The cornerstone of our franchise model lies in empowering restoration owners to expand their service offerings and enhance their revenue streams. By buying a 1-Tom-Plumber franchise, restoration owners can seamlessly integrate plumbing services into their sales portfolio, thereby bolstering their capabilities and profitability.

Our unique proposition lies in our ability to amplify water damage leads for restoration owners without the burden of exorbitant referral fees or reliance on Third Party Administrator (TPA) programs. With 1-Tom-Plumber, restoration owners can access a steady stream of commercial water damage projects, ranging from large property management companies to multifamily housing, universities, hospitals, senior living facilities, restaurants, and beyond.

What sets us apart is our professional brand image, our extensive hands-on training program, on-going support and our in-house digital marketing commitment. While we are still young and have only been franchising for three years, our Cincinnati location has been operational for six years, serving as a testament to our enduring success and unwavering commitment to excellence.

At present, 1-Tom-Plumber boasts 75 signed franchises, with 34 currently in operation and another 18 scheduled to open this year. Our rapid expansion and industry accolades, including being awarded the title of the fastest-growing business in Cincinnati, underscore the unparalleled growth potential and market demand for our franchise model.

We invite restoration owners who aspire to diversify their service offerings, get more commercial water damage business, reduce dependency on TPAs, and unlock new avenues of profitability to join the 1-Tom-Plumber family. With our comprehensive support system, extensive network, and proven business model, we are poised to revolutionize the service plumbing industry one franchise at a time.

For more information about the 1-Tom-Plumber franchise opportunity, please contact Leah Hanlon at (513) 888-7186 or leah@1tomplumber.com.

The post 1-Tom-Plumber: Revolutionizing The Service Plumbing Industry appeared first on Cleanfax.

Doug doesn’t just teach a class. He TEACHES a class.

My name is Doug Heiferman, and I work in textile maintenance. I am a restoration industry trainer, business consultant, IICRC-approved instructor, and a certified master textile cleaner. Traveling the United States and teaching IICRC courses in textile maintenance and restoration for the past 30 years has been a great honor. It is my passion to help clients build highly successful companies.

2 | How did you first get started in the industry?

I graduated from college with several business degrees, starting my career in finance by working for a Fortune 500 company in Manhattan for 10 years. Then, my wife’s family introduced me to the professional cleaning and restoration world. They own Total Supply of New York.

3 | Who in your life has impacted you the most?

My dad was an incredible businessman. I worked with him every summer starting at 16, working for Woolworths in their corporate distribution center in Secaucus, New Jersey. He taught me how to survive in the business world and challenged me to live off-grid, hunting and fishing—all of which gave me the foundation to create positive moments in life. Learning how to face adversity and embrace change came from Dad. I miss him terribly.

Rob Hanks of Bridgepoint Systems is another person who has made a difference in my life. He believed in me and hired me to help build the company 30 years ago. I currently work for Aramsco Inc., which purchased the company from the Hanks family in Utah. I would not be in the position I am in life without the guidance and kindness extended to me by Rob Hanks. We are still great friends.

Doug is a strong believer in family. Pictured with him here are his wife Mary, and daughter, Erin.

And then there is my family. To say I am blessed is a great understatement. My lady, Mary, is my everything. She was the driving force behind our cleaning business for 25 years. With her incredible business skills, she graduated college with an MBA and then worked in Manhattan’s financial district until we started our own business in cleaning and restoration. My baby girl, my shining star, is now an attorney for one of the world’s largest law firms. She motivates me to continue growing both personally and professionally.

4 | If you could have dinner with one person from history, who would it be, and why?

I would have to say, Martin Luther King. I admire his courage and inner strength. Kindness is the true strength of a man. Everyone deserves respect and the opportunity to grow and become their personal best. Racial inequality and oppression abound in today’s changing world. He gave his life to improve civil rights for all cultures. His platform of nonviolent resistance bolsters the incredible man he was.

5 | What music, movies, or books have inspired you?

My favorite book is “Awaken the Giant Within.” The psychology of change is of great interest to me. Tony Robbins takes a unique approach to peak performance: mastering your emotions, body, relationships, and finances while improving your life. He helps you find your true purpose in life and take control, guiding your own destiny.

6 | What personal philosophy of life motivates you the most?

Personal integrity with an emphasis on stretching yourself for optimum growth and learning. We must move from our comfort zone. Challenges help us build confidence, enabling us to propel personal growth. I believe that the road to self-improvement is a lifelong journey.

The post 6 Questions for Doug Heiferman appeared first on Cleanfax.

In a recent episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, business coach and strategist John Clendenning discussed how incorporating video marketing into your business strategy can drive growth and enhance your company’s reputation.

The rise of video marketing

In the world of business, video is a game-changer, offering opportunities for companies to connect with the public and provide credibility. Despite the initial anxiety some may feel about appearing on camera, video marketing has been shown to be an effective tool for building authenticity and trustworthiness in the marketplace.

While technical concerns and lack of confidence may hold back some from embracing video marketing, the process can be straightforward. Companies can create appealing video content by starting with foundational material, such as sharing how your business was founded, discussing your services, and responding to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Creating authentic content

Clendenning encourages businesses to showcase their expertise and problem-solving capabilities through video. Whether addressing common cleaning issues, showing insights into your process, or sharing customer experiences, video can allow a business to be a trusted authority in its field. With smartphones and user-friendly editing apps, you can develop compelling video content with minimal investment.

Optimizing for different platforms

Clendenning advises editing the length and format to suit different platforms when distributing your video. Short videos under a minute are ideal for platforms like Instagram. Share longer videos on YouTube or embed them on a business website.

The ultimate payoff

Those who invest in video marketing become leaders and gain an edge in the industry. And, when you connect with a younger audience who values digital engagement and authenticity, your company can stay ahead of the curve, future-proofing its marketing efforts.

Watch the full interview below:

The post Unlock the Power of Video appeared first on Cleanfax.

Mili Washington, CStd: Unfortunately, there is no S in the IICRC acronym, but S for Standards is the foundation on which the rest of the IICRC is built. Then, there are many different pillars or Standards for various fields. The number of these pillars is growing—we have over 20 currently. Each is now developed to be approved by ANSI (American National Standard Institute). The IICRC Standards help to establish common, industry-accepted language and terminology that enables us to discuss concepts and procedures more universally regarding cleaning, inspection, and restoration.

We see the name ANSI on every IICRC Standard. Why is that? Isn’t the IICRC a strong enough entity?

Washington: ANSI coordinates standards, conformity assessment, and related activities in the United States. It is responsible for overseeing the development of national consensus standards and verifying that the standard’s developer has met the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for approval. An American National Standard (ANS) is a voluntary consensus standard, and compliance is voluntary unless mandated by law. However, local, state, or federal authorities have adopted some as codes or regulations.

The IICRC is an ANSI member and Accredited Standards Developer. ANSI helps provide checks and balances. All IICRC Standards have been developed as proposed American National Standards and published as ANSI.

The ANSI approval comes with stringent procedural requirements that must be followed and ultimately result in credible documents created with input and feedback from various industry stakeholders.

These Standards are basically guidebooks. How are they written?

Washington: The behind-the-scenes work done by our Standards committees is really done by industry representatives, stakeholders, and volunteer members coming together to write these Standards; it’s not the IICRC. They understand the value of Standards, which drives their participation. IICRC sets the table for the party, so to speak, and invites everyone to participate. When published, those Standards create the foundation for everything the institute does. It takes years of teamwork, collaboration, and consensus building.

That said, there are also strict requirements to maintain ANSI accreditation. As dictated by the ANSI Essential Requirements, these basic tenets include transparency, providing notifications for all stakeholders, having a public review process and an appeals mechanism, and ensuring that no one person or specific interest in an industry can go rogue and write the Standard themselves. There must always be checks and balances through the Standard’s development or revision process.

Also, the public review comments we receive are an important part of the process. They are not ignored or minimized. They must be considered and addressed.

Writing the Standards is certainly not easy or quick. To meet ANSI requirements, we must jump through hoop after hoop. And it does not end there. More time is needed as there is a five-year revision cycle to ensure the Standards are current and accurate. In the end, the work put in is well worth it.

How are Standards used?

Washington: Once the Standards are accepted in the industry, they become a de facto standard, which means that if you don’t follow the Standard, you could be liable for the quality of work you have done or not accomplished. If a task is outlined in the Standard and it isn’t completed in accordance with the Standard, then you know there are consequences to that, whether they be legal or Insurance implications.

Are there any new Standards coming we can look forward to?

Washington: We are currently working on new Standards for structural fire and wildfire restoration. Once they’re published as ANSs, they will be the foundation for the rest of the fire certification training schools’ instruction.

What are some of your most enjoyable highlights or memories regarding the Standards process?

Washington:  The highlight of my role in creating the IICRC Standards is the many relationships I have built with those who have worked with me on them over the years.

For example, recently, we were wrapping up the 2024 revision of the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation. This was a long, multi-year project. It was our last meeting, and we were finally finished. Yet everyone lingered, reluctant to leave the meeting. The relationships we had built were special.

How can those reading this get their own copy of the Standard they need?

Washington: Our Standards are available in both print and digital, but I personally recommend the subscription option. A Standards subscription gives you access to everything, including newly published and up-to-date information.

Also, having it in digital format is easier – more accessible, available at your fingertips, and you can quickly find the information you are searching for.

Use these links to access everything you need from the IICRC regarding its Standards:

• IICRC Standards Information: .
• IICRC Webstore: .

Do you have any advice for our readers?

Washington: Yes. Please don’t hesitate to join us in the process. Participating gives you a voice, a seat at the table, and an opportunity to shape the industry. If you have an interest, we welcome your input.

Be sure to watch the entire recording of this interview below:

Editor’s Note: Cleanfax is pleased to announce a new multimedia partnership with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The program, Unscripted, will feature what the IICRC is doing, what the industry needs to know about IICRC Standards, certifications, events, technical tips, management and marketing strategies, and more. In this inaugural edition, IICRC Standards Director Mili Washington shares insights on how Standards are developed, how the industry uses them, and more.

The post Unscripted: IICRC Standards appeared first on Cleanfax.

The ability to retain customers can make or break a company’s success. With that in mind, let’s explore critical strategies to ensure your business keeps its customers and builds a devoted customer base.

1 | Answer the phones

In today’s fast-paced world, customers anticipate immediate responses. Unfortunately, many business owners have all calls go to their cellphone. Employing a dedicated receptionist to manage calls and arrange appointments greatly boosts client satisfaction. Quick replies not only display professionalism but also show dedication to promptly fulfilling client needs.

Our receptionist offers additional services to book more work and earns a small commission when accepted. We normally have two receptionists. If the work is a little slow, one of them works on other projects. Weekly, people comment, “Thank you for answering the phone! Every time I call a contractor, they never answer their phone!”

2 | Quick response time

Clients can get frustrated waiting to receive an answer to a question or a reply to a voicemail message. Time is of the essence in customer service, and responding swiftly to voicemails, emails, or texts can set your business apart.

Establishing procedures for timely communication enhances the image of dependability and attentiveness. In our business, we will return calls for overnight messages at 9 a.m. the following day. We also try to respond to email quote requests from our website and text messages within an hour. Fast service contributes to client satisfaction.

3 | Motivate with incentives

Incentivizing your receptionist and/or other employees to acquire new clients and schedule appointments boosts morale and fosters a proactive approach to customer engagement. Regular performance evaluations and goal-setting sessions will motivate them to deliver exceptional service.

To keep our receptionists more interested, we give commissions on converting new clients, booking jobs, and selling fabric protector. They also like to run the numbers and see how they are doing compared to last year. These incentives keep them engaged.

4 | Listen

Customers need to feel they’re being listened to; they want to be heard and valued. They don’t want to feel like they are being “handled.”

Practicing active listening, which involves fully understanding customers’ concerns and responding thoughtfully, builds rapport and trust. Avoiding interruptions and demonstrating genuine interest in customers’ needs fosters positive interactions.

Even though we may be able to answer their question or address their situation quickly, we must still listen to what they say. We don’t like it when someone cuts us off mid-sentence, so we must avoid the temptation to cut the client off and finish their sentence.

5 | Ongoing training

Investing in regular training for receptionists and employees ensures they stay attuned to evolving customer expectations and industry norms. Evaluating and refining communication skills can enhance customer experience and mitigate complacency.

When you’ve been in business for a while, you tend to become complacent and take incoming calls for granted. Make sure you take the time to listen to how your receptionist talks with clients on the phone and make any needed changes.

6 | Transparent pricing

None of us like surprises, especially if they cost us money. Hidden fees and unexpected charges can sour the customer experience. Adding a line item such as a fuel surcharge, credit card fee, or dirty water disposal fee can irritate the client. We want the entire experience with our client to be outstanding.

Being transparent about pricing, including any additional fees, fosters trust and transparency. Clearly outlining pricing beforehand helps set realistic expectations and minimizes misunderstandings.

7 | Consistent quality service

Consistency is key to customer satisfaction. By investing in technician training and certification, businesses can ensure a regular elevated level of service. Soliciting feedback and incentivizing excellence reinforces a culture of continuous improvement.

For better consistency, our technicians are IICRC certified; however, we also do extensive training in-house to ensure a consistently high level of service. We have comment cards that clients will return by prepaid mail, and we will post them on our company WhatsApp group. This positive reinforcement helps our technicians deliver a predictably outstanding level of service. And a Starbucks gift card here or there when we get a five-star review helps, too.

8 | Underpromise and overdeliver

The common idiom to “underpromise and overdeliver” is true. Setting realistic expectations and surpassing them instills confidence and satisfaction in customers. Thorough pre-inspections and clear communication about service capabilities help manage customer expectations and avoid disappointments.

Training and detailed initial inspections are key. We must pre-qualify certain situations, such as severe pet issues in the carpet. Are we saying, “All the spots will come out.” Or “We can make your floor look brand new” when it is scratched or gouged? Good client communication is paramount. It may be better to show the client what we’ve done so far and perhaps discuss using another product to get the area as clean as possible. This way, they will feel valued and that you are honest and did try to do your best.

9 | Professionalism in service

Attention to detail, such as wearing company uniforms and using protective gear, raises the professionalism of service delivery. Treating every customer interaction with the same level of care and respect as one would for a family member cultivates trust and loyalty.

Company uniforms lend to professionalism. Good habits for your employees include removing shoes or wearing shoe covers, using corner guards and drop cloths, and asking for permission to open the closets to clean inside them. This helps give the illusion of control.

Training is important. Instruct your technicians to treat the client as if she were their grandmother or another cherished family member. IICRC certification and other credentials will help the tech feel more professional. Ongoing training also helps techs act more professionally.

10 | Encourage feedback and follow up

Actively soliciting feedback through various means, follow-up calls, and messaging platforms allow businesses to address any concerns promptly. Committing to resolving issues and exceeding customer expectations can turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates.

The fact that a client may not call to complain doesn’t mean they are completely satisfied. They may be afraid to call to re-clean because they don’t want to be a bother, but how likely are they to refer us to their connections if we weren’t outstanding? Additionally, they may not complain but never call us again. We’ve probably all felt the same after buying a service or product. Comment cards, follow-up phone calls, and messaging services will encourage the client to let us know how they feel, and we can rectify the situation and produce a cheerleader client as a result!

“Customer retention” is an enduring focus of sustainability rather than a fad. In fact, by deploying a full suite of subtle strategies, businesses can claim to secure not just the loyalty of their clientele but, more so, to nurture a community of cheerleaders.

The key to this approach is the recognizing that customer retention is not a passive activity but an active chase—a proactive engagement with each patron’s needs, preferences, and experiences. From personalized interactions to anticipating the service, each touchpoint will be an opportunity to deepen the bond between the customer and the brand.

In the marketplace, which is often brutally competitive, exemplary customer service emerges as the only guiding beacon to steer the business through the choppy waters of consumer preference.

And the returns from investing in customer retention go far beyond immediate financial gains. Prioritizing customer retention is more than just a business strategy; it is committing to excellence, integrity, and long-standing relationships.

The post Client Acquisition and Retention appeared first on Cleanfax.

This is especially true as we become more successful at work or gain influence in our position. It’s far too easy to overlook the people and events that have allowed us to get to where we are today.

And our appreciation for the help we’ve received from others should be intentional rather than routine.

November of 2004 is when I first addressed the subject of gratefulness and how it works to make us more effective leaders. I wrote about how gratefulness leads to loyalty, which leads to submission, which leads to humility, which finally leads to promotion. In other words, when we realize that the world doesn’t revolve around us, we become the kind of person those around us want to champion.

In the spirit of intentionally showing appreciation, I’d like to share with you some examples of gratitude.

CTO—Chief Thanking Officer

At a recent annual meeting of the homeowners’ association for my community, the president mentioned that one of the most important elements of his job is to be the Chief Thanking Officer. He knows that it is only through the efforts of the other board members and the considerable number of volunteer hours from committee members and homeowners that he is able to perform his job properly. I know the president well enough to know that annual meetings are not the only times when he expresses his gratitude to the folks in our community, and it’s always appreciated—so much so that he was rewarded by being reelected for another term.

Gratitude as a sales strategy

It’s no secret that most small business owners don’t view themselves as the chief salesperson for their company. The thought of knocking on doors to promote their products or services causes many to break out in a cold sweat or fall into a litany of excuses as to why right now is a bad time to call on people—even those with whom they’re already doing business.

The next time you’re planning to visit an existing customer, try this: visit them with the intent of expressing how much you appreciate their business. Then ask what you can do to improve the service you’re providing. I think you could build a case that doing this is a differentiator for your company. After all, how many of your competitors visit their customers to thank them for their business?

As your company grows, being smart enough to perform your job well, knowing how to build a better mousetrap than your competitors, or consistently delivering a higher level of service, becomes table stakes in sustaining your company. It’s the relationships you develop with others, both within your company and outside of it, that create long-term success. And one of the cornerstones of building relationships is being intentional in letting people know how much you appreciate them.

In addition to the obvious benefits that expressing gratitude brings not only to the recipient but also to the sender, there are more subtle benefits that can contribute to business success as well. Here are just a few.

Gratitude as a retention tool

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing businesses today, especially small businesses, is attracting and keeping a committed workforce.

Millions of dollars and countless hours have been spent conducting interviews with people to see what motivates them and keeps them engaged at work. Near the top of every one of these lists is that people want to feel appreciated.

This doesn’t mean we need to pass out gold stars for showing up to work or pin medals on people for doing a great job. These lose their meaning if we don’t first take care of the basics like saying thank you, paying attention to people, letting them know they matter, or just simply being available to listen.

Gratitude as an ego antidote

Over the years, I’ve filled quite a few pages writing about the negative impact an over-active ego has on a business. It’s destructive and avoidable. Just like our individual attitudes, our egos are something only we can control. Showing gratitude to others is a wonderful way for us to do that in our personal and business lives. It impacts everyone around us.

The Arbinger Institute is a global training and consulting firm that helps individuals and organizations achieve breakthrough results by shifting from a self-focus to an others-inclusive focus. In their work they cite Neel Burton, MD who writes, “By turning us outward, gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack or strive for to what we already have, opening our eyes to the bounty that is life, something to marvel at, revel in, and celebrate rather than forget, ignore, or take for granted as it flies us by.”

Gratitude as a sleep aid

The connection between getting a good night’s sleep and maintaining good health is inarguable. Sleep deprivation can weaken our immune system, increase blood pressure, affect our ability to concentrate or think clearly, and the granddaddy of them all—we’re often grumpier.

Neuroscientist and psychologist Dr. Tamsin Astor suggests that developing a habit of gratefulness at the end of each day can be a powerful sleep aid. And this doesn’t need to be complicated. A few quiet moments to reflect on the blessings in your life will help to quiet the mind … and the soul.

So, the evidence is in, and it’s undeniable. The simple act of showing gratitude to others for the contributions they’ve made to your organization or to your life is a fundamental step in becoming the kind of person others want to be around.

We can complicate the subject of leadership development by reading all the latest books or watching endless videos on the subject. Or we can simplify it with two simple words: thank you.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m long overdue for intentionally letting some people know how much I appreciate them and the impact they’ve had on my life.

The post The Impact of Gratitude in Business appeared first on Cleanfax.

Many consumers and even other businesses misunderstand the terms licensed, bonded, and insured. Behind these seemingly mundane words lies a world of significance, both for providers and the customers they serve.

Understanding these terms from a consumer perspective, a business perspective, and even from the views of various state and federal authorities is critical to achieving customer satisfaction, business growth, and compliance with the certifying agencies.

But what do these terms really mean?

Licensing: The foundation of legitimacy

Simply put, being licensed means a service provider has obtained official approval or authorization from the relevant governing body to operate within that particular industry or profession. This authorization typically comes after meeting specific requirements such as passing exams, completing specific training, specialized education, and adhering to industry regulations.

From a business perspective, obtaining a license is not merely a bureaucratic formality; it’s a badge of legitimacy and competence, too. Licensing signals to potential customers that the service provider possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and qualifications to perform their job. In essence, it’s a promise of quality and accountability made through reputation verification.

That said, consumers may not fully grasp the importance of hiring a licensed service provider for their projects. Consumers may assume that all businesses with an online listing operate on a level playing field, regardless of whether they hold a license or not. The reality is quite different! Unlicensed operators often lack the necessary expertise, oversight, and quality control mechanisms, posing significant risks to both consumers and the industry’s reputation. By choosing a licensed provider, consumers can mitigate these risks and ensure they receive reliable and professional services from experts.

Bonding: A safety net for consumers

Bonding refers to a type of insurance that protects consumers in the event of financial loss or damage caused by the service provider. When a business is bonded, it means they have purchased a surety bond from a bonding company, which serves as a guarantee that they will fulfill their obligations to the consumer.

This is different from insurance coverage in that it protects the consumer against specific incidents and issues that arise as a result of the service provider’s work. It also differs from regular insurance in that specific stipulations must be met for the bond to be paid out.

For service providers, being bonded demonstrates a commitment to accountability and customer satisfaction. It provides reassurance to consumers that in the rare event of a problem or dispute, they have recourse to seek compensation for any losses incurred. Moreover, bonding helps to instill trust and confidence in the business. Licensing and bonding both enhance the businesses’ reputation and credibility within the market.

Despite its importance, bonding is often overlooked by consumers who may not be aware of its significance or even what it really means. Many assume that all businesses carry insurance to protect themselves and their clients, but this is not always the case. Insurance may cover the workers on the job site but not necessarily the property where the work is being done or the occupants who reside there.

By understanding the role of bonding, consumers can make more informed decisions when selecting service providers. A clear understanding of what bonding is can help consumers to prioritize their protection and peace of mind.

Insurance: Safety nets for pros

Much like bonding, insurance provides a safety net for both businesses and consumers alike. Insurance offers the company financial protection against unforeseen circumstances and liabilities that can occur. Whether it’s property damage, bodily injury of an employee, or professional errors, insurance helps to mitigate the financial risks associated with running a service-based business for providers.

Consumers choosing a restoration company might not know the specifics of your insurance policy as a provider, but the fact that you have one can give them peace of mind and help make a sale when they are already on the fence about a project.

From a business perspective, having insurance coverage is not just prudent—it’s essential. Most municipalities have regulations that prohibit the operation of service industry businesses without an insurance policy. Insurance coverage safeguards the company’s assets, reputation, and long-term viability in the face of potential lawsuits or claims. Moreover, insurance can be a competitive advantage, giving the business an edge over the competition, who may lack adequate coverage.

For consumers, hiring an insured service provider is a matter of risk management. A project may be more affordable when purchased through an uninsured provider because they don’t have this expense to pay, but it may cost more in the long run, should the worst occur. A fully equipped insurance policy safeguards providers against being held liable for any accidents or incidents that occur during service. This is especially true when dealing with high-risk industries or complex large projects. While insurance may add to the cost of doing business, the peace of mind it offers is invaluable for service providers and consumers alike, even if the consumers don’t necessarily realize it.

Selling the selling points

Service industry providers like restoration companies may not realize the advantage of having these qualifications for their businesses simply because they are viewed as necessities by experts and burdensome expenses by those uninitiated in disasters.

When service providers get on-site, they’re the experts in their trade, but they are also selling themselves through those skills, expertise, and reliability to customers on every potential job. That means they need all the tools they can get to sell the job and then do it, too.

Tools of the trade is a common phrase in the construction and restoration industry, and being licensed, bonded, and insured is just a set of marketing tools that need to be maintained to keep them sharp.

When the paint dries

Licensing, bonding, and insurance play a fundamental role in the world of service providers. Yet, despite this, their significance is often overlooked by consumers who don’t realize what the terms mean for them. From a business perspective, they are more than just regulatory requirements. They are symbols of professionalism, reliability, and accountability. For consumers, understanding the nuances of hiring licensed, bonded, and insured service providers can help them make informed decisions that will protect their interests.

For service providers, licensing, bonding, and insurance can seem like wasted resources, but if the worst happens, it will feel like money well spent. And ultimately, with a shift in perspective, these qualifications can help to sell a potential client or project that might have otherwise been reticent to sign the dotted line.

Al Ruggie is the marketing and business development director for ASAP Restoration LLC. He has a proven record for growing businesses, both large and small, with strategic planning and targeted content that delivers results.

Joshua Rudin owns ASAP Restoration LLC and is a certified restorer. Before opening the doors in 2008, Rudin had been a successful entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, owning and running several thriving locations for over two decades. To reach Rudin, visit , call 602-515-7918, or email jrudin@asaprestoration247.com.

The post The Lure of Liability appeared first on Cleanfax.

Yes, you want to do better. You want to have a better business. You want to make more money, and you want to enjoy better health and relationships. However, if you aren’t clear on where you’d like to go, you won’t make the best decisions in your business.

Are you feeling burned out?

For many years, I’ve shared that your business exists only to be a vehicle to achieve your life goals. Your business can have a dramatic impact on your personal life. If you are like most business owners, your company may occupy your thoughts 24/7. You may feel like your business owns you, leaving you with very little family time and your days consumed with putting out brush fires.

I understand how you feel. I started my cleaning company out of the trunk of my car over 39 years ago. For the first 13 years, I felt enslaved to my business. Then, I realized the importance of implementing systems and understanding that every business decision I made (or failed to make) would impact my personal life.

Eventually, my cleaning business became turnkey, thanks to having people and processes in place that allow it to run by itself. But this transformation started with me getting clear on what I wanted: freedom. I wanted to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted to do it. I reached that goal and fell in love with helping business owners. Although I work very hard leading my coaching and training company, I still manage to continue fulfilling my life goals.

What’s your long-term vision?

Far too often, business owners operate based on their immediate needs rather than according to a longer-term vision. In other words, they are just reacting to the day’s problems and putting out brush fires instead of planning for their future beyond just making this week’s payroll. I once did that, too.

In the absence of clearly defined goals, you will be forced to focus on an activity and ultimately be enslaved to it. If you aren’t clear on where you are going, how will you know what team members you need? How will you know how many you need?

And if you have a dream but no team, you’ll have to either give up the dream or build up the team. Phenomenal team members don’t want to follow someone who lacks a dream, doesn’t have big goals, and doesn’t know where they are going.

So, where are you going?

Five stages of business growth

Even if you know where you want to go, you, like many business owners, might not understand where you are on the field of play in the business game. You see, there are five stages of business growth that we need to know in order to determine our destination.

Stage 1: Survival. First, we have to survive. However, that is not the ultimate goal; it’s just the starting point. A rocket ship has to get off the ground, but its destination coordinates have already been programmed and predetermined. The rocket ship’s crew knows where the rocket ship is supposed to go. Similarly, business owners should move beyond survival mode, especially when they have a team. Unfortunately, business owners much too frequently micro-manage every move, stifling not just the entire team’s potential, but also the company’s growth.

Stage 2: Stability. Again, the sole reason your business exists is to serve as a vehicle for achieving your life goals. That is the only reason it exists. Any vehicle, whether it be a train, a plane, an automobile, or a rocket, is a group of working parts designed to work in unison for a specific reason: to take you where you want to go. This group of working parts is called a system. You can’t get past survival mode without systems. Why? Because without them, your business will always depend too much on you!

Stage 3: Success. Once you have established systems in your business, you can begin to duplicate yourself. This means that you can delegate aspects of running your company to others. This is where leadership comes into play and is crucial. Everything rises and falls on leadership. And the most challenging person to lead is ourselves.

Stage 4: Significance. If you want to have a business that runs itself, you’ll need to enter the rare but rewarding space of developing leaders. You must go beyond hiring people to do routine tasks and even beyond managing. Now, the objective is to cultivate directors who can run your company (or at least parts of it) for you. You’ll need to develop leaders. This requires an entirely different skill set and value set. It demands a different mindset and the adoption of deeply held values.

Stage 5: Scale. At this stage, you have enough infrastructure in place to duplicate your vehicle. You can do that if you want to have multiple business locations, franchise your business, or license it. Or, if you aspire to serve in the ministry, travel the world, spend time with your grandkids, or all the above, you can do so because you now have an organization that supports your biggest goals.

So, where do you want to go in life? What role would you like to fulfill in your business? It’s up to you, but it won’t happen accidentally. We all need clarity to see where we want to go. And we must intentionally build a business that will fulfill our life goals.

You see, your business has a significant impact on your life, but this impact doesn’t have to be negative. It can be positive. My mentor, the late Zig Ziglar, said: “If you want to reach a goal, you must ‘see the reaching’ in your mind before you arrive at your goal.”

The first step in reaching any goal is to define the goal clearly. Mr. Ziglar also said, “You can’t hit a target you cannot see.” You must see the goal vividly. You need to see it and feel it. It’s like being in a movie.

As you get clarity of your vision, consider why it is essential. My next article will explore “The Cause Question: Why is it important?”

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Simply set up your no-cost business account in the Dri-Eaz Command Center Pro dashboard to monitor jobs and control access to job data—from the office or in the field. Your techs can even use the app to start after-hours jobs. With the push of a button, the Command Center Pro dashboard delivers detailed job reports including graphed dehumidifier readings. Get connected today—download Dri-Eaz Command Center Pro from Apple and Google Play stores.

For more information: 800-932-3030 |

The post May/June 2024 Restoration Showcase: Legend Brands appeared first on Cleanfax.

This exciting new thermo-hygrometer is packaged in a robust and ergonomically designed ABS case (patent pending) to provide a premium, tactile feel and intuitive user interface with dashboard-like display. The new Delmhorst EDGE app gives users the option to add names to each location and designate them as a location/room or dehumidifier. Additionally, users will be able to add notes to individual readings, view and filter all readings, and export readings to a CSV file. The HTX-30 makes the most challenging projects easier, less costly, and more efficient.

For more information: 877-335-6467 |

The post May/June 2024 Restoration Showcase: Delmhorst appeared first on Cleanfax.