 63
Guest: O.P. Almaraz, Allied Restoration (West Covina, CA)
Released on audio and video Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 9am PST
SPONSOR
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims -
O.P. Almaraz worked for some of the biggest names in the property restoration industry before deciding to flex his entrepreneurial muscles and start his own water and fire damage response company. As he shares in his TedX Talk, those early years in business placed great strain on him personally and professionally, to the point he was ready to throw in the towel. O.P. shares his experiences with some key aspects of his personal development as a person in a position of leadership as well as for his organization:
- You have to really care for your people. This includes communicating the vision and training the team to achieve the goals. This does not mean that everyone will get it or be aligned with your objectives. Sometimes you have to allow employees to exit the company.
- Double down on your commitment to your ideal client. As a person in a position of leadership, you will have to become the type of leader necessary to see the vision through. As you pursue those goals, you must be able to deconstruct those skills and attributes (the leadership download) so that your team can see and believe the vision.
- You don't have to have everything figured out. You need to demonstrate consistent intention to be resourceful and helpful to your ideal client if you want to build trust and a presence in your target market. Prepare the team, spread the message, and be ready to capitalize when you are given the opportunity.
O.P. discusses many of the lessons learned while growing as a person in a position of leadership on this episode of Benchmarks of Growth. This is part 5 of 6 from The DYOJO Podcast.
In his early years he learned and struggled with third party administrators (TPAs) and program work. When he went out on his own, he wanted to build a company that didn't rely on these sources of work. He identified high net-worth clients and celebrities as a key area of growth for his company. Even with this large goal, O.P. talks about how he thinks it has been important to keep his team small.
The DYOJO Podcast is THE podcast for intentional restorers, helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. Catch us every Thursday on YouTube.com/thedyojo
Books available from The DYOJO:
- Be Intentional: Estimating (book 1)
- Be Intentional: Culture (book 2)
- Check out our NEW t-shirt designs on Instagram
Are you a water or fire damage technician in the property restoration industry who feels hopeless when it comes to career growth and development?
We had the pleasure of discussing how one young man in Oregon utilized the principles outlined in Jon Isaacson's, The Intentional Restorer, book Be Intentional: Estimating to realize that he had the skills, abilities, and newly found confidence to pursue an advanced position.
Chris shares how this book helped him with:
- Simple tips to advance your career in property restoration.
- Gaining confidence in the skills and abilities you have learned and applying them to growth opportunities.
- Developing a strategy from this easy to understand playbook for advancement as a water and/or fire damage technician.
We also discuss how the book outlines the mindset and habits that will help you hit the ground running as a growth minded professional. You are closer than you think, and if the author of this book could create a career out of property restoration, you will unlock the keys that will help you believe that you can too. You can purchase Be Intentional: Estimating in paperback or Kindle from Amazon. If you would like a signed copy at a discount, you can order directly from our website.
Benchmarks of Growth - Part 4 of 6
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 62
Guest: Whitney Wiseman, Restore Force and NORRP (Jupiter, FL)
SPONSOR
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims.
Whitney Wiseman started his company during 2008. Most of you business owners and entrepreneurs know this was a tough time to start a business.
He shares a unique perspective on the importance of building up a value driven administrative team as well as lessons that he learned through trial and error (as all of us do).
Whitney discusses many of the lessons learned while attending the school of hard knocks for our series, Benchmarks of Growth, this is part 4 of 6 from The DYOJO Podcast.
Leading people to understand and operate in their roles and responsibilities while developing a culture that provides them with opportunities to exercise their creativity to the benefit of your organization.
Whitney is also the founder of NORRP, the National Organization of Restoration and Remediation Professionals, a Facebook group with nearly eight thousand members.
If you are watching this on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - Ed "The Restoration Lawyer" Cross, who provided a special message (clip from TDP 60), will be discussing assignment of benefits (AOB) with our guest Whitney Wiseman on Facebook LIVE at 5pm EST / 2pm PST.
The DYOJO Podcast is THE podcast for intentional restorers, helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. Catch us every Thursday onYouTube.com/thedyojo
The DYOJO Podcast LIVE
Episode 61 - Building a career, growing as a leader, and elevating the skilled trades
Recorded LIVE Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 9am PST
The DYOJO Podcast is THE podcast for intentional restorers, helping you shorten your dang learning curve for personal and professional development. Catch us every Thursday on YouTube
SPONSOR
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims.
GUEST 1:
Lance Peppler, The Business Bookshelf Podcast (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Lance's Top 5 Books for people in a position of leadership and entrepreneurs for 2021:
- Trusted Leader by David Horsager
- The Art of Alignment by Art Johnson
- The Feeling Economy by Dr. Roland Rust
- All the Brains in the Business by Kate Lanz
- Overcome by Jason Redman
GUEST 2:
Josh Zolin, Windy City Equipment Service (Phoenix, AZ) Blue is the New White Book & Podcast
- "If I can do this, anyone can," the effort to open doors to young people through the skilled trades.
- Thoughts on the idea, “Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.”
- Josh's journey in the trades and building a thriving service based business.
- The "C" word - culture in the real world.
The DYOJO Podcast - helping the skilled trades shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development
DEDx Talk
Do you have any silly ideas, personally or professionally, that you are finally letting go of?
This DEDx Talk is an adaptation of this months The Intentional Restorer column in Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine, "Become the Hero of Your Own Story". This video is done in the cadence and style popularized by TEDx Talks. Grab your headphones and tuck yourself in for Story Time with The Intentional Restorer as we compare my mindset and habits regarding shaving as they relate to our process as intentional restorers in seeking out and implementing advice from others who have BTDT (been there, done that).
READ MORE from The Intentional Restorer...
Special Message from Ed
Ed "The Restoration Lawyer" Cross drops by to deliver a special message for our audience.
We play a clip of Ed's contribution to our panel discussion regarding property restoration industry standards. While we set out to do a two hour overview from pre-1970's on through present day, we were unable to make our way out of the 1980's. Thankfully our all star guests have agreed to return to continue our conversation.
Our guests were:
- Co-host, Pete Consigli, "The Industry Watchdog" (guest on TDP 54)
- Ken Larsen, Restorative Drying Services Senior Consultant (guest on TDP 46)
- John Downey, Executive Director of CIRI (guest on TDP 28)
- Cliff Zlotnik - Owner IdeaZ, co-host IAQ Radio
LISTEN to MORE via TDP 60...
The DYOJO Podcast is THE podcast for intentional restorers, helping you shorten your dang learning curve for personal and professional development. Catch us every Thursday on YouTube.com/thedyojo
South Sound Connection (SSC) LIVE 018
Season 2 "Made in the South Sound"
Recorded LIVE - Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 9am PST
SSC LIVE is brought to you by The DYOJO Podcast and All American Restoration Services (Tacoma, WA).
- We opened with a reading from Be Intentional: Culture, How the Small Things Enhance or Undermine Your Culture, co-authored by Jon Isaacson.
- John Stearns was nice enough to include The DYOJO and AARES in an article published Feb 9, 2021 "Maintaining Workplace Culture" in South Sound Business Magazine.
GUEST
Josh Dunn, Premier Media Group (Tacoma, WA)
- Is hyper local a key to success in the modern economy - so many print publications are converting to online only and Premier has been able to remain beautifully in print
- Josh discusses how his team has adapted to remote work, being more efficient with their meeting times and intentional with they efforts to "surprise and delight" their team members.
This is National Small Business Week - you can still register for the 6th Annual South Sound Business Summit (FREE) - We discussed this event with Paul T. Long for SSC 017
South Sound Connection (SSC) presented by The DYOJO Podcast and All American Restoration Services (AARES).
- All American Restoration Services is a general contractor based in Tacoma, WA that provides insurance repairs services for clients throughout the South Sound.
- The DYOJO is a business coaching service based in Tacoma, WA and produces The DYOJO Podcast - helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development.
- You can hear Tammy Birklid, Merit Construction (Tacoma, WA) share her thoughts on "Becoming an Employer of Choice" on Benchmarks of Growth 3 of 6 from The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 59
- See our past episodes of SSC LIVE
- See our roster for Season 2 of SSC LIVE
Benchmarks of Growth - Part 3 of 6
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 59
Guest:
Tammy Birklid, Merit Construction (Tacoma, WA)
SPONSOR
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS). Ben Justesen and his team have put together a dynamic live class which reviews real world estimates and elevates your ability to master the methodology of Xactware. Including how to determine your own labor rates, create your own price list, and navigate pricing feedback.
Tammy shares insights into her process of growing in the company, with the company, and now as the leader of her company, Merit Construction in Tacoma, Washington. I found it interesting that her background was in finances and yet she placed a high emphasis on culture. Not that these concepts are exclusive, but in my experience the financial minded person has not always been the driver of those efforts. Tammy shares so many gems for our series, Benchmarks of Growth, this is part 3 of 6 from The DYOJO Podcast.
- "Grow in proportion to your ability to maintain your quality and your culture." How many businesses have we observed grow to rapidly and plummet as a result? Tammy shares he vision for sustained growth.
- Tammy believes strongly that as a person in a position of leadership and as an organization that you should, "Be who you say you are." She talks about what that has meant, as well as how it has both been tested and proven, coming through the challenges of 2020 as a team.
- In a market where good employees are harder to acquire and retain than good clients, Tammy challenges companies to, "Be an employer of choice." Tammy shares how the Merit team achieves this and has developed a culture of accountability.
SPONSOR
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims.
The DYOJO Podcast is THE podcast for intentional restorers, helping you shorten your dang learning curve for personal and professional development. Catch us every Thursday on YouTube
South Sound Connection (SSC) LIVE 017
Season 2 "Made in the South Sound"
Recorded LIVE - Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 9am PST
SSC LIVE is brought to you by The DYOJO Podcast and All American Restoration Services (Tacoma, WA).
Recap of our discussion with Nancy Giacolone, "Recipe of Success" with employee retention through creative benefits and having "The Courage to Change" (SSC LIVE 016).
Local treasure, Tammy Birklid (Merit Construction) will be our guest for The DYOJO Podcast. She presents her thoughts on becoming an employer of choice for Part 3 (of 6) for our series Benchmarks of Growth.
We read from Jon Isaacson's book, Be Intentional: Culture, regarding shifting your mindset from that of being STUCK in the middle to being PLANTED in the middle and using that positive energy to thrive wherever you are in your career. You can purchase a signed copy of the book directly from The DYOJO via the website.
GUEST
Paul Long, South Sound Business Summit (Tacoma, WA)
- Business Owners deserve a Commercial Banker that is a strategic advisor…not just a banker - Paul discusses his approach to helping businesses with more than just the money as well as lessons learned from developing strong local partnerships to help each other thrive.
- Paul is famous for his local business leader LinkedIn Connection highlights posts, utilizing the power of social media to shout out local standouts. If you need some encouragement on how to approach social media, follow Paul's example. Social media doesn't have to always be about you, learn to harness the power of the win-win.
- The 6th Annual South Sound Business Summit, this year the event is remote and 100% FREE - southsoundbusinesssummit.com What is SSBS and why you don't want to miss this years value packed event. There is still time to REGISTER TODAY to receive the daily emails with 5-7 minute presentations from local professionals who will help boost your personal development. The South Sound Business Summit coincides with National Small Business Week, so invest in yourself, build local relationships, and support your community partners.
South Sound Connection (SSC) presented by The DYOJO Podcast and All American Restoration Services (AARES).
- All American Restoration Services is a general contractor based in Tacoma, WA that provides insurance repairs services for clients throughout the South Sound.
- The DYOJO is a business coaching service based in Tacoma, WA and produces The DYOJO Podcast - helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development.
- See our past episodes
- See our roster for Season 2
You Play to Win the (TPA) Game
The DYOJO Podcast LIVE, Episode 58 aka Pro vs. Joe 012
Recorded LIVE - Saturday, April 17, 2021 - 8pm PST
SPONSOR
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS). Ben Justesen and his team have put together a dynamic live class which reviews real world estimates and elevates your ability to master the methodology of Xactware. Including how to determine your own labor rates, create your own price list, and navigate pricing feedback.
CO-HOST
Bryan Close
All American Restoration Services
GUEST 1
Tye Panzone
TPA Repairs
- Taking a "no name" local contractor from the "back woods" of the PNW to a perennial Contractor Connection Top Contender
- Can you make money doing program work?
- Leveraging your TPA connections to build your book of business
- Attracting a national brand to help repeat "success"
GUEST 2
David Smith
TPA Mitigation
- Currently recovering from TPA work
- The best compliance person I have ever worked with
Join us live - youtube.com/thedyojo
Benchmarks of Growth - Part 2 of 6
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 57
Guest: Gordy Powell, Georgia Clean (Atlanta, GA)
SPONSOR
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS). Ben Justesen and his team have put together a dynamic live class which reviews real world estimates and elevates your ability to master the methodology of Xactware. Including how to determine your own labor rates, create your own price list, and navigate pricing feedback.
At the beginning of 2020 I set out to interview a broad swath of people in a position of leadership to compile their insights on various benchmarks of growth. Our motto for The DYOJO Podcast is, “Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve,” and the best way to achieve this is to learn from the trials and errors of your fellow entrepreneurs.
Gordy shared several gems for those in a position of leadership to take into account for the personal and professional development:
- "You gotta put a team together." Understanding that you don't have to do it alone is a key evolution for any entrepreneur. For Mr. Powell this started with having someone dedicated to tracking and collecting the money.
- "Don't be afraid to divide your responsibilities." Gordy realized the importance of being honest with yourself and seeking out people who can supplement your areas of weakness.
- Mr. Powell shares a funny story about his first partner, walking up to him and saying, "I'm going to tell you where I suck at business at and where you suck at business at." With complimentary skill sets they were able to help each other grow as professionals and as an organization.
- Gordy closes with a great encouragement to, "Romance the employees," in a platonic sense of valuing their contributions and engaging with them on a personal level.
This is the second discussion in a six part series on the benchmarks of growth. We will be discussing this topic in upcoming episodes of The DYOJO Podcast with dynamic industry leaders Lisa Lavender, Tammy Birklid, Whitney Wiseman, O.P. Almarez, and Andrew Golkin.
If you would like to hear more of Gordy’s story and perspectives:
- Listen to the Biocast 411 podcast
- Watch/listen her appearance on The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 29
thedyojo.com/listen
growthmindset
propertyrestoration
The DYOJO Podcast LIVE - Episode 56
The Phases of Career Development and Growth
First aired April 8, 2021 at 9am PST
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Be Intentional: Culture, written by a collaboration of talented authors from various service based industries. This book discusses real world examples of how the small things either enhance or undermine your efforts to develop a thriving workplace culture. Available in Kindle and paperback.
GUEST 1
Benjamin Ricciardi, Ironclad Restoration Marketing (West Palm Beach, FL)
Author, New Book - No BS Guide to Internet Marketing for Restoration Contractors
We announce our #hugyourbooks giveaway and discuss the 80/20 rule for marketing that every property restoration contractor should implement.
GUEST 2
Doug Irwin, On Side Restoration (Calgary, Alberta)
Phases of Career Development and Growth for Yourself and Your Team
Mr. Irwin came to property restoration from "the outside", he found that when you aren't the subject matter expert it forces you to focus on the people. Doug shares that as you develop yourself and your team, "There is nothing quicker than the speed of trust."
LIVE: YouTube.com/thedyojo
SITE: thedyojo.com/listen
Pete Consigli, The Restoration Watchdog, joins us for Part 2 of our BIRTHDAY BASH Discussion for The DYOJO Podcast Episode 54
Please refer to the notes from our prior episode to understand more of the story and sequence of event that led to this industry icon joining us for the one year anniversary of The DYOJO Podcast. Pete is known by many for his role as "The Restoration Industry Watchdog" in multiple capacities including his frequent appearances on IAQ Radio for their "roundup" session. With every attempt to honor the sequence of their show, Pete agreed to open this topic by introducing his good friend Ed Cross as well as re-joining our conversation at the end of the show to input his insights into these topics. Pete was eager to frame the broader conversation in the context of standards of care for restoration contractors.
Source material for my article in Restoration and Remediation Magazine (R&R), "A History of Collaboration, a Future of Advocacy" included previously written pieces from Michelle Blevins, Jeff Bishop, IAQ Radio, and a name that kept popping up, Pete Consigli. Mr. Consigli collaborated with Michelle for her article, A Brief Walk Through RIA History, while also composing one of the industry’s legacy pieces published in Cleaning & Restoration titled, The Four Faces on Mount Restoration (often referred to as The Founding Fathers article). Pete has long been referred to, by those who had front row seats to the early innovations of property restoration into a professional industry, as Restoration Google. If you intend to dig into the bowels of the emergence of our profession, a good test of whether your source is credible would be whether they ask, “Have you talked to Pete about this?”
Part 1 of our conversation for Episode 54 dove into the topic of assignment of benefits (AOB) with "The Restoration Lawyer" Ed Cross. Mr. Cross shared some recent revelations in the fight to defend the right to utilize AOB by insureds and contractors as well as dispel some of the backlash against this resource from his perspective. Mr. Consigli facilitated a Town Hall discussion, followed by an excellent episode of IAQ Radio (#553), in the wake of the 2019 decision in Florida leading to the elimination of the fee shifting statute for contractors. As was revealed in that Town Hall and by daily interactions between contractors, there are strong opinions about the role of AOB in our industry. Whether you believe they should be used or not, caution should be used when responding to one extreme with another, i.e. responding to bad actors by eliminating the resource.
This segment is Part 2 of the full conversation and is primarily our conversation with Pete Consigli and the celebration of our joint efforts to gain his trust and participation on The DYOJO Podcast. As Pete shares, he is eager to help all restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve. We encourage all of our listeners for The DYOJO Podcast and our readers for The Intentional Restorer, to do your own research and make your own decisions about the merits of these topics.
Benchmarks of Growth - Part 1 of 6
The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 55
Guest: Lisa Lavender, Berks Fire Water Restorations (Reading, PA)
At the beginning of 2020 I set out to interview a broad swath of people in a position of leadership to compile their insights on various benchmarks of growth. Our motto for The DYOJO Podcast is, “Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve,” and the best way to achieve this is to learn from the trials and errors of your fellow entrepreneurs. Lisa is the perfect person to kick of the discussion for this series as she has built her two companies, Berks Fire Water Restorations and Restoration Technical Institute, from the ground up. The key takeaway from our conversation with Lisa was this sage advice, “More is not always more when it comes to growth.”
In her experience, the years between starting Berks Fire and Water Restorations in Reading, Pennsylvania and achieving their first 3 to 4 million dollars were a bit of a blur. She believes that most companies have a culture and shared values, the important thing is being “deliptional”, which is a combination of deliberate and intentional. There comes a point when those in a position of leadership realize it is important to document your processes, articulate your culture clearly, and ensure that everyone is on the same page in order for you to carry that momentum into the next benchmarks for growth.
Lisa shared a funny story when this reality hit her. One day, she walked into the warehouse and remembers all of the people gathered from her team and the clipboards specifically. Their prior standard operating procedure (SOP) included everyone haggling for resources to ensure their projects were attended to and she realized, “This is a hot mess, we can’t grow this way.” As she point out, as you grow the risks are greater:
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Growing too fast and losing grasp of your culture, lagging in your processes, and overleveraging your finances
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Greater vulnerability to major declines in revenue stream when you have a larger infrastructure to support
For her team, these benchmarks of growth have been wake up calls, “When you have more people, equipment, projects, etc, you have to be better at everything.” Those of her team members who have been there since the beginning understand that there is a great cost difference between ten people standing around due to inefficiencies versus seventy employees being impacted by lags in communication and lapses in production. Lisa encourages leadership teams to think through key factors such as:
*Document your culture and processes as early as possible
*Know your break even point for where you are as where as where you want to be
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Develop a plan to build the optimum volume for your vision
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Understand that more is not always more when it comes to growth
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Be clear about your best practices and always discuss the key things each department needs to do in order achieve your goals
Evolving as a leader is critical to leading your team through the various market challenges and growing pains. Once you have identified and documented your shared values, be sure that you do not compromise on these key items. Lisa is a firm believer in the power of empowering open and constructive feedback from throughout the organization. If you want your team to be open and passionate about embracing challenges and improving their performance, you have to be doing the same by example.
If you would like to hear more of Lisa’s story and her perspectives:
Read her monthly column in Restoration and Remediation Magazine, Restoring Success
Read her chapter in Be Intentional: Culture
Watch/listen her appearance on The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 36
MYSTERY GUEST revealed
Part 1 of our BIRTHDAY BASH discussion for The DYOJO Podcast Episode 54
It's a fun churning of events that have coalesced over the last year leading up to the birthday bash for the one year anniversary of The DYOJO Podcast. The first of these elements was an interview with Ed Cross, then the inaugural chair for the recently formed Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) committee of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). The Restoration Lawyer graciously agreed to a discussion that would be the core content for an article that would be released as the April column for The Intentional Restorer. These words were drafted to carry the reader through Mr. Cross’ legal journey which includes involvement in many of the key evolutions of the property restoration industry.
Source material for this article included previously written pieces from Michelle Blevins, Jeff Bishop, IAQ Radio, and a name that kept popping up, Pete Consigli. Mr. Consigli collaborated with Michelle for her article, A Brief Walk Through RIA History, while also composing one of the industry’s legacy pieces published in Cleaning & Restoration titled, The Four Faces on Mount Restoration (often referred to as The Founding Fathers article). Pete has long been referred to, by those who had front row seats to the early innovations of property restoration into a professional industry, as Restoration Google. If you intend to dig into the bowels of the emergence of our profession, a good test of whether your source is credible would be whether they ask, “Have you talked to Pete about this?”
Ed Cross shared some recent revelations in the fight to defend the right to utilize assignment of benefits (AOB) by insureds and contractors as well as dispel some of the backlash against this resource from his perspective. Pete facilitated a Town Hall discussion, followed by an excellent episode of IAQ Radio (#553), in the wake of the 2019 decision in Florida leading to the elimination of the fee shifting statute for contractors.
As was revealed in that Town Hall and by daily interactions between contractors, there are strong opinions about the role of AOB in our industry. Whether you believe they should be used or not, caution should be used when responding to one extreme with another, i.e. responding to bad actors by eliminating the resource. As John Lapotaire, who was vocal in his dissent during the Town Hall, shared via private message during our discussion with Mr. Cross, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. It’s AOB abuse that I disagree with. That’s a moral and ethical issue not an AOB issue.” Merlin Law Group, respected by many in our industry for their book Pay Up, noted in 2017, “Hopefully, the Legislature will come up with a fair and balanced solution that attacks the bad actors, protects consumers, and preserves the ability of a policyholder to execute an AOB under the right conditions.”
Most efforts to bury or alter the right to AOB are cast as Insured Homeowners Protection Act, carrying the connotation that the legislature, often with great encouragement and lobbying from the insurance companies, must intervene to protect homeowners from the big bad contractors. Unfortunately, the simple logic goes, protect the insured by limiting their resources. Ed announced the launch of his new book, The Book on the Assignment of Benefits: A Restoration Contractor’s Guide with Forms & Instructions. Mr. Cross believes this resource helps contractors to strengthen their position to force the insurance company to deal with and pay them directly as they negotiate the claims process. As always, we encourage all of our listeners for The DYOJO Podcast and our readers for The Intentional Restorer, to do your own research and make your own decisions about the merits of these topics.
Pro vs. Joe 011 LIVE, the podcast within The DYOJO Podcast - recorded Saturday, March 13, 2021.
Hosted by Jon Isaacson "The Pro" and Bryan Close "The Joe", the dynamic duo discusses the ups and downs of transitioning your company into property insurance damage repairs. These discussion are both casual, often conducted while the hosts enjoy a nice cigar, whiskey and/or a local craft brew; as well as deeper dives into topics with guests who are subject matter experts. If you are considering starting a water or fire damage restoration company, you will find a lot of value in this "podcast within the [DYOJO] podcast."
GUEST:
Chris Panagiotu Host of CAPitalize: The Podcast for Intelligent Investors
- Personal and business financial strategies - making your money make money the smart way
- Current financial influencers - strengths/weaknesses
- What are 3 financial quips that you hate?
- What are some of the lingering perspectives and habits that savvy investors should leave for dead?
The DYOJO Podcast airs LIVE Thursdays 9am PST on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.
**The DYOJO Podcast LIVE Episode 52 from Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 9am PST
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by iRestore Restoration Management Software - Powering Your Vision, Values, and Leadership. It's time to calm the chaos, get your team organized, and focus on your efforts for growing your business. iRestore offers all Job Management, Relationship Management (CRM), Equipment Management, Vehicle Management, Human Resources, and Scheduling all in one portal.**
GUEST 1:
Joyce Gabriel, Senior Project Manager (Puyallup, WA)
Joyce discusses the two books from The DYOJO as well as some great perspective on learning how to interact with your co-workers to achieve shared objectives.
**GUEST 2:
Mark Springer, CEO of Dayspring Restoration President of Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
TOPIC:
Property Restoration Trends: Mergers and Acquisitions**
- What is private equity’s (PE) role in property restoration acquisitions?
- What is the significance of fragmentation in restoration acquisitions?
- The Big M&A Deals, the package deals, and teaming up within the industry
- The impacts of consolidation
- How do you build a company that is sell-able even if you don't plan to "sell-out"
**
We broke for a note from our sponsor iRestore and a special treat from the marketing powerhouse duo of Born to Repair and GMS Distribution.
Mark Springer shared some valuable perspectives for the everyday restorer:**
- Build a strong foundation starting with clearly identifying your organizational OBJECTIVES. Know your numbers and develop your exit strategy long before you ever plan to leave.
- READING LIST: Mark recommended the book Scaling Up by Vern Harnish who will also be the keynote speaker at the RIA Convention 2021.
- Mark discussed various investment strategies including De Novo (organic) and Arbitrage (bundling) and his process for deciding to team up with Trinity Hunt.
- Mr. Springer shared some additional insight to how their team operates, in particular how they use resources such as SWOT to determine whether to push through with an idea that doesn't appear to be working as well as when to scrap an effort.
The DYOJO Podcast - the weekly podcast for Intentional Restorers. Every Thursday at 9am PST on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Sharing The DYOJO WAY to shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development. www.thedyojo.com/listen
When you first start a business, it's survival mode. As an entrepreneur you do whatever you need to do to get the phone ringing, taking any project you can get, and generating revenue. Life is about opportunities not convenience, and you can quote me on that. Many of your opportunities will not arrive in majestic packages or sums that will make you rich quickly. In property restoration and other service-based industries, opportunities often come at all of the oddest hours of the day or night, testing your commitment to the cause. Identify the opportunities that are best for you and your team. Structure yourself and your team to see, understand and meet the needs, values and opportunities that the market presents.
Growing beyond survival through soft skills training
Larry Wilberton and Eric Sprague were able to build their property restoration business with a carpet cleaning truck that they didn't even know how to start into an entity that they were able to sell at a profit. They shared portions of their story on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 50. As college friends, they had no idea that water damage restoration would be their life's work, but they discovered ways to develop themselves and their team to thrive in the competitive world of the skilled trades. Core to their success was a daily investment in soft skills training for their technicians, many of whom had no prior work experience or examples to learn from. Initially they disagreed about how consistently they needed to make time for short interval training on items such as life skills development, customer service, and upselling without being a salesperson.
Cleanfax Magazine conducted a benchmarking survey in 2020 which accumulates input from restoration contractors throughout the United States and Canada. Owners in this service based industry have stated that recruiting and retaining quality staff has been their number one challenge, with over 80% consensus dating back to 2018 (see infographic on their website):
- Recruiting and retaining quality staff
- Maintaining margins and profitability
- Cash flow
- Differentiating your company
- Increasing cost of doing business
Thriving as a business from the ROI of soft skills training
Eric and Larry learned, at first by trial and error, that the return on investment (ROI) for soft skills training in particular was exponential. The team came to expect these educational sessions and there was a clear negative impact on their morale and production whenever the owners were tempted to scale back on their commitments. After they sold the business, they proved these principles were universal as they consulted with skilled trades businesses throughout the country. They continue to share these gems with entrepreneurs and growth minded managers through the Blue Collar Nation Podcast as well as their coaching business Morning Tech Meeting. Learning from the successes and failures of others is core to The DYOJO way of the intentional restorer; shorten your DANG learning curve.
The DYOJO Podcast LIVE Episode 51 with David Olson - Can old dogs (like you) learn new tricks?
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Be Intentional: Estimating, written by Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, to help teams develop the right mindset and habits for documenting, estimating, and producing consistent outcomes for insurance claims projects. Available in Kindle and paperback
OPEN
Ryan Strickland, Franchise Owner, Fayetville, North Carolina
Cooking gators and celebrating your crew
GUEST
David Olson, General Manager, Seattle, Washington
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You talked about getting into the industry with your Dad on GMS Podcast Episode 32. Your dad made you start from the bottom and work you way up. When did you “take over” for dad and what did that transfer of power teach you about what you thought you knew but didn’t?
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In 1988 you acquired your CE accreditation, this was still early in that process. What do modern restorers need to understand about the evolution of internal training as well as utilizing training for outreach?
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In 2000 you became a state director. Is this when ServPro started developing their national response teams? Is this associated but separate?
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What are your thoughts on the role of certification and training for the industry? How does a person in a position of leadership maximize the efficacy of these resources?
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It’s interesting having just read The ServiceMaster Story by Al Erisman and the impact of the tension between people and profit and how, from his perspective, this impacted their trajectory.
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As a personal question, in my limited view, when I started with ServiceMaster in 2002 they were still “top of the heap” and had a primary contract with the largest insurance carrier in the country. What do you recall of the strategy and execution for SP becoming “king of the hill”? How did what the brand was doing at a national level evolve to help the local regions and individual offices?
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The larger franchise organizations have a perception of not only competing with your competitors from other brands, but with the tight distribution of zip codes, you may be competing with your own brand. How did you work to help individuals achieve their goals while being a part of something much larger than themselves? (the CORE of collaboration)
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By 2010, when SP invested heavily in becoming a recognized brand by advertising EVERYWHERE, you were transitioning out. When you changed “teams” what principles did you learn were universal and which ones didn’t translate as well?
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You’re back in the mix, managing an office in Seattle. How do you adapt as an “old dog” with 40 years experience?
The DYOJO Podcast - the weekly podcast for Intentional Restorers. Every Thursday at 9am PST on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Sharing The DYOJO WAY to shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development.
The DYOJO Podcast was recorded LIVE Episode 50
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Be Intentional: Culture, written by a collaboration of talented authors from various service based industries. This book discusses real world examples of how the small things either enhance or undermine your efforts to develop a thriving workplace culture. Available in Kindle and paperback - thedyojo.com/book2
OPEN:
Robert More - Mitigation Manager/Estimator in Boonsboro, MD
Mr. More is a newly awarded IICRC triple master for water, fire, and textile cleaning discusses the process of pursuing continuous improvement for yourself and the return on investment for your team members.
GUEST 1: Eric "The Tech Whisperer" Sprague and Larry "Pineapple Man" Wilberton co-hosts of Blue Collar Nation podcast and owners of MorningTechMeeting.com
TOPIC: The arc of return on investment for developing your team
- Leading by example, always learning as a PIAPOL
- The fear of training team members so that they can get paid more by a competitor
- Weeding through the BS when seeking a consultant
Cleanfax Magazine conducted a benchmarking survey in 2020 which accumulates input from restoration contractors throughout the United States and Canada. Owners in this service based industry have stated that recruiting and retaining quality staff has been their number one challenge, over 80% consensus, dating back to 2018 (see infographic on their website):
- Recruiting and retaining quality staff
- Maintaining margins and profitability
- Cash flow
- Differentiating your company
- Increasing cost of doing business
GUEST 2: Katie Smith, restoration owner in Raleigh, NC and president elect for the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) discusses the upcoming IN PERSON RIA Convention 2021
The DYOJO Podcast - the weekly podcast for Intentional Restorers. Every Thursday at 9am PST on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.
Sharing The DYOJO WAY to shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development. www.thedyojo.com/listen
Water damage restoration industry specialist and author Ken Larsen joins The DYOJO Podcast to discuss two questions:
- Is the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) a "Good Ol' Boys" club, or is that even a negative thing?
- Is Ken Larsen's book, Leadership in Restorative Drying, really worth $1000?
If you would like to hear more, listen to the whole interview with Ken Larsen of www.drystandard.org on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 46 - available as a video on YouTube.com/thedyojo or as audio via Apple and Spotify podcasting platforms.
The DYOJO Podcast
Weekly podcast of The DYOJO Way for Intentional Restorers. Helping property restoration professionals to shorten their DANG learning curve by developing the mindset and habits for achieving their goals.
New episodes are broadcast LIVE every Thursday at 9am PST via YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Recorded audio content airs on multiple podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple.
For 2021 the majority of our podcast will be recorded LIVE so that our audience can interact with the show, tune in LIVE via YouTube, LinkedIn, and/or Facebook.
www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO Podcast LIVE Episode 49
The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Be Intentional: Culture, written by a collaboration of talented authors from various service based industries. This book discusses real world examples of how the small things either enhance or undermine your efforts to develop a thriving workplace culture. Available in Kindle and paperback - thedyojo.com/book2
OPEN: Randy Carley, Ridgefield, WA
- Growing your career in property restoration
GUEST 1: Al Erisman
- Author The ServiceMaster Story
- Co Chairman, Theology of Work
- Project Executive in Residence, Seattle Pacific University
- www.Ethix.org
TOPIC:
- We will be discussing Al’s book, The ServiceMaster Story - Navigating the Tension Between People and Profit.
- The Shingle Principle of leadership
- The practice of managers first working 6 weeks in the field
- The transition to leaders from outside “the fold”
The DYOJO Podcast - the weekly podcast for Intentional Restorers. Every Thursday at 9am PST on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Sharing The DYOJO WAY to shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development.
www.thedyojo.com/listen
Guest: Bill Wilson
- Founder and CEO at InsuranceCommentary.com
- Author of When Words Collide (and many more)
Co-Host: David Princeton
- Former guest of TDP & Pro vs Joe
- Principal Consultant, AdvocateClaimService.com
We will be discussing Bill's phenomenal book, When Words Collide: Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes, with an emphasis on property claims.
- RTFP
- The role of the agent and the adjuster in insurance claims disputes
- Educating insured's on the process of insurance claims disputes and denials *
- The role of the restorer in insurance claims disputes
The DYOJO Podcast - the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades, helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development.
New intro and outro featuring "Get Lifted" by Suganuts from his album Mr. Inappropriate and clips of the original TDP opening created by Ed "The Restoration Lawyer" Cross
thedyojo.com/listen
PART 1
Friday, January 29, 2021 we awoke to news that one of our posts was tagged as "partly false" by the crack team of "independent fact checkers" at FB.
Clearly Kevin has something to hide...thankfully FB acted swiftly in the best interest of the most vulnerable among us to notify the public of this errant material aimed at infecting the unsuspecting minds of the fragile public.
I’m glad filth and deception such as that purported by The DYOJO as “info-tainment” will no longer be tolerated.
I’m viewing this as a sign that FB is committed to really rooting out the content that is most likely to negatively impact our restoration ecosystem and the world at large.
Public statement:
I want to apologize to my tens of listeners for disseminating “partly-false” information on FB. I’m ashamed.
Actually, I’m relieved. I’ve always been a fraud and now I’ve been outed by an “independent fact checker”.
We are here to get to the bottom of this important issue with the perpetrator of deception... Kevin Hussey
PART 2
Early Air Mover Wars - Claude Blackburn's Dri Eaz vs. Lloyd Weaver's Porta Dryer
As a carpet cleaner in the 1970’s, Claude Blackburn noticed a negative trend with his fellow professionals, “Twenty percent of our industry is going out of business every year.” He wanted to find a way to help entrepreneurs like himself to keep themselves working in the slow season. Claude’s first invention was the foam EZ Block which he mailed from his operations center (his garage) for $27 a sheet to cleaners replacing the wood blocks that were common in the industry.
Claude Blackburn attended a water damage seminar taught by the second face on “Mount Restoration”, Lloyd Weaver. The “Industry Watchdog” Pete Consigli writing for C&R Magazine in 2007 noted, “Lloyd introduced the first specialty designed Porta Dryer for on-location wet carpet drying. While that might not seem like much in today’s sophisticated world, 35 years ago Lloyd’s methodology challenged the rug cleaning establishment and its in-plant wet carpet service.” Shortly afterwards Claude experimented with his own metal carpet dryer and eventually produced ten units, sent out 24,000 expensive mailers to advertise the product, and only sold four. He was contemplating abandoning the idea.
Claude shares an interesting story about the device that would become the flagship of his company and an interaction with Mr. Weaver. At an industry trade show in Vancouver, Washington, Lloyd didn’t take kindly to Claude’s creations and publicly challenged him. While he physically shook the meek mannered innovator from Mt. Vernon, he also rattled his entrepreneurial spirit and only deepened Claude’s commitment to making his then fledgling invention work. With the arrival of an unlikely partner, Harlan Wright, Mr. Blackburn developed the first fiberglass molded air mover for the carpet cleaning and water damage restoration industry in the early 1980’s.
When Claude sold Dri-Eaz in 2006 it had:
- 200 employees
- 150 distributors
- Sales of 50 million
Hear the rest of Claude Blackburn on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 47 “The Found of Dri Eaz Life Before, During, and After Property Restoration.”
The term “Founding Father” comes from the March 2007 cover of Cleaning & Restoration Magazine. Pete Consigli wrote an article titled The Four Faces on Mount Restoration wherein he said this about Claude’s entrance into the carpet cleaning profession,
“In the mid to late 1970s, Claude was a struggling young father and carpet cleaner with two little mouths to feed. With only $35 dollars in the bank, he moved his family to Skagit County, Wash., about 60 miles north of Seattle. He had no choice but to get out and knock on some doors; he needed money and he got it by cleaning carpets.”
His story reinforces the truth that there are no substitutes for hard work in this industry which has been built up by people both willing to try something new and willing to share what they have learned by trial and error. Mr. Blackburn’s first invention, a high density foam block that he would mail to cleaners nationwide and thereby founding Dri Eaz from his basement. Out of fear of being copied by others he set out to create his first air mover.
Claude shares an interesting story about the device that would become the flagship of his company that would grow into the industry leader for water damage restoration equipment. The man credited with creating the first air mover, Lloyd Weaver, publicly challenged Mr. Blackburn which only deepened his commitment to making his then fledgling invention work.
Pete writes of Lloyd, the first face on Mount Restoration, “Lloyd introduced the first specialty designed Porta Dryer for on-location wet carpet drying. While that might not seem like much in today’s sophisticated world, 35 years ago Lloyd’s methodology challenged the rug cleaning establishment and its in-plant wet carpet service.” With the help of Harlan Wright their plastic mold prototype was developed in the early 80’s.
Claude noticed a negative trend with carpet cleaners, “Twenty percent of our industry is going out of business every year,” and wanted to find a way to keep entrepreneurs like himself working in the slow season. As he innovated products, he also developed methods for training contractors to utilize the tools in a manner that could be repeated. Consigli notes, “Claude was sometimes mocked for pricing his seminars under $100. But he knew exactly what he was doing; he consistently played to packed rooms, while the attendance of others’ seminars dropped off.” Claude wanted to help his fellow professionals to shorten their DANG learning curve.
In addition to providing greater details about his journey in water damage restoration, Claude shared some interesting principles that transformed his business while a guest on IAQ Radio (Episode 473). Mr. Blackburn and a third member of the Founding Fathers Quartet, Cliff “The Z Man” Zlotnik discuss the evolution of the industry. Claude discussed the benefits of profit sharing, “That decision made me the most money of anything I ever did. Most other business owners are afraid to share the financials, I made more money in the five years after implementation than in all the years before.”
When Claude sold Dri-Eaz in 2006 it had:
- 200 employees
- 150 distributors
- Sales of 50 million
The opening segment of The DYOJO Podcast goes into some depth regarding Claude’s post retirement activities which include efforts to elevate pickleball to an Olympic sport. A local paper dubbed him The Pickleball Philanthropist.
The DYOJO Podcast - www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO Podcast - Helping growth minded professionals in the skilled trades to shorten your DANG learning curve. WATCH on The DYOJO Youtube or LISTEN on Apple and/or Spotify. Please subscribe, like and share with your network.
Kevin Hussey has tried it all when it comes to working with plumbers to acquire more water damage mitigation work. He runs a successful property restoration company out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana which is currently a part of the DKI Network.
Kevin joined The DYOJO Podcast for a candid conversation regarding the ups and downs of his journey in the property insurance claim restoration industry. He was brought to the area from the slopes of Colorado when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. He has since had to learn to build an independent thriving local business that does not perform preferred vendor (aka program) work.
One key to his current and future growth, cracking the code of working with local plumbers. Plumber are on the front lines of responding to a variety of water based home and business damages and can be a great source of leads for companies looking to provide services for extraction and structural drying. Kevin shares many of his lessons learned, some the hard way, of building relationships with local plumbing companies. These lessons include:
Starting his own plumbing company which seemed like a great idea at the time, as they could generate their own leads, but soon revealed many holes in his plan. Kevin found that running a plumbing company split his focus and his resources, leading to operating both at less than optimum capacity. He also alienated many of the plumbers that he had worked so hard to build relationships with. After two years, they decided to sell off the plumbing effort and focus more effectively on the property restoration. As they worked to rebuild trust and relationships, Kevin uncovered some great ideas for working with local plumbers. He has gone through the process of trying a bit of everything, hoping something would stick, to now being more targeted and throwing darts at their goals.
Kevin warns against paying too much for leads, the cost has to make sense in the overall revenue and profitability of the work being generated. Business owners and managers need to work to identify your ideal partners, as Kevin says, "The ones only doing new construction likely aren't the best fit." His team has identified plumber referrals as a key to doubling their revenue and so they are working to double their lead volume from last year. Adding value to your client is always a good source of enriching existing relationships, so Kevin's team is looking into being able to offer continuing education courses for plumbers through their existing water damage training facility.
The United Fire and Water team assembles baggies with inexpensive moisture meters, a drying log, and basic instructions, all branded with their company logo and information. By doing so, their plumbing partners have a better means of serving their client as well as an understanding of when to refer a mitigation company. Kevin's team hosts a weekly, free lunch Friday, where they feed their partners and hand out lead fees. They are also doing quarterly drawings for big ticket items such as a four wheeler to encourage engagement.
Modern restorers have to be creative and always adapting to the market, especially if the majority of your work comes through independent sources. As Kevin says, "Your always paying for something," but like Mr. Hussey, you want to understand your numbers and spend your money where it counts. Developing your name as an organization who partners with local professionals will pay long term dividends and help you distinguish yourself from others who may try to buy you out of your relationships.
You can listen to the full conversation with Kevin Hussey via The DYOJO Podcast Episode 44
On Saturday, January 16, 2021 Bryan Close and myself will be joining forces again for Pro vs. Joe (the podcast within The DYOJO podcast) to discuss creative expression and workplace culture with Danny Morgan.
This will be our first attempt at a LIVE, please join in on the discussion at 8pm PST.
Danny, aka Suganuts, will discuss the importance of creativity:
- As an outlet for a person in a position of leaders (personal)
- As a means of inspiring your team to innovate (at work)
His latest album, Mr. Inappropriate, is out now and is available wherever music is found on the internet (HearNow, Spotify, etc.)
Mr. Morgan has served in management roles in high volume retail chains and now for a regional bank. Danny will share his thoughts on professional development, building a positive culture, and helping your team thrive. Bryan Close, PVJ co-host, returns to the microphone to share his insights and experiences in the realm of culture and creativity as well.
We look forward to having our audience interact with our show and our guests through this live format. Post questions and/or comments on Youtube as you watch the LIVE recording of The DYOJO Podcast.
- What are your favorite books on culture?
- What is one quote/principle on culture that has stuck with you?
- What is a culture goal for your team in 2021?
- How many copies of Be Intentional: Culture ( 📚 www.thedyojo.com/book2) are you planning to pre-order?
The DYOJO Podcast LIVE w/ Ken Larsen CR WLS FLS CLS CMP CSDS (Episode 46)
This was recorded LIVE on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 830am PST.
The DYOJO Podcast will be switching to a LIVE format, with episodes releasing Thursdays at 9am PST - www.youtube.com/thedyojo - also broadcast to Jon's LinkedIn and Facebook.
This show is sponsored by the NEW BOOK from Jon Isaacson and a collaboration of talented authors - Be Intentional: Culture - AVAILABLE NOW in Kindle and paperback through Amazon - www.thedyojo.com/book2
Ken states his mission, and career trajectory, is dedicated, "To improve the credibility of the restoration industry with trustworthy technical information and encouraging others to embrace it."
He is the author of the leading industry reference guide on "state of the art" structural restorative drying practices, Leadership in Restorative Drying. If you contact The DYOJO and reference this podcast episode, you can receive 40% OFF.
We discussed:
- Ken started his 43 year career in the restoration industry working with his dad in Canada.
- Mr. Larsen has been vocal about trends in the industry that he believes are unhealthy, we address a few of these items and Ken's perspectives on righting the ship.
- He started his formal efforts in training and education in 2003 with Dri Eaz. He shares his thoughts on "IICRC-isms" and drying myths perpetuated by the industry. Ken says, "Accurate information is empowering."
Ken shared a few key principles for growth minded professionals in restoration:
- First seek to understand
- Get educated
- Get certified
- Be a healthy skeptic
- Start writing for trade journals
- Start teaching the principles you have learned
He shares his experiences with restoration industry groups and why Ken believes it's important for modern restorers to rally together. Mr. Larsen is actively involved in the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), which he believes is the premier gathering for industry professionals. He is proud of the momentum the RIA has built with Ed Cross "The Restoration Lawyer" and the Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee. He looks forward to meeting with restorers in June at the RIA Annual Convention.
We made a conscious effort not to spend too much time on topics that Ken has already addressed. Do yourself a favor and listen to Ken's appearances on IAQ Radio
- Ep 134 Drying quackery
- Ep 436 Restoration education
- Ep 426 Ken & Cliff "The Z Man" Zlotnik articles in IICRC journal Aug 2016 addressing "the elephant in the room"
We took a "commercial break" for Born to Repair's Tip of the Week 004 and a Christmas message from GMS Distribution.
Michelle Blevins from Restoration and Remediation Magazine also joined us to discuss the Top 10 articles, authors, and videos from 2020.
Kevin Hussey, CEO & President of United Fire and Water Damage (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), joins The DYOJO Podcast to discuss:
- His journey from carpet cleaning in Colorado to helping Blockbuster video recover from Hurricane Katrina
- Meeting a “nice Southern girl” and making roots in Lousiana
- Joining the DKI network
- The challenges and advantages of hiring an “integrator” when you are an “innovator” (terminology from Gino Wickman’s book Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business)
- The alternatives to being a “program” or “preferred” vendor for insurance companies
- Creative ideas for generating work as an “independent” contractor working with plumbers, realtors, adjusters and more.
- The good idea that quickly became a bad one - starting your own plumbing company as a restoration contractor
- Using Docusketch to maximize your efficiency in estimating insurance claims
TDP 44 Breaks and Announcements:
- We share our first reading list for 2021
- This must be the year of the podcast, we share several of the industry podcasts that have been created in 2020 in the opening introduction
- If you didn’t catch it the first time, Gerrett Stier put an amazing ad together for GMS Distribution that is hilarious and informative, this is a master-class in modern advertising
- The Intentional Restorer column in Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine for January will feature a discussion of Dr. Leo Marvin’s groundbreaking book, Baby Steps, and the parallels to our professional growth in 2021
In 2021 we will be focusing on a LIVE format and moving our release date to Thursdays at 9am PST. We look forward to our listeners being able to interact with the show more. Our first LIVE Pro vs Joe will be Saturday 1/16/11 at 8pm PST and our first LIVE The DYOJO Podcast will be Thursday 1/21/21 at 830am PST with Ken Larsen.
Kevin Hussey - www.unitedfireandwater.com
The DYOJO Podcast - www.thedyojo.com/listen
Books by property restoration professionals for insurance claims professionals, The DYOJO suggested reading list 2021:
- The 24HR Tech by Andrew McCabe - Step By Step Manual To Increase Mitigation Profits And Reduce Training Time To Just ONE DAY!
- Get Out of the Truck by Idan Shpizear - Build The Business You Always Dreamed About
- Unqualified Success by Rachel Stewart - Bridging The Gap Between Where You Are Now And Where You Want To Be To Achieve Massive Success
- Independent Adjuster's Playbook by Chris Stanley - Step By Step Guide & Roadmap To Becoming A Successful Independent Adjuster
- The ServiceMaster Story by Albert M. Erisman - Navigating The Tension Between People and Profit
For full disclosure, all of these authors have been guests on The DYOJO Podcast. Al Erisman will be a LIVE guest in late January / early February 2021. This video aired as a segment in The DYOJO Podcast Episode 44 with Kevin Hussey of United Fire and Water Damage out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We added Gerrett Stier's awesome Christmas themed advertisement for The GMS Distribution box to the end of this clip. Great product, great dude, and great podcast as well - The GMS Podcast.
The DYOJO Podcast - helping professionals in the skilled trades shorten their DANG learning curve.
www.thedyojo.com/listen
Companies that invest in their employees (inputs) will find that they can increase their profits (outputs) by producing team members that are more engaged and less likely to leave (retention). The common adage goes something like this,
Manager 1 asks, “What happens if we invest in training and developing our employees and they leave?”
Manager 2 responds, “What happens if we don’t and they stay?”
Rather than look at the negative examples in your experiences as a person in a position of leadership, as those of your peers, focus on the success stories and build your vision around those common denominators. Alex Blagojevic joins The DYOJO Podcast (Episode 43) to share her perspectives as a young insurance professional on how she was inspired by the organizations that invested in her.
We also discuss the book Insuring Tommorrow: Engaging Millennials in the Insurance Industry by Tony Canas and Carly Burnham of the Insurance Nerds which was written to help organizations better understand the largest current and incoming generational workforce. If you refuse to learn to interact with millennials, you will soon find that your company has no future.
Alex also speaks to growth minded professionals about having a 5 year plan and sharing that with your manager so that everyone can be on the same page with regards to vision and goals. She shares how organizations that invest in soft skills training, such as customer service, empower their teams to take ownership for their personal growth as well as better contribute to the growth of the company. Watch the whole interview in The DYOJO YouTube page or listen via The DYOJO Podcast on Apple and Spotify.
The DYOJO Podcast, helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development, releases every Monday at 6am PST, in 2021 we will be recording many of our episodes LIVE on Thursdays at 9am PST.
I originally reached out to Alex Blagojevic regarding a post from LinkedIn on the importance of technology in the property claims assessment process, "I’ll be on site conducting a 360 degree scan of a water damaged unit. With my site scope and virtual scan, a control estimate will be conducted by our Xactimate team within a matter of days. It’s truly incredible what our new technology can capture in one quick site visit." We were putting together a multi-member panel for a discussion about Docusketch which turned into Episode 40 of The DYOJO Podcast.
As an independent commercial claims adjuster she shared her experiences with technology and integration with tools such as Encircle for categorizing photos from a loss and Docusketch for 360 degree captures that can expediently be transformed into a layout sketch for Xactimate. For those who aren't familiar with the property claims process, thorough documentation is key to empowering all stakeholders to communicate clearly and restore the affected to pre-loss conditions. Alex has observed these tools quickly becoming the standard for insurance carriers and restoration contractors.
She shares how her journey into the insurance claims world started with a position as a project managers assistant at a local ServiceMaster, helping those managing claims to maintain their documentation streams. In her pursuit of more meaningful work, increasing responsibility, and upward mobility, she pursued the claims side as an entry level broker. It wasn't long before doors opened to allow her to explore more direct involvement with helping people with property damages as an adjuster.
There are many nuggets within this discussion, of which managers should take note, on how young people entering the workforce are looking for opportunities for professional growth. Those organizations and people in positions of leadership who can connect growth minded individuals with the opportunities within their companies will find that there is a deep well of strong candidates eager to make a difference. Alex understood the process of earning her way by learning from each role while keeping her eyes open for experiences that would further her career.
Seeing the claims process from "both sides" has helped her to have a greater perspective for how to serve the client to create a positive customer experience. Some of the best training she received was while she was at an entry level position with a brokerage and yet it would appear that organization was unable to connect their training with opportunities that would keep a strong candidate such as Alex within the fold.
We had a similar conversation with Chris Stanley on Episode 38 of The DYOJO Podcast. Chris shared how important it is for companies to create a direct correlation to training and advancement which is why his organization IA Path has developed a process that empowers those seeking a career in adjusting to get to work within 90 days. Alex notes the value of initiatives such as The DYOJO Podcast which is, "A platform that encourages collaboration while opening up discussions that directly effect our day to day work across the claims industry."
Alex encourages adjusting professionals, who want to create a positive customer experience with their brand, to remember that the claims process:
-
Is likely the first time that an insured is experiencing how their insurance policy is carried out at their time of need;
-
Most clients don't understand the ins-and-outs of the operation, so having patience and communicating clearly are essential;
-
Don't assume that a customer knows what you are talking about or what questions to ask, explain the process and the timeline so that you can help them through the experience to a successful conclusion.
Guests for The DYOJO Podcast Episode 43:
Alex Blagojevic - www.linkedin.com/in/alexdoesclaims/
This is our first attempt at a LIVE recording of The DYOJO Podcast and our guest Jeremy Watkin, Director of Customer Experience and Support at NumberBarn out of San Diego, California, was up for the challenge.
We asked Jeremy to share his perspectives and experiences with the following topics related to customer experience (CX):
- How do you start a customer service center from scratch? What does this statement mean in practice - "Empowering contact center agents to empower customers"?
- What have been some of the key lessons to scale / rapid growth?
- What is #CXQOTD & #ICMICHAT - how have you learned to leverage Twitter for your personal / professional brand?
- Mr. Watkin's chapter, "Practice What You Preach", in our upcoming book Be Intentional: Culture (thedyojo.com/book2)
- With heavy hearts we acknowledge the passing of Tony Hsieh as he was an innovator in the field of customer service through Zappos. We discuss how he created a culture of choosing the customer over the bottom line and empowering employees to solve problems.
Shout outs for:
- Gordy Powell as he launched his podcast BioCast411.com, he was a guest on TDP Ep. 29.
- Listen to the OG's of the LIVE show - "Radio" Joe Hughes and Cliff "The Z Man" Zlotnik at IAQ Radio.
- Michelle Blevins has had some great guests, including TDP alumnus Ed Cross (Ep. 3) and John Downey (Ep. 28) for her video series "Ask The Expert" from Restoration & Remediation Magazine
- Elan Pasmanick, who has been providing great content for the Born To Repair Tip of the Week, is preparing to do his first equipment maintenance and repair seminar
The DYOJO Podcast is the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. Watch on YouTube. Listen on Apple and Spotify.
Jeremy Watkin - www.customerservicelife.com / @jtwatkin
TDP - www.thedyojo.com/listen
Mark Springer, CEO of Dayspring Restoration (Bozeman, Montana) and president of Restoration Industry Association (RIA) joins The DYOJO Podcast to discuss:
The Mark Springer origin story
His dad started Dayspring Restoration in 1989 as a small side business. Mark was the only guy in high school with a cell phone, not to be cool but so that his dad could get ahold of him to respond to after hours water damage emergencies. For a short period of time Mark tried to get away from property restoration but was sucked back in.
Mark Springer 2.0
When Mark returned to Montana, he realized there was a lot of opportunity in this growing field of insurance claim damage repairs and set out to grow the company. Mark noted, "If there was a place to advertise, we were there." Some of his most memorable advertisements were flooding and then burning his own house to demonstrate the restoration process. Dayspring has grown from one location doing about $75,000 a year in sales to 6 locations producing over $17 million in annual revenues.
Mark shares that Dayspring has three main buckets that they draw sales leads from:
- Word of mouth and prior customers. mark shares that the average policy holder has a claim every 7 years, and if you can achieve repeat business that means one customer may have 4 claims over a 30 year span. Many of Dayspring's clients are 2nd and 3rd generation family members.
- They also invest in online marketing including pay per click and SEO in addition to their direct business development and mass media efforts.
Mark recognizes that if he were starting over in today's market, things would be much different than when he started his process in the early 1990's. He believes there are a few universal principles that can help any entrepreneur in any market:
- First, having a plan and adapting your plan. Develop your plan and execute on it with consistency. As Mark likes to say, "An imperfect plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow." You must have the determination and capitalization to endure. Their team meets quarterly to review their strategic plan and adapt to trends in each local market.
- Second, over invest in the financial side of your business. An accurate understanding of your financial picture will empower you to make good decisions and seize upon opportunities.
- Third, invest in people and culture. In today's market your team members have to be more important than your clients. Happy customers come after you have invested in creating happy and cared for team members.
Mark discusses the work he has been doing with his team at Restoration Industry Association to create the Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee and other key targets to help improve the property restoration industry.
Mark Springer - Dayspring Restoration - www.calldayspring.com
The DYOJO Podcast - www.thedyojo.com/listen
An operations manager, Canadian commercial adjuster, CEO and chief strategy officer walk into a podcast...Chris Phillipsen, Alex Blagojevic, Kevin Hussey and Jeff Turner join The DYOJO Podcast to discuss their experiences with Docusketch.
Before the hate mail starts rolling in, please understand that in my mind I thought of the multi-member podcast panel before I heard Gerrett Stier's GMS Podcast Episode 44 titled The New Guys. Gerrett did an awesome job of discussing the challenges of starting a restoration business with four owners with less than 3 years of experience. I highly recommend listening to this episode with:
Mike McFadden at Hero Remediation
Tim Kreczmer at Puro-Clean
Cory Martin at C&C Restoration
Trey Raines at Raines Restoration
Please note, this episode of The DYOJO Podcast is not intended to be a sales pitch for Docusketch. Docusketch has not paid for advertising. When we looked at the available data, there appeared to be an abundance of information about Matterport, including an interview from our friends at the GMS Podcast as well as Blue Collar Nation, whereas there was much less available for Docusketch. This is our attempt at helping shorten your DANG learning curve by getting four unique perspectives from users of this product.
Topics for The DYOJO Podcast Ep. 40 include:
Chris Phillipsen, Operations Manager with Quality Cleaning and Restoration in Northampton, Massachusetts
Chris describes himself as, "The kind of guy who buys his own tools." Which isn't a perspective that you find in many professionals, especially when it comes to spending thousands of dollars on a 360 degree camera system such as Matterport. Just before he was going to pull the trigger, a friend of his told him about a program that he was beta-testing called Docusketch. Mr. Phillipsen has been using Docusketch for a little over a year and a half and has just begun the process of training another employee in their company to utilize the resource.
Alex Blagojevic, Commercial Property Adjuster with Claims Pro in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Alex was introduced to Docusketch in October of 2019. To her knowledge their company, Claims Pro, was the first independent adjusting firm to adopt what they call the "smart inspect program". This program uses Docusketch and Encircle in collaboration with each other to create a full documentation package for each loss. Alex says that for their needs Docusketch is perfect with the 2D floor plan and the 3D tours.
Kevin Hussey, CEO and President with United Fire and Water Damage in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
As Mr. Hussey's company was considering which system to incorporate into their arsenal, they found the price of Docusketch to make the most sense being that they could but multiple cameras for the price of one from Matterport. Their team has trained technicians to run the program because, as Kevin says, "We like to see our estimator in his seat estimating." As has been said by all of our interviewees, Kevin hasn't had to utilize the Docusketch customer service much but whenever he has had to reach out they have been very responsive.
Jeff Turner, Chief Strategy Officer with Docusketch
Bryan Close, the co-host of Pro vs. Joe Podcast (the podcast within the podcast) and co-owner of All American Restoration Services in Tacoma, Washington, joined me in the discussion with Jeff. Bryan has been looking into Docusketch and Matterport for some time for his company which focuses on reconstruction.
Jeff was very personable and our conversation definitely delivers on the spirit of INFOtainment that we seek at The DYOJO Podcast. He shared many of the unique features of the Docusketch system as well as some of the backstory into developing the product to serve property restoration professionals.
Shannon Tymosko, aka Lady Voltz, electrical apprentice and ambassador for Kickass Careers, joins The DYOJO Podcast to discuss empowering yourself and your team to thrive not just survive.
Shannon went to college, earned her degree and worked for 10 years, eventually promoting to management but wasn't thriving personally or financially. A friend invited her to assist with a kitchen remodel and she got the bug for the skilled trades. Even after she pursued her first courses in the trades she met obstacles to employment until arriving in the electrical apprenticeship at the YWCA.
Topics for The DYOJO Podcast Ep. 39 include:
Question #1 - What are some of the things managers do that enhance and/or undermine thier culture?
Shannon discusses writing some of her thoughts for a segment in The DYOJO's upcoming book Be Intentional: Culture. She also had the distinct pleasure of having a post of her liked by the famous contractor Mike Holmes on LinkedIn; they are practically best friends.
Question # 2 - What can organizations in the skilled trades do to better recruit and retain young people?
Lady Voltz shares several times her thoughts on the importance of, "Thriving not just surviving." She found that the skilled trades provided better opportunities for personal and professional development. For Shannon the skilled trades were rewarding financially as well as providing a sense of fulfillment.
Question #3 - How do people in a position of leadership rise above the status quo?
Shannon discusses the non-sensical approach, whereby organizations in the skilled trades spend so much resources to attract young people only to push them away. She shares her thoughts on updating mindsets and habits to produce more favorable outcomes. Jon also notes the value of fresh perspectives helping teams to adapt by challenging the things we do simply because that is the way we've always done them.
Question #4 - What is Kickass Careers and how did Shannon become involved with this group?
Kickass Careers promotes and advocates for the skilled trades. They have local groups that are working to bring these career opportunities into the same discussion as fire fighting, doctors, lawyers, etc for young people building their lives.
Shannon and Jon share a desire to help growth minded professionals and those in a position of leadership to shorten their DANG learning curve. The DYOJO Podcast is the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades.
Guests & Features:
Shannon Tymosko - Kickass Careers (Toronto, Canada)
Equipment Repair Tip of the Week Video 002 on selecting the right filter for your dehumidifier from Elan Pasmanick of Born To Repair (IG @borntorepair)
Clip of our discussion with Luke Draeger on his chapter in the upcoming Be Intentional: Culture from The DYOJO
South Sound Connection (SSC) LIVE will be broadcast every Tuesday at 9am PST on Jon Isaacson's FB and The DYOJO YouTube - we include a clip of SSC 001 with Korbett Mosesly discussing his game Success Factors
Clip of Chris Stanley from The DYOJO Podcast Ep. 38 - Tripping Over Nickels While Leaving Behind Thousands of Dollars
Jon Isaacson - www.thedyojo.com (Tacoma, WA)
The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube and Spotify - www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO Podcast - the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve. WATCH on The DYOJO Youtube or LISTEN on Apple and/or Spotify. Please subscribe, like and share with your network.
Chris Stanley, prolific writer and founder of IA Path, joins The DYOJO Podcast to discuss claims from "the other side"
Chris went from never having changed his own oil to learning automotive appraisal and claims adjusting. His father-in-law became the Mr. Miyagi to his Daniel-Son (this is a Karate Kid reference for our younger audience), teaching him the ways of the independent adjuster.
Topics for The DYOJO Podcast Ep. 38 include:
Question #1 - What do contractors not understand about the claims adjusting process? Chris shares that this is a people business. He says the key is to understand and learn to optimize "the box" that all parties are working with to increase claims collaboration.
"You can shear a sheep multiple time but you can only skin it once." How do you make 100's of dollars over several claims than trying to make a 100 dollars on one claim.
Question # 2 - How do contractors effectively communicate those things that don't fit in the insurance claims "box"?
Often this starts with understanding what the hot button items are for the carriers and adjusters that you work with. Communicate with them to learn what their box is so that you optimize your approach to those common items. As you come across unique scopes of work, communicate with all parties to determine an approach that will work for all.
The pair also discuss the trap of a "nice" adjuster, building upon Jon's article from The Intentional Restorer (R&R) in October 2020 - Goldilocks the Adjuster and the Three Estimator Bears.
Question #3 - How did Chris become such a prolific writer and develop IA Path?
As Chris was considering getting out of insurance all together, he started documenting what he had learned. He tried a new business venture and failed, but a woman who made $100k plus annually selling sewing patterns encouraged him to formulate his knowledge into a service for people looking to make a career with appraisals and adjusting.
Question #4 - How do managers and individuals level up their approach to training and professional development?
Chris shares his recommended strategy for training:
Develop a consistent process, Develop cheat guides and Develop reference videos
Jon shares his outline for training:
Do it Right, Do it Efficiently and Do it Excellently
Question #5 - What is the latest book that IA Path has released?
Chris Stanley collaborated with John Bachman to write Insurance Company Adjusters Playbook. They are offering a free copy of the book to anyone who is unemployed and interested in pursuing a career in insurance adjusting.
Jon and Chris share a desire to help growth minded professionals and those in a position of leadership to shorten their DANG learning curve. The DYOJO Podcast is the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades.
Guests & Features:
Chris Stanely - www.IApath.com (Lumberton, North Carolina)
Video on repairing a stripped nut on a dehumidifier from Elan Pasmanick of Born To Repair (IG @borntorepair)
Announcing South Sound Connection a collaboration between The DYOJO and All American Restoration Services (AARES) to highlight local businesses in the Pacific Northwest
Clip of Andy McCabe from Pro vs. Joe 009 (aka The DYOJO Podcast Ep. 37)
Jon Isaacson - www.thedyojo.com (Tacoma, WA)
The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube and Spotify - www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO Podcast - the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve. WATCH on The DYOJO Youtube or LISTEN on Apple and/or Spotify. Please subscribe, like and share with your network.
Andrew G. McCabe, aka The Godfather of Remote Estimating, returns to The DYOJO Podcast Episode 37 to discuss Lessons Learned the Hard Way.
Andy was a guest on Episode 5 sharing his thoughts on innovation in relationship to his experiences with Matterport and other technological advances for construction scoping and property restoration estimating. During this Pro vs. Joe discussion, Andy shares some funny and harrowing stories, including being called in by the State of Oregon Insurance Board. Bryan digs a bit deeper into the question of whether or not contractors should charge a fee for their insurance claims estimates.
Topics for Pro vs. Joe Episode 009 include:
- Recent classic movie remakes including Dune, Mad Max and Blade Runner
- Perspectives on corporate greed - Dan Price's comments on the recent Allstate layoffs
- Public adjuster licensing, insurance claims and Andy' NOT being a contractor
- Getting kicked out of a claims conference and knowing when contractors step outside of the grey areas
Mr. McCabe shares some funny and precarious stories from his 20 plus years in the property restoration industry to help contractors consider means to keep their focus in the right areas. The DYOJO Podcast is the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. Our discussion with Andy McCabe has plenty of tips that will help our listeners to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Hosts & Guests:
- Andy McCabe - www.claimsdelegates.com (Bend, OR)
- Bryan Close - www.allamericanres.com (Tacoma, WA)
- Jon Isaacson - www.thedyojo.com (Tacoma, WA)
- The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube and Spotify - www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO Podcast - the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve. WATCH on The DYOJO Youtube or LISTEN on Apple and/or Spotify. Please subscribe, like and share with your network.
Lisa Lavender, like many in the skilled trades, wears SEVERAL hats.
On Episode 36 of The DYOJO Podcast she shares some of her keys to success and the lessons learned along the way of her 20 plus year career in construction and training.
Lisa has a monthly column in Restoration and Remediation Magazine (R&R), Restoring Success, where she regularly drops tidbits of wisdom on her readers. Her passion for the property restoration industry, training the next generation of leaders and continuing to build a strong culture is apparent in everything she does.
Here are just a few of the highlight of her career:
- Co-founder and COO of Berks Fire Water Restorations Inc. (20 + years)
- Co-founder and COO of Restoration Technical Institute (8 + years)
- VP of Operations Design for iRestore Restoration Software (3 years)
Lisa brought her accounting background to the trades and spent years learning in the school of hard knocks how to build a company that was competitive in the market as well as thriving with a strong internal culture. She loves to share the lessons she has learned and the insights she has gathered from her experiences as well as the input of her vast network.
Her monthly column, Restoring Success, releases the first Friday of every month in R&R Magazine. Recently she invited Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, to collaborate on an article Nothing is Scarier than Scope Creep.
Lisa has plenty to say for business owners, managers and career minded professionals who are seeking the path of continuous improvement. The DYOJO Podcast is the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. Our discussion with Lisa Lavender has plenty of gems that will help our listeners to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.
Hosts & Guests:
Lisa Lavender - restorationtechnicalinstitute.com
Jon Isaacson - www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube and Spotify - www.thedyojo.com/listen
The DYOJO Podcast - the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve. WATCH on The DYOJO Youtube or LISTEN on Apple and/or Spotify. Please subscribe, like and share with your network.
They call Jon Isaacson "The Intentional Restorer", but our guest David Princeton of Advocate Claim Service, proves why Jon is not called "The Factually Accurate Restorer".
This is the second half of a discussion with David for Pro vs. Joe 008, following Pro vs. Joe 007 (aka The DYOJO Podcast Episode 32).
For this discussion, David, Jon and co-host Bryan Close review some of the recent cases involving COVID-19 insurance claims disputes between carriers and their clients. David draws deep from his well of insurance nerdery to drop some knowledge on the audience on what he knows of these recent proceedings.
As always, we have a good time while learning a thing or two. The DYOJO Podcast is the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. David Princeton has become a personal and professional friend and his company Advocate Claim Service provides a valuable ally for home and business owners who are struggling to work through doubtful and disputed claims.
The DYOJO Podcast - the INFOtainment podcast for the skilled trades. Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve. WATCH on The DYOJO Youtube or LISTEN on Apple and/or Spotify. Please subscribe, like and share with your network.
Hosts & Guests:
- David Princeton - www.losspayee.com
- Bryan Close - www.allamericanres.com
- Jon Isaacson - www.thedyojo.com
- The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube and Spotify - www.thedyojo.com/listen
- Opening music by Suganuts
Idan Shpizear, CEO of 911 Restoration "The Fresh Start Company" discusses:
- The story behind his first book, Get Out of the Truck, and how he enjoys encouraging entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams by sharing his experiences doing things the hard way.
- Idan believes that too often we OVER estimate what we can accomplish in one year, leading to frustration and burnout. But, we also UNDER estimate what we can achieve in 5-10 years as we build to our vision.
- As his company has scaled, Idan understands that the organization cannot evolve beyond his investment in his personal development as well as the professional development of their team members.
Idan is a big believer in the importance of the customer experience and is working hard to ensure his growing franchise embraces "The Fresh Start" values as they assist clients with water and fire damage restoration. His upcoming second book will likely be titled, The Struggle is Real, and will address the reality of the on-going pressure to build and maintain a business. Once you Get Out of the Truck you will need perseverance to Stay Out of the Truck!
Listen for the opportunity to win a FREE iPad from our sponsor Xcelerate Restoration Software.
Episode includes:
- Recap of discussion with Skylar Lewis on the importance of practical SOP's so that you can delegate as a person in a position of leadership
- Update on The DYOJO Socktember sock-raiser with awesome allies including Merit Construction, The Contents Specialists, Kelsey Isaacson and Aramsco Seattle
- Pro vs. Joe Podcast promo
- Clip from our discussion with Stephen Harrington "The Diva of Insurance" from Episode 33
Guests and Wardrobe:
- Idan Shpizear - https://www.911restorationfranchise.com/911Team/idan-shpizear
- Jon Isaacson - www.thedyojo.com
- The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube and Spotify - www.thedyojo.com/listen
- Opening segment created by Ed Cross "The Restoration Lawyer"
- Additional music The High Line by Causmic
- Wardrobe: Hat - Coppertop Construction (Eugene, OR); Shirt - Cosmonaut Coffee (Tacoma, WA)
Stephen Harrington, of Cross Insurance and The Diva of Insurance, joins us to discuss:
- His unique employment agreement that has led to grow for all parties
- The importance of unleashing creativity at work as it helps the organization, the team and the employees
- Specializing in something no one else wants to do can be a great career hack for yourself
Stephen is an insurance nerd, specializing in data cleaning and recovery in addition to working full time as the Chief Operations Officer for Cross Insurance. We discuss how positive the results can be when those in a position of leadership create a culture of trust and allow their team members to engage their roles and responsibilities with creativity in the workplace.
We are excited to announce a collaboration with Xcelerate Restoration Software. On Monday, October 5, 2020 we will be hosting a live feed to announce the winner of:
- FREE iPad from Xcelerate Restoration Software
- Signed copy of Jon Isaacson's book Be Intentional: Estimating
- The DYOJO Podcast T-Shirt
Xcelerate hands down offers the best field service solution in the restoration market. And they are giving away a FREE iPad to prove it! Go to https://www.xlrestorationsoftware.com/landing/ipad-giveaway to register for the FREE iPad (no strings attached).
Episode Includes:
- We are one week closer to announcing the winner of the FREE iPad from Xcelerate Restoration Software
- Shout out to recent contributors (including): Gordy Powell (Georgia Clean), Sarah Allen (Superior Cleaning & Restoration), Alex Watts (Avenue 5), Judi Brown (Tacoma Trophy), Wood Frame (Zoom Drain), Marina Tanay (WAMOA), Kyle Meaux (Engineered Products), Tania Barrett (Thrive Surfaces), Amanda Solberg (3 Kings), AND MORE!
- Break the status quo of throwing estimating items against the wall and hoping they stick, develop a better process and more consistent outcome with Jon Isaacson's new book Be Intentional: Estimating
The DYOJO Podcast - The INFOtainment podcast of the skilled trades, helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development. You can watch TDP on Youtube or listen on Spotify or Apple.
Stephen Harrington - The Diva of Insurance - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-harrington-cic-219bba17
The DYOJO - www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - www.thedyojopodcast.com
Opening sequence by Ed Cross "The Restoration Lawyer"
We had such a good time that this episode had to be split into two segments. My editing program would not allow me to release this as one long "Joe Rogan" style episode.
Pro vs. Joe 007 - Part 1 with David Princeton of Claim Advocate Service joins us all the way from Wisconsin to discuss: *
- The difference between a public adjuster and a claims advocate
- Options for home and business owners dealing with coverage issues
- Thoughts on contractors charging for estimates which include screening your clients, clarifying the process and communicating your value
- Tips for home and business owners when navigating the claims process with insurance carriers (a few do's and don'ts)
- Current "wins" by business owners in the COVID coverage disputes (mostly in Part 2 of our conversation)
We are excited to announce a collaboration with Xcelerate Restoration Software. On Monday, October 5, 2020 we will be hosting a live feed to announce the winner of:
- FREE iPad from Xcelerate Restoration Software
- Signed copy of Jon Isaacson's book Be Intentional: Estimating
- The DYOJO Podcast T-Shirt
Xcelerate hands down offers the best field service solution in the restoration market. And they are giving away a FREE iPad to prove it! Go to the custom landing page, request a FREE demo of their software and register for the FREE iPad .
Episode includes:
- FREE resources from Ed Cross, The Restoration Lawyer, for contractors helping with wildfires in California.
- Book reviews and comments from Tye Panzone, Christopher Stanley and Jason Sturgeon.
- The timeless banter between the loveable co-hosts, Bryan Close (Joe) and Jon Isaacson (Pro) and our 1st returning guest, David Princeton.
Hosts & Guests:
David Princeton - www.losspayee.com
Bryan Close - www.allamericanres.com
Jon Isaacson - www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube and Spotify - www.thedyojopodcast.com
Opening music by Suganuts
Leading others requires a unique skill set that has to be developed over time. Every day we see people thrown into management without any training and little support.
Our guests, Megan Biever and Kelsey Isaacson, of Step Up 2 Success, share their experiences with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This is utilized in schools to help students who have need for additional measures to empower them to achieve. Many managers feel like they are babysitting. We discuss ways to rise above that mentality and implement a structure for making ongoing progress toward you goals. When we step back from our dysfunctions we can see the bigger picture to understand how developing a better people process will lead to better outcomes for all.
Megan and Kelsey will help you to expand your perspective on what is possible. While many people think that positive behavior rewards bad actors, they will outline how their system is quite the opposite. Their principles will help leaders to elevate their emotional intelligence and apply soft skills in a practical way.
Jon Isaacson has released his book, Be Intentional: Estimating available now as a Kindle E Book and in paperback from Amazon. You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Megan Biever - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-madlena-biever-69a84119b/
Kelsey Isaacson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-isaacson-b997a6155/
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Be Intentional: Estimating - https://www.izvents.com/book
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Additional music “Simpler Times" by The 126ers
Wardrobe: Jon hats: All American Restoration Services (Tacoma, WA), GMS Podcast with Gerrett Stier; shirts: Wash The Dog (Puyallup, WA), The DYOJO (Black)
In this audio bonus created by and starring Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and acclaimed author of Be Intentional: Estimating, we break down the cognitive dissonance associated with “common sense”.
Using the example of a manager being upset that a technician did not strap down a piece of expensive equipment in a property restoration company as a springboard to understanding where the cause of these production issues originate.
We take clips from The DYOJO Podcast with Elan Pasmanick who operates his mobile equipment repairs service, Born to Repair, in San Diego, California.
We also draw from Lex Sisney, author of Organizational Physics and guest on episode 22 of The DYOJO Podcast.
As a leader, when you are frustrated by some action from your team, before you react it is a good exercise to take a step back and walk yourself through how you arrived at this moment.
Can you say that the on-boarding of employees sets clear expectations followed by consistent training to develop the mindset and habits that will lead team members to success?
Is this a moment that reveals some opportunities to improve your process or a moment where an individual needs to be, as Klark Brown, of the Alliance of Independent Restorers, says, “Coached up or coached out”?
Jon's book Be Intentional: Estimating is available on Kindle and paperback through Amazon - www.izvents.com/book
See and hear more from The DYOJO Podcast on Youtube or listen on Apple, Spotify, Anchor or Google - www.thedyojopodcast.com
- Simple tips to help you understand how to build wealth.
- Key strategies for entrepreneurs to set their business up for success.
- Ways that owners/managers can help their employees understand money.
Terrilski Davis, Sr. is a Veteran Business Owner and Entrepreneur who specializes in assisting first time home buyers, veterans and entrepreneurs secure approvals and lending when they need it the most. His company Platoon 720 help with business and personal credit solutions.
Terrilski drops some insightful and practical financial tips to help yourself, your business and your team reach your goals. As Terrilski says, "So many people have a dream but they don't have a strategy," which is why he is passionate about helping people, "Discover overlooked cash flow strategies that are missed by 80% of those who own and operate businesses."
Mr. Davis will share some tips to pay down and scale up as you build your personal legacy. He also talks about how as entrepreneurs, "You can't see the picture when you are inside the frame," and the value of working with mentors to shorten your DANG learning curve.
Jon Isaacson has released his book, Be Intentional: Estimating available now as a Kindle E Book and in paperback from Amazon. You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Terrilski Davis - https://www.platoon720.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Additional music “Baba" and "Firestarter" by Jeremy Black, and "Nothin Yet" by Spazz Cardigan
Wardrobe: Jon hats: 3 Kings Environmental (Vancouver & Tacoma, WA), All American Restoration Services (Tacoma, WA) and Advanced Water Restoration (Seattle, WA); shirts: MSM Deli (Tacoma, WA), The DYOJO (green)
What do you know about government regulations for a trade or industry?
Gordy Powell long believed that clients in need of trauma scene clean up services would benefit from industry standards and on August 4, 2020, his five year passion project came to fruition with Georgia House Bill 417 being signed into law.
Mr. Powell believes strongly that regulation is a step in the right direction for raising the bar in his industry segment and projecting consumers from predatory service providers. While Gordy Powell and his business partner Doug Cunningham, both of Georgia Clean, were the power duo that helped get this ball into the endzone, this effort has been endorsed by heavy hitting trade industries: AIR / Alliance of Independent Restorers ABRA / American Bio-Recovery Association IICRC / Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification NFIB / National Federation of Independent Business RIA / Restoration Industry Association SCRT / Society of Cleaning and Restoration
Jon Isaacson has released his book, Be Intentional: Estimating available now as a Kindle E Book and in paperback from Amazon books. You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Gordy Powell - https://www.georgiaclean.com The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3) Additional music “Baba" and "Firestarter" by Jeremy Black, and "The High Line" by Causmic Wardrobe: Jon hats: GMS Podcast, Portland State University, 3 Kings Environmental and All American Restoration Services; shirts: The DYOJO (charcoal)
The ups and downs of running a multi-generational family business and finding your own way as an entrepreneur.
For The DYOJO Podcast Episode 28, we are joined by the Executive Director of the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) and creator of Cleanfax Magazine, John Downey.
John shares his experiences with:
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Building up, tearing down and pivoting your core business
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Tips for keeping business and family separate as an entrepreneur
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Developing your technical skills in the science of property restoration and carpet cleaning
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Engaging your customers to understand their values and where you can thrive
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The dreams and nightmares of innovation
Keep an eye out for the soon to be released book Be Intentional: Estimating from Jon Isaacson. You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
John Downey - https://www.ciriscience.org
Special thanks to our sponsor - Ed "The Restoration Lawyer" Cross - TheRestorationLawyer.com (check his spot around min 21)
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Additional music “Nothin Yet" by Spazz Cardigan
Wardrobe: Jon hats: Camp 1805 Distillery (Hood River, OR), GMS Podcast; shirts: Single Speed Screen Printing (La Grande, OR), The DYOJO Podcast long sleeve
Bryan shares his pro level experiences working in the world of commercial property management. As it is our goal at The DYOJO Podcast to inform and entertain you (INFOtainment), property restoration professionals will find this discussion to be relevant in their efforts to provide value to property managers.
Tips, tricks and best practices for increasing your work opportunities with property managers include:
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Identifying those property managers with whom you DON'T want to work with is as important (if not more) than determining those with whom you DO want to work with. As Jon frequently says, "The best time to fire a client is before you start working with them."
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Find unique approaches and/or excuses to keep yourself at the front of their mind, leading to opportunities to receive a call when the need for your services arise. In marketing it is often said, "The last one in gets the call."
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Understand the value your clients are looking for and what value you bring to the relationship. Often, the most important thing you can to both to elevate your career as well as expand your opportunities to acquire more leads for work is the same - make someones life easier. If you want to get promoted, make your supervisors life easier. If you want to work with a client, make their life easier.
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Be ready for the first call you receive to be the worst project. When a new client gives you an opportunity, they aren't typically going to give you a nice clean project. You are asking to earn their business and you need to be ready for it to be at an inconvenient time, in a far away place and under less than favorable circumstances. "Life is about opportunity, not convenience."
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Make sure you understand who has authority to sign your contract, who is paying the bill and where your money is coming from. Jon shares some bad experiences with being in sticky situations trying to track down the money for work completed that was "authorized" by a property manager.
Keep an eye out for the soon to be released book Be Intentional: Estimating from Jon Isaacson (www.izvents.com/book). You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Shout out to our sponsors for this episode: Ed Cross "The Restoration Lawyer" - use promo code PODCAST for 10% off standardized restoration contracts through 08/07/2020 - www.therestorationlawyer.com All American Restoration Services. Check out their new logo and revamped website - www.allamericanres.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3) Additional music "Ready or Not" by Trevor Garrod, "Humble Proofreading" by pATCHES Cigars & Whiskey: Bryan - Macanudo, Jon - Karl Malone La Aurora, Downstream Whiskey by Camp 1805 (Hood River, OR). Wardrobe: Jon is wearing shirts from Single Speed Screen Printing (La Grande, OR), Slick Shoes (new album soon), and hats from GMS Podcast, All American Restoration Services (Tacoma, WA), Advanced Water Restoration.
Ed Cross "The Restoration Lawyer" and Bill Loveland, Found of Xactware (creators of Xactimate) - square off on stage at the Restoration Industry Association's (RIA) 2019 Fire Summit.
Even though Bill landed what many perceived to be an incendiary blow when he said, "If you have an argument with an adjuster about what they're going to pay, you're not much of an estimator." He also expressed that he and Xactware are committed to working with RIA and restoration contractors to improve the process.
We walk through some of the highlights of this video and the roll out from these ongoing discussions. Loveland spoke with Ed and a room full of restoration contractors to "set the record straight" about what he had heard from the RIA's Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee (AGA).
Questions were asked about estimating accuracy
Stagnation of Xactimate prices Imperfections in the platform
The statement that Xactimate prices are only to be used for "reference"
Check out Ed Cross and his treasure trove of Standardized Restoration and COIVD-19 Contracts. Use the promo code "PODCAST" for 10% off through 08/07/2020 - www.therestorationlawyer.com
Listen to The DYOJO Podcast for more great INFOtainment to help you shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development - www.thedyojopodcast.com
Ed Fogle spent years working in property restoration and learning the skills of water damage mitigation and repairs prior to joining "the other side" as a third party consultant (TPC).
We do our best to have a civil conversation with Ed, even though he plays for "the other team". You wont' want to miss the back an forth on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 26 as we discuss how to play nice in the sandbox, rather than turn it into a litter box. Ed shares his experiences working for family owned construction companies, large franchise operations and the same regional company that I worked for.
He shares ways that water and fire damage contractors can make the review process much more efficient, which will help their clients get back to home and/or work quicker (customer satisfaction) as well as lead to more expedient release of funds (getting paid).
Keep an eye out for the soon to be released book Be Intentional: Estimating from Jon Isaacson. You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Ed Fogle - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-fogle-cr-wls Special thanks to our sponsor - Ed "The Restoration Lawyer" Cross - TheRestorationLawyer.com - $100 discount with promo code PODCAST through 8/7/2020 The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3) Additional music “Humble Proofreading" by pATCHES Wardrobe: Jon hats: Camp 1805 Distillery (Hood River, OR), All American Restoration Services (Tacoma, WA); shirts: The DYOJO shirt and hoodie in black
Since 2017, casual podcast listening has risen by 37.5% over the last three years and according to Convince and Convert, 37% of Americans listen to podcasts monthly. We share some of the podcasts that we are aware of that touch on career, leadership and professional development within the property restoration, construction and insurance community.
- IAQ Radio - IAQ Radio is the OG of the property restoration web based audio content. Joe “Radio Joe” Hughes and Cliff “The Z Man” Zlotnik host the show, which is recorded live every Friday at noon Eastern Standard Time. “Every week we interview experts from the indoor air quality, building sciences and disaster restoration industry.”
- The GMS Podcast - Gerrett Stier started out working in his family electrical construction company when he found a need in the property restoration industry for temporary power distribution boxes. He launched his business, GMS Distribution, in the middle of the 2008 recession and hasn’t looked back. He recently launched The GMS Podcast and his genuine interest in grasping the unique services that his guests provide makes for a great discussion.
- Blue Collar Nation Podcast - Eric “The Tech Whisperer” Sprague and Larry “Pineapple Man” Wilberton built their business Shamrock Restoration from scratch, learned their leadership lessons the hard way and were able to sell their company at a profit. They now focus their efforts on helping business owners and company leaders with the pillars of success that they learned while in the trenches of their business. In addition to their Blue Collar Nation Podcast, they offer Morning Tech Meeting and have recently started Blue Collar Nation Radio which is a 24/7 collection of content for service based businesses.
- Profiles in Risk - Profiles in Risk is the podcast of the Insurance Nerds network. Offering an informative, fun and sometimes irreverent look at the insurance industry. The only recurring podcast dedicated to Insurance Careers, InsurTech Startups and Analysis of Insurance Current Events.
- The DYOJO Podcast - INFOtainment (information and entertainment) helping you shorten your DANG learning curve for professional development. The DYOJO Podcast brings entertaining and inspiring guests who will help you laugh and learn from their mistakes, triumphs and experiences.
- Flip this Risk - Dr. Karen Hardy “The Risk Management Story Teller” discusses, “The human factor of risk taking and how it influences our business and personal achievements.” Dr. Hardy has committed her professional career towards helping millions break free from the crippling fears of risk by using creative problem solving methods and brings her years of experience and achievement to her podcast.
- The Claim Clinic - is the podcast of Andrew McCabe, author of The 24 Hour Tech. This podcast from the Godfather of Remote Estimating focuses on the nuances of insurance claims and property restoration with a variety of guests from multiple disciplines. The Claim Clinic is a master class of education for insurance claims professionals, “Through interviews with legendary Disaster Recovery experts.”
- Straight Talk - is a webcast from Jeff Cross, the editorial director of ISAA Media which also produces Cleanfax as well as Cleaning and Maintenance Magazine. Straight Talk will dig into industry issues, providing how-to tips, marketing and management advice, news, trending topics, and more.
- Pro vs. Joe Podcast - is a podcast within a podcast from The DYOJO Podcast. Hosts, Bryan Close, The Joe, and Jon Isaacson, The Pro, discuss career development, helping teams to navigate change and encouraging leaders to keep their head in the game when building their vision.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Michelle Blevins shares her experiences with communicating, branding and innovating through the various mediums available to all property restoration, construction and insurance professionals. Rather than approaching social media with fear and loathing, for the DYOJO Podcast Episode 25, we discuss various approaches to thriving by building a clear culture, developing a consistent product and communicating what makes your organization unique.
Michelle Blevins in the editor in chief of Restoration and Remediation Magazine (R&R), she is also a recruiter for Wylander Solutions and she is one of the few professionals we have had on the podcast that are working in the field they set out and studied for. Prior to R&R she was executive producer for Heritage Broadcasting. Michelle is constantly working behind the scenes to keep relevant content flowing for the property restoration industries premier media outlet as well as innovating ideas such as the Women in Restoration Award and The Ladder Award for young professionals.
One thought that Michelle brought up is that fear of bad reviews should not be a deterrent to engaging your market through social media. A negative review can provide you with an opportunity to address shortfalls in your process and perhaps by documenting that process you can turn a potential negative into a glowing positive. We know that it is impossible not to make mistakes, but a lot can be gained by how we approach and respond to those errors.
Keep an eye out for the soon to be released book Be Intentional: Estimating from Jon Isaacson. You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Michelle Blevins - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Special thanks to our sponsor - Ed "The Restoration Lawyer" Cross - TheRestorationLawyer.com - $100 discount with promo code PODCAST through 8/7/2020
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Additional music “Bird Food" by DJ Freedom and "Simpler Times" by The 126ers
Wardrobe: Jon hats: Coldfire Brewing (Eugene, OR), Camp 1805 Distillery (Hood River, OR), GMS Podcast; shirts: Seattle Sounders, The DYOJO green
If you remember when the leading tech was a Sony Mavica Camera and your photos were saved on multiple 3.5" floppy disks, this is an episode of Pro vs. Joe that you will not want to miss.
FOMO is the Fear of Missing Out. It is a useful sales strategy when you have a product and/or service that is of superior quality but it should also be an internal system for adapting to changes in the market.
You want your customers to have FOMO but do you have a proper FOMO when it comes to technology and innovation?
When people in a position of leadership talk about the younger generations, they often discuss attributes in a negative light that could well be transformed into positive resources for troubled brands. We know that you must grow or die, but the resistance to adaptation is real with those who are stubbornly set in their ways.
The younger business leaders may not have the experience of weathered managers, and yet, this also helps them to embrace changes in the market and new technologies. Not all tech is helpful but it is worth exploring or having someone on your team who can assist you to navigate these innovations.
We discuss Lance Armstrong, Cigars, Matterport 3D cameras, the Sony Mavica with 3.5" floppy disks, property restoration networking groups, fighting for your customer, C.Y.A, F.O.M.O. and many other topics.
You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Shout out to our sponsor for this episode - All American Restoration Services. Check out their new logo and revamped website - www.allamericanres.com and this great 5 star feedback from a client, "I will especially miss the "snack dances" when they didn't know you were looking and they would grab a snack (I would leave them out for them) and they would do a little dance of joy as they walked away and got back to work. Best part...our dog LOVED them."
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Additional music “All Stars" by Patrick Ptrikios and "Road Trip" by Slynk
Cigars & Whiskey: Bryan - La Aroma de Cuba - Me Amor, Johnny Walker Black; Jon - Leaf by Oscar, Downstream Whiskey by Camp 1805 (Hood River, OR).
Wardrobe: Jon is wearing The DYOJO Podcast red hoodie and hat from Caskades (Puyallup, WA) as well as hats from Ninkasi Brewing and Coldfire Brewing (Eugene, OR).
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Kirk Matthews, owner of Oregon Valley and Coastal Claim Service, joins us for The DYOJO Podcast Episode 23 to discuss his experiences as both a captive and independent multi-lines insurance adjuster.
Kirk shares some of the common mistakes that he see slowing down the estimate review process as well as hinder contractors from developing relationships with carriers and adjusters. We have a candid conversation about ways that property restoration contractors can work towards better outcomes with insurance representatives for the good of themselves and their clients.
There is no conspiracy or scam here, we just talk means and methods that have worked for both of us from "opposite sides" of the insurance claims "fence". Kirk will also be a contributor to Jon Isaacson's upcoming book Be Intentional: Estimating which you can keep up to date with via The DYOJO website - www.izvents.com/book.
You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Kirk Matthews - https://www.oregonvalleyandcoastal.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Additional music "Cutting it Close" by DJ Freedom
Wardrobe: Jon hats: Seattle Sounders, Portland State University (PSU); shirts: The DYOJO Podcast red hoodie, Seattle Sounders, The DYOJO Podcast dri fit long sleeve. Contact The DYOJO about purchasing TDP swag.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Skylar Lewis, CEO of Superior Restoration and founder of Rise Up Kings, shares some of his lowest lows and the process through which he rose from those depths to be a stronger leader and build a better organization.
Skylar shares how being transparent with his companies financials has opened up new opportunities for organizational growth. By assigning every team member a line item in the budget that they report on, are responsible for and bonus based upon team performance, he has seen returns on employee engagement and profitability.
Let Mr. Lewis share his experiences in his own words in this excerpt from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 19.
Thank you for watching this video discussion from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Skylar Lewis, Superior Restoration. You can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google) and you can read more on this topic in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Jon announces his soon to be released book "Be Intentional: Estimating. Establishing the Right Mindset and Habits for Yourself and Your Team to Succeed with Estimating Property Insurance Claims" . Reserve and/or pre-order your copy today!
Superior Restoration https://superiorrestore.com
Rise Up Kings https://www.riseupkings.com/learn-more
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com - Leadership development and business coaching for service base entrepreneurs.
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Music Todays Plan by DJ Freedom
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
- Have you witnessed businesses that grow too-fast and are soon out of the market?
- Have you experienced challenges with growing your team to meet the opportunities presented to your organization?
Lex Sisney is the author of Organizational Physics: The Science of Growing a Business. Business Insider noted, “As Co-Founder and CEO of Commission Junction, Lex grew the company from two employees to become the de facto leader in the world of affiliate marketing, beating Google in the process.” Lex spends his time now as a business coach for CEO’s and leadership teams in expansion-stage companies who are, “Committed to growing their business without compromising their values.”
Organizational Physics takes a scientific approach to outlining a universal and sustainable process for approaching growth in an organization. Lex says that, “Being the CEO of a fast growing company can be exhilarating one week and frustrating the next. I know because I’ve been there. That’s why I created Organizational Physics, a proven method for building and managing high-growth companies that delivers breakthrough results.”
We also discuss various approaches to public safety and keeping the economy running as every decision has consequences. Lex brings up the vicarious trauma, which we discussed briefly during a LinkedIn exchange as well as dealt with in greater depth in an article on the work of Laura van Dernoot Lipsky. Navigating the stress of this time as a leader and as a team will be key to thriving through crisis.
Lex shares a secret to keeping himself motivated to follow through on his goal of writing for a certain period of time each day is that if he doesn’t achieve this benchmark he has to make a financial donation to a politician that he despises. We don’t get into politics, so he doesn’t share who this is, but with as charged as the political discussions have been, you can imagine this would be highly motivational for anyone with strong feelings on the direction our country should be taking.
It is important to remember that the fear of failure is more detrimental to a growth minded professional and an organization than failure itself. As Lex says, “Failure is feedback.” Be intentional with your people, process, production and progress (The 4 P’s) and set your team up for success, even in tough times. On The DYOJO Podcast Episode 20, Rachel Stewart discusses lessons learned from the 2008 crisis that lead to opportunity as well as principles that they continue to apply in these modern times.
You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Lex Sisney - https://www.organizationalphysics.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Additional music “Dude” by Patrick Ptrikios
Wardrobe: Jon hats: Humble Beast Records, Grip Rite, Portland State University (PSU); shirts: Portland State University, Wordsplayed “Sub Culture”, Classis Seattle Supersonics with the faux double layer (90’s swag)
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Whether you are leading your team through a transition, like Bryan and Brandon are at All American, or you are trying to develop a culture that represents your values, being transparent is key. Clear communication with your team is the essential element for building a sustainable foundation within any organization. As people in a position of leadership, you need to have the awareness of how you communication and whether your process aligns with your vision. Do you as the leader walk the talk?
Bryan and Jon discuss various ways that they have had to improve their leadership and communication, especially during seasons of challenge and/or change. Transparency with your team will go a long way to enabling them to connect with your goals, collaborate for creative solutions and assist your organization to conquer their obstacles.
Hearing two different perspectives, the "Joe" Bryan Close and the "Pro" Jon Isaacson, from the property restoration industry will help listeners to be:
- Encouraged
- Challenged
- Educated
- Inspired
Being transparent with your team, as Skylar Lewis also discusses on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 19, provides employees with opportunities for owning their responsibilities, having a voice in the process and receiving an incentive for their collective contributions. Jon also discussed the idea of progressive responsibility with Eric and Larry of The Blue Collar Nation Podcast who are launching their Blue Collar Radio Station June 2020.
You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3) Additional music “Savior Search” by DJ Freedom
Wardrobe: Jon is wearing The DYOJO Podcast red hoodie and hat from Ninkasi Brewing (Eugene, OR)
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Most of us are aware that we should not think too highly of ourselves. The word narcissism gets thrown around quite a bit when talking about those in a position of leadership. During our conversation with Rachel Stewart on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 20, we discuss the importance of not thinking too lowly of yourself. Rachel is the EVP of Titan Restoration of Arizona, founder of Xcelerate Restoration Software and the author of Unqualified Success.
In her book she outlines stories and strategies for "bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be to achieve massive success." Having a right assessment with yourself includes being honest with where you are in your development, recognizing your opportunities and the willingness to take a risk for your future. We discuss aspects of no risk, no reward with Denis Beaulieu on episode 15 of The DYOJO Podcast as well. Rachel shares a few key items that will help anyone aspiring to reach their potential:
- Be curious and be hungry to learn everything that you can
- Ask questions of those around you and learn from them
- Have a vision for yourself and set goals so that you can track your progress
- Stop procrastinating
- Embrace an abundance rather than a scarcity mindset
Reading Rachel's book has been pivotal in my own commitment to be intentional with the development of The DYOJO and it has been a key contributor to my wife's growth mindset with real estate. Rachel has a lot of real world wisdom to share as she propelled herself from office manager, getting back into the workforce, to Executive Vice President of a growing regional restoration company, the author of a popular book and founder of Xcelerate Restoration Software.
You can view our discussion via The DYOJO Youtube Page and you can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google). You can read more on this topic, and many others, in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Unqualified Success - https://www.unqualifiedtools.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Additional music “Today's Plan” by DJ Freedom
Wardrobe: Jon is wearing The DYOJO black hoodie and hat from 3 Kings Environmental, Inc. (Vancouver & Tacoma, WA)
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 19
Leading yourself first so that you can better lead others with Skylar Lewis, CEO of Superior Restoration (Temecula, CA) and founder of Rise Up Kings.
Highlights
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Tips for increasing sales while being authentic
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Taking ownership as a leader and making things better
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Transforming your business by transforming your leaders
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Becoming a transparent operation and the return on investment
On The DYOJO Podcast Episode 19, Skylar and Jon discuss the importance of authenticity in sales.
Skylar believes that all entrepreneurs and aspiring professionals should believe they are a marketers at their core and learn to master these skills. Learning how to sell will help a business to survive in any market, even in a downturn. For those who think sales has a negative connotation, Skylar talks about how anyone can ask questions and lead a customer through the sale rather than practicing some of the high pressure tactics that turn so many people off.
Skylar had a series of events that revealed he hadn’t built as much of a tight operation as he had thought and had to do some deep soul searching. Skylar reached out to a coach to help identify his blind spots. While initially he thought the coach would point out the things that were wrong with the team, he started his process with the person in the position of leadership (PIAPOL). As they restructured, Skylar focused on improving his own leadership skills while also taking a hard look at whether they had the right people on the team.
For Superior Restoration the culture became the most important thing and Skylar pivoted to a more purposeful servant leadership style. For their team, running assessments and making hiring decisions based upon culture has been critical to their growth. The hiring process is set up to be in alignment with the company's core values, which follow the acronym C-O-M-E-T which stands for:
Collaborate
Own It
Mindful
Efficiency
Thirst for Learning
Skylar learned that by facing the areas that he needed to address himself as a leader, he was able to own the issues in his organization and then filter that clarity throughout the company.
They also made their company financials fully transparent to the whole company and provided each employee with an aspect of that statement which they are responsible for. Each employee has a line item, tracks it and reports on that number every week with the whole company. There is clarity around the numbers and the financial health of the company and each employee is bonuses quarterly on the performance of the organization.
Thank you for watching this video discussion from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Skylar Lewis, Superior Restoration. You can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google) and you can read more on this topic in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Superior Restoration https://superiorrestore.com
Rise Up Kings https://www.riseupkings.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com - Leadership development and business coaching for service base entrepreneurs.
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Ed Cross “The Restoration Lawyer” (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
Music Todays Plan by DJ Freedom
Skylar Shirt - Rise Up Kings
Jon Shirt - Single Speed Screen Printing, Hat - Portland State University
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Bryan and Jon segue from discussing the Walmart meat truck from Tiger King to Joe Exotic's idea to open a pizza spot on the tiger farm...would you like the all meat special?
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Where do you go when you are looking for a good burger?
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Is In & Out the best chain burger restaurant?
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How about local pizza or sandwich shops?
Bryan recaps a lesson he learned, from listening to The DYOJO Podcast Episode #3 with Ed Cross “The Restoration Lawyer", about proper wiping for clean up services. Jon shares a disgusting story of cleaning up blood from a burst varicose vein. The duo discusses horror stories with customers and the statement, “The best time to fire a client is before the job starts,” as mentioned in The DYOJO podcast Episode 7 with Amy Siedlecki.
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Knowing who you DON’T want to work with/for is as important as who you do - agree/disagree.
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How do you “screen” clients to determine if you want to work with/for them?
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Do you have a consistent intake process?
During Pro vs. Joe the two hosts bring their diverse experiences to this show for your listening pleasure, providing an industry education from two unique perspectives - the Joe who is just getting started with insurance repairs and the Pro who has been at it for some time. "The Joe" Bryan Close has been in construction, business development and property management for many years but is new to the process of working within the insurance claims paradigm. Listeners who are new to property restoration will have the opportunity to learn the nuance of the industry with Bryan while veterans of the trades will find it refreshing to experience Bryan's excitement for this new opportunity. "The Pro" Jon Isaacson, is known as "The Intentional Restorer" and many will recognize him from his interviews with Michelle Blevins of Restoration & Remediation Magazine (R&R) as well as Episode 5 of The GMS Podcast with Gerret Stier, The Claim Clinic and Blue Collar Nation Podcast. Jon has been working in property restoration for over 18 years, which is a while to some and just getting started compared to many others.
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com - @thedyojopodcast *New episodes drop every Monday and most Thursdays on Spotify, Apple, Anchor and Google platforms. We hope you enjoyed this episode and the back and forth between the two hosts. Please check out The DYOJO Podcast and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Anchor or Google. Subscribe and leave a thumbs up here on Youtube. You can stay up to date with the podcast and videos via Instagram @TheDYOJOPodcast - tag us and send us a note with feedback or a topic that you would like us to cover.
Wardrobe, accessories and shout outs:
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Bryan @close_bg - All American Real Estate Services jacket (@aaresinc), Tacoma Rainiers hat (@tacomarainiers)
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Jon @iz.vents - @theDYOJO black hoodie, Coppertop Construction hat, Ninkasi Brewing Peach Maiden the Shade Summer IPA
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Opening track unreleased song by Suganuts "Water"
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 17 - Train (your people) to obtain (your goals) with Eric “The Tech Whisperer” Sprague
Does this scenario sound familiar? You hire a young person to join your team, you give them the on boarding speech, a uniform and send them out with the team to learn on the job. Within 90 days, you are frustrated with their progress and you say something to the effect of, “It never fails, these young people [ie Millinnials or Gen Z or whatever moniker is coming next] just don’t get it. Things will never be like the good ol’ days.”
In an age where it is difficult even to solicit a candidate to apply for your job openings, what if there was a way to help you reverse the trend of churning and burning new hires? Eric “The Tech Whisperer” Sprague of MorningTechMeeting.com joins us on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 17 to discuss the power and potential of investing in soft skills training for your service team.
Eric understands where the bread is buttered in a service based organization such as property restoration, construction, auto repair, plumbing, carpet cleaning, electrical, landscaping, etc. Your business will be made or broken by how well your front line employees can deliver a consistently high quality service to your customers.
The Tech Whisperer, through years of trial and error, and eventual success leading to the sale of his own restoration business, developed and proved the concepts for Morning Tech Meeting. Owners and managers who want to reap the benefits of soft skills training for their technicians don’t have to start from scratch, Eric and his team have done the leg work for you.
The DYOJO speaks frequently on the 4 P’s of Success (The Blueprint), which includes People, Process, Production and Progress. Our discussion on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 7 with Eric Sprague addresses a proven process for elevating your team performance through daily soft skills training. Eric and Larry are generously offering our listening $10 off the regular monthly cost of $39 if you mention #TheDYOJO.
If you aren’t investing in training your team, you are going to continue to struggle to recruit, develop and keep good talent. While some of you may be convinced there isn’t any good talent in the current labor pool, you have to find ways to reach and teach the incoming workforce or you are phasing yourself out of survival.
Morning Tech Meeting will help you shorten the process to elevating your customer service experience, increase add on sales (gather the cream when you’ve already paid the cost to get your team onsite), and deepen your employee engagement.
This discussion between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, and our guest, Eric, The Tech Whisperer, Sprague has been brought to you by The DYOJO - leadership development for service based entrepreneurs via coaching, articles, videos and this podcast. You can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google), you can take in the 3D experience through The DYOJO Youtube page and you can read more on this topic in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Morning Tech Meeting - https://www.morningtechmeeting.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 16 - Doing Good in Your Hood
What are some of the ways local leaders and small businesses are finding ways to identify and meet the needs in their communities?
We discuss inspiring generosity in you team, engaging your team with purpose by contributing to your local community, collaborating with partners (including Gary Vee) to source needed items and leading by example when times are tough.
A great point is made by Rick Dancer, the 6' of separation to keep each other safe is a physical distancing not a social distancing. We still need to be social, kind and interact with each other while maintaining a physical distance of 6' or greater and/or wearing protective gear such as masks. This is a good distinction and helpful to think about as we move into the "new normal" together.
GUESTS (Instagram & Website):
- Tammy Birklid, Merit Construction (Tacoma, WA) - @merit_construction & https://www.meritnw.com/
- Rick Dancer, Rick Dancer Media (Eugene, OR) - @rickdancer & https://www.rickdancer.com/ & Guest on The DYOJO Podcast Ep.4 "Facing Adversity as an Entrepreneur"
- Bryan Reynolds, Anthem Coffee (Puyallup, WA) - @anthemcoffee & https://myanthemcoffee.com/
- Gerrett Stier, GMS Distribution (Kirland, WA) - @gmsdistribution & https://gmsdist.com/
- William Mendoza, Rockland Restoration (Bellflower, CA) - @rockland_restoration & https://www.rocklandrestoration.com/ & Guest on The DYOJO Podcast Ep.13 "Taking Care of Your Partners"
SPONSOR: 3 Kings Environmental, Inc. family owned and operated for over 25 years, providing Oregon and Washington with services for asbestos abatement, select demolition and full demolition. @call3kings & https://3kingsenvironmental.com/
Quote by Elizabeth Andrews, "Volunteers do not have the time; they have the heart." Keep doing good things in your hood!
Thank you for watching this video discussion from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and our panel of guests. You can listen to The DYOJO Podcast wherever fine podcasts are listened to (Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Google) and you can read more on this topic in Jon's monthly column The Intentional Restorer from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Intro video for The Intentional Restorer created by the talented Edward H. Cross, aka The Restoration Lawyer (guest on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3)
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 15 - No risk = no reward with Denis Beaulieu of Alliance Environmental
Denis has a broad base of experience from taking on new challenges. He started as a carpet and upholstery technician working for The Hudson’s Bay company in Canada. Like so many, he found himself thrown into a leadership role and had to discover for himself the best ways to lead people and build a business. When he moved to California he entered the property restoration industry at the time when the mantra was, “Mold is gold.” Tasked with building a mold remediation division within an existing cleaning and water damage restoration company in Southern California.
Denis shares his insights on how he has approached both his own professional development as well as his unique perspectives on building opportunities for the members of your team to grow along with your organization.
Three key lessons that Denis shares are:
- You can learn to do anything. Denis’ mom told him, “What do you have to lose?” Which he adapted into the mindset of no risk = no reward.
- The greatest gift you can give your team as a manager / leader is to have a clear sense of your identity - know your strengths and staff around your weaknesses (create opportunities for others to strengthen the team).
- It is so much more effective to find people with relevant experience and character than people who have industry experience who bounce from company to company. Build your own superstars rather than re-tooling the castaways from your competitors.
Thank you for watching this video discussion from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Denis Beaulieu, Alliance Environmental. You can listen to additional content on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 15 and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Check out our audio and video library of discussions with entrepreneurs in the property restoration, construction and insurance communities via The DYOJO Podcast as well as The DYOJO Youtube Page.
Denis Beaulieu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-beaulieu-17aa0588/
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast - https://www.thedyojopodcast.com
The DYOJO Podcast is available on Anchor, Spotify, Apple and Google
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Wardrobe and accessories:
Denis - an amazing assortment of Fender and Gibson guitars
Jon - hat Coldfire Brewing (@coldfire_brewing), hoodie The DYOJO Podcast (@thedyojopodcast) - contact us if you want to purchase a shirt or hoodie
Shout outs, mentions, clips and music: Clip of Amy Siedlecki of The Mold Reporters from Episode 7 of The DYOJO Podcast, Rachel Stewart's book Unqualified Success, The 10 Commandments of Xactimate Estimating Success by Jon Isaacson - izvents.com/ebook
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 14 - Pro vs. Joe 002
Pro vs. Joe is a collaboration between Bryan "The Joe" Close, Director of Operations for All American Real Estate Services (Tacoma, WA) and Jon "The Pro" Isaacson, Project Manager for 3 Kings Environmental, Inc. (Vancouver & Tacoma, WA). The hosts bring their diverse experiences to this show for your listening pleasure.
Bryan has been in construction, business development and property management for many years but is new to the process of working within the insurance claims paradigm. You will find it refreshing to experience his excitement for learning this industry.
Most know Jon from his extensive wikipedia page and interviews from R&R magazine with Michelle Blevins and Episode 5 of the GMS Podcast with Gerret Stier, he has been working in property restoration for over 17 years. All our listeners also religiously read his monthly column with Restoration & Remediation Magazine (R&R) "The Intentional Restorer.
PVJ is something new. For Pro vs. Joe, Bryan and Jon will mix their thoughts on culture, discussions about business and in general try to have a good time. You can see the action on Youtube and listen on The DYOJO Podcast. Thank you for your support and if you have any feedback or ideas hit us up on IG (@thedyojopodcast).
For Episode 002 of Pro vs. Joe, Bryan and Jon discuss:
The NFL Draft, the first (and hopefully last) ever conducted over Zoom. There were some funny moments, bloopers and fails as has been the case with companies adapting to remote work while utilizing this tool.
Bad NBA trades such as the Seattle Supersonics swapping Scottie Pippen for Olden Polynice or the Portland Trailblazers passing on Michael Jordan because they had Clyde Drexler and choosing Sam Bowie instead. The Blazers would later repeat their mistakes when they passed on Kevin Durant in favor of Greg Oden because they already had LaMarcus Aldridge.
Miscommunication and poor ad placements that lead to awkward, funny and terrible associations of products with the wrong messaging. Items that were touted as the next big thing but flopped such as Crystal Clear Pepsi, New Coke, the Microsoft Zune, that funky U2 album that released on Apple.
We discuss Episode 2 of The DYOJO Podcast, a discussion on emergency management and preparedness with Edward Colson of Ready NW as well as the great toilet paper shortage of 2020.
Last episode covered how Bryan and Jon met, in this segment we dig a bit deeper into their professional relationship and the nature of hiring a business coach to help your company grow. What are the key things to look for when making decisions on who you do and do not want to work with as a business?
We hope you enjoyed this episode and the back and forth between the two hosts. Please check out The DYOJO Podcast and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Anchor or Google. Subscribe and leave a thumbs up here on Youtube. You can stay up to date with the podcast and videos via Instagram @TheDYOJOPodcast - tag us and send us a note with feedback or a topic that you would like us to cover.
Wardrobe, accessories and shout outs:
-
Bryan @close_bg - All American Real Estate Services jacket (@aaresinc), Tacoma Rainiers hat (@tacomarainiers)
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Jon @iz.vents - Slick Shoes shirt (@slickshoesband), GMS Podcast hat (@gmsdistribution)
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Clips of Edward Colson from Episode 2 of The DYOJO Podcast
*Opening track unreleased song by Suganuts
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Taking care of your partners with William Mendoza from Rockland Restoration and Rockland Fire Water - the first energy drink from the property restoration industry.
I know plenty of restoration professionals who guzzle energy drinks, but Rockland Restoration is the first service company I have heard of who has created their own. Would you be surprised to know that William says they are less expensive to create that you might think, that his company is not one of the mega organizations within the industry and his investment has brought him better results than competitors who have spent several times what he has?
During our conversation, what stands out to me is that in Rockland 2.0, William has taken the lesson learned from his first venture into the industry and added a renewed passion to make a difference while having fun at work. His drive is infectious and I would be shocked if you don’t take some inspiration away from watching or listening to this episode of The DYOJO Podcast. It is encouraging to know that you can enjoy the process, make a difference and grow your business by doing things the right way.
Thank you for watching this video discussion from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and William Mendoza, Rockland Restoraiton. You can listen to additional content on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 13 and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Check out our audio and video library of discussions with entrepreneurs in the property restoration, construction and insurance communities via The DYOJO Podcast as well as The DYOJO Youtube Page.
Rockland Restoration -http://www.rocklandrestoration.com/
The DYOJO -https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast is available on Anchor, Spotify, Apple and Google
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Wardrobe and accessories:
- Water Damage Daily - Lion mask, Z87 safety glasses, N95 mask
- Jon - Hat GMS Podcast (@GMSdistribution), Shirt Single Speed Screen Printing - https://www.singlespeedscreenprinting.com/
Shout outs, mentions, clips and music:
- Whatley of Actionable Insights - The DYOJO Podcast Episode 9
- Help, Claims Review Shredded My Estimate - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIBqSjCKzvYuuG5PnhMQ09K28m2XnVQeH
- Raymond Tittmann of Tittmann Weix - The DYOJO Podcast Episode 6
- Rick Dancer of Rick Dancer Media
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast with Mike Kinney of Coppertop Construction (Eugene, Oregon) and David Smith (currently recovering from a career in property restoration) of Unnamed Software Company (Eugene, Oregon) join host Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, to discuss a few motivational leadership quotes.
Episode sponsored by Morning Tech Meeting, 6-8 minute daily soft skills training sessions with Eric "The Tech Whisperer" Sprague sent directly to your team members. Mention The DYOJO Podcast for $10 OFF your monthly subscription.
This podcast accompanies The Intentional Restorer May 2020 column from Restoration and Remediation Magazine (R&R) from BNP Media. The article covers several leadership quotes from people in positions of leadership at various levels in various organizations in various industries and how those concepts have fueled their professional growth.
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David's Quote: “Either you run the day or the day runs you.” - Jim Rohn I became aware of it juggling a number of responsibilities and even more aware after leaving that environment I put myself in. This has helped me develop my sense of daily awareness. While realizing to use the resources around me and that I am in charge of how I decide to use my time.
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Mike's Quote: “Discipline equals freedom.” - Jocko Willink, from his book Extreme Ownership. This applies to my efforts in managing a large team in a service industry as well as my entrepreneurial venture in starting my own construction company. It’s important to have a plan and execute on that plan to keep yourself and your team on track.
Thank you for listening to this discussion from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, Mike Kinney, Coppertop Construction & David Smith. Check out the video of this conversation with additional content on The DYOJO Youtube page and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Check out our audio and video library of discussions with entrepreneurs in the property restoration, construction and insurance communities via The DYOJO Podcast as well as The DYOJO Youtube Page - Three Questions (3Qs) with a Pro.
- Coppertop Construction - https://coppertopconstructioneugene.com/
- The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com The DYOJO Podcast is available on Anchor, Spotify, Apple and Google
- The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com Wardrobe and accessories: Mike - hat Coppertop Construction (@coppertop.construction) Jon - Seattle Sounders jersey Shout outs, mentions, clips and music: Shout outs to: Blue Collar Nation Podcast with Eric Sprague and Larry ,Marina Tanay - President of WAMOA, Rachel Stewart - author of Unqualified Success, Alex Watts - Avenue 5, Greg Smith - Contractor Connection, Skylar Lewis - Superior Restoration, William Mendoza - Rockland Restoration, Joe Rogan Podcast, Jocko Willink, Jim Rohn, Jim Collins - Good to Great, Entreleadership Podcast. Music: “Punk in Donuts” by Hanu Dixit, “Actionable” by Bensound.com & “Dubstep” by Bendsound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The question on everyone’s mind - who is the genius behind the daily industry humor doled out on the popular Instagram account Water Damage Daily (WDD). Our guest comes really close to revealing his identity, but we will protect the mystery as it adds to the allure and it’s nice to have a covert outlet for unrestrained observations.
Episode sponsored by The DYOJO Freelance Services. Ghostwriting, blog posts, adapting Youtube videos and presentations into articles, and more. Why write for yourself when you can pay someone else to do it?
Water Damage Daily joins us for The DYOJO Podcast to discuss how to better engage your audience on social media. Even though the account only started in 2019, it’s already well over 1,500 members which is significant within property restoration. What will intrigue our audience is that their actual business account, which will remain classified, is over double that engagement through authentic posting.
I asked what they view as the secret sauce, Water Damage Daily shared that they are fans of Gary Vaynerchuk. Also known as Gary Vee, the now well known marketing celebrity built his social media empire by breaking the status quo of business promotion. Water Damage Daily shared a few nuggets of their own.
When I asked WDD what some of the keys to building a presence on Instagram were, he said: * Be consistent * Educate your audience * Conduct a question and answer (Q&A) segment * Share before and after photos and videos * Tell a story so that your viewers can engage with your brand
Water Damage Daily challenges all accounts to show their face. Too often brands post generic content that may be forwarded to them from their corporate headquarters, WDD believes showing your face and personalizing your content helps clients to identify with your brand. He shared that explaining things that industry professionals take for granted, such as deductibles, can provide a service to your audience.
Our guest shared that many of the first videos were only released after he recorded, deleted, recorded, cut, deleted and recorded again for over half an hour. To elevate your social media game, you have to get yourself out of your comfort zone. Water Damage Daily discussed that Instagram doesn’t always lead directly to business but it has raised their brand and has also contributed to talent acquisition.
Thank you for watching this video discussion from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, and Water Damage Daily. You can listen to additional content on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 11 and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine. Check out our audio and video library of discussions with entrepreneurs in the property restoration, construction and insurance communities via The DYOJO Podcast as well as The DYOJO Youtube Page - Three Questions (3Qs) with a Pro.
- Water Damage Daily - https://www.instagram.com/waterdamagedaily
- The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
- The DYOJO Podcast is available on Anchor, Spotify, Apple and Google
- The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Wardrobe and accessories: Water Damage Daily - Lion mask, Z87 safety glasses, N95 mask Jon - hat Coppertop Construction (@coppertop.construction), hoodie Franklin Pierce High School (@fphscards)
- Shout outs to: Ed “The Restoration Lawyer” Cross of Cross & Associates, Michelle Blevins of Restoration & Remediation Magazine. Tyler Basu of Influence & Scale Podcast, Cinergy Restoration for their Tik Tok use. * Mentions for Gary Vaynerchuck aka Gary Vee, Law & Order, Anchorman, Workaholics, Ace Ventura. * Clips from Habits of Xactimate Estimating Success - https://youtu.be/S6VaQSe5vSg and The DYOJO Podcast Episode 3 with The Restoration Lawyer. * Music: “Punk in Donuts” by Hanu Dixit, “Actionable” by Bensound.com & “Dubstep” by Bendsound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Pro vs. Joe is something new that we are trying at The DYOJO Podcast. We still focus on topics and discussions relevant to the property restoration, construction and insurance industries but with a more laid back tone.
Bryan "The Joe" Close, Director of Operations for All American Real Estate Services (Tacoma, WA) and Jon "The Pro" Isaacson, Project Manager for 3 Kings Environmental, Inc. (Vancouver & Tacoma, WA) bring their diverse experiences to the show. Bryan has been in construction, business development and property management for many years but is new to the process of working within the insurance claims paradigm. Jon, on the other hand, has been working in property restoration for over 17 years and has a monthly column with Restoration & Remediation Magazine (R&R) "The Intentional Restorer in addition to his business coaching service The DYOJO.
For Episode 1, Bryan and Jon discuss:
The Last Dance, Episodes 1 - 2
- NOTE - this is not a sports show, we open with a discussion of ESPN's documentary following the final season of the Chicago Bulls dynasty in 1998 which is rich with cultural relevance, business and interpersonal lessons.
- Who does the millennial think is better, Lebron James or Michael Jordan?
- The original versions of the classic video games NBA Jam and NFL Blitz.
- Scottie Pippen being underpaid.
- What if Scottie Pippen was on the Seattle Supersonics with Shawn "The Reign Man" Kemp and Gary "The Glove" Payton?
How did Jon and Bryan meet?
- Funny story about getting kicked out of a networking event. This story also opens our discussion on marketing faux pas as Jon passed by the two AARES black Dodge trucks on the way out of Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. Bryan shares some embarrassing and humorous stories about their logo. PS say no to Nazis.
Branding fails and wins
- The controversial Peleton ad and whether "bad press" on social media affects your bottom line.
- Ryan Reynold's gin company and how being nimble as a small company can be an advantage.
- The Boeing 737 Max
- Have you heard of WeWork, the company that failed even though Ashton Kutcher supported them?
We hope you enjoyed this episode and the back and forth between the two hosts. Please check out The DYOJO Podcast on the Apple, Spotify, Anchor and Google platforms, subscribe and leave a rating. You can see this as a video on Youtube, subscribe and watch The DYOJO Podcast > Pro vs. Joe. You can also follow us on Instagram @TheDYOJOPodcast - tag us and send us a note with feedback or a topic you would like us to discuss.
Pro vs. Joe on Youtube - https://youtu.be/gZSUwCWgk8w
All American Real Estate Services - https://www.allamericanres.com / IG @aaresinc
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com / IG @TheDYOJO
Music - "Dubstep" by bensound.com
Wardrobe & accessories:
Bryan @close_bg - Seattle Seahawks hoodie (@seahawks), White Label Monte Cristo cigar (@montecristo_usa)
Jon @iz.vents - Tacoma Rainiers t-shirt (@tacomarainiers), ETC hat (@etctacoma), Mind Haze IPA by Firestone Walker (@firestonewalker)
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
We discuss the Silica Exposure: Regulatory Evolution research white paper published by Actionable Insights and authored by Kevin Hussey (United Fire and Water), Mark Whatley (Actionalable Insights) and Rachel Stewart (Titan Restoration).
Whatley shares a few great quotes:
"Rising tides raise all ships."
By being humble and asking adjusters how he could improve his Xactimate estimating, Whatley has been able to excel in many areas to the benefit of himself, his team and now the network of professionals that he works with through Actionable Insights.
"Diverse perspectives, shared objectives."
Out of necessity, he pulled together a group of over 30 peers to discuss best practices for scoping in the industry. Out of these many meetings, conversations and lessons learned over their collective careers, these lessons have formed the treasure trove of digital assets. Many of the tips and tricks come out of two books that the group wrote, The Umpires Mitigation and Repair Manuals.
In the pursuit of becoming a Doctor of Disaster and a proper response to silica sand, you must understand:
- Ignorance is not an excuse. In the information age none of us can hide behind the terrible excuse, "I didn't know."
- You are responsible for the safety of yourself, your team and your organization's response to work place hazards which include silica sand. Whether you are a technician working in the field, a mid level manager or an executive, you must work to understand and implement best practices.
- Always be learning. Be intentional to develop your knowledge, skills and empower your team to assist you in making your workplace the best that it can be.
Thank you for listening to The DYOJO Podcast between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Mark Whatley, Actionable Insights. You can also see the video on our Youtube page and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Our sponsor for this episode is Morning Tech Meeting. As an owner, you can subscribe to MTM and reap the benefits of having Eric "The Tech Whisperer" Sprague providing daily 6-8 minute soft skills training for your team. Enhance your team development, accelerate your culture of excellence and boost your bottom line. Normally this service is $39/month (1 fee for your entire team), mention The DYOJO Podcast and you will received $10 OFF (ONLY $29/MONTH) - https://www.morningtechmeeting.com
Check out our audio and video library of discussions with entrepreneurs in the property restoration, construction and insurance communities via The DYOJO Podcast as well as The DYOJO Youtube Page - Three Questions (3Qs) with a Pro.
- Mark Whatley - https://www.getinsights.org
- The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
- The DYOJO Podcast is available on Anchor, Spotify, Apple and Google
- The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
"Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Extending the life of your restoration equipment
Elan Pasmanick of Born to Repair joins us for Three Questions with a Pro to discuss his entrepreneurial journey as a mobile water damage equipment repair specialist.
Elan is The Renaissance Man of Restoration Equipment Repairs as he not only repairs equipment for local San Diego contractors he also composes poetry for his famously entertaining Instagram posts. His business is mobile to better serve the needs of his clients and he has also assisted with repairs of dehumidifiers via video or text.
Mr. Pasmanick shares his unique story of learning sales as the owner of a mall kiosk and transforming his business from appliance repairs to serving the property restoration industry.
He shares some unique observations from the perspective of a vendor assisting restoration contractors. Taking care of your equipment includes simple investments such as:
- Quality straps for your company vehicles
- Training technician on the proper way to load and unload equipment
- Having a system for checking equipment in and out that includes reviewing loading procedures
- Keeping dehumidifiers upright and secured during transport
- If the owner designates an equipment manager, make sure this person has the authority to hold people accountable for the process
Thank you for watching this video interview from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Elan Pasmanick, Born to Repair. You can listen to additional content on The DYOJO Podcast Episode 8 and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Check out our audio and video library of discussions with entrepreneurs in the property restoration, construction and insurance communities via The DYOJO Podcast as well as The DYOJO Youtube Page - Three Questions (3Qs) with a Pro.
Elan Pasmanick -https://www.instagram.com/borntorepair
The DYOJO -https://www.thedyojo.com
The DYOJO Podcast is available on Anchor, Spotify, Apple and Google
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
"Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 7: Elevating your microbial remediation game
Three questions with Amy Siedlecki, of The Mold Reporters, shares her experiences over the years with how property restoration contractors can provide greater value to clients. As it relates to insurance claims we have transitioned from “mold is gold” to microbial remediation being excluded by most policies.
Amy Siedlecki has been working as indoor environmental consultant for over 20 years and has seen her share of contrasts in the quality of mold remediation services that restoration contractors provide to clients in her market. Amy says multiple times throughout our discussion that contractors need to do what they say they are going to do and to perform the job correctly the first time. She mentions this so many times that you can see she clearly has experience working with clients affected by poor workmanship and shares that she has been called in for litigation against contractors as well.
Recommendations for contractors to elevate their remediation services Ensure you discuss and establish the expectations of the client prior to starting the work. Partnering with an environmental consultant can help to establish these procedures and alleviate liability for the mold remediation contractors.
Know and follow industry best practices such as those outlined in the IICRC/ANSI S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation. Amy notes that many restoration contractors state that they follow the S520 and yet their protocols, estimates and end product do not reflect that they adhere to these guidelines. It is very helpful to have a contractor representative present at the time of the post mold remediation visual inspection and air sampling. If there happens to be some minor changes or touch ups, those can be addressed at that time which saves all parties additional time and effort.
Thank you for listening to this video interview from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Amy Siedlecki, The Mold Reporters. You can also see the video on our Youtube page and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
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This episode is sponsored by Single Speed Screen Printing. Quality products, great services and competitive prices - https://www.singlespeedscreenprinting.com
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Amy Siedlecki - https://www.mriec.com
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The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
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The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
"Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 6: Raymond Tittmann - Communication with Carriers Raymond Tittmann, of Tittmann Weix, shares his perspectives on the unfolding response to COVID-19 as an insurance coverage and complex litigation specialist.
We discuss Raymond’s background in the labyrinth of insurance coverage law and the complexities of coronavirus. These are interesting times in light of the first case of an insured suing their insurance company for business interruption coverage following the civil authority shutting down local businesses as well as President Trump sharing his opinions about what carriers should be doing to help their clients.
As it relates to property restoration contractors providing services for COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 clean up, Raymond makes some solid observations:
- Communication: Response without any prior communication to the insurance company creates issues in the carrier, client and contractor paradigm. Whether intentionally or not, this can create problems with confirming coverage which will impact the process for all parties involved.
- Documentation: All business owners and cleaning contractors should do their due diligence to create a “fair record” that there was contamination present in the space so that the insurance companies can determine exposure and support a legitimate response to the issues affecting the client.
- Provide Value: Whenever services are offered, the contractor should be able to document that value was provided to the client and be able to relay the story of the loss to the insurance company who is adjusting the claim.
Thank you for listening to this video interview from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Raymond Tittmann, Tittmann Weix. You can also see the video on our Youtube page and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Raymond Tittmann - http://www.tittmannweix.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
"Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The DYOJO Podcast Episode 5: Andrew McCabe - Innovation in Restoration Andrew McCabe, of Claims Delegates, shares some of the tricks in his toolbag that will help property restoration contractors innovate their way through this pandemic. We discuss Andy’s background in the property restoration industry and evolution as The Godfather of Remote Estimating. When he took the plunge into being a freelancing remote estimator it was not a concept that many had heard of, especially in the world of water and fire damage repairs. He shares his experiences with the Matterport 3D scanning camera and how this has helped him to elevate his Xactimate estimating for insurance claims. Some considerations for those on the fence about 3D scanning for insurance claims:
The details that you can acquire from the field far exceed those available from traditional photos. I can remember when the Sony Mavica floppy disc camera was a leading innovation - how many of you had piles of three and a half inch disks in your file cabinets?
Whether you hire freelance remote estimators or your project managers write Xactimate estimates based upon field documents created by technicians, the 3D scan can expedite their ability to gather the details of the loss.
What will you do if you have to defend your documentation in court and you are up against a consultant who uses this technology? Andy’s famous tagline is, “The thickest file wins,” and this innovation is going to be utilized by those who want to pick your billing apart.
Mr. McCabe closes with a poignant quote for any entrepreneur and/or small business owner, “The road of life is paved with squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.” Life is coming at us fast and the market is rapidly changing. We don’t know what things will look like on the other side of coronavirus but we do know that it will NOT be business as usual. Thank you for listening to this interview from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Andrew McCabe, Claims Delegates. You can also see the video on our Youtube page and read the article published in Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine. Andrew McCabe - https://www.claimsdelegates.com/ The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com "Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
3 Questions with Rick Dancer Success, defeat, adaptation and facing adversity as an entrepreneur. This segment of Three Questions with a Pro will introduce you to Rick Dancer of Rick Dancer Media. He will share concepts that can help property restoration professionals to reap the rewards of investing in their social media efforts and inspire them to keep innovating as the market is always changing. Coronavirus will force many entrepreneurs to dig deep into their ability to be creative with their resources while taking risks that will help them to continue to grow in the face of adversity. Entrepreneurs are no strangers to adversity. Rick Dancer, or as he was known around Lane County, the face of local news, is an entrepreneur who is no stranger to adversity. For nearly 25 years, Mr. Dancer appeared nightly on local television sets as he worked for the local ABC and CBS affiliates in the third largest market in the state of Oregon. Rick set his microphone down in 2008 as the lead anchor and executive editor for KEZI TV based out of Eugene, Oregon. With so much misinformation being shared about COVID-19, I wanted to ask Rick about his perspective on how mainstream media approaches reporting during times of crisis. Mr. Dancer shares his experience with one of the greatest tragedies in his region, the Thurston High School shooting in 1998, which was treated very differently by the national and the local media outlets. He discusses how news has changed over the years and how he has worked with business owners to create opportunities for successfully marketing directly to the public . Successful entrepreneurs will continue to serve and adapt. As Mr. Dancer transitioned from being a recognized member of the media, to running for public office and defeating cancer, he launched his own media company. When I met Rick in 2017, he was building an impressive local following by utilizing Facebook live to help promote local businesses. He is an entrepreneurial professor of social media marketing as he has built multiple facets to his growing business. Rick shares unique perspectives on current events such as coronavirus as well as an inspiring message calling entrepreneurs to keep finding new ways to serve and innovate. We all know that we have passed the point of returning to business as usual, so we must lead ourselves, our teams and our organizations through these challenges.
Thank you for listening to this interview from The DYOJO Podcast between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Rick Dancer, Rick Dancer Media. You can also view the video on our youtube page and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Rick Dancer - https://www.rickdancer.com The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVzczGVSuMGLEg8iVIrWjnA The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com "Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Legal implications for restoration contractors when considering COVID-19 response.
For nearly 25 years, The Restoration Lawyer has been in the trenches helping contractors to do things the right way both through his legal practice as well as his extensive efforts in education. This last year, under the leadership of Restoration Industry Association (RIA) President Elect, Mark Springer, and his industry manifesto, Our Greatest Need, Ed has been a key figure in the RIA’s focus on advocacy. Mark outlined a seven step action plan which includes the formation of an Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee, of which Ed is the founding chair, as well as the recently appointed Restoration Contractor Advocate.
You’ll have to watch the video to get it directly from Ed, but advice number one was to stop the use of traditional work authorizations. Mr. Cross states, “Performing restoration work with the traditional work authorization is kind of like playing football wearing sandals. You can do it, but it’s not going to turn out very well.” Ed recommends actual contracts for payment, like contractors would typically use, which establish an obligation by the owner to pay the contractor for the work.
Restoration professionals need to understand how much more vast, complex and extensive the legal issues and risk exposure are with coronavirus response, as opposed to other types of work. Contractors must define a clear value proposition to answer what the customer is getting for their payment. Ed notes that this is not like mold where it is easy to verify contamination and remediation with “before and after” photographs. Contractors must research products, techniques and verification processes prior to rushing into response. Monday morning lawyers who bring lawsuits against contractors will have the benefit of hindsight when bringing potential suits against restorers.
Ed shares the importance of clarifying and documenting, “What you are doing, why you are doing it, how you are doing it, when you are doing it, and where you are doing it.” As essential for all projects, contractors must set up their files to diligently tell the story of the scope of work, prior conditions and response.
Edward H. Cross - https://www.therestorationlawyer.com
The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com
The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
"Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Episode 2 of The DYOJO Podcast Emergency management for business owners during a pandemic Three questions with Edward Colson, of Ready Northwest, pieces of the COVID-19 puzzle from his area of expertise. In the Pacific Northwest, prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic, many of those engaging in the discussions around emergency management were focused on a Cascadia earthquake event and/or the potential for volcanic activity. Across the nation, many businesses were discussing measures for addressing active shooter situations. Edward shares that there are direct threats and hazards, like those listed above as well as indirect hazards. The current strain on our supply chain as well as our reliance on overseas manufacturing were issues many warned about prior to COVID-19 and are now at the forefront of the discussion. Ready Northwest has been working before, and now during, coronavirus to help companies, “Mitigate against, respond, and recover from disasters posed from natural, technological, and man-made hazards.” Unfortunately, many businesses and municipalities are learning just how remiss their resiliency preparedness plans were. We find ourselves scrambling in many areas to play from behind as we address the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Edward reminds people in a position of leadership to ensure that they get good information from sound sources before they make decisions based upon unverified sources. Responding to an outbreak with bad information and haphazard systems will only make our situation worse. Ready Northwest has created a Pandemic Planning Guide which includes the following recommendations for collaboration within your team: * Forming a Pandemic Response Committee to provide company updates in regards to policy, procedures, and reporting criteria. * Utilizing Human Resources to report on sick leave policies and projected health and wellness impacts. * Utilizing Legal Counsel to discuss impacts to operational quarantines and isolation. In addition, legal should review current contracts in place to determine any breach of clauses due to coronavirus impacts. * Utilizing Marketing and PR to discuss impacts being seen regarding company reputation and crisis communication. * Utilizing Procurement and Supply Chain Management to identify any critical delays in receiving and ordering products from areas impacted by the coronavirus. Watch the video interview from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and Edward Colson, Ready Northwest and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine. Ready Northwest - https://www.readynw.com The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com Music "Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Episode 1 of The DYOJO Podcast David Princeton has been in the insurance industry for over 15 years, helping clients to recover millions of dollars, and is the founder of Advocate Claim Service (ACS). David brings an interesting perspective to this ongoing conversation, having seen claims through the lens of an Insurance Company, a Top 50 Brokerage, and most recently a Buyer as the Director of Corporate Risk for a private equity group. David’s passion for helping businesses survive after a loss is grounded in the ACS tagline, “We don’t sell insurance, we make it work!” Our interview with David was part of our Three Questions with a Pro from The Intentional Restorer. I have been reaching out to a broad range of professionals within the various insurance fields to learn from their areas of specialty so that we can continue to work together to form common sense solutions. David discusses topics including: * Poorly constructed mold remediation estimates * Adjuster claims responsibilities * Doubtful and disputed insurance claims * COVID-19 coverage and response Watch this video interview from The DYOJO between Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer and David Princeton, Advocate Claim Service and read the article from Restoration and Remediation (R&R) Magazine.
Advocate Claim Service - https://www.losspayee.com The DYOJO - https://www.thedyojo.com The Intentional Restorer - https://www.randrmagonline.com
Music "Actionable" by Bensound.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app