The Restoration Report

In the latest episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns, owner of Core Contractors, sat down with Dan Lawrie of Watchmaker Marketing to unpack the power of brand building in the construction and restoration industry. Their conversation offered valuable takeaways for business owners navigating the question of how to build a business that can stand the test of time.

In this episode of the Restoration Report, owner Levi Stearns shares the most important lessons he has learned while building one of the fastest growing construction companies in the state over the 20 months.

When it comes to protecting your home, most people think about the roof, windows, or insulation. But as Levi Stearns, general contractor and host of The Restoration Report, points out in Episode 19, one of the most overlooked elements is what’s happening underground—your drainage and septic systems. In this episode, Levi sat down with Bob and Shawn from The Drain Doctors, a family-owned plumbing and drainage company in Snohomish County, to talk about what makes proper water management such a crucial part of construction, restoration, and homeownership.

In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns of Core Contractors sits down with Vince Thomas of Equity Solutions Northwest to discuss the connections between smart financial decisions, property ownership, and long-term stability. While Vince’s expertise is in mortgage solutions, the conversation delivers valuable lessons for anyone involved in construction, restoration, remodeling, or home improvement—especially those navigating insurance claims and project management.

In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Sterns (owner of Core Contractors) sits down with Shannon Coy, publisher of Snohomish City Lifestyle Magazine. The conversation blends personal story with professional insight, giving listeners a deeper look at entrepreneurship, local media, and the power of meaningful relationships in business.

The Restoration Report — Episode 15Guest: Celine Williams, Real Estate BrokerTitle: Turning Fear Into Action: Real Estate Success with Celine WilliamsEpisode Summary:In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Snohomish County real estate broker and community leader, Celine Williams. Celine shares her personal journey into real estate — from being too afraid to activate her license, to closing over 130 homes in just four years. We dive deep into the mindset, work ethic, and relationship-building that fuel her success.Whether you’re an aspiring agent, a first-time home buyer, or just someone looking to create more success in your own life, this conversation is full of practical advice about overcoming fear, taking consistent action, and building a business based on service and authenticity.Topics Discussed:✅ How Celine got her start in real estate✅ The power of mentorship and community✅ Why taking action — even when afraid — is the key to progress✅ Strategies for helping buyers and sellers navigate today’s market✅ Building long-term client relationships (vs. chasing quick commissions)✅ Overcoming industry myths around credit scores, down payments, and market timing✅ Tips for new agents: Diversifying your lead generation and building a strong network✅ How defining your personal “why” helps keep you motivated✅ The importance of consistency and mindset in creating long-term success✅ Celine’s passion for giving back to the community and helping others growGuest Contact Info:📱 Instagram: @homeswithceline📞 Phone: (360) 292-9710📍 Serving buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Washington State

The Restoration Report – Episode 14Guest: Christie Thompson, Regional Vice President, ArbonneHost: Levi Stearns, Core ContractorsEpisode Title:Building Wellness & Business Success with Christie Thompson of ArbonneEpisode Summary:In this episode of The Restoration Report, Levi Stearns sits down with Christie Thompson, Regional Vice President with Arbonne, to talk about her inspiring journey from the fast-paced beverage industry and real estate world to building a thriving wellness business. Christie shares how she discovered Arbonne’s clean nutrition and wellness products, transformed her own health, and ultimately created a career that allows her to support her family while helping others do the same.They dive into the importance of gut health, the dangers of mainstream energy drinks, and why prioritizing wellness can lead to more productivity—whether you’re managing construction projects, running a restoration company, or balancing family life. Christie also offers advice for anyone looking to start their own business, pivot careers, or simply feel better every day.Topics Covered:Christie’s career shift from the alcohol & beverage industry to real estate and ArbonneHow a 30-day challenge sparked a life-changing wellness journeyThe power of gut health for overall well-being and energyDangers of processed energy drinks and better alternativesBuilding a business with purpose and flexibilityThe role of having a strong "why" in achieving successHow small, consistent health habits can improve productivity—on the job site and beyondAdvice for entrepreneurs navigating negativity and setbacksKey Quotes:🗨 “Your gut is your second brain...you can literally eat your way to happiness.”🗨 “It’s not about the number on the scale, it’s about how you feel and what you’re putting into your body.”🗨 “Knowing your why helps you rise above mediocrity—even on the hard days.”Connect with Christie Thompson:IG - https://www.instagram.com/cmt410/FB - https://www.facebook.com/christiemariethompsonAbout the Podcast:The Restoration Report is your trusted source for navigating home restoration, remodeling, construction timelines, insurance claims, and more. Host Levi Stearns, owner of Core Contractors, brings on industry experts and inspiring guests to help homeowners, contractors, and business owners alike make informed, confident decisions.

In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with real estate veteran Roy Van Winkle of Keller Williams to explore his incredible journey from retail management to co-owning multiple real estate offices—and weathering the 2008 housing crash along the way.Roy shares practical advice for homebuyers, insights into how the real estate industry has evolved, and why today's housing market is NOT headed for another crash. They also dive into the crossover between real estate, insurance restoration, and construction—highlighting why experience, strategy, and client care matter more than ever.

In Episode 12 of The Restoration Report, Levi Stearns of Core Contractors sits down with Matt Layson of CalRose Insurance for a candid conversation that every homeowner, contractor, and business owner should hear. The episode dives deep into what makes insurance work—or fail—when disaster strikes, and why having the right support can make all the difference.Matt, a fourth-generation insurance agent, shares his journey from the world of live event production to founding CalRose Insurance with his father. Their mission? Helping people make better decisions. And when it comes to insurance restoration, project management, and home remodeling, better decisions start with education.

In today’s competitive construction and home services landscape, having a professional website is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. But as Nick Sanders from Valor Marketing shared in a recent episode of The Restoration Report, just having a website isn’t enough. For general contractors, restoration specialists, and remodelers, real digital success comes from pairing a well-built website with intentional marketing strategies.Here’s how to turn your digital presence into a lead-generating powerhouse — and why it matters more than ever.