Contractor Talk with Richie Kidwell

Hosted by Richie Kidwell

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

116

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Multipreneur Richie Kidwell answers questions about the mold, restoration, and building damage industry. Listen to everything from services that help homeowners who have suffered from building damage to the latest legislative issues in the restoration industry. It's all covered here!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202652 min

Building Blocks: Protecting Your Home From the Inside Out

In this episode of Contractor Talk, Richie Kidwell and co-host Property Damage Attorney Hans Kennon discuss storm season preparedness across Central Florida, including recent hail activity, generator and fuel safety, and the importance of staying ready for severe weather events. They also cover a reported earthquake near Cuba that was felt across parts of Florida and what homeowners should keep in mind as hurricane season approaches. Joining the show is James Groves, founder of Hole in the Wall Drywall Repair. James shares how his Orlando-based company has grown into a nationwide franchise by focusing on expert drywall repairs, texture matching, popcorn ceiling restoration, fast estimates, and strong relationships with restoration contractors and homeowners alike. The conversation explores franchise growth, employee training through the School of Rock Drywall Academy, marketing strategies, Xactimate estimating, quality control systems, and the role drywall professionals play in restoration projects.

June 5, 202652 min

Defending Your Property: Insights on Navigating Insurance Challenges

In this episode of Contractor Talk, Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon break down Florida’s property insurance landscape and what homeowners should know right now. They cover why homeowners should be wary of calling insurers just to “ask questions” about claims, as well as common carrier tactics such as restrictive check language and direct repair programs that steer work toward insurer-approved contractors while limiting accountability. The discussion also touches on recent legislative changes that have reduced consumer protections, as well as broader market shifts, including insurer exits, Citizens depopulation, FIGA costs, and the impact of new carriers entering the state. Special guest Tony Busby of Great Florida Insurance shares practical advice on shopping for policies through an agent, reviewing renewals closely, and identifying red flags such as capped water-damage coverage and actual-cash-value policies. He also explains how simple inquiries can sometimes be logged as claims. The episode wraps with insights on hurricane season expectations, FEMA concerns, and proposed property tax changes affecting local services.

May 22, 202652 min

The Restoration Industry's Battle with Big Insurance in Florida

How prepared are Florida homeowners for this year’s storm season? In this episode of Contractor Talk, Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon discuss the realities of navigating insurance claims before and after major storms. Joined by special guest John Richardson of Kennon Law, the conversation explores how El Niño and La Niña weather patterns may impact hurricane activity, why documenting damage early is critical, and the strict deadlines Florida homeowners face when filing or supplementing claims. The episode also takes a deeper look at how insurance companies evaluate claims, including the use of engineers, ladder-assist vendors, satellite imagery, and wear-and-tear arguments that can lead to denials. Richie, Hans, and John break down common policy pitfalls such as right-to-repair clauses, roof payment schedules, and takeout policies, and discuss reports of increased denials following Hurricane Milton. If you’re a Florida homeowner, contractor, or property owner trying to better understand storm damage claims and insurance coverage, this episode offers valuable insight into the current landscape.

May 15, 202651 min

Understanding Roofing Repairs: Ensuring Peace of Mind for Homeowners

Richie Kidwell and co-host, property damage attorney Hans Kennon, return with Contractor Talk to discuss Florida’s changing property insurance landscape and why the correct “date of loss” can make or break a roofing claim, especially when damage is discovered months later. They break down shrinking coverage, rising premiums, claim handling tactics, and ongoing legal battles impacting homeowners across Florida. Special guests Jenson Pedraza and Pedro from Midas Roofing share how their company is raising the standard for roofing craftsmanship through free inspections, detailed photo reports, instant roof estimate tools, and financing options that help homeowners move forward with repairs during insurance disputes. If you are dealing with roof damage, insurance claims, or preparing your home for storm season, this episode offers valuable insights for Florida homeowners and contractors alike.

May 1, 202651 min

Navigating Legal Challenges in Florida’s Insurance Industry

In this episode of Contractor Talk with Richie Kidwell, Richie sits down with Bobby Vickery of Boltz Legal to discuss the current state of Florida’s insurance landscape and what recent legislative changes mean for homeowners, contractors, and public adjusters. They break down how changes in attorney fee laws are affecting access to legal representation and why many homeowners may now face greater challenges when pursuing property damage claims. The conversation also explores insurance company tactics, including the use of subsidiaries, rate increases, and evolving policy structures that can limit coverage. Bobby shares firsthand insight from his experience during Hurricane Ian, including dealing with insurer insolvency, delays due to FIGA, and the financial strain many policyholders faced. They also highlight the importance of pre-storm documentation, policy reviews, and understanding coverage before disaster strikes. Throughout the episode, Richie and Bobby discuss the broader implications of regulatory decisions, the role of advocacy groups such as the Restoration Association of Florida, and steps homeowners can take to better protect themselves in an increasingly complex insurance environment.

April 24, 202651 min

The Art of Home Inspections: Safeguarding Your Biggest Investment

Richie Kidwell and co-host, property-damage attorney Hans Kennon, return with Contractor Talk for an Earth Day episode focused on property-damage claims, hurricane preparedness, and real estate strategy. 🌎 Special guest Mike Hayman of Liberty Property Inspections breaks down the rising demand for inspections, the benefits of pre-listing inspections, and why proper permits for major work, such as repipes and roofs, are critical to avoid red tags and future sale issues. They also cover updates to Florida wind mitigation and four-point inspection forms effective March and April 2025, how inspections can lower insurance premiums, and why documenting your home before storm season matters. If you are buying, selling, or protecting your home, this episode delivers practical insights you can use.

April 17, 202650 min

Homeowner Rights and the Big Insurance Dilemma

What’s really going on with Florida’s property insurance system? In this episode, Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon break down the latest challenges homeowners and contractors are facing across the state. They dive into recent legislative changes impacting attorney fees, how insurers (including Citizens) are handling claims, and why many policyholders are struggling to get fair payouts. From delays and denials to restrictive policy endorsements, this conversation sheds light on what’s happening behind the scenes, especially following major storms like Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Special guest Bernie Stepien of HRC Construction joins the show to talk about remodeling, home additions, and how insurance shifts are affecting contractors. He also shares insight into financing options and how homeowners can move forward with repairs or upgrades.

April 10, 202651 min

Protecting Homeowners: Understanding Policy Exclusions

Richie Kidwell and co-host Hans Kennon break down how to prep your homeowners insurance before storm season. They cover hidden limitations such as water-damage caps, mold and sewer coverage, roof depreciation, and contractor restrictions. They also warn about renewal changes that can quietly reduce coverage while premiums rise, and explain the difference between replacement cost vs. actual cash value. Plus, what to know if you missed the April 9 deadline for Hurricane Milton supplemental claims, and how to still explore your options.

April 3, 202651 min

Challenging Insurance Giants: Voices for Consumer Justice

In this episode of Contractor Talk with Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon, the conversation explores Florida’s homeowners insurance crisis and the broader forces shaping it. Joined by Dr. Frank Collige, Candidate for CFO 2026, the conversation touches on regulatory oversight, the influence of insurance carriers, and concerns around transparency, claims handling, and access to the courts. Dr. Collige also shares his background as a military veteran, former state investigator, and public adjuster, along with his perspective on how the CFO role could impact accountability across the industry. The discussion also highlights the upcoming August 18 Republican primary and why it carries added significance for the CFO race. Tune in for a deeper conversation on where the system stands and what changes may be ahead.

March 27, 202651 min

Digital Marketing Mastery for Restoration Contractors

In this episode of Contractor Talk with Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon, the team is joined by Ben Ricciardi, CEO of Ironclad Restoration Marketing, to break down how restoration contractors can succeed in today’s evolving insurance and marketing landscape. They discuss the challenges contractors face in a declining claims environment, including underpaid or denied claims following Hurricane Milton, and the importance of educating homeowners on their rights and critical filing deadlines. The conversation also explores how contractors can effectively reach homeowners, build trust, and position themselves for long-term success. Ben shares expert insights on modern marketing strategies, including how to dominate Google through Local Services Ads (Google Guarantee), Google Ads, Google Business Profile, and organic SEO. The episode also touches on rapid changes in Florida insurance laws and the growing difficulty homeowners face when navigating claims on their own. Tune in to learn how to generate better leads, strengthen your online presence, and stay competitive in a rapidly shifting industry. #seo #contractormarketing #insuranceclaims #leadgeneration #floridacontractors