From the Board: Own It, Seek It, Don't Be a Jerk

By:
Josh Miller
on Wed, 06/06/2018

“Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” 
― Ernest Shackleton

The quote above is from Ernest Shackleton, one of the most interesting explorers in history. If you research his journey to the Antarctic that started in August 1914, you will see someone who faced many challenges and never gave up. In many ways, the quote reminds me of the state of the restoration industry.

Increasing demands from clients, additional pressure added on a seemingly daily basis from third-party administrators (TPAs), along with apparent industry fragmentation are just a few of the challenges restorers face on a daily basis. The question can be asked, “How can we maintain our integrity and still be successful?”

While attending the 2018 RIA Annual Conference and Trade Show, attendees had the privilege of listening to a presentation by Robert Earley, president and CEO of JPS Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas. During his presentation, Earley shared three main points that really make it clear how each of us can be a force for change in the industry we all love:

  1. Own it
  2. Seek joy
  3. Don’t be a jerk

Own It

This one may be the hardest things for us to truly embrace because it involves the most self-reflection. The point Earley made is, whatever you are involved with, be involved. We should not complain about things we wish were different. Rather, we need to own the change we wish to see. It is very inspiring to see the efforts being made by individuals with the RIA who are indeed “owning it.” I would like to touch on three examples I have particularly observed and appreciated.

  1. RIA members are improving the entire industry through RIA committee participation and product creation. The Restoration Council has been overseeing the development of industry-leading Fire Standards, which are soon to be released for peer review. Volunteers involved in this effort have spent tens of thousands of hours helping develop these guidelines. Additionally, the Certified Restorer (CR) Body of Knowledge was released at the Convention, as well. This one-of-a-kind document developed by the original “Group of 9” volunteers followed and then underwent extensive peer review. It lays the foundation for all future advanced technical designations offered by the RIA.
  2. Mark Springer, RIA Education Committee chairperson, rolled out new advanced designations for our industry. The fall of 2018 will present restoration professionals with the opportunity to attend the inaugural Contents Loss Specialist (CLS) prep course and exam. This is the first designation of its kind in the industry. It was further revealed that in 2019 and 2020 an additional two more advanced designations will be announced to the industry.
  3. The Young Professional Restorers Council (YPRC) is another dynamic group of future leaders within our industry. It is exciting to see the energy they are bringing to the RIA every day.

Each of the individuals involved in these changes indeed “own it,” and are truly leaders in improving the industry they love. If you are a leader and wish to get involved, RIA would love to see your participation.

Seek Joy

If we allowed ourselves to, we could continuously find issues within the restoration industry and the people who work in it. Clients are too demanding, adjusters don’t know how to do their job, employees don’t care as much as we do and so on.. However, rather than obsess over these issues, take time to find the good. We are able to provide expert assistance during customer crises on a daily basis. We are involved with interesting work that is never the same from day to day. We are gainfully providing for our loved ones.

Find joy! There is much for which we should be grateful.

Oh, and one other point: As passionate and generous RIA members, we freely network and support each other like in no other association in the restoration industry. It is great to be an RIA member.

Don’t be a Jerk

The third and final point Mr. Earley made was, “Don’t be a jerk!”

A collectively united front has never been more vital to our industry’s future success. We have recently observed different interest groups arranging fractious “movements” who seem to relish in conflict rather than solutions. Rather than throw jabs at other people or organizations, why not do what is best for our fellow restorers? Thankfully, we can reflect on the example individuals such as Ernie Storrer, this year’s Martin L. King award winner, have left us, and seek and imitate.

As we move into the second quarter of 2018, I am excited about the future. I invite everyone to get involved with RIA as a volunteer. Each person’s unique energy and passion help make the RIA the pinnacle gathering place of the finest leaders in the restoration field.

Ernest Shackleton faced seemingly insurmountable odds of survival. Each time he and his crew overcame one obstacle, another appeared. However, after two years of teamwork, bravery and persistence, they found solutions ensuring their survival. I look forward with confidence that through the same spirit of teamwork, integrity and persistence, the RIA and its members will overcome challenges that arise and will find phenomenal success as they move forward. See you at the next RIA event!

 

About Josh Miller

Josh Miller, CR, WLS, CMP, is the director of technical training for Rainbow International based in Waco, Texas. Josh has over 22 years of experience in the disaster and mitigation field and holds advanced certifications from both the RIA and the IICRC. Passionate about advocating for the restoration industry, he serves on the RIA Board of Directors and is a Registered Third-Party Evaluator (RTPE). Josh is married to his best friend, Selina. They have two wonderful boys and a miniature Alaskan Husky. He can be reached at Joshua.miller@dwyergroup.com.