Getting to Know You

Last summer I attended an executive conference hosted annually by Violand Management Associates. Its focus was specifically on leadership and management of small businesses in the restoration and cleaning industries.

During one of the breaks from class, I wanted to meet some of my fellow classmates and find out more about their businesses. One of the men I met was also in the restoration industry and was in charge of his company’s operations. At the time, we were just beginning to develop a team bonus structure for some of our staff, but struggling to fully get our arms around how to execute on the strategy. Naturally, this topic came up during the discussion, and he was open and willing to provide me with some sound advice based on a similar plan he implemented many years ago — advice we took back and implemented into our business. That program was not only well received but also proved to be very successful!

This is a prime example of what I like to call “bottom line-driven networking.” Looking back, I am glad I took the time to get to know this industry associate, and whether it would have happened had I not been an RIA member.

One of the most valuable benefits you will receive from being a member of RIA is the ability to connect with other like-minded individuals: men and women who can provide the same type of mentorship I received.

This value of membership truly underscores the influence Chuck Violand had as president of RIA. As I assume that role from Chuck, I certainly have big shoes to fill, given all he has done for RIA, from helping make us an international association to focusing on the future generation of restoration professionals, and, of course, the value of networking with peers.

These are all initiatives I plan to uphold, while continuing to elevate the outstanding steps being taken on the education and certification front. Through it all, your ability to benefit from RIA starts with getting to know your fellow members. So, let me introduce myself.

I grew up in the field of construction. Being raised in North Carolina, I come from a long history of construction workers — including my father, who was in the business for more than 50 years. In 1992, my wife, my sister and I started the company AFTERDISASTER. While we have always been a construction company by trade, our sweet spot has been in emergency services. And that is what led us to RIA 21 years ago: A man by the name of John Capponi told me about the certified restorer program. John is still involved in RIA and serves on its committees. From there, I was fully involved, starting with simply volunteering, all the way through committee work — to now serving as the president of this amazing association.

There is something so simplistic, yet powerful, around the notion of just “getting to know” your fellow members. And as we all continue to get pulled in many different directions on a daily basis, I believe it is my role as president, along with the executive leadership of RIA, to help facilitate those conversations in every way possible. And we will.

I look forward to getting to know each of our members.