Some reports state 75% of contractors and property restoration service providers express slower than expected business in the current billing cycle. On Episode 127 of The DYOJO Podcast we discuss some ideas for how to use entrepreneurial downtime for personal growth and slow seasons for organizational improvement.

In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we disucss* Jeff Bezos' 1 Hour Rule (Puttering) * Steve Jobs and hiring A Players * Creating clear goals for property restoration technicians * Zac from H2O Away shares how encouraging team members to be just 1% better each day can add up to big wins for employees and the organization* Upcoming restoration training, events, and conferences including The Experience (Sep 2025 in Vegas), Pete Consigli's Winter Break (Feb 2026 in Florida) , and Restoration Industry Association (Apr 2026 in Georgia). The DYOJO Podcast - Helping Contractors Shorten their DANG Learning Curve (YouTube & Spotify). Get your copies of Jon Isaacson's books So, You Want to be a Project Manager and How to Suck Less at Estimating on Amazon or TheDYOJO.com

For episode 125 of The DYOJO Podcast we review recent video of the senate hearings lead by Josh Hawley (MS) which include sworn testimony from two policyholders with Allstate and State Farm who were affected by improper insurance claims handling for property damages. The extended video includes sworn testimony from two independent adjusters who worked for insurance carrier Allstate and third party adjusting firm Pilot. Senator Hawley has direct interaction with Mike Fiato who is the executive vice president and chief claims officer for Allstate Insurance Company.

Video clips from:

* Forbes Breaking News (2 hours) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs2VKoQPvxY

* Off The Press (8 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCgzSuwSbqs&t=301s

Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractor's shorten their DANG learning curve. Check out thedyojo.com for more information, the DYOJO blog, and sign up for The DYOJO Wire Newsletter.

A few of the questions and topics we will discuss in this episode of The DYOJO Podcast include: * What is the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)? * Should contractors join the RIA? * Is the RIA doing a good job? Episode 124 of The DYOJO Podcast "Construction Ethics, Shared Goals, and a Stronger Future"0:00 More American 1:40 RIA 2025 Recap7:35 Contractor Code of Ethics 13:42 Restoration History 18:47 Is RIA Doing a Good Job? 23:33 Weaponizing Consumer Protection 30:22 Success Tips from Taylor RivasListen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify and watch on YouTube. Read The DYOJO Blog for more information and links to the stories we discuss in this episode. Subcribe to The DYOJO Wire newsletter.

In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast, we explore a case study where a contractor’s attempt to secure payment backfired due to unclear communication and a surprise invoice. After alerting a homeowner to hail damage, the contractor demanded the insurance payout and submitted an unapproved $1,200 invoice, sparking a dispute. The episode highlights the importance of clear contracts, transparent processes, and ethical standards to avoid misunderstandings and ensure payment. Contractors are encouraged to use tools like pre-work authorizations, communicate expectations upfront, and align with clients on restoring properties to pre-loss conditions using like-kind materials.

Tune in for practical tips on protecting your earnings and building trust with clients.

The discussion in this bonus episode of The DYOJO Podcast emphasizes the importance of trade association involvement, highlighting the upcoming RIA International Restoration Convention and Expo in West Palm Beach from April 28-30. The event will feature member-driven initiatives, including position papers on best practices and ethical standards. The association is working on obtaining a NAICS code to distinguish its unique skill set. C&R Magazine and The DYOJO have joined forces with The 5050 Challenge which aims to encourage contractors to get out of their comfort zone to expand their professional networks. Pete Consigli joins the conversation to invite listeners to his roast to raise funds for educational initiatives. Jon Isaacson's book, Be Intentional: Estimating, will be available at the event, focusing on estimating mindsets and habits.

Will a California Court Finally Follow Through? In this clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 123, Jon Isaacson dives into a heated legal battle between Tong and State Farm Insurance over a denied water damage claim. While claims games, tricks, and denials is nothing new, the discussion unpacks escalating tensions, including allegations of discovery violations and obstruction by State Farm. Despite a court order to release documents, a protective order protects proprietary details, while policyholders push for sanctions over delays. Jon also highlights the critical role of industry associations, regional events, and educational outreach for contractors navigating insurance work. Plus, get insights on networking, skill-building, and doing the job right—along with a shoutout to Jon’s books and podcast for trades professionals. Watch this 5 minute episode recap, read the blog post from Merlin Law Group, and keep an eye on Tong vs. State Farm. Listen to TDP on Spotify Listen to TDP on AppleWatch TDP clips on YouTube

Are you a contractor caught in the crossfire of red tape and denied claims? In our latest podcast, Who's The Bigger Headache for Contractors: The Government or Insurance?, we will review two headlines that discuss this complex issue. Not surprisingly, these two rebuild issues both are hatched in the beautiful state of California. While the land and ocean views are unmatched, unfortunately so is the bureaucracy. Episode Includes:

• How Long will it take to Rebuild Los Angeles?
• State Farm Plays Games (AGAIN) with Water Protocols
• 11 People You Should Never Trust
• What is a Trade Association?
• 50 States, 50 Faces Challenge