Restoration Rundown Podcast

Hosted by Restoration Rundown

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Episodes

117

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

The Restoration Rundown Podcast is your one stop shop on how to grow your Restoration Business. From digital marketing to best management solutions, we give you the "rundown" on everything you need to build your property damage restoration company the right way. Hosted by Benjamin Ricciardi, the author of "The No B.S Guide to Internet Marketing for Restoration Contractors" and owner of Ironclad Restoration Marketing The Restoration Rundown is your source for everything related to your business. Join us and our special guests and get ready for the rundown!

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60 recent

May 1, 202657 min

Your Team is Dropping the Ball & Here's Why with Claire Carreras

In this episode of The Restoration Rundown, I’m joined by Claire Carreras from 1-Tom-Plumber to talk about how teams are actually built and why so many aren’t set up to succeed. Claire brings a unique perspective from leading operations in high-pressure service environments, transitioning into ownership, and unexpectedly, working in the thrash metal music scene before entering the trades. We explore how team structure, roles, and expectations impact performance, why some teams struggle even with good people, and how to identify strengths in individuals that most companies overlook. If you’re a restoration business owner trying to build a team that actually performs, this conversation will give you a different way to think about it. 🚀 Want to grow your restoration business? Book a strategy session with Ironclad Restoration Marketing https://ironcladrestorationmarketing.com/contact/ 📱 Curious how live video can help you win more jobs? Check out LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/hzl6jpv6328r

April 3, 202629 min

If You’re Not Involved, You’re Exposed: RAF Explained with Richie Kidwell

If you’re a restoration contractor in Florida and you’re not paying attention to industry advocacy, you may be leaving your business exposed. In this episode of The Restoration Rundown, I sit down with Richie Kidwell to break down the role of the Restoration Association of Florida (RAF) and why it matters more than most contractors realize. We cover who Richie is, how he got involved in advocating for restoration companies, and what RAF is actually doing behind the scenes to protect contractors and influence the future of the industry. 🎯 In This Episode We Cover: • What the Restoration Association of Florida actually does • Why organizations like RAF exist in the first place • How legislation and policy decisions impact restoration businesses • Why staying uninvolved can put your business at risk • How to get involved and stay informed 📱 See How Live Video Can Help You Win More Jobs Check out LiveSwitch and see how restoration contractors are using live video to connect with property owners and “see the damage” in real time: 👉 https://join.liveswitch.com/hzl6jpv6328r 📌 Show Notes Guest: Richie Kidwell Organization: Restoration Association of Florida (RAF) 👉 raflorida.org If you’re a Florida restoration contractor and not currently involved with RAF, this is something worth taking a closer look at.

March 13, 20261 hr 0 min

Are Contractors Training the Machines That Will Beat Them? | Doug Weatherman on AI & Restoration Claims

Are restoration contractors unintentionally training the AI systems that could eventually challenge their estimates? That’s the question we explore in this episode of The Restoration Rundown. A year ago, Doug Weatherman wrote an article in C&R Magazine titled “We Have a Big Problem,” raising concerns about how artificial intelligence could influence the restoration claims process. Shortly after that article was published, Doug joined me on The Restoration Rundown for an episode called “AI and the Future of Restoration.” Now, a year later — after massive advances in AI — we’re revisiting that conversation. In this episode we discuss: • How AI may already be influencing insurance claims • Whether contractors could be unintentionally training AI systems • The growing value of restoration industry data • What AI could mean for negotiations with carriers • How restoration owners should approach AI moving forward 📖 Read Doug’s Article “We Have a Big Problem” – C&R Magazine https://www.candrmagazine.com/letter-to-the-editor-we-have-a-big-problem/ 🚀 Want to Grow Your Restoration Business? Book a strategy session with Ironclad Restoration Marketing https://ironcladrestorationmarketing.com/contact/ 📱 Curious how live video can help you win more restoration jobs? Check out LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/hzl6jpv6328r

January 30, 202634 min

Shaping Your Leadership Identity with Rod Cruce

In this episode of The Restoration Rundown, I’m joined by Rod Cruce, founder of Trifecta Growth Institute, to break down why leadership identity is often the missing link holding restoration business owners back. We talk about the shift from operator to leader, how identity shapes culture and decision-making, and practical steps owners can take to lead with more clarity and consistency as their companies grow. If your business feels reactive, chaotic, or harder to lead than it used to, this episode is your starting point. 👉 Take the next step: Learn more and enroll in Rod’s Shaping Your Leadership Identity class at https://trifectagrowth.com 🎟️ Use promo code IRONCLAD to save ⏰ Enrollment deadline: 2/3/26 — seats are filling fast

December 5, 20251 hr 9 min

The Floodlight Framework: Building a Legacy Restoration Company with Brandon Reece & Chris Nordyke

In this episode of The Restoration Rundown, we’re joined by two of the most influential voices in the restoration industry: Brandon Reece and Chris Nordyke, co-founders of Floodlight Consulting Group, hosts of the Head, Heart & Boots podcast, and key leaders inside FP Restoration. We dive into "The Floodlight Framework"—a foundation built on leadership, culture, systems, identity, and long-term strategy. Together, we break down the exact ingredients needed to build a legacy restoration company: the kind that isn’t just profitable today, but is structured to outlast seasons, trends, and owner burnout. You’ll hear insights on: What a true legacy restoration business actually looks likeThe transition from consulting to leadership roles inside FP RestorationCultural mistakes that keep companies stuckThe systems every restoration company must masterWhy owner identity and emotional maturity matter more than you thinkThe real work leaders must do to build something that lasts If you’re leading a restoration company and want to build a business that works today and stands the test of tomorrow, this is a must-listen conversation.

November 14, 202540 min

Winning the Race to the Face: How Live Switch Will Boost Your Bottom Line

On today's episode I am joined by James Hatfield, the CRO of Live Switch, a communications platform that uses instant video to transform how Restorers work and scale their businesses. I got to know James, his background as a serial entrepreneur, and all about how Live Switch is changing the game for Restoration Companies. Buckle up and get ready for the Rundown. If you want to learn more about how you can use Live Switch to help your Restoration Business then check the links below and remember Use code "RRundown10" for 10% off at checkout! : Book a demo: https://tinyurl.com/muzey2uk Website: https://www.liveswitch.com/ Start your free trial: https://www.liveswitch.com/contact-signup Coupon: Use code "RRundown10" for 10% off at checkout!

September 16, 202529 min

Level up your Estimating with Jeff Diem

In this episode, I am joined by past guest and friend of the show Jeff Diem from Elkmont Estimates to talk about his new software is leveling up the estimating/billing processes for Restorers.

August 18, 202542 min

Catching up with Annissa and Kevin from Firehouse Education

In this episode I am joined by my old friends Annissa and Kevin Coy from Firehouse Education where we catch up on whats new with them, and learn about an exciting new venture they're launching soon. Get a sneak peek at their new coaching initiative at their upcoming session at the Experience Conference in Las Vegas in September.

August 18, 20251 hr 13 min

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly of AI with Andy McCabe & Doug Weatherman

In this episode I am joined by my friends Andy McCabe and Doug Weatherman to discuss how AI is changing the Restoration industry at breakneck speeds. From FNOL to claims and everything in between, AI is integrating into all aspects of operations. If you are a Restorer, then you don't want to miss this episode.

June 6, 202544 min

Advancing the Industry w/ RIA President Jeff Moore

In this episode, I sat down with a man who needs no introduction, but Ill give him one anyways! Join us as we talk shop with Jeff Moore, a 2nd generation Restorer, the President of the largest family run Restoration Companies in the world, ATI Restoration, and, the newly appointed President of the RIA. We will be talking about all things Restoration and about Jeff's journey from a youngster in the industry and into where he stands today, as a serious powerhouse who is advocating for big changes aimed to positively move the Restoration Industry forward.