The DYOJO Podcast

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

* The RIA Martin L King Award introduction video

* Scott Seiss Comedy

* Due South Inspections / Due South Brad

* 100 TDP Matching Materials for Insurance Claims

* 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.

MUSIC

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 

* The RIA Martin L King Award introduction video 

* Several prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast 

Articles Cited Include

* A Brief Walk Through RIA History by Michelle Blevins (R&R Magazine) 

* Founding Fathers of Restoration by Pete Consigli (RIA Website, C&R Magazine) 

* 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

* Demoted Podcast

* 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

* Too Apree on YouTube

* TDP 49 with Al Erisman, author of The ServiceMaster Story

* 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

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.

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. MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX Opening - 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

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

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

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:  

1. Do you have the authority to sign my contract?  
2. 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

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:  

1. What We're Working On - the Lessons Learned from Storm Response and Hurricane Recovery workshop with G. Pete Consigli, CR, WLS  

2. 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.  

3. 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: 

1. Overcoming the fear of creating content with an article in Property Casualty 360 
2. Working with the right mentors with Whitney Wiseman 
3. 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

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.