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What's really happening in the restoration industry right now? C&R Publisher Michelle Blevins sits down with Chris Nordyk and Brandon Reese of Head, Heart & Boots and Floodlight for a candid pulse check heading into the end of 2026. They talk about why the details matter more than ever, how restorers can grow by closing more of the leads already coming through the door, and why direct sales and commercial work are essential as TPA volume shifts and margins tighten. Plus, why knowing your numbers comes first, how AI and field recording tools are creating new efficiencies, and why setting boundaries matters heading into the holidays. For more restoration industry news, webinars, and insights, visit https://candrmagazine.com

Contents restoration is about more than packing boxes and moving belongings. On this episode of Restoration Today, David Gavilanes of BELFOR Franchise Group, joins the conversation to discuss how technology, AI, thorough documentation, and proper inventory practices are changing the contents restoration process. Watch or listen and discover why slowing down, documenting every step, and getting the details right can make all the difference when it comes to estimates, claims, and accountability.

Subcontractor compliance can make or break a restoration project. In this episode, Chris Andronaco, CEO & co-founder of Sublynk, joins us to discuss the risks contractors face when working with subcontractors and how to stay ahead of compliance gaps. Learn how Sublynk helps restorers vet subcontractors, build trusted contractor benches, and connect with qualified tradespeople looking for work. From verifying insurance and licenses to having the right agreements in place, this conversation breaks down what contractors need to know to protect their businesses.

What does it take to go from employee to owner of a restoration company? And what happens when that transition takes nearly a decade? In this episode, Brad Heise of Phoenix Renovation and Restoration shares his journey from assistant project manager to company owner, including the lessons learned, leadership challenges, and difficult conversations that shaped a nine-year ownership transition. Brad discusses the importance of gaining hands-on experience, navigating succession planning with company founders, and creating opportunities for the next generation of restoration leaders. He also shares why the restoration industry needs to do a better job introducing itself to students pursuing careers in construction. Whether you're considering an ownership transition, developing future leaders, or thinking about your company's long-term future, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone who's been through the process.

AI isn't just giving answers anymore. It's taking action. In this episode of RestorAI, David Grove of BYLT Restoration and Michelle Blevins break down the rise of AI agents that can juggle multiple tasks, close open loops, and work like a team of digital assistants, plus why security is becoming one of the biggest conversations in AI right now. From protecting your data and smart devices to the case for private, local AI models, we explore what restoration businesses need to know to stay secure. Plus, we dig into how fast carriers are adopting AI on the claims side, why most restorers still aren't using AI daily, and the recording laws to know before using AI note takers. Watch the full episode and read the transcript at www.candrmagazine.com

Who’s advocating for the restoration industry when it matters most? On this episode of Restoration Today, Vince Scarfo, Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs for the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), joins the conversation to discuss how RIA is working to give restoration contractors a stronger voice in government. From the push for a dedicated NAICS code to state-level legislative challenges, Vince explains why industry representation matters, how RIA is tracking legislation that impacts restorers, and why member engagement is critical to driving change. He also shares how advocacy efforts helped advance the Military Mold Act in the House. Learn how proactive advocacy can help shape the future of the restoration industry—and why contractors should pay attention to the policies affecting their businesses.

What happens when you take over a restoration job from a company that went out of business? It might be more than you bargained for! Phil and Michelle sit down with restoration insurance expert Ross Driscoll Jr., of National E & S Insurance & Driscoll & Driscoll, to talk about today’s tough market, cash flow crunches, and the insurance risks contractors can inherit when stepping in to finish someone else’s work. Plus, why pollution coverage and completed operations insurance matter more than you might think. Grab a drink and join the conversation—you might just save your business a headache down the road!

Why do leadership teams plateau, even when they have the experience and knowledge to grow? In this episode of Chasing the Vision, in partnership with Violand Management Associates, Michelle & Tim Hull explore the difference between managing processes and truly leading through ownership. Discover why leadership requires more than experience, how decision-making authority develops judgment, and how owners can unintentionally prevent their teams from taking ownership. If every big decision still lands on your desk, it may be time to rethink how you delegate authority, handle mistakes, and empower your leaders to own the outcome.

In this episode of the Restoration Today Podcast, Susan Fleming, VP of Business Intelligence & Insights at Verisk, breaks down the latest trends shaping restoration claims. From fewer but larger and more complex losses to shifting severe weather patterns and the growing impact of water damage, the claims landscape is changing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why fewer claims don't necessarily mean less opportunityHow larger and more complex losses are changing restorationWhere catastrophe claims are increasingWhy severe weather patterns are shifting geographicallyHow claim values can increase during the repair processWhat the shift toward water losses means for restorers ..and MORE!

Estimating is changing—and technology is moving fast. In the latest episode of the Restoration Master Class, sponsored by DocuSketch, Michelle & Chris Tilkov, of DocuSketch & AskAime, explore how technology and AI are transforming restoration estimating, from field capture to the final scope. What does the future look like? Faster data collection, smarter workflows, better integrations, and an “estimator in the loop”—where AI handles the mundane while human expertise remains essential.

The restoration industry is going through a tough stretch - but is this downturn really like the others? Michelle with Timothy Hull, CR and John Monroe, of Violand Management Associates, dig into what’s happening behind the scenes: what the companies struggling have in common, what the successful ones are doing differently, and whether anyone is truly immune. They talk about TPA dependence, claim volume, knowing your numbers, early warning signs, and perhaps most importantly - what owners can do when they realize something isn’t right.

Think you're ready for CAT work? There's a lot more to it than having enough equipment and being willing to travel. Mike Allred of Helixco and Parker Olsen of Atmos Drying Services dive into what it takes to successfully prepare for and execute large-loss and catastrophe restoration work—from cash flow and personnel to partnerships, equipment deployment, contracts and legal compliance. They also share why smaller contractors can benefit from teaming up with experienced partners and why building your CAT capabilities before disaster strikes is so important. Are you prepared to deliver?

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 processHow restoration companies can fight back against denials and carrier tacticsHow automating collections can improve efficiency, profitability, and even EBITDA..and MORE!

AI and technology may be dominating the restoration conversation, but when it comes to building a valuable, sustainable company, people still matter most. Join Michelle and JT Kraai, of Exit Strategies 360, in episode 3 of the Mini Motivation series and explore why strong leadership, team stability, employee tenure, and frontline training can have a greater impact on company value than simply having the latest technology. While AI can be a powerful tool, successful companies know how to use technology to support their people—not replace them.

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 margins, this conversation explores what restorers can do now to adapt, remain profitable and find opportunity in a changing market.