Restoration Today

Restoration Today is a video and audio podcast covering everything restoration-related.

Every week, Michelle Blevins sits down with an industry peer – a contractor, a colleague, a supplier, an innovator, an insurer, etc. Every conversation covers the hottest topics in today’s restoration industry – going beyond fire and water damage restoration and diving into topics like M&A, company culture, hiring and recruiting, innovations in restoration, and tools of the trade.

Plus, there are some guaranteed laughs and heartfelt moments.

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Getting Paid: How AI Is Changing Restoration Collections

Getting the work done is only half the battle—getting paid for it is another. In this episode of Restoration Today, Carlos Ramirez, Doug Weatherman, and Max Pena, from JSTFYD, dive into one of restoration’s biggest pain points: the gap between what contractors document and what carriers actually pay. They discuss: How AI is being used on both sides of the claims process How restoration companies can fight back against denials and carrier tactics How automating collections can improve efficiency, profitability, and even EBITDA ..and MORE! Transcription Michelle Blevins: [00:00:00] So does the Restoration Today

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Restoration Unfiltered: The Truth & Data with Jeff Moore

The restoration industry is facing a new reality: fewer insurance claims, tighter margins and a changing consumer mindset. In this episode, Jeff Moore, Chief Acquisitions Officer at ATI Restoration, breaks down what’s driving the decline in claim volume and why restorers can’t rely on the old business model to carry them forward. Jeff shares why understanding your bottom line matters more than ever, how higher deductibles and rising premiums are changing consumer behavior, and why restoration companies need to become more proactive about connecting directly with consumers. From shrinking TPA volume to narrowing profit

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Building a Legacy: Inside PuroClean Leadership

What can the 82nd Airborne teach you about running a restoration business? In this episode of the Restoration Today Podcast, George Hernandez, COO of PuroClean, shares his journey from insurance adjuster to entrepreneur and executive leader, and how military experience shaped his approach to discipline, preparation and leadership. George discusses: PuroClean’s growth to more than 500 locations Current industry challenges Franchise support Why profitability—not just revenue—is critical to long-term success …and MORE! 🎙️ Listen now for lessons on leading through change and building a sustainable restoration business.

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Stop Selling Restoration. Start Selling Preparedness.

Emergency Response Plans have come a long way from a binder sitting on a shelf. Today, digital ERPs can give commercial clients instant access to critical property information—and give restoration companies a powerful way to build relationships before disaster strikes. In this episode, Michelle & Jeff Carrier, of Restoration ERP, explore how restoration companies can use ERPs to differentiate themselves, win commercial clients, and move from reactive sales to proactive partnerships. From documenting shutoffs and access points to building communication trees and understanding a client’s real pain points, the right ERP can be much

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AI Just Changed the Marketing Game

AI is changing marketing faster than most businesses can keep up with—and restoration companies are no exception. In this episode, Michelle and Katie Harris, Founding Partner at Spot On Solutions, dive into how AI is reshaping marketing for service-based businesses, from content creation and search to Google Ads, video, customer engagement, and more. The answer isn’t to panic—or ignore it. It’s to get brave, start exploring, and learn how to use AI strategically. They also talk about why every company needs an AI policy, where human oversight still matters, and why authentic brand content

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The Hidden Profit Sitting Beneath Your Customers’ Homes

Underground ductwork presents a unique set of challenges that many restoration professionals overlook. In this episode, Jason Stiles, owner of Air Doctor Duct Cleaning & Lining, explains why these systems require specialized equipment, proper inspection, and techniques that go far beyond traditional duct cleaning. From hidden debris and rusted ductwork to indoor air quality concerns and Duct Armor applications, you’ll learn what contractors need to know to properly assess, clean, and restore underground duct systems. Whether you’re a restoration contractor, HVAC professional, or indoor air quality specialist, this episode offers practical insights you can

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The Collective Returns: Bigger Ideas, Better Connections & AI

What makes The Collective one of restoration’s must-attend events? Beth Thompson from CORE Group shares what’s new for 2026, including: Hands-on AI workshops An exciting keynote from Savannah Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum Fresh networking opportunities designed to bring contractors, vendors, and carriers together …and MORE! If you’re attending—or thinking about it—this episode gives you a preview of everything you can expect in San Antonio this August!

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The Asbestos Conversation Every Restoration Company Should Have

Asbestos isn’t a thing of the past—and assuming it is can put your crew, your customers, and even your family at risk. Dr. Catherine Perrault, Chief Medical Officer at the Mesothelioma Center, breaks down the myths, the science behind asbestos exposure, and the practical steps every restoration company should take to stay safe.

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Build the Workflow First: A Smarter Way to Scale Restoration

What does it take to lead in today’s restoration industry? In this episode, Shawn Hester, Director of Operations at Disaster Restoration Systems/1800 Water Damage of Harrisburg, shares how his background in Air Force combat search and rescue shaped his approach to restoration—where urgency, adaptability, and mission clarity matter every day. From building workflows before technology to leveraging AI as a competitive advantage (not a crutch), this conversation dives into how smart operators are scaling, serving clients better, and staying ahead of carrier expectations. If you’re thinking about AI, operations, or what it really takes

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The New Reality of Restoration: Fewer Claims, Smarter Tech

Claim volume is down—but the complexity of the industry is rising. Aaron Brunko President of Property and Restoration Solutions at Verisk breaks down what’s driving the shift, from changing consumer behavior to tighter margins, and how AI-powered estimating is reshaping the future for contractors.

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