The Restoration Report

Marysville is one of Washington's fastest-growing cities.In this episode, Levi Stearns sits down with Mayor Jon Nehring, the four-time elected Mayor of Marysville, WA, for a conversation that goes beyond politics. From his early days knocking on doors with his teenage son, to navigating the tension between rapid growth and small-town identity, Mayor Nehring shares what it really means to lead a community through change — and how his 16+ years in business equipped him for the task.You'll hear about Mayor Nehring's priorities around infrastructure, what it looks like to plan a decade into the future, and why the decisions made in city hall today will shape where you live tomorrow.----------Dealing with water damage, fire, or storm restoration? Core Contractors has your back. Levi and his team serve homeowners across Snohomish and King County with honest, expert-driven restoration and remodeling you can trust. Learn more at https://corecontractorsllc.comThis episode was filmed by Snohomish Film Co. - https://snohomishfilm.com-------#RestorationReport #MayorJonNehring #Marysville #SnohomishCounty #CoreContractors #WashingtonState #LocalLeadership #CommunityGrowth #PNWPodcast #HomeRestoration #SmallTownBigGrowth #LeviStearns #PNWBusiness #SnohomishFilmCo #MaryvilleWA

In this episode of The Restoration Report, presented by Core Contractors, host Levi Stearns sits down with Dave Watson, Membership Development Coordinator at the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce, also known as the “membership dude.”Dave shares his remarkable journey from West Texas farm life to a connector and champion for local businesses through the Chamber. Along the way, he unpacks what it really means to pivot, how mentorship shapes long-term success, and why community is one of the most underutilized tools for business owners today.This conversation is packed with insight for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone navigating change, professionally or personally.In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why mentorship is critical for new and growing businesses • How career pivots can lead to restoration, not setback • The real value of Chamber membership beyond networking • How strong relationships fuel resilient local economies • Why you should never minimize your dreamsLearn more about the Marysville Tulalip Chamber: https://marysvilletulalipchamber.com/⸻The Restoration Report is a podcast presented by Core Contractors, hosted by owner Levi Stearns, where real conversations meet real restoration—of buildings, businesses, and lives.⸻If you’re looking for a trusted restoration and construction partner—whether it’s water damage, fire restoration, or rebuilding after the unexpected—Core Contractors brings integrity, craftsmanship, and care to every project.Learn more or request services at corecontractorsllc.com⸻#RestorationReport#CoreContractors#LeviStearns#DaveWatson#MarysvilleTulalipChamber#SmallBusinessCommunity#BusinessNetworking#EntrepreneurMindset#CareerPivot#MentorshipMatters#LocalBusinessSupport#CommunityLeadership#BusinessRestoration

In this episode of The Restoration Report, presented by Core Contractors, host Levi Stearns sits down with John Fahey, VP of Sales & Partnerships for the Washington Wolfpack and Founder of the Vacation Angel Network.John shares the powerful story behind Vacation Angel Network—an organization that provides free vacations to families after cancer treatment and other major life challenges—and how a simple act of generosity grew into a nationwide movement of hope and restoration.The conversation also dives into: • The restoration of Arena Football and the Washington Wolfpack’s return to the North Sound • Building affordable, family-friendly professional sports • The Wolfpack’s mission to give back through youth mentorship and community partnerships • Why local investment and civic pride matter more than ever • Lessons learned about generosity, leadership, and seeing the good in people⸻Core Contractors specializes in restoration and construction services built on trust, craftsmanship, and care—helping families and businesses recover after property damage and rebuild stronger than before.If you need professional restoration services or want to learn more, visit: corecontractorsllc.com/⸻#RestorationReport#CoreContractors#CommunityRestoration#WashingtonWolfpack#ArenaFootball#GivingBack#VacationAngelNetwork#PacificNorthwest#Leadership#CommunityFirst#HopeAndHealing#SportsAndCommunity

In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with Renae James, owner of Hometown Values and a lifelong community builder, to talk about business, service, and the power of relationships. She describes why relationship-based marketing still works in a digital-first world. Renae also shares her journey from serving in the U.S. Army medical field to building and sustaining a successful local magazine business for over 21 years. Along the way, she opens up about raising a family rooted in public service, working alongside her spouse, and navigating business challenges.This conversation dives into:Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurshipBuilding a business on trust, consistency, and communityWhy print marketing still delivers real resultsSales without “selling” — focusing on relationships insteadWorking with your spouse (and when to delegate!)Giving back through chambers, nonprofits, and civic leadershipAdvice for new business owners seeking sustainable growthWhether you’re a business owner, marketer, or community leader, this episode offers timeless insights on connection, consistency, and service-driven success. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy conversations that restore businesses and communities alike.-------Ready for your next remodeling or construction project? Core Contractors LLC is here to make your dream project a reality. Contact us: corecontractorsllc.com/#TheRestorationReport #BusinessPodcast #CommunityLeadership #RelationshipMarketing#SmallBusinessOwner #WomenInBusiness #VeteranOwned #LocalBusiness#Entrepreneurship #MarketingStrategy #PodcastEpisode

In this New Year's episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns, Owner of Core Contractors, sits down with Anna Holmberg, CEO of Core Contractors, to reflect on a year of rapid growth, leadership lessons, and what’s ahead for 2026.Together, they dive into what it takes to scale a restoration company the right way—from building a strong internal culture and letting go of control, to developing clear processes, improving communication, and thinking long-term about people and impact. Levi shares his vision of running Core like a championship football team, while Anna explains how culture, connection, and care for the team drive sustainable growth.This episode also explores:Transitioning leadership roles as a company scalesUsing systems and “playbooks” to support growthHiring with intention and building future leadersThe importance of customer communication and trustWhy trades, restoration, and construction careers matter more than everCore Contractors’ vision for expansion and becoming Washington’s leading restoration providerWhether you’re a business owner, leader, contractor, or someone interested in growth-minded leadership, this episode offers real-world insight into what it takes to build something that lasts.--Need Help With Restoration or Construction?If you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business in need of restoration, reconstruction, or general contracting services, Core Contractors is ready to help. From insurance claims to complex rebuilds, their team is known for transparency, communication, and quality workmanship.Learn more or get in touch at corecontractorsllc.com/--#TheRestorationReport #CoreContractors #LeadershipInConstruction #BusinessGrowth #CompanyCulture #RestorationIndustry #ConstructionLeadership #Entrepreneurship #TradesMatter #BuildingTeams #ScalingABusiness #GeneralContracting #FutureOfConstruction

In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with John Freeman, owner of Junk Pros Northwest, for an inspiring and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about entrepreneurship, service, and second chances.John shares how he transitioned from a 23-year career in the casino and poker world to building a junk removal company rooted in compassion, community, and doing things the right way. From cleaning extreme hoarding situations to donating furniture to families in need, John reveals the behind-the-scenes work that goes far beyond hauling items to the dump.You’ll hear:- How a major life pivot pushed John into business ownership- The surprising tools, techniques, and recycling processes behind junk removal- What it’s like to walk into homes with 1–2 feet of debris- Why compassion and care set Junk Pros NW apart- How John uses partnerships and donations to help local families- His most unbelievable job-site story (yes, it involves a single rat)- The rapid-fire fun questions that reveal who he really isWhether you’re a business owner, a community-minded leader, or someone who loves transformation stories, this episode delivers insight, heart, and a whole lot of authenticity.Connect with Junk Pros NW📞 (360) 774-9748📧 [email protected]

On this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with Todd Fahlman, Broker/Owner of Realty One Orca Group, whose story is packed with grit, humility, and the kind of life lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear. Todd shares his journey from pumping gas and selling furniture to becoming a franchise owner in one of the fastest-growing international real estate brands. He opens up about the hurdles—literally—that shaped his resilience, the mindset that fuels his leadership, and the systems he uses to build teams that thrive.You’ll hear:How he built an ecosystem-style real estate company spanning multiple officesWhy authenticity always wins over being “salesy”What new agents get wrong about the industryWhat’s coming for the 2025 real estate marketThe emotional story of “the race that taught him everything”Whether you're an agent, a business owner, or someone navigating your own hurdles, Todd’s story is a must-listen.👇 Connect with Todd FahlmanPhone: 425-239-0726Search: Todd Fahlman – Realty One Orca Group👇 Connect with The Restoration ReportNew episodes weekly featuring real stories, real leaders, and real lessons from the world of restoration, business, and beyond.

In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with Ivonne Sepulveda, President and CEO of the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce, to explore how genuine connection drives business growth and community impact.Ivonne shares her journey from a decade in insurance to leading one of the region’s most active chambers, the challenges and rewards of supporting small businesses, and the importance of collaboration between the City of Marysville and the Tulalip Tribes.They dive into:How chambers of commerce create real opportunities for local business ownersThe evolving role of community leadership in economic developmentBuilding bridges between businesses, education, and workforce developmentWhy investing in your local chamber can transform your business and your network🎙️ About The Restoration Report:The Restoration Report is a podcast that dives deep into the stories behind small business success—where resilience, leadership, and community come together.🔗 Learn more about the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber: https://marysvilletulalipchamber.comPhone: 360-659-7700 or Email: [email protected]💡 Subscribe to hear more stories of growth, grit, and restoration!

In Episode 22 of The Restoration Report, we sit down with Jennifer Solsvik, owner of JKS Creative Solutions, to unpack why bookkeeping is one of the most overlooked — yet most critical — foundations of running a healthy business.Jennifer shares how she went from her first bookkeeping job in high school to running a thriving, relationship-based business built entirely on referrals, helping business owners stay compliant, organized, and audit-proof.We cover:Why most business owners wait too long to outsource bookkeepingWhat really happens during an IRS or state audit (and how far back they can go)The difference between a bookkeeper and a CPA — and why you likely need bothHow messy books can destroy a business sale or valuationThe real cost of DIY bookkeeping vs. “buying back your time”When a side hustle officially becomes a taxable businessHow good bookkeeping supports growth, scaling, and clean decision-makingJennifer also shares stories from the field — including reconciling five years of missing financial records for a client recovering from a brain injury, and helping overwhelmed business owners transition from “shoebox accounting” to streamlined, automated systems.📌 Connect with JenniferWebsite: jkscreativesolutions.comPhone: (425) 298-3828🎙️ About the ShowThe Restoration Report explores how real business leaders turn obstacles into opportunities — turning setbacks into systems, and lessons into leverage.Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring entrepreneurs, experts, and leaders who rebuild stronger.

In this episode of The Restoration Report Podcast, host Levi Stearns, owner of Core Contractors, sat down with Mike Missall of Reliable Content Services to discuss the often-overlooked but vital role that content specialists play in the restoration process. From floods and fires to mold and smoke damage, Reliable’s mission is simple yet powerful: helping families recover what truly makes their house a home.