In this episode of Ask the Expert, Ryan Pritchard shares practical steps restoration contractors can take to ensure the software they invest in delivers value, including scaling solutions with the growth of their business and embracing an integrated ecosystem.

R&R is officially accepting nominations for the 2022 Ladder Award through May 30.

Why the restoration industry is good for women, why women are good for the industry, and three intentional steps employers can take to make space for more women and other underrepresented groups to thrive both in the workforce and at the leadership level.

Barry Rice, a Certified Safety Professional with over 20 years of experience, is the Environmental, Health and Safety director for Signal Restoration Services’ family of companies. In this episode of Ask the Expert, Rice discusses the importance of safety, as well as best practices for employee health and safety, in this particularly high-risk field of restoration.

This week, we're revisiting the number-one mistake owners make when selling their restoration business. RBA Founder and CEO, Gokul Padmanabhan walks through the mistake that is costing you as you prepare to sell your business and plan a successful exit strategy.

“Whether you are a new restoration business owner or have  20-plus years of experience, a sound marketing foundation is needed to ensure success. This foundation should include a well-defined marketing plan, with customer personas, all target audiences, an ADA-complaint website and promotional plans, with a total of 7 to 8% of sales revenue allocated to marketing,” Nia Sherrema Pearson writes.

“How can we prospect on LinkedIn and make more seincere connections with LinkedIn members whom we would like to become our customers? One approach not to use are automated systems that send out connection messages every day,” Robert Kravitz writes.

R&R is honored to formally celebrate women making strides within their organizations and restoration overall for the seventh consecutive year. This year, 46 impressive women were nominated and one remarkable individual rose to the top.

In this special Ask the Expert episode, Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, president of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, shares her story and insights. She is the winner of R&R’s seventh annual Women in Restoration Award and rose to the top of an impressive list of 46 nominees.

In this interview, Brett Lawton talks about scaling, growing as a leader and finding the company’s niche as a mid-sized service provider in a competitive, increasingly consolidated market. He also discusses offering general construction and restoration services, and the value of an executive team.