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11:30 am – 3:30 pm
11:30 am – 3:00 pm
A presentation by a flooring inspector to demonstrate common flooring failures and the causes of them.
Describe performing restoration in hospitals using ICRA 2.0 procedures and why following these guidelines is important to the health and safety of patients. Will go in depth on 2 key aspect of hospital work, HEPA filtration and pressure differentials.
Director of Education,
ARTI, America's Restoration Training Institute
Branden Adams has been in the industry for 11 years, and has been taught by leading industry professionals such as Rachel Adams and Mike Adams. He started young, cleaning fans and has worked his way up to where he is now, so Branden has extensive experience in the restoration industry. Through the IICRC Branden is a Master Water Restorer, Master Fire/Smoke Restorer, and Mold Remediation Specialist. He also obtained the certification for TCST and qualified for the Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist (AMRS) designation. Branden has his OSHA 10 and 30 for general industry. As the Chief Safety Officer for Amerestore, he has written and implemented the entire company safety program. Branden has attended several classes through The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE), including the train-the-trainer for ICRA 2.0. He draws on this and his industry experience to teach ICRA classes to contractors and hospital staff. Branden has been an industrial hygienist for 6 years through Rachel Adams' company, Indoor Environmental Management, where he specializes in mold and fire remediation projects, writing protocols and reports for other contractors.
Chief of Operations,
Virtual Vision Computing
Amanda Stichter holds a Master’s in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and has more than 15 years of experience in brand and marketing strategy. As the Chief of Operations at Virtual Vision Computing, Amanda partners with home-service companies across the country through strategic marketing efforts. Amanda hosts a regular podcast called The Branding & Building Podcast (formerly Digital Dialogues) where she interviews industry experts about the story and how they built their businesses to last. You can reach her at amanda@virtualvision.net or at 715-803-6181.
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the cleaning industry, essential supplies, and how innovative SteraMist IHP technology supports. Participants will gain insights into the application of this technology in various industries, including the mitigation of mycotoxins, mold, biohazards, and indoor air quality issues. The speaker will share their extensive experience in the cleaning industry, highlighting the advantages of SteraMist iHP over traditional methods. This eco-friendly approach avoids harsh chemicals and lengthy downtime, promoting a healthier and eco-friendly environment. The speaker will delve into the current industry standards and practices, with a particular focus on compliance and sustainable practices. The speaker will explore emerging industry trends and innovative solutions.
Founder and CEO,
BEAMS LLC Consulting
Patricia (Patty) Olinger is a recognized leader in public health, specializing in biorisk management, bio-detection, and global health preparedness, with a strong focus on biosecurity and indoor air quality. She is the Chief Relationship Officer for Varro Life Sciences, a pioneer in innovative pathogen detection technologies. Additionally, she is the Founder and CEO of BEAMS LLC Consulting and has served on multiple advisory boards for businesses and non-profits.
Patty is the current Convener for the ISO working group responsible for ISO 35001:2019, the international standard for Laboratory Biorisk Management, as well as accompanying technical specifications. Her expertise spans diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, academia, healthcare, hospitality, and mass gathering venues such as stadiums, convention centers, and spas.
With a deep commitment to biosecurity, pandemic preparedness, and One Health, Patty works to advance policies and solutions that strengthen global health resilience. Her passion for innovation and strategic collaboration drives her mission to enhance public health capabilities worldwide, particularly in underserved and low-resource environments.
Explore the fine line between collecting and hoarding. We'll discuss who hoarders are, examine the levels of severity and present a compelling case history video. Learn about the associated health risks, compromised living conditions and the implications for insurance claims.
CEO,
Horizon Consultants, Inc. and Horizon Educational Seminars
Sandy Bowles has been in the Cleaning and Restoration Industry for over 40 years, being one of the first to be certified by the IICRC. She has held a General Contractor’s license (Residential Builder’s License) which allowed her to handle all facets of restoration from the cradle to the grave. During her years with boots on the ground, she has created from scratch, operated, and sold three independent restoration companies. In 1991 Sandy, with her husband Doug Bowles, opened Horizon Consultants, Inc., serving as a consultant and expert witness to cleaning and restoration contractors, as well as for the insurance industry.
In 1996, Sandy received the privilege of being the first woman approved by the IICRC as an instructor. She is now approved to teach IICRC Certification courses in Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration (FSRT), Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Odor Control Technician (OCT), and Applied Structural Drying (ASD), offering certification training through Horizon Educational Seminars, a division of Horizon Consultants, Inc. She also is approved in multiple states to teach CEC (Continuing Education Credit) courses to insurance agents and adjusters as a marketing tool by many restoration companies, creating and teaching those courses for one of the major restoration franchises for many years.
Sandy has served as the TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) Chairperson for FSRT for over 16 years, helping IICRC registrants solve problems they encountered.
Is your business funding your perfect life? Do you know what your perfect life looks like? Does your income exceed your lifestyle needs? Does your business allow you to take 150 free days or more off each year? Do you wake up everyday excited and energized to go to work?
If you answered no to any of these questions then you cannot miss this exceptional presentation that will give you the powerful tools to create your own Lifestyle Business by Design.
A Lifestyle Business by Design is a business that’s intentionally created to support your desired lifestyle. It's designed to align with the owner's values and priorities, and to provide a quality of life that's often overlooked in traditional businesses.
Founders and Educators,
Firehouse Education
Kevin and Annissa Coy are 25 year veterans in the cleaning and restoration industry that came from less than nothing and created their ultimate Lifestyle Business By Design and built a freedom based or freedom first business that funds their perfect life. They want to share with you simple but powerful steps you need to take to create a business that funds your perfect life.
Property insurance claims can be a complex road to navigate, especially without a clear understanding of the rules and processes involved. This presentation is designed to equip contractors with a comprehensive understanding of the property insurance claim lifecycle, using a straightforward example to illustrate key points.
The session will cover the various stages of a claim, appropriate handling procedures, potential pitfalls to avoid, and dispute resolution options, including the appraisal process. Mind maps will be used to support visual learning, and digital materials will be provided to reinforce important terminology related to appraisals and claims.
This presentation aims to empower contractors with the knowledge to effectively manage claims and ensure smoother resolutions.
Lead Public Insurance Adjuster,
Pine Hills Property Claims
Darrick O'Day, lead Public Insurance Adjuster at Pine Hills Property Claims, brings 25 years of construction experience to the table. Licensed as a Public Adjuster in MN, TX, WI, IA, and others, Darrick also has past credentials as a MN Qualified Builder, General Construction Project Lead, and Real Estate Agent. Known for his ethical approach, he prioritizes accurate loss assessments to secure fair compensation for policyholders. While he previously held certifications such as HAAG Certified Roofing Inspector, CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator, Lead Renovator, and CPAU (Certified Property Loss Appraiser and Umpire), he maintains expertise in Xactimate software.
Founder
Restoration ERP
Jeff Carrier is a restoration industry expert with 15 years of experience, specializing in sales and marketing strategies. As the founder of Restoration ERP–established in 2020–Jeff helps restoration companies boost commercial sales and differentiate themselves in local markets. With a degree in marketing, Jeff has developed advanced sales strategies and managed in-house marketing teams. He frequently speaks at conferences, teaching restoration companies how to implement disaster preparedness programs and increase commercial sales. Jeff's philosophy centers on a value-added approach to sales, focusing on strategies that drive growth while providing significant benefits to clients.
President,
Inspections Too, Inc.
With a career spanning over four decades in the floor covering industry, Ms. Lezell brings a wealth of experience and expertise. Her unique journey includes owning and operating a full-time retail flooring and interior design establishment, spearheading the IICRC Hard Surface Certification Floor Covering Inspector Program, and participating in numerous technical committees. She has served as the Past Vice Chair of the IICRC Outreach Committee and Hard Surface Standards Committee. Since 1995, she has been President of Inspections Too, Inc., providing independent certified third-party inspections, consulting, and expert witnessing services.
This session will teach the users about the trends of water damage claims and how artificial intelligence can be used to give bulletproof documentation to insurance carriers and adjusters speeding up the payment cycle and the settlement process for all involved, homeowners adjusters and contractors. experience live examples in class and hear from agents and adjusters who approve!
Founder and CEO,
Restoration-OS
The world’s only licensed Adjuster, approved IICRC ASD instructor and Xactimate certified trainer. With decades of restoration experience and multiple different softwares, businesses and executive relationships paired with his claims knowledge, you're guaranteed to learn something valuable from Mitch.
Founder
The Best Restoration
Jorge Villalobos was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. There he earned a college degree in Finance and worked in the banking industry for over nine years. Jorge moved to Florida with his wife, Susie, and children, Laura and Sergio, in 1999 leaving their country behind due to personal security issues. He began to work in the carpet cleaning industry in 2000 and two years later got into the restoration industry. In 2006, Jorge opened The Best Restoration as a “one man” operation and with just one truck. Today, The Best Restoration has 27 full-time employees, an area rug plant for cleaning and repairs, and a property turnover business with 16 additional full-time employees.
During all these years in the industry, Jorge has had the privilege of attending multiple training programs obtaining his Master in Drying and several other certifications in cleaning and mold remediation by IICRC. At the same time, Jorge invested a lot of effort in his personal growth. During the last 10 years, he has earned certifications from Zig Ziglar Corporation, John Maxwell Academy, Personal Insights/DISC Training, and became a member of Howard Partridge’s Phenomenal Products. In 2023, at The Experience in Las Vegas, Jorge received the Ralph Bloss Humanitarian Award. Locally in the community of Gainesville, Florida, Jorge and The Best Restoration have received various other recognitions from The Chamber of Commerce, The North Central Florida Apartments Association and several other non-profit organizations. Currently, Jorge and his team at The Best Restoration are putting together a five-year plan to coordinate their succession process.
Certified Bio-Forensic Restoration Specialist® and Certified Forensic Operator™
Bio-Sheen Services LLC
Jeff Jones is a Certified Bio-Forensic Restoration Specialist® and a Certified Forensic Operator® with 50 years of field experience in Forensic Restoration®. He is a former US Army Solider, Former SWAT team leader, and the youngest person to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Jeff is a Certified Crime Scene Track Investigator as well as a Certified Search and Rescue Tracker. He is a past president of the Restoration Industry Association, was the first chairman of the Forensic Council and is co-editor of the RIA Forensic Guidelines, as well as a contributor to the ANSI/IICRC S540 Standard for Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup. Jeff Jones is one of the founding members of Bio-Sheen Services LLC, is the Director of Forensic Operations and the Master Trainer for The Global BioRisk Advisory Council and is considered by many the most experienced Forensic Restoration® field operator in the world.
Chief Revenue Officer
Voran Group
Dr. Lestage holds a B.S in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and earned her Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi, specializing in functional coatings.
Her career journey began in the field of research and development at the Clorox Company, where she honed her expertise in disinfectant formulation, public health program implementation, and distribution strategy. Over the course of 12 years, Dr. Lestage assumed various leadership roles in R&D at Clorox, culminating in her role as the Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Healthcare and Professional Products Division.
In 2017, Dr. Lestage took on a pivotal role at Byoplanet International, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art electrostatic spray technology. She served as the Chief Operations Officer until 2021 and later transitioned into the role of Chief Science Officer during the pandemic. Her contributions were instrumental in making her a recognized expert in infection control technologies within the cleaning industry.
Building upon her 20 years of experience, Dr. Lestage embarked on an entrepreneurial journey in 2023. She founded a business that offers fractional Chief Operations Officer (COO), Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), and Chief Science Officer (CSO) roles to start-up and mid-size organizations. Her focus encompasses strategic partnerships, product development, go-to-market strategies, distribution, and manufacturing operations. To date, she has successfully served several clients in Canada, the United
States and Europe.
Additionally, Dr. Lestage plays an active role in the healthcare industry as a advisory council member of the Healthcare Surfaces Institute. In this capacity, she connects key stakeholders to address the critical issue of surfaces as a vector for Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI’s).
Managing Director,
The Baker Group
Brandon Buteaux is an industry expert in commercial accounts receivables management with experience handling or having overseen the recovery of over 30,000 bad debt accounts in the last decade alone. Brandon will outline the simple steps that a company, no matter how large or small, can take to make sure they secure and collect on their receivables, increase their cash flow and have less accounts become 'bad debt write offs'.
President and CEO,
Business Networks
Les Cunningham, CGC, CR, CCR, CGRa is an international business consultant who works with 200+ companies on an ongoing basis. He has worked as a teacher, commercial airline pilot and owner/manager of his own remodeling business. His firm, Business Networks, specializes in helping businesses become more profitable through interaction with their industry peers.
Founding Partner,
Spot On Solutions
Katie Harris, Founding Partner at Spot On Solutions, embodies the vision of "Elevating People and Businesses." Since co-founding the agency in 2012, she has led a team that transformed into a leading digital marketing agency, recognized as a Google Premier Partner. A John Maxwell certified coach and Forbes Council member, Katie champions growth and community advocacy. She is a mom to three amazing kids and two grandkids. She has been married 29 years.
Owner and Director of Education,
Super Tech University
Eric Sprague has more than 25 years of experience managing teams in the home services industry. Eric was formerly a VP of Operations at a global manufacturing company and owner of a cleaning and restoration company. Now, Eric is Owner and Director of Education at Super Tech University, a company which trains technicians and managers soft skills for all home service verticals. In his spare time, Eric is the Co-Host of the Blue Collar Nation podcast.
Wool is not only the most sustainable choice as a floor covering, but also a well preforming fibre, and its positive properties come from its complex structure. In this presentation we show how it is built and how to look after it to preserve these fantastic properties. You can also see what damage can happen if the wrong chemistry is used. See photo-microscopic images of rug fibres ruined through lustre washing and learn what to do to mitigate damage.
Managing Director,
WoolSafe Academy
Ágnes was born and educated in Hungary and got her degree in Chemistry at the University of Szeged. She obtained her doctoral degree in colloid chemistry, whilst teaching and doing research work at the same university.
Having moved to England in 1985, she worked for ICI Agrochemicals in Berkshire, investigating pesticide suspensions.
Ágnes joined The WoolSafe Organisation in February 2002, where she became responsible for the WoolSafe chemical testing and accreditation programme for carpet maintenance products worldwide. Ágnes has also conducted research into the soiling and cleaning of wool carpets and works closely with chemical manufacturers. She is involved in producing and updating standards in various ISO and IICRC committees.
Managing Partner and CEO,
Restoration Insurance Billing
For nearly a decade, Mr. Johnson has dedicated his efforts to improve insurance billing for restoration contractors. As a licensed public adjuster, he uses his expertise to achieve more favorable results for his contractors and their homeowners. During his tenure, RiB has successively closed well over 50,000 claims for contractors all around the country and has assisted in maintaining great relationships with their property owners and lead sources.
Founder,
Clean Claims LLC
Lane Larsen is the founder of Clean Claims LLC. They focus on remote monitoring and their process enforcement software solution for restorers/contractors and insurance companies.
Lane has built and sold 4 different mitigation and restoration companies. His companies were on the preferred vendor programs and they did referral programs with HVAC, plumbing, property managers, etc. Their software does not give the option to lie about readings, equipment on jobs or the duration pieces of equipment are on jobs and with our wireless thermal hygrometers and moisture meters it makes it impossible to debate on whether they did something or didn’t.
He sold his 4 disaster cleanup companies to help solve the industries problems that currently exist. He was going to franchise his company with his software but after getting so much feedback from insurance companies and fellow restorers about his software, he realized that they can help the entire mitigation/restoration world and change the way things are done and get rid of the day-to-day nightmare of arguing to get paid. First program to create the transparency between the client, insurance, and restorer.
This session redefines restoration estimating as more than just numbers—it's a meticulous artform. Attendees will learn how to develop estimates that reflect both the practical and nuanced needs of each project, from initial damage assessment to the final reconstruction. We’ll dive into techniques for crafting comprehensive estimates while ensuring transparency and fairness for all stakeholders. While emphasizing the importance of detail and accuracy, this session will equip restoration professionals with the skills to create estimates that stand out for their clarity, thoroughness, and effectiveness in meeting both client and insurer expectations.
Founder,
Tim Farmer Consulting LLC
Tim Farmer, founder of Tim Farmer Consulting, LLC, has over 15 years of experience in restoration consulting, focusing primarily on comprehensive estimating and insurance appraisals. With a strong commitment to serving and helping others, Tim collaborates with restoration businesses and claims professionals across the U.S. to support efficient claim management and quality project outcomes. His expertise in project-specific planning, combined with a practical, hands-on approach, enables him to address the unique needs of each client. Tim’s work is driven by a dedication to clarity and accuracy, ensuring dependable results on each project.
Can you or your staff properly identify a rug? Do you know how it was constructed? Was it machine or hand-woven, hand-tufted, hand-loomed or machine loomed? Do you know the fiber used in the pile or face? Is it knotted, hooked, braid or chain stitched? Colorfast? Will it bleed, or dry or wet crock? What's the country of origin? What about age?
Rug ID is fun, improves your professional image and helps identify potential cleaning problems. Superior product knowledge develops trust with your customers leading to additional sales. When you are talking to a customer and mention in passing what a great Nain she owns - the cost of cleaning is no longer the issue. You are the expert who can be trusted with her rug.
Rug identification is simply a process of elimination. Join me to learn the basics of rug ID. You'll be one step closer to becoming an expert!
Director of North America,
WoolSafe Academy
Ruth has a B.S. degree in Textiles from the University of Tennessee and has attended most of the major cleaning and restoration industry courses. She has over 25 years experience in maintenance and restoration of carpet, rugs and upholstery. In addition, she is a flooring inspector and performs corrections for some of the major carpet mills. She has traveled throughout the US and abroad sharing her knowledge with other cleaners, inspectors and restorers.
Ruth is an active volunteer in the cleaning, restoration and inspection industry. She served as the IICRC as Marketing Committee Chairman and President/Chairman of the Board of Directors for two years and is the past Chairman of the IICRC’s Color Repair Committee. She is also on the IICRC Rug Cleaning Technician Committee and was one of the editors of IICRC S-100 Carpet Cleaning Standard and S-300 Upholstery Cleaning Standard. She was a member of the S520 Mold Remediation Standard Committee.
Ruth also serves as Past President of the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians.
After fulfilling her responsibilities as President of the IICRC, Ruth was named the Director of the WoolSafe Organization in North America.
In 1988, Ruth and her her partner, Ginger started their fabric care service in Chattanooga, Tennessee where she performed fabric cleaning, protection, and inspection and color correction services for her clients, interior designers and carpet mills.
In 1995 she opened a retail rug store, The Rug Exchange. After selling her share of the business to her partner in 2001, Ruth shifted her focus to training and instructing others in the fabric care industry.
In this conference presentation, Dr. Jake Avila will illuminate the critical need for establishing a robust pipeline of leaders and managers for the restoration industry. The presentation will underscore the pivotal role that well-equipped leaders play in navigating challenges and growing successful restoration companies. Attendees can expect valuable insights into the development of a plan to cultivate industry-specific leaders with foundational skills for meaningful careers in restoration. By exploring best practices from a case study this session aims to inspire a collective commitment to investing in the growth and professional development of restoration industry leaders.
Scholar-Practitioner,
Middle Tenessee State University
Dr. Avila's industry experience spans over seventeen years in the construction industry where he worked primarily in general management. Prior to his transition to academia, he served as executive vice president and general manager of CA Construction, a family-owned construction firm specializing in disaster restoration and government contracting. As general manager he oversaw the business operations as well as construction and consulting services to government agencies, homeowners, property managers, law firms, AEC firms, third-party administrators, and major insurance carriers.
He is a scholar-practitioner and is committed to enhancing the work of restoration industry professionals through applied research. The underlying goal in all his work is to help disaster restoration firms build capacity by systematically advancing the understanding of industry dynamics, improving the design and application of best practices, and strengthening connections between scholarly and professional activities. His research recently examined family business dynamics in the restoration industry and, in collaboration with faculty at Purdue University, he is currently the principal investigator of a study that is examining employee burnout and engagement in the restoration industry.
Since 2008 Dr. Avila has taught in business, engineering, and construction programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Prior to coming to MTSU he served two other institutions as an associate professor, business department chair, MBA program director, and program director in a college of engineering.
Dr. Avila holds a bachelor's degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Pepperdine University, a master of business administration from California Baptist University, and a doctorate from the University of Southern California. As an undergraduate he studied at ITESM in Guadalajara, Mexico, and while pursuing his master’s degree he studied at Regent’s Park College of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England.
He and his wife, Becca, have been married since 2004 and they have three children: Jackson, Liv, and Jeremiah. They live in Franklin, Tennessee and love to travel, explore, hike, fish, hunt, and do many other things outdoors.
Founder and Co-Owner,
Moldman USA
Greg Bukowski is the founder and co-owner of Moldman USA, a mold and water damage restoration company that was founded in 2006 and is based out of Chicago, Illinois. Moldman has recently started franchising and now has approximately 10 locations around the country and is growing quickly.
Greg graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and earned an MBA from USC in Los Angeles. Prior to the mold business, he worked in college football for multiple pro & college championship head coaches.
Greg now spends almost all of his time growing Moldman USA and raising his two young daughters.
Elevate Your Cleaning & Restoration Business by Addressing IAQ Issues
Transform your cleaning & restoration business in this dynamic class focused on professional cleaning and comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions.
Discover the latest techniques for deep cleaning while effectively managing common IAQ concerns, including allergens, mold, and pollutants.
Learn about eco-friendly cleaning products and advanced air purification methods that will not only enhance your service offerings but also promote healthier living environments for your clients.
Join us to gain valuable insights and practical skills that will set your business apart and ensure long-term client satisfaction, helping you take your cleaning services to the next level.
Director,
CN Air Group
John Kay Director of CN Air Group, 28 years of experience in Building Science & Home Improvement industry. He has trained & coached hundred of contractors on best practices in regards to IAQ, Energy efficiency and water infiltration.
Co-Owner and CEO,
Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems
Amy Prihoda Co-Owner & CEO of Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems. She has been in the industry for 22 years. EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS: BBA, Management Information Systems , IICRC Carpet Cleaning (CCT), Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning (UFT), and Rug Cleaning (RCT).
Amy Prihoda is a dynamic and dedicated co-owner of Professional Cleaning & Restoration Systems, a family-owned business that has established itself as a leader in the cleaning and restoration industry. With a strong focus on growth and development, Amy is committed to enhancing both the client experience and team dynamics within the company. She believes that a happy team translates to satisfied clients, which is crucial for ongoing success and expansion.
Asbestos is a hazardous material once widely used in construction for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne, posing serious health risks. Due to these risks, asbestos testing and abatement must follow stringent guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Restoration companies, in particular, need to adhere to these standards to protect workers, residents, and themselves from legal consequences, including substantial fines. This session will cover important information to help contractors to remain compliant with both federal and state asbestos regulations that are essential for property restoration companies to ensure worker and public safety while avoiding costly fines and legal consequences.
Director of Training and Technical Services and IICRC Approved Instructor and Board Member,
PuroClean and IICRC
With over 48 years in the cleaning and restoration industry, Darren Hudema has built a distinguished career marked by expertise and leadership. His journey includes roles as a technician, water mitigation specialist, project manager, and Director of Operations. Darren owned a successful cleaning and restoration business in British Columbia before transitioning to education with Dri-Eaz Products and later Legend Brands. In 2019, he became the Director of Training and Technical Services at PuroClean, developing training programs for franchise owners and technicians.
Darren holds the prestigious Water Loss Specialist (WLS) designation and the IICRC Triple Master certification. He is known for his technical acumen and engaging teaching style. Darren has published numerous articles and spoken at major industry conferences. His dedication to industry standards is reflected in his roles on various committees and his contributions to developing energy-efficient, mold-resistant building codes.
A devoted family man, Darren enjoys cooking, grilling, and spending time with his family.
Founder and Chairman,
1-Tom-Plumber HQ
Rocky Hensley is the Founder and Chairman of 1-Tom-Plumber HQ, a leading service plumbing franchise. He launched 1-Tom-Plumber Cincinnati over six years ago with the goal of generating water mitigation leads for his restoration business. Recognizing the potential for growth, Rocky transitioned the company into a franchise model three and a half years ago. Today, 1-Tom-Plumber boasts 83 + franchises across the United States and Canada. Over the past 25 years, Rocky has successfully built and sold 11 businesses, with his most recent exit—Icon Property Rescue—achieving an impressive 7x multiple. His entrepreneurial expertise and strategic vision have made him a respected leader in the plumbing and restoration industries.
Seemingly insignificant actions you engage in right now can and will impact the future of your company. While you won’t change world events or alter significant history as portrayed in the hit movie The Butterfly Effect, every action taken by you or your staff has consequences. What you want to do is control them to create positive outcomes. In this fast-paced, one-hour presentation by Jeff Cross, the media director for Cleanfax, we will focus on actions business owners, managers, and technicians engage in that can spell success—or disaster. Come prepared to be part of this audience-centric discussion.
Owner, Consultant,
Restoration Made Simple
Staci has over 10 Years in the Restoration Industry. She is a National Instructor for Aramsco and is WRT, AMRT, FSRT and HST Certified with the IICRC.
Staci specializes in technician training and CE education training. Staci created a National Technician Production Zoom Training that has been attended by over 400 technicians, owners and project managers, she has an Online library of over 100 technician training classes.
Staci has certified over 12 restoration companies to offer CE Classes to Insurance Agents and Real Estate Agents and has taught in person CE Classes for Agents and Realtors in over 6 States. Restoration Made Simple online training currently has over 1800 subscribers.
Staci served 10 years in the US Army as an Intelligence Analyst, to include 2 years as a Drill Sergeant (I promise this experience is priceless in training technicians). Staci is a Licensed Social Worker (I promise this experience is priceless in consulting small business owners).
For a lot of Restoration and Cleaning Business Owners, 2024 was a tough year for getting online leads. Between the Google Algorithm updates, to not being able to rely on lead gen services for jobs, a lot of Restorers struggled.
After diving into the newest updates and analyzing the data from our clients last year, we have a lot more insight, and even better, a plan of action on what it will take to win online in 2025 and maximize your online visibility.
Introducing the 2025 NO B.S. Internet Marketing Plan for Restoration Contractors. In this presentation, you will learn EVERYTHING that you need to be doing right now to maximize your online exposure and help get you more leads for your Restoration minus the B.S. you’re probably accustomed to hearing when it comes to marketing your business. This presentation is based on real world case studies of how we at Ironclad Restoration Marketing, help our clients increase their sales by properly leveraging SEO, Google Business Profile, Google Ads, Video, and Social Media.
Ben Ricciardi is the founder and CEO of Ironclad Restoration Marketing, a digital marketing agency based in South Florida that specializes in digital marketing for the Restoration industry since 2015. Ben is the author of The No Bulls**t Guide to Internet Marketing for Restoration Contractors, a regular contributor to multiple industry publications, and hosts The Restoration Rundown Podcast, a podcast that is focused on everything related to owning a Restoration Business. Connect with Ben and Ironclad Restoration Marketing on social media for the latest tips and tricks on how to grow your Restoration Business.
Join Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, Senior Director of GBAC, as he shares insights on making safer choices for large-scale events. With over 30 years of global expertise in infectious disease response, emergency management, and public health, Dr. Macgregor-Skinner has advised top organizations and appeared on major news networks.
Senior Director,
Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA
Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner is the Senior Director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, and has more than 30 years of technical experience in responding to infectious disease outbreaks and emergency management. For the COVID-19 pandemic, he conducted onsite biological risk assessments and provided “just-in-time” training on infection prevention and control, cleaning and disinfection, and safe working practices for frontline workers in 16 US States and Hong Kong in hospital emergency departments, assisted-living and nursing homes, convention centers, airports, stadiums, public transport workers, and hotel staff and other essential employees. He has served on COVID-19 medical advisory committees for American Airlines, Port Authority Of New York and New Jersey, Hyatt Hotels, International Association of Venue Managers, American Association of Airport Executives, NFL and NBA teams including Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Lakers.
He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at Penn State College of Medicine and teaches three 15-week graduate courses on Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Terrorist Emergencies. In 2014 he received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in teaching.
He has appeared on CNN, Fox News, BBC, Canada CTV, Australia ABC, C-SPAN, and other news outlets to share his expertise on High Consequence Pathogens such as Coronavirus, Ebola, Influenza, Measles, Cholera, Zika, Monkeypox, and other global health threats. He served 12 years as an Officer in the Australian and British militaries and was an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at the U.S. CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Global Health Fellow with the United States Agency for International Development in Washington DC.
Chief Executive Officer,
Pinto Solutions LLC
Michael A. Pinto is the owner of Pinto Solutions LLC, a consulting firm focused on identifying and managing indoor contaminants. He authored the first textbook on mold remediation and helped to develop many of the standards and guidelines used in the mold remediation industry. Michael can be reached at (269) 303-7149 or pintosolutionsllc@gmail.com.
Through the creation of processes and qualifying points within the process of a claim, we are able to increase the speed and payment to the contractors that we work with. Many think that by creating "cookie cutter" templates is the way to succeed in the business, but the truth is that every home is unique in its own way and so each claim must be treated uniquely. The importance of documentation is essential when dealing with property claims being billed to insurance companies and there is only SO much an excel sheet or google sheet can do for you before it drives you crazy. We have utilized no-code solutions that automate many processes and allow our team members to focus on their strenghts and on customer service.
Founder and CEO,
Smart Claims Solutions
Genesis has been in the industry since 2012. She is the founder and CEO of Smart Claims Solutions, formerly Administration. Their mission is to efficiently process and capture what happens inside a property onto paperwork so that an insurance company can review and pay contractors quickly for their work. She has successfully scaled from handling 100 claims per week to over 1000 and negotiating over $30 million on behalf of contractors with an amazing team! She'd love to share with others some of what they have done.
Discover how offering comprehensive employee benefits can significantly impact your business in the cleaning and restoration industry. This session will explore the importance of competitive benefits packages in attracting and retaining top talent, boosting employee morale and productivity, and enhancing your company's reputation. Additionally, we'll delve into effective strategies for mitigating workers' compensation claims through health and wellness programs, safety training, and preventive measures. Join us to learn how to create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce while reducing costs and fostering a positive workplace environment.
Owner,
Blochinger & Company
Robert is a 45-year veteran of the flooring industry, (FLARNG 1SGT ret. 22 yrs. service), within all disciplines: sales, installation, maintenance, specification, and manufacturing. He is a former President of NICFI, former Chairman of FCLC, and approved instructor for the IICRC, served on the S600, S220, S250 & S800 Standards committees, Approved Provider FL DBPR, past member of the BoD: FCICA, current member of NAFCT, NFCAP, IICRC BoD and Inspection Division Chair; owned and operated an installation workroom to the trade in S Florida for 30 years, former technician for flooring maintenance, cleaning with water and fire damage restoration experience. Editor & Publisher of The Flooring Inspector magazine, (NICFI), columnist for ProInstaller magazine (10 years), Editor & Publisher of the current IICRC Inspector Review, and guest columnist for other trade publications. Currently, Robert is a certified flooring inspector and consultant in all flooring issues and concerns, along with the business side of installations.
This presentation will talk about hardwood floor and was wood flooring - substrate materials. How to indentify species and drying condtion - when to dry and not. How to understand below grade(above grade) and some basic inspection process. Standards that apply to a job. This will give resotorater and IEP understading of class 4 material drying
Founder,
BULCS Holdings Pty Ltd, Building Environmental Wellness Group (BEWG)
As the founder of BULCS Holdings Pty Ltd and Building Environmental Wellness Group (BEWG t/a BRII Training), Ivi is passionate about improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and providing state-of-the-art solutions for the restoration industry. Ivi has over 25 years of hands-on experience in wood floor drying, major loss mitigation, and major mould remediation work. In the past five years, she has leveraged her experience to wholesale equipment for water, fire, mould, trauma, biosafety, indoor air quality, HVAC, building restoration, and flooring contractor sectors.
Ivi founded The Building Restoration Inspection Institute (BRII), a training platform for businesses and technicians in these fields. She shares her knowledge and Specialist® (WLS) Content Loss Specialist (CLS), Certified Mold Professional (CMP) IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) Master Water Restorer (MWR)Master Fire and Smoke (MSR), Master Textile Cleaner (MTC).
Ivi is one of the founding members of the Australian IAQAA chapter. Additionally, she participates in various standards and committees in the IICRC certification (S760, S230, Health Safety – Cleaner/Restoration) and IAQ & Building Science STG group within AIRAH. Her passion for wood floors has also led her to contribute to the ATFA committee (VIC) and engage in training efforts in the coming year.
Ivi's mission is to help create healthier and safer indoor environments for people and businesses expertise in ventilation design, mould remediation, and moisture management. Ivi is also certified in RIA's Water Loss.
CEO
Albi
Alex Duta is a visionary entrepreneur, accomplished author, and influential leader in the restoration industry. As the author of Restoration Millionaire and the founder and CEO of Albi, Alex has dedicated his career to helping restoration business owners scale their companies, create meaningful impact, and build lives of purpose and balance.
With a proven track record as an eight-figure restoration business owner, Alex has first-hand experience in what it takes to achieve sustainable growth while navigating the challenges of the industry. His deep belief in making a major impact, fostering an integrated life, and scaling businesses with intention drives his work with entrepreneurs worldwide.
Through Albi, Evolve Restoration Mastermind and his speaking engagements across the country, Alex equips restoration leaders with the tools, strategies, and mindset to achieve financial independence, empower their teams, and positively influence their communities. His mission is to inspire business owners to go beyond success and create ripple effects of transformation that reach employees, clients, and families alike.
Founder and Executive Director,
NORMI
Doug Hoffman is the founder and executive director of the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI), a not-for-profit certification organization for indoor air quality professionals. He has over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in building science and indoor air quality and holds five professional certifications in the state of Florida.
Founder,
MIT Consulting
David earned his undergraduate degrees in Finance and Management from Florida State University in 1990 and began his career in the capital finance industry. However, inspired by his father’s work, he soon transitioned to the restoration insurance industry as an all-lines adjuster. He held this role for five years before founding a full-service restoration firm with a strong conviction that he could bring a new approach to restoration. Over the years, David expanded his expertise, becoming a Certified General Contractor in Florida and earning multiple industry designations, including Master Water Restorer (MWR) and Master Smoke Restorer (MSR) with the IICRC. He also holds numerous Council-Certified designations from ACAC, such as CMRS, CSDS, CIES, CIEC, and CFSR, and has served on certification boards for over a decade, contributing to the development of curricula for various specialized tracks. David further advanced his credentials with the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), earning the WLS, FLS, CMP, and ERS designations, and is a charter member of the Registered Third-Party Evaluator (RTPE) program. With over 25 years of experience as a CEO, consultant, expert witness, trainer, and speaker, he has gained extensive legal expertise, frequently serving as a seasoned expert in depositions and trials backing for “fair and reasonable” positions.
Recognizing the need for greater efficiency, fairness, and innovation in the restoration industry, David developed "MIT Manager," a proprietary claims documentation and project management system, as well as an automated white-label client onboarding program for insureds and contractors. His solutions address the daily challenges faced by restoration professionals & insureds while promoting transparency and efficiency.
Today, David remains deeply committed to raising the bar for functional competency and education in the industry by advocating for an ethical, methodical, and data-driven approach to claims to ensure better outcomes for all—insureds, carriers, and contractors alike. David continues to be focused on conducting comprehensive investigations for all parties as a subject-matter expert, training restoration professionals in documentation processes, and advocating for the Standard of Care within the claim’s environment."
Most cleaning and restoration companies aren't as profitable as they could (and should) be. It can be frustrating to have a good business and little to show for it. Howard understands. There was a time when his cleaning business was deep in debt and surviving on high interest credit cards. Today, his multi-million dollar cleaning business is super profitable and debt-free. And he has helped cleaning and restoration companies world-wide make phenomenal profits. In this session, you will learn the best pricing strategies, an easy way to track your numbers and how to boost your profits beginning with the next phone call you take.
President,
Phenomenal Products
Howard Partridge started his cleaning business out of the trunk of his car over 40 years ago and transformed it into a multi-million dollar, turnkey operation that is super profitable. But it wasn't always that way. At one time, the business had a lot of debt. Today he and his company is debt-free and he has helped countless cleaning and restoration companies scale up their businesses and profits!
Learn about the latest trends shaping the flooring industry. This session will provide practical strategies for staying ahead of the curve, addressing challenges like product demand, installation techniques, and customer expectations. Whether you’re a contractor or supplier you’ll gain insights that help you adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
Technical Director,
XL North
Bill Luallen, the technical director for XL North, a division of the Textile Rubber and Chemical Company, has more than 25 years of experience in the floor care industry. He is the IICRC Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Chair of the Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician (CCMT ) Committee and participates on the CRI 204/205 Carpet Maintenance and Cleaning Standards.
Most restoration business owners are technically skilled but face challenges in navigating the complexities of business management. Dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) provide critical data but often leave owners asking, “What now?” This session redefines how we approach underperforming KPIs by shifting the focus from the numbers to the systems behind them. Learn how to correlate key indicators with the specific business systems that drive them, such as marketing plans, sales processes, and internal controls. Using real-world examples and actionable insights, this presentation offers a step-by-step framework to transform your dashboard data into prioritized action plans that take the guesswork out of decision-making. Walk away with the tools and perspective needed to not just track your numbers but to create sustainable improvements in your business.
President/CEO,
Pivot Productions Inc.
John Adam Kowalski is a leading expert in small business analytics and a top thought leader in the insurance restoration industry. His journey began nearly 50 years ago, working summers in his father’s restoration business in Arizona. After earning a degree from Northwestern University and pursuing an MBA, John returned to the family business as financial controller. Later, as CEO, he led the company to 1,500% revenue growth, expanded operations, and built a team of over 100 employees. Following the sale of his shares post-9/11, John founded Pivot Productions, Inc., now the insurance restoration industry's premier consulting firm. Through Pivot, he has worked with hundreds of companies nationwide and developed IntegriNav©, a groundbreaking business management software. Known for his sharp insights and dynamic leadership, John continues to drive success for restoration contractors and small business owners across the U.S.
Working with over 30 Restoration and Home Service businesses Vlad will teach you about how to grow your restoration business with Google Ads by implementing strategies that drive high-quality calls and generate valuable leads. In this session, we’ll explore how to target the right keywords, craft compelling ad copy, and optimize for local searches to connect with customers actively seeking your services. You’ll also discover how to leverage ad extensions to boost conversions and how to track and optimize your campaigns for maximum ROI. Whether you're new to Google Ads or looking to refine your strategy, this talk will provide actionable steps to drive more calls and increase your business's lead flow.
Co-Founder
Restoration Inbound
Vlad Mkrtumyan is the Co-Founder of Restoration Inbound, a leading digital marketing agency dedicated to driving growth for fire and water damage restoration companies. By visiting his clients in the field, Vlad has gained a deep understanding of the industry's unique challenges and has successfully worked with restoration businesses across the nation, ranging from six-figure small business restorers to nine-figure enterprises. Under Vlad's leadership, Restoration Inbound not only delivers expert website development, SEO, and lead generation services but also creates custom AI growth tools specifically designed for the restoration industry. He has also spoken at business conferences and been featured on the 1590 AM Lifestyle Business Owner radio show, the NORMI Podcast Show, and more.
Director of Training and Technical Services and IICRC Approved Instructor and Board Member,
PuroClean and IICRC
With over 48 years in the cleaning and restoration industry, Darren Hudema has built a distinguished career marked by expertise and leadership. His journey includes roles as a technician, water mitigation specialist, project manager, and Director of Operations. Darren owned a successful cleaning and restoration business in British Columbia before transitioning to education with Dri-Eaz Products and later Legend Brands. In 2019, he became the Director of Training and Technical Services at PuroClean, developing training programs for franchise owners and technicians.
Darren holds the prestigious Water Loss Specialist (WLS) designation and the IICRC Triple Master certification. He is known for his technical acumen and engaging teaching style. Darren has published numerous articles and spoken at major industry conferences. His dedication to industry standards is reflected in his roles on various committees and his contributions to developing energy-efficient, mold-resistant building codes.
A devoted family man, Darren enjoys cooking, grilling, and spending time with his family.
Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Director,
Signal Restoration
Barry Rice is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with over 20 years of experience. He is the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Director for Signal Restoration Service’s family of companies that includes Signal and PuroClean. Mr. Rice has supported EHS efforts in various industries, including environmental restoration, heavy industrial manufacturing, mechanical field service, automotive and aircraft manufacturing support, residential and commercial construction, and disaster restoration. Specific experience in the disaster restoration field ranges from corporate safety program development, EHS training, and field work support from small-scale residential to large-scale, multi-million dollar commercial. Barry serves as a regular columnist for Restoration and Remediation magazine and is an IICRC Consensus Board member writing a Safety & Health Field Guide for Restorers.
President/Owner,
Indoor Environmental Management Inc.
Rachel Adams holds a dual bachelor’s degree in environmental health sciences and Medical Technology (Toxicology) from Purdue University and is certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and holds a Master Restorer designation from the IICRC. She was founder and President of Indoor Environmental Management, Inc. (IEM) in 1994 which grew to develop one of the leading consulting and state-of-the art laboratories serving the needs of clients throughout North America. Rachel also served on the Board of Directors for the IICRC and served as the Technical Advisory Committee Chair for the development of the IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT). Rachel serves on the committee to write and establish guidelines and updates for the standard of care for mold remediation, also referred to as the S520, Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. She also teaches IICRC certification courses including AMRT, WRT, ASD, HST, OHSA 10- and 30-hour compliance courses, and more.
Explore how cleaning practices influence indoor health and discover the vital role your customers play in achieving better outcomes.
Division Manager,
Pettyjohn's Inc.
Katie Pettyjohn Reuther started cleaning early in life. She was pulling hoses in her father’s cleaning business in third grade! Katie and her husband, Andrew Reuther (an Iraqi war veteran and Purple Heart recipient) manage Pettyjohn’s, one of the finest Rug Cleaning operations in the country. Katie is heavily involved in two local chambers of commerce and serves on the Board of MidSouth Professional Cleaners Association and is a member of IICRC S – 400 Upholstery Cleaning Standard revision committee. She and Andrew are proud parents of Bobby and Magnolia.
This will be a presentation about common labor abuses seen in the restoration industry, such as unpaid wages by subcontractors, misclassification of employees as independent contractors, improper payment of overtime, unlawful retaliation, and lack of safety and health protections.
Resilience Force is a national non-profit organization supporting the workers who clean up and rebuild after the increasing number of natural disasters.
Of Counsel,
Resilience Force
Kerry O'Brien is Of Counsel of Resilience Force, a national nonprofit organization supporting the workers who clean up and rebuild after natural disasters. She is an attorney who has been advocating for the rights of employees for more than 25 years. She is a co-founder of the DC Employment Justice Center and a former Presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Solicitor.
Partner/Consultant,
RMS Consulting
18 years in the Restoration Industry has led to Nathan helping build from the ground floor of one of the largest restoration companies in Utah, create a sales and marketing team from scratch that helped lead to a multi-million dollar restoration company, and he was instrumental in the merger of 2 Restoration companies resulting in 3 different branches for the company. Nathan is actively engaged with trade, media, and supplier organizations IICRC, RIA, R&R Magazine, C&R, Cleanfax, Aramsco, JonDon. He actively worked with the largest TPA’s in the country, Contractor Connection, Alacrity, Sedgwick Claims, Lionsbridge, DKI, Codeblue, State Certified Instructor for the Division of Insurance. He has led and taught over 1000+ Insurance Agents CE courses and was recognized as top 96% customer satisfaction contractors for State Farm Vendor program. He is a Goldman Sachs Small Business 10,000 Graduate, P&C Licensed Insurance Agent, IICRC Certified, and an avid wanna be Professional Cyclist!
Th purpose of this session is to explain how and why franchising your home service company is the only way forward today & how to do it.
Founder
Franbassador
Founder & Franchisor of a home service company & sold 13 locations. Cameron was a franchise business coach for all franchised locations on the east coast for 1-800-Packouts (15 locations). He also founded Franbassador, an influencer marketing platform for franchise brands & Franbassador Express - a sidekick helping service companies become national franchise brands.
President
Pinnacle Eco Clean, Inc
Kevin Kluth is President of Pinnacle Eco Clean, Inc, which has provided high-quality cleaning services in the Rochester, NY area for over 40 years. He is an IICRC certified Master Textile Cleaner and experience in all fiber types and unique soiling conditions. Kevin is committed to the highest standards of education and conduct is the cleaning industry.