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

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📌 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.

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/

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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

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

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⏰ Enrollment deadline: 2/3/26 — seats are filling fast

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 like
• The transition from consulting to leadership roles inside FP Restoration
• Cultural mistakes that keep companies stuck
• The systems every restoration company must master
• Why owner identity and emotional maturity matter more than you think
• The 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.