Columbia, MD – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has recognized 14 professionals with the Certified Restorer (CR) certification.  The certificants received their certifications during the induction and awards ceremony at RIA’s convention in Atlanta, Ga.

This is the highest recognition awarded in the cleaning and restoration industry to professionals engaged in property damage restoration as a result of fire, smoke, water, vandalism and other perils. Since its inception in 1976, only 560 individuals have earned the CR certification. Those who achieve CR status must complete intensive educational requirements demanding a broad range of expertise in the restoration arts. They also must author a formal paper or report on an approved professional subject, and demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the RIA Code of Ethics.

“In pursuing their Certified Restorer advanced certification, these individuals declared that they want to be among the best of their profession,” said Bill Lakin, CR, during the ceremony.

The new CR certificants include: Steven Dean Hass, (CR #561), Advanced Restoration Specialists, Inc.; James A. Kiel, (CR #562), Square One Restoration, Inc.; William Shawn Silliman, WLS, (CR #563), First Restoration Services; Joseph E. Hilson, (CR #564), Church Restoration Group; Robert Aitken, (CR #565), Restoration Management Co.; Marisa Wilson, (CR #566), Total Restoration Services, Inc.; Joshua S. Ray, (CR #567), Coastal States Restoration, Inc.; Richard R. Goulet, (CR #568), Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services; Tom Barr, (CR #569), Platinum Restoration; Jonah Ray, (CR #570), Coastal States Restoration, Inc.; Brian Mullins, (CR #571), Atlas Restoration Specialists, Inc.; William A. Joyner, (CR #572), CareMaster; Ron Marullo, CMP, (CR #573), American Fire Restoration, LLC; and Andrew D. Bachly, (CR #574), Bachly Affiliated Companies.