Restoration Pros Unplugged

Most restoration companies are sitting on thousands of past customers and doing absolutely nothing with them. In this episode, Clinton sits down with Alex Nghiem, Chief Revenue Officer at Epic180, to break down a simple but powerful idea: Your CRM is either a gold mine or a graveyard. If you’ve been in business for 5+ years, you already have a built-in revenue source. Past water losses. Mold jobs. Fire cleanups. Carpet cleaning. Duct cleaning. Crawlspace work. These customers already trust you. So why aren’t you marketing to them? Alex explains: If you’re tired of feast-or-famine revenue… If you want more predictable cash flow… If you’d rather monetize relationships you’ve already built instead of constantly chasing new leads… This episode will change how you look at your customer database forever. Listen in and learn how to turn your existing contacts into your own internal revenue engine. ----- Want to see how Epic180 can help your restoration company grow? Get a free gift here: https://epic180.com/gift Looking to generate more high-quality leads that turn into onsite visits and jobs? Book a discovery call with the Water Restoration Marketing team: https://waterrestorationmarketing.com/discovery-call/

What does it really take to scale a restoration business and expand into a new market without making expensive mistakes? In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James sits down with John Gabriele, owner of 911 Restoration of Des Moines and 1 Tom Plumber of Des Moines, to break down how he grew his company from under one million dollars to nearly three million and why he is now expanding into a second market. John shares real lessons from the trenches, including why coaching played a major role in his growth, how focusing on the right services improved margins, and what he actually looks for before opening a new location. He also explains how adding emergency plumbing changed his cash flow and created more restoration opportunities without relying on overpriced referrals. If you are a restoration owner thinking about scaling, adding services, or expanding into a new city, this episode will help you think more clearly about growth and avoid common mistakes. In this episode, you will learn • What to think through before opening a second restoration location • Why profit margins matter more than total revenue • How coaching and systems help owners scale faster • When reconstruction makes sense and when it becomes a drag on profit • How plumbing can drive more restoration jobs and steady cash flow This is a practical, no fluff conversation for restoration company owners who want to grow profitably, not just get bigger. ----- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

Real growth in the trades doesn’t come from chasing trends or jumping on the latest tactic. It comes from systems, strategy, and partnering with people who understand how contractors actually operate. In this episode, Clinton James — CMO of Water Restoration Marketing and host of Restoration Pros Unplugged — joins Paul Sanneman, founder of Contractor Staffing Source, for a powerful crossover conversation on what truly drives sustainable growth for home service businesses. While Clinton works exclusively with restoration companies, the insights in this episode apply to plumbing, HVAC, roofing, remodeling, and any service-based business owner serious about scaling profitably. You’ll hear Clinton break down: - Why niche expertise matters more than ever in today’s crowded market - How trust signals impact Google rankings, LSAs, and AI-driven search results - The difference between activity and strategy in contractor marketing - Why systems always outperform hustle - How marketing, hiring, and operations must work together to scale - What contractors must adapt now to stay competitive in the next 3–5 years This episode is packed with real-world experience, data-backed insights, and practical guidance for contractors who want clarity instead of chaos — and growth that actually lasts. Whether you’re struggling with lead quality, staffing, or long-term positioning, this conversation will help you rethink how you build your business. ----- Want more high-quality restoration leads that turn into onsite visits and jobs? Book a discovery call with Water Restoration Marketing: https://waterrestorationmarketing.com/discovery-call/

Missed calls, slow follow-up, and storm surges can quietly kill your revenue. In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James sits down with Nick D’Urbano, Co-Founder and CRO of Distance, to break down how restoration companies are using AI to capture more leads, handle overflow calls, and generate more jobs — without replacing their people. Nick walks through real-world use cases for: They also discuss why AI works best as a backup and multiplier for your intake team — especially when phones are ringing nonstop during freezes, floods, and major weather events. Want to see how Distance works for your restoration company? Book a demo directly with Nick here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/nickdurbano/demo Looking to generate more high-quality leads that turn into onsite visits and jobs? Book a discovery call with the Water Restoration Marketing team: https://waterrestorationmarketing.com/discovery-call/

This isn’t just a recap, it’s a celebration of the moments that made Restoration Pros Unplugged the go-to podcast for growth-minded restoration entrepreneurs. In this special Rewind episode, we look back at the top interviews, biggest takeaways, and most replayed clips from our most impactful conversations. From leadership breakthroughs to sales strategies, hiring systems to franchise growth these are the insights that moved the industry forward in a big way. You’ll hear from: - Our most listened-to and watched guests - High-impact advice from top operators and thought leaders - The episodes that restoration pros couldn’t stop talking about Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the show, this rewind is packed with energy, value, and a reminder of just how far we’ve come. Thank you for tuning in, growing with us, and helping us build a community of restoration leaders who do things differently. From our team to yours: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a game-changing New Year ahead. — Ready to grow your restoration brand and generate more high-quality water jobs? Book your free strategy session with the Water Restoration Marketing team: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.com/discovery-call/

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton sits down with Phil DePaul, the powerhouse owner behind United Water Restoration Group Long Island and 1-Tom-Plumber Long Island. Known for his bold “BoomZeal” leadership style, Phil breaks down how he built two thriving service brands by bringing a white-collar approach to a blue-collar industry and why professionalism, extreme ownership, and clean presentation are non-negotiable in today’s restoration and plumbing world. Phil shares his journey from plumbing distribution, to disaster recovery, to becoming one of the top franchise operators in the country. He opens up about the early struggles, the lessons learned scaling two service companies, and why franchising gave him the speed, support, and collaboration needed to grow in one of the most saturated restoration markets in America. If you're a restoration owner looking to: - Improve your team’s professionalism - Strengthen communication with homeowners and property owners - Raise your operational standards - Break through your current revenue ceiling …this conversation delivers the mindset, systems, and leadership frameworks you need to level up. Packed with real stories, actionable insights, and Phil’s signature high-energy philosophy, this is an episode every restoration entrepreneur should hear. Connect with Phil: https://boomzeal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdepaul/ https://www.facebook.com/picomang ---- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://waterrestorationmarketing.com/discovery-call/

Struggling to find and keep good people in your restoration business? You’re not alone. In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, host Clinton James (CMO, Water Restoration Marketing) sits down with Paul Sanneman, founder of Contractor Staffing Source, to talk about why the “labor shortage” in restoration is often a self-created problem and what you can do about it. Paul breaks down the biggest hiring myths holding contractors back, like: - Only recruiting when you “need someone” - Thinking employees are “too expensive” - Trying to DIY recruiting without a real system He then walks through a simple, repeatable hiring process: writing strong job ads (with the help of AI), posting them everywhere, speed-to-lead on applicants, detailed assessments, video interviews, background checks, and proper onboarding that makes new hires say, “I made the right move.” Clinton and Paul also dig into how AI and offshore talent are changing the game for restoration companies. You’ll hear how owners are using remote team members for roles like admin, estimating, job costing, and marketing often at a fraction of the cost without sacrificing quality or communication. If you’re a restoration owner tired of starting from scratch every time you need to hire, this episode will show you how to build a steady pipeline of qualified candidates and treat recruiting like marketing: ongoing, systemized, and budgeted. Visit: https://contractorstaffingsource.com/ ---- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

AI is changing the way restoration companies operate, and WonderBuilt Restoration is already putting it to work. In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James talks with Raul Gonzalez, owner of WonderBuilt in Tucson, AZ, about how AI tools and remote oversight are helping him streamline operations as the company grows. Raul explains how he listened to our interview with James Hatfield from LiveSwitch, signed up right away, and quickly found real use cases like faster mold evaluations using AI-generated scopes, better contents planning through data-driven insights, and live remote support for technicians on complex jobs. Alongside the tech discussion, Raul breaks down what’s currently working in his marketing, the challenges he’s faced while scaling, and the operational bottlenecks he’s been working to eliminate. By the end, you’ll hear how WonderBuilt is using AI and improved documentation workflows to train faster, estimate more accurately, and create a more efficient operation without adding unnecessary overhead. Want to see how LiveSwitch can streamline your restoration operations? Book a live demo using my link here: https://join.liveswitch.com/9o7u9222eyk4 ----- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James sits down with Claire Carreras an entrepreneur known for taking broken home-service teams and turning them into high-performing operations. Claire shares her unusual path into restoration, her experiences at Paul Davis and Servpro, and the leadership lessons she learned while rebuilding departments, launching new service divisions, and now running 1-Tom-Plumber Austin. Claire breaks down her simple 3-part method for fixing struggling restoration companies: - People: understanding who’s on your team, what motivates them, and who fits where. - Process: reviewing what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change. - Execution: setting expectations, building consistency, and holding everyone accountable. She also talks about making great hires, spotting bad ones fast, getting out of day-to-day operations, and shifting from manager to true owner. If you’re a restoration business owner who knows your team could perform better, this conversation will help you understand where to start and how to lead in a way that actually moves the business forward. Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton sits down with Ben Justesen, one of the restoration industry’s top minds in estimating and pricing strategy. Ben’s journey, from growing his family’s company, Just Right Cleaning & Construction (JRCC), into an award-winning restoration firm to leading national training programs and now shaping technology at DocuSketch offers lessons every contractor can use. Ben breaks down the biggest mistakes he sees in estimating and pricing, explains the difference between markup and margin (and why most contractors get it wrong), and shares practical advice for protecting your profits on every job. You’ll hear how better documentation, smarter use of tech, and a disciplined approach to estimating can transform your bottom line. Whether you’re a small operator trying to tighten up your numbers or a larger firm looking to scale profitably, this conversation is packed with insights that can change the way you run your business. Get more educational content from Ben and the team at DocuSketch: https://www.docusketch.com/estimate-accelerator https://e3drying.com/docusketch-estimating-master-class/ Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

When every minute counts in restoration, getting eyes on the loss fast can make or break a job. In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James sits down with James Hatfield, CRO of LiveSwitch, to explore how simple, app-free video links are transforming how restoration companies handle intake, documentation, and customer communication. James shares how LiveSwitch—originally built for 911 dispatch and live sports—now helps restoration teams see the job before they roll a truck, build instant trust with customers, and cut hours off every claim. You’ll learn how leading restoration companies are using QR codes for emergency response, live video for better estimates, and recorded walkthroughs for training and accountability—all without downloading an app. Whether you run a small team or a multi-location operation, this conversation will show you how to: - Speed up intake calls with “remote eyes on the loss” - Improve documentation and win more carrier approvals - Train your team with real-world video examples - Turn every jobsite into a marketing and retention opportunity If you want your company to respond faster, look more professional, and build lasting customer trust—this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about LiveSwitch: - https://www.liveswitch.com/industry/restoration-services/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/liveswitch-inc - https://www.facebook.com/liveswitchinc/ Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, host Clinton James sits down with Scott Miller, founder of The Growth League, to unpack his incredible journey from rookie franchisee to independent restoration owner and now successful business coach. Scott shares how he built a top-performing restoration business, scaled it, and sold it, all while learning the hard lessons that most owners don’t figure out until it’s too late. You’ll learn: - The financial blind spots that keep owners from true profitability - How to motivate your team with performance-based pay and shared goals - Why today’s restoration market demands in-home sales training and strong intake calls - The top mistakes that kill business value before an owner tries to sell Whether you’re running a franchise, operating independently, or thinking about an exit, this episode is a goldmine of real-world wisdom for restoration entrepreneurs. ----- Learn more about The Growth League: https://www.thegrowthleague.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmiller1/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-league/ https://www.youtube.com/@TheRestorationCoach ----- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James sits down with Jeff Carrier, Co-Founder and CEO of Restoration ERP, to talk about how restoration companies can use technology to win more commercial work and how the new ERP Copilot AI is changing the game. Jeff breaks down how most restorers have handled commercial disaster planning in the past, why ERPs are key to landing “first call” commercial clients, and how his team built a platform that makes it simple and profitable. You’ll also hear about ERP Copilot, the industry’s first AI-powered sales trainer and assistant built specifically for restoration professionals. From sales call analysis and role-playing objection handling to email sequencing and disaster plan coaching, ERP Copilot gives restorers 24/7 guidance on how to approach, pitch, and close commercial clients with confidence. Whether you’re already offering ERPs or just starting to target commercial properties, this episode will show you how to use automation and AI to scale your restoration business, strengthen client relationships, and win more high-value contracts. Learn more about Restoration ERP and ERP Copilot: https://restorationerp.com Restoration ERP LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/restoration-erp/ Restoration ERP Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWTf0r9LXBoSPrg06PAj5Hg ----- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, host Clinton James (CMO, Water Restoration Marketing) sits down with Chris Nordyke, President & Co-Owner of Floodlight Consulting Group, to unpack the sales and marketing KPIs that separate thriving restoration companies from those just getting by. Pulled from a powerful live session hosted by WRM and Floodlight, this episode breaks down how to truly “know your numbers” and how tracking the right ones can help you scale smarter, convert more leads, and win more profitable jobs. You’ll discover: ✅ The top KPIs that drive predictable growth and profitability ✅ How to align sales and marketing for better lead conversion ✅ The biggest lead management mistakes restoration owners make (and how to fix them) ✅ Why tracking performance builds accountability across your entire team ✅ Real-world examples of companies using data to scale faster and smarter If you’ve ever wondered which numbers actually matter when it comes to growing your restoration business, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to take your next leap. Featuring: Clinton James – CMO, Water Restoration Marketing Chris Nordyke – President & Co-Owner, Floodlight Consulting Group 📈 Learn More: 👉 Explore Sales Consulting and Leadership Training from Floodlight Consulting: https://www.floodlightgrp.com/ 👉 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Water Restoration Marketing: https://waterrestorationmarketing.com/

Finding and keeping the right people can make or break a restoration business. In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, host Clinton James sits down with Mitchell Riley, Recruiter and Partner at OPS Staffing, to unpack what works and what doesn’t when it comes to hiring in the restoration industry. Mitchell shares practical recruiting strategies that restoration company owners can use right away, including: - Low-cost, high-impact tactics like referral programs, local networking, and community outreach - Where to find the right candidates for different roles from field staff to project managers to executives - How to use technology and AI wisely without falling into common traps like fake resumes or fast-apply overload - The candidate experience what makes top talent choose one company over another - Critical mistakes to avoid when trying to build a strong team Whether you’re struggling to fill positions or looking to upgrade your recruiting process, this episode is packed with insights to help you hire smarter, save time, and build a team that drives long-term growth. Visit: https://www.opsstaffing.net/ ----- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges restoration companies face. Insurance claims can take weeks or even months to pay out, leaving contractors scrambling to cover payroll, materials, and overhead. For many, this delay means turning down jobs, slowing growth, or dipping into personal funds just to stay afloat. In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James sits down with Ilana Ben-Ezra, PhD, President of National Claims Funding, to reveal how restoration business owners can get paid upfront without waiting on the insurance company. Ilana breaks down: - Why delayed insurance payments can stall growth—or even sink a business - How National Claims Funding’s Approved Scope Advance Program puts cash in your hands upfront - Real examples of contractors who used this solution to take on more jobs and grow faster - The simple, no-strings-attached process to start funding your invoices today If you’ve ever felt the stress of waiting on insurance checks, this episode will show you how to take control of your cash flow, stay competitive, and focus on what matters most—growing your business and serving more customers. Visit: https://natclaims.com ----- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James (CMO, Water Restoration Marketing) sits down with Leah Hanlon (Franchise Sales & Business Development, 1-Tom-Plumber & Icon Property Rescue) to unpack exactly how restoration companies can land more commercial contracts in 2025. If you’ve struggled to break into the commercial market or you’re ready to scale past residential feast-or-famine work, this conversation gives you the blueprint. Clinton and Leah walk through the traits of successful business development reps (BDRs), why professionalism and persistence win in commercial sales, and how your digital presence can make or break your outreach. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: This isn’t theory it’s the exact playbook top restoration companies are using right now to win long-term, high-value commercial contracts. Learn More About Adding a 1-Tom-Plumber Franchise with Leah: https://www.1tpfranchise.com/water-restoration-marketing/ Want Personalized Help? Schedule a Free Discovery Call with Clinton (Water Restoration Marketing): https://waterrestorationmarketing.com/discovery-call/

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James sits down with Holly Baldwin, Senior Customer Success Manager at DocuSketch, to uncover how restoration companies can transform an advanced documentation tool into a powerful sales and marketing engine. Holly shares her journey from her early days at Servpro to becoming a key leader at DocuSketch, where she now helps restoration professionals streamline operations, win more business, and deliver a true “white glove” customer experience. Key topics covered in this episode: If you’ve ever thought DocuSketch was “just a documentation tool,” this episode will change the way you see it. Visit: https://www.docusketch.com/ ----- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

What does it take to move from working insurance claims to running one of Texas’ most trusted restoration companies while also launching a platform to educate the entire industry? In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, host Clinton James sits down with Ben Jernigan, owner of WTR Restoration and founder of DrMoisture.com, a new educational hub for homeowners, agents, and adjusters. With over 18 years of experience in public adjusting, restoration, and disaster response, Ben shares his journey of rebuilding after Tropical Storm Allison, scaling WTR into a nationwide operation, and why he believes education is the next frontier for the industry. Listeners will walk away with powerful lessons on business growth, leadership, and the future of restoration. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends hands-on restoration experience with a vision for educating and empowering the next generation of professionals. Visit: https://drmoisture.com/ Your trusted educator for water damage prevention, restoration knowledge, and peace of mind. Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, host Clinton James sits down with Leah Hanlon, one of the nation’s top restoration sales leaders at Icon Property Rescue and now VP of Franchise Sales for 1-Tom-Plumber. Leah reveals how she’s helping entrepreneurs merge restoration and plumbing into unstoppable growth machines. In this episode, you’ll discover: If you’re ready to unlock new revenue streams, scale your business, and learn from one of the best in the industry, this episode is your playbook for success. Contact Leah Hanlon:- https://www.1tpfranchise.com/ Leah@1tomplumber.com Franchise email: Franchise@1tomplumber.com Franchise sales number: 1-855-832-6866 ----- Want to grow your restoration brand and generate more water jobs with expert marketing? Book a free strategy session with our team at Water Restoration Marketing: https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule