Disaster Podcaster

Too many restoration contractors have been told they’re part of the insurance industry. That’s a lie that keeps you broke and stuck.

In this episode, Toby has a conversation with the CEO and founder of Albiware: Alex Duta.

They dive deep into how the industry is made up of contractors, not claims specialists. We are part of the claims process, not the claims industry. The minute you embrace that distinction, everything changes.

In this video, you’ll learn:
🔹Why restorers lose money by acting like insurance middlemen
🔹The difference between the claims process vs. the claims industry
🔹How plumbers and other trades bill for cost incurred — and why you should too
🔹Practical steps to collect deposits, secure draws, and stop waiting on carrier approval
🔹How to finish jobs, collect checks, and take back control as a Restopreneur™️

Contrary to the loudest voices in the industry right now, this is how the most successful independent restoration companies are operating right now.

Stop giving away your leverage to carriers. Start leading your business like a contractor who gets paid.

🚨 Are you ready to stop waiting for carriers and start getting paid faster?

Join our 2-Day Client Onboarding Class and learn how to take control of the client journey, protect your margins, and build independence. 👉 https://www.restorationadvisers.com/finish-jobs-collect-checks 🎧

Subscribe and listen to more at Disasterpodcaster.com

Join Restoration Business Academy: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy

Stop Playing Their Game | Disaster Podcaster What happens when carriers shift the burden of documentation, dictate pricing, and leave restorers waiting 90 days or more to get paid? In this episode of Disaster Podcaster, Toby sits down with Russ Harlow, owner of Reliable Remediation and an outspoken voice for independent restorers. Russ has written powerfully about the gap between RIA rhetoric and the daily reality of contractors and, more importantly, he’s implemented a playbook like the Client Onboarding program from Restoration Advisers for how restorers can stop playing the carrier’s game and take back financial control. From contracts and deposits to abandoning Xactimate, Russ shares the practical steps his company has taken to restore independence, cash flow, and dignity in the restoration profession. This isn’t about griping. It’s about building businesses that serve clients first and showing that independence isn’t just possible, it’s necessary. If you’ve ever felt like an unpaid data-entry clerk for the insurance industry, this conversation is for you. 🚨 Are you ready to stop waiting for carriers and start getting paid faster? Join our 2-Day Client Onboarding Class and learn how to take control of the client journey, protect your margins, and build independence. 👉 https://www.restorationadvisers.com/finish-jobs-collect-checks 🎧 Subscribe and listen to more at Disasterpodcaster.com Join Restoration Business Academy: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy CompanyCam Discount Link: https://www.companycam.com/air 95 Great Responses for Carriers [free download]: https://restorationbusinessacademy.circle.so/c/restoration-resources/95-great-responses-to-carriers-17050414-e9f4-4572-8b16-b841c9770d04

In this episode of the Disaster Podcaster, Klark Brown delves into the transformative power of stepping away from daily operations to gain clarity and strategic insight. Broadcasting from the Montana Business Retreat, Klark shares firsthand experiences and reflections on how this unique gathering empowers restoration professionals to reassess their business models, foster meaningful connections, and rejuvenate their leadership approach. restorationadvisers.com Whether you're a seasoned restorer or new to the industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the importance of intentional retreats for personal and professional growth. Join us as we uncover the benefits of taking a step back to move forward in the restoration industry. ____________________________________________________________________________________🔗 Links & Resources: Learn more about the Montana Business Retreat: restorationadvisers.com/montana2024 ____________________________________________________________________________________Everything starts in our Academy. RBA.

Join here for free: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy

Enrolling here, you will see updates on our CATx (Commercial Restoration) opportunities as well as programs and courses around Middle Management and Leadership Development.

Explore coaching and mentorship opportunities: restorationadvisers.com

Contact us to schedule a 1:1 if you want to explore how we can help you grow your business and create wealth and freedom.

We would love to chat. https://www.restorationadvisers.com/contact

"Do You Really Want to Scale?" – The Truth About Growth in Restoration. Bigger isn’t always better.

In this episode, we dismantle the most dangerous myths about scaling your restoration business—and show you a smarter path to growth. From bloated payrolls to zero-margin companies, we share real stories and give you a proven roadmap:

Structure → Systems → Scale.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why chasing revenue often kills profit

✅ How to know if you're really ready to grow

✅ The 3 myths keeping contractors stuck What success actually looks like—and how to define it on your terms.

🎧 Subscribe and listen to more at Disasterpodcaster.com #

RestorationBusiness #FamilyBusiness #DisasterPodcaster #Leadership #Restopreneur

Grab your Restoration AF Swag: https://restorationadvisers.bigcartel.com/

We invite you to join our Universe to explore what we are building and offer.

Everything starts in our Academy. RBA. Join here for free: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy

Enrolling here, you will see updates on our CATx (Commercial Restoration) opportunities as well as programs and courses around Middle Management and Leadership Development.

CATx Info: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/catx

Contact us to schedule a 1:1 if you want to explore how we can help you grow your business and create wealth and freedom. We would love to chat. https://www.restorationadvisers.com/contact

🎙️ Welcome to My Favorite Podcast This Week – Where Great People Shine!

Join us this week on My Favorite Guest of the Week as we are joined by Scott Rutkowski with Restoration HQ! Scott was so generous to open up on the adventure of moving his family across the country to chase a dream, what he misses and what he looks forward to.

Scott has climbed and clawed in this industry and is now working with one of the most influential companies in the SW US. Don't miss this opportunity to listen to Scott. Feel free to reach out to get to know him even better, as I have.

🔔 Make sure to subscribe so you never miss out on our weekly guests and the fantastic stories they bring! 👍 Like and comment below—let us know what your favorite takeaway from Travis was!

📲 Connect with Scott:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.rutkowski.7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-r-305583214/

🎧 Catch up on previous episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5yDz6Y47kwgqJEUjewRbV2avuogqI4tQ&si=Fkti5M8rBzKL6g_J

#MyFavoriteGuest #Scottrutkowski #PodcastInterview #BusinessInsights #Inspiration #phoenix

If you love hearing real stories from real people, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment below! Who should we feature next?

📢 Follow us for more inspiring conversations:
🔗 Website: http://restorationadvisers.com/
📲 Join our Academy- RBA: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy
🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/podcasts/disaster-podcaster-2

#Podcast #InspiringStories #GreatPeople #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

🎧 Catch our last podcast with Travis here: https://youtu.be/fXbbUdnfodI

Struggles of a Family Business | Disaster Podcaster

Running a restoration company is hard. Running one with family? That’s next-level.

In this episode of Disaster Podcaster, Klark and Toby pull back the curtain on the unique challenges—and hidden blessings—of building a family business in the disaster restoration world.
From blurred boundaries and generational clashes to deep-rooted trust and legacy-driven leadership, this conversation is raw, honest, and packed with real talk. Whether you’re in business with your spouse, siblings, or kids or are thinking about it, this one’s for you.

🎧 Subscribe and listen to more at Disasterpodcaster.com

#RestorationBusiness #FamilyBusiness #DisasterPodcaster #Leadership #Restopreneur

Grab your Restoration AF Swag: https://restorationadvisers.bigcartel.com/

We invite you to join our Universe to explore what we are building and offer. Everything starts in our Academy. RBA. Join here for free: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy
Enrolling here, you will see updates on our CATx (Commercial Restoration) opportunities as well as programs and courses around Middle Management and Leadership Development.

CATx Info: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/catx

Subscribe to this podcast.

Reach out to us to schedule a 1:1 if you want to explore how we can help you grow your business to create wealth and freedom.
We would love to chat. https://www.restorationadvisers.com/contact

🎙️ Welcome to My Favorite Podcast This Week – Where Great People Shine!

Join us this week on My Favorite Guest of the Week as we sit down with the incredible Travis Chancey! Travis is known for his engaging personality, wealth of knowledge, and inspiring insights. In this episode, we dive deep into his personal journey, uncovering the stories, strategies, and wisdom that have made him a standout in his field.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Travis as he shares valuable advice, entertaining anecdotes, and actionable takeaways that you can apply immediately to your own life and business.

🔔 Make sure to subscribe so you never miss out on our weekly guests and the fantastic stories they bring!

👍 Like and comment below—let us know what your favorite takeaway from Travis was!

📲 Connect with Travis Chancey: https://www.instagram.com/travis.chancey?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

🎧 Catch up on previous episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5yDz6Y47kwgqJEUjewRbV2avuogqI4tQ&si=Fkti5M8rBzKL6g_J

#MyFavoriteGuest #TravisChancey #PodcastInterview #BusinessInsights #Inspiration

🚀 In this episode, we talk about:

✅ Family

✅ Building a business that builds. Life worth living

✅ A family member with special needs

✅ What's Next?

If you love hearing real stories from real people, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment below! Who should we feature next?

📢 Follow us for more inspiring conversations:

🔗 Website: http://restorationadvisers.com/

📲 Join our Academy- RBA: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy

🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/podcasts/disaster-podcaster-2

#Podcast #InspiringStories #GreatPeople #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

🎧 Catch our past podcast with Tommy here: https://youtu.be/8VkkE4T7_1s?si=YuFzyzGxoddRcWyx

"Why the Right 100 Jobs Beat the Wrong 500 Every Time"

Ever feel like you're chasing jobs instead of profits? In this episode, we break down why choosing the right projects matters more than sheer volume. Discover how doing fewer high-value jobs can transform your disaster restoration business, boost profitability, reduce stress, and create happier clients and teams. Stop working harder—start working smarter.

#RestorationLeadership #LeadByExample #DisasterRestoration

Grab your Restoration AF Swag: https://restorationadvisers.bigcartel.com/

We invite you to join our Universe to explore what we are building and offer.

Everything starts in our Academy. RBA.

Join here free https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy

Enrolling here you will see updates on our CATx (Commercial Restoration) opportunities as well as programs and courses around Middle Management and Leadership Development.

CATx Info: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/catx

Subscribe to this podcast.

Reach out to us to schedule a 1:1 if you want to explore how we can help you grow your business to create wealth and freedom.

We would love to chat. https://www.restorationadvisers.com/contact

Leadership Failures on Restoration Projects:

Are You Setting the Standard? In this episode of Disaster Podcaster, we tackle leadership in restoration projects—where accountability and leading by example make all the difference. Are you modeling the standards you expect from your team? Strong leadership isn’t just about giving direction; it’s about demonstrating the mindset, work ethic, and accountability that drive success. We’ll share key strategies to foster a culture of responsibility and excellence, ensuring your team follows your lead. Are you the leader your team needs? Let’s find out. 🚀🔥 #RestorationLeadership #LeadByExample #DisasterRestoration

Grab your Restoration AF Swag: https://restorationadvisers.bigcartel.com/

We invite you to join our Universe to explore what we are building and offer. Everything starts in our Academy. RBA.
Join here free-https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy

Enrolling here you will see updates on our CATx (Commercial Restoration) opportunities as well as programs and courses around Middle Management and Leadership Development.

Subscribe to this podcast.

Reach out to us to schedule a 1:1 if you want to explore how we can help you grow your business to create wealth and freedom. We would love to chat. https://www.restorationadvisers.com/contact

🎙️ Welcome to My Favorite Podcast This Week – Where Great People Shine! This week, we’re bringing you an incredible conversation with Tommy Richardson, one of our favorite guests yet! 🌟 While Disaster Podcaster dives deep into the world of restoration and disasters, this podcast takes a different approach—spotlighting amazing individuals who inspire through their character, actions, and stories. We’re all about showcasing real people doing great things—people you should know, learn from and be inspired by. 🚀 In this episode, we talk about: ✅ Strengths that help build a great business and life. ✅ Failures that almost crippled Nick as well as his business ✅ A New Start (moving multiple states away) ✅ What's Next? If you love hearing real stories from real people, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment below! Who should we feature next? 📢 Follow us for more inspiring conversations: 🔗 Website: http://restorationadvisers.com/ 📲 Join our Academy- RBA: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy 🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple: https://www.restorationadvisers.com/podcasts/disaster-podcaster-2 #Podcast #InspiringStories #GreatPeople #Entrepreneurship #Leadership 👉 You can connect with Tommy on his Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/trichnubs?igsh=MTI1d2NtanNuZzdkbQ==