Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to recognize outstanding young professionals in restoration! I am excited to announce that we are officially accepting nominations for R&R’s 2022 Ladder Award. Please visit this page to learn more about the award and submit a nomination for a restoration industry peer, 35 years or younger, who is climbing the ladder of success and shaping the future of this industry.  

A few things of note regarding award nominations:

• The submission deadline is Monday, May 30, 2022.
• Nominees must be under 35 years of age as of May 30, 2022.
• Nominees can hold any position within the restoration industry, from owner or leader to entry-level team member, and from field to office.
• Nominees can nominate themselves or be entered by others, and there is no limit to the number of entries that can be submitted for a given nominee.
• Past Ladder Award runners- up can be nominated again.
• Past Ladder Award winners are not eligible.
• There is no entry fee! 

We will present the award to the winner at The Experience Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, taking place in September. The winner and runners-up will also be featured in the September issue of R&R.

This annual award, established in 2020, recognizes outstanding young restoration professionals 35 years and younger who are climbing the ladder of success and shaping the future of this industry. These individuals exhibit leadership, drive, innovation, care for clients and colleagues, community service and a clear passion for the industry.

At a time when finding skilled workers, retaining labor and adopting new technology are among the top challenges restoration companies face, the unique traits of millennials and Gen Z pose great promise.

Not only are millennials the largest adult generation in the U.S.; they are also the largest generation in the labor force at over 56 million, according to Pew Research Center. For organizations looking to attract new talent, this cohort is anything but short in supply.

What’s more, members of Generation Z, born after 1996 – the oldest just launching their careers – are “digital natives.” For them, an existence without smartphones, internet and other relatively recent technological innovations is unfathomable. This second-nature connection with the digital dimension bodes well for addressing the challenge of adopting new technology in the digital era. 

We are thrilled, for the third consecutive year, to recognize the rising young professionals blazing new trails with innovative leadership, ideas and technological advancements in the restoration industry. 

In closing, I want to be sure to highlight that this one of three annual R&R award programs. In addition to the Ladder Award and the Women in Restoration Award, stay tuned for details on a brand new restoration technician award, which we will be sharing soon. 

Don’t forget to nominate a deserving young restoration pro on or by Monday, May 30! More details and the nomination form can be found here. 

Until next time,