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In the construction and restoration industry, clear communication is the foundation of getting paid for your work. A recent episode of The DYOJO Podcast, titled "Get Paid, Not Played: Managing Client Expectations as a Contractor," dives into a real-world case study that highlights the dangers of misaligned expectations and unclear agreements. The episode unpacks a troubling scenario where a contractor’s attempt to secure payment went awry, offering valuable lessons for contractors on how to protect their earnings and maintain trust with clients. The case study involves a homeowner who filed a hail damage claim after being alerted to the issue by a contractor. The contractor suggested the damage might be covered by insurance, which proved true when the claim was approved. However, tensions arose when the homeowner requested a straightforward estimate for roof replacement. The contractor refused to provide one unless the homeowner shared their insurance scope of work, insisting they deserved the insurance payout since they had flagged the damage. The homeowner, wary of this approach, stood firm, stating the insurance payout was their business. After pushback, the contractor released the homeowner from an outdated pre-work contract but then submitted a surprise $1,200 invoice for unapproved "temporary repairs" and demanded the insurance payment. The homeowner’s insurance adjuster had to intervene, shutting down the contractor’s demands. The homeowner had only paid $375 via Cash App to a technician for a minor fix, which raised red flags about the contractor’s practices. This scenario underscores a common frustration for contractors: investing time, resources, and expertise into assessments and documentation, only for the client to choose a cheaper competitor. As the podcast host explains, contractors often use tools like DocuSketch, detailed photo labels, and Xactimate estimates to create comprehensive claims that secure insurance payouts. When clients take this work and hire someone else, it feels like a betrayal. To mitigate this, some contractors use pre-work authorizations or letters of intent, outlining that their services—such as travel, documentation, and estimating—come with a cost if the client opts out. However, as this case shows, such agreements must be clear, current, and mutually understood to avoid disputes. The episode emphasizes the importance of a clear contract that defines responsibilities and expectations for both parties. A contract should outline what the contractor will do (e.g., assess damage, provide an estimate), what the client is responsible for (e.g., payment terms), and the agreed-upon scope and cost. Without this clarity, misunderstandings can escalate, as seen when the contractor sent a technician for a small repair, paid directly via Cash App, which the homeowner perceived as disorganized or unprofessional. The podcast suggests that contractors should communicate their process upfront, detailing potential outcomes—approval, denial, or partial coverage—and how each will be handled. This transparency builds trust and reduces the risk of surprise invoices or disputes. Another key takeaway is the need for a code of ethics in the industry. The host references the Restoration Industry Association’s Code of Ethics and advocates for a standard of restoring properties to pre-loss conditions using materials of like kind and quality. This principle, dubbed "letting the structure speak," guides contractors, adjusters, and clients toward a shared goal: repairing damage based on its source and extent. By aligning all parties around this standard, contractors can avoid gray areas—like unapproved repairs or inflated invoices—that erode trust. The episode also highlights the contractor’s perspective: the frustration of feeling taken advantage of by clients who benefit from their expertise but don’t commit to the job. To address this, contractors should screen clients carefully and set expectations early, positioning themselves as trusted partners. The host suggests using scenarios like this as training opportunities to refine communication strategies and ensure alignment with clients who value their expertise. Ultimately, getting paid as a contractor requires proactive communication, clear contracts, and ethical practices. By setting the tone early, documenting agreements, and adhering to industry standards, contractors can avoid the pitfalls of surprise invoices and unpaid work, ensuring they get paid—not played. 
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Are you ready to shake things up at the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) 2025 Convention and Industry Expo in West Palm Beach, Florida, from April 28-30? The DYOJO Podcast and C&R Magazine are thrilled to unveil the 5050 Challenge—a fun, engaging, and industry-uniting initiative that’s about to take networking to the next level! If you haven’t heard of the #5050Restore challenge, buckle up because this is going to be exciting! What is The 5050 Challenge? Dreamed up by Jon Isaacson, host of The DYOJO Podcast, the 5050 Challenge is all about bursting bubbles and building connections in the property restoration and insurance industry. Last year, Jon tested the waters, and now we’re going BIG at RIA 2025! The goal? Meet 50 new people from 50 different states (or as many as you can!) during the convention. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, pop those industry cliques, and welcome new faces—whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time attendee. Why does this matter? The RIA Convention broke records last year for attendance, with a huge wave of first-timers joining the ranks. The 5050 Challenge is your ticket to embracing the incoming generation of contractors, sharing wisdom, and forging new relationships that could spark collaborations, ideas, or even lifelong friendships. Plus, you might just win some awesome swag in the process! How The 5050 Challenge Works We’ve made it super easy (and fun) to join the challenge:
Why You Should Join The 5050 Challenge The restoration industry is tight-knit, but let’s be real—we all gravitate toward our familiar groups. The 5050 Challenge is a reminder to break out of those bubbles. As Michelle Blevins, owner of C&R Magazine, puts it, “This is a good challenge because we do kind of all go into our groups. The industry is so small, so if you walk into a room, you can see where the groups of friends are. I’m certainly guilty of that.” For industry vets, it’s a chance to mentor and welcome newcomers. For first-timers, it’s an opportunity to push boundaries and connect with the pros you’ve read about in C&R Magazine or heard on The DYOJO Podcast. And for everyone, it’s a way to make the RIA Convention unforgettable. Jon Isaacson sums it up perfectly: “Those of you that have been in the industry, get out of your bubble. Meet some new people. Embrace the incoming contractors and generations. And those of you that are new, keep pushing people to burst their bubbles. Pop bubbles. That’s what we’re trying to do.” Why C&R Magazine and The DYOJO Podcast? C&R Magazine, the oldest trade publication in the cleaning and restoration industry, and The DYOJO Podcast, the go-to resource for shortening your “DANG learning curve,” are proud to team up for this initiative. Both are passionate about elevating the industry through education, advocacy, and community. C&R delivers cutting-edge insights from industry thought leaders, while The DYOJO Podcast brings practical tips and stories to help contractors thrive. Together, they’re the perfect duo to launch a challenge that’s as fun as it is impactful. Join The DYOJO and C&R Magazine at RIA 2025! The RIA 2025 Convention and Industry Expo is the premier event for property restoration and insurance professionals to network, learn, and grow. With the 5050 Challenge, you’ll make the most of every moment—meeting new people, winning swag, and leaving with a network that spans the country. So, are you ready to pop some bubbles? Mark your calendars for April 28-30, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Grab your ticket, follow #5050RestoreChallenge on social media, and get ready to connect like never before. As Jon would say, “Skibbidy, restorers!” Let’s make this convention the most connected yet. For more details on the RIA 2025 Convention, visit convention.restorationindustry.org. To dive into industry insights, check out C&R Magazine at candrmagazine.com and tune into The DYOJO Podcast at thedyojo.com/podcast. See you in Florida! Last year the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) broke records for total attendance as well as attendance by first-time members. The RIA annual convention and expo will be hosted in West Palm Beach, Florida April 28 -30, 2025. Now is the time for professionals to connect, collaborate, and conquer their shared goals. In this bonus episode, we discuss three special events restoration contractors won't want to miss from this year's annual convention and expo. Get out of your comfort zone with the 50/50 Challenge The restoration industry thrives on strong relationships, and the 50/50 Challenge is here to make networking easier, more effective, and a whole lot more fun. Whether you’re looking to connect with fellow professionals, exchange insights, or explore new opportunities, this initiative is designed to help you meet 50 people from 50 states—one handshake at a time. Learn more about this collaboration between C&R Magazine and The DYOJO.  The Charitable Roast of Pete Consigli Join us for a memorable evening as RIA hosts a hilarious roast of Pete Consigli at the Palm Beach Country Convention Center. Tickets to this lighthearted event include a delicious plated dinner, appetizers, a cash bar, and an unforgettable comedic roast by friends and industry peers. Buy your tickets HERE  Restoration Industry Position Statements As the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) continues their efforts to level the playing field for contractors, there are countless hours of volunteer labor that drive these initiatives. One tangible result from hearing the shared issues of restoration contractors and working toward creating a more sustainable environment are the many position statements published by the RIA. "A position statement is a formal document developed by an organization, such as the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), to clearly articulate its stance on specific issues or practices relevant to the industry. It reflects the collective expertise and consensus of industry professionals and provides information on best practices and operational procedures. The documents are peer-reviewed, including review by relevant third-party stakeholders. Position statements are designed to inform the actions of industry members, support professional conduct, and promote consistency and quality in the services provided by restoration contractors. While they are not legally binding, they serve as authoritative, consensus-based documents." Read more about the RIA position papers. NAICS Code for Emergency Restoration Services The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is proud to announce the formal submission of a request to the federal government for the establishment of a new six-digit NAICS code—624231: Emergency Restoration Services—as part of the 2027 NAICS review. This initiative, led by the RIA NAICS Code Task Force, a group that originated from the AGA Legislative Task Force, represents a major step forward in securing proper recognition for the specialized and time-sensitive work performed by restoration professionals. Read more on this exciting announcement.  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 Apple Watch 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. WATCH the episode clip on YouTube LISTEN to the full episode on Spotify How Long will it take to Rebuild Los Angeles? Interesting perspectives from podcaster and former skilled trades worker Adam Corolla on some of the red tape homeowners will have to work through during the rebuild. The recent LA wildfires have caused immense damage to the California coast and inland properties but insurance companies won't be the only hurdles homeowners, contractors, and related parties will have to navigate. Watch the 2 minute video from The Adam Carolla Show - https://www.facebook.com/adamcarolla/videos/adam-carolla-returns-to-malibu-and-gives-us-a-lesson-in-septic-systems/958797433109028/ State Farm Plays Games (AGAIN) with Water Protocols State Farm is being sued in California for their internal water damage protocols. Read more in the Merlin Law Group blog post on this topic - https://www.propertyinsurancecoveragelaw.com/blog/state-farms-water-protocol/ On the surface this case isn't different than hundreds of others contractors, policyholders, and advocates have heard about. But, this line in the article is of note, "The court has already compelled discovery but allowed a protective order to shield certain alleged proprietary documents from broader public disclosure." If the case can shed further light on obscure claims practices it could be a big win for those wanting their insurance companies to do what they said they would do when they sold the policy. 11 People You Should Never Trust We elaborate on a few of these principles and how they apply to construction team dynamics. The list of people you should never trust includes: Chronic Liars, Gossipers, Attention Seekers, and Perpetual Victims. Do these traits exist within the skilled trades, they sure do. Watch this short video - https://youtube.com/shorts/tMu7H1x71pU?si=-kXHLSL4BDR5o0Xp What is a Trade Association? A simple Google search reveals, "A trade association is a group of businesses in a specific industry that work together to promote their shared interests. They may also be called business associations, industry trade groups, or sector associations."
A conversation recently came up on social media asking whether the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) doing it's part to help restoration contractors "level the playing field". From the RIA website Our Vision: A Unified Voice for the Restoration Professional Our Mission: Educate, Advocate, Elevate The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the leading international network of restoration professionals protecting the interests of the industry by tackling shared challenges and providing access to resources and opportunities to help you elevate your business. We encourage members of the property restoration industry to research the RIA. Understanding that a trade association is only as strong as its members, first in number which relates the the power behind the "voice of the industry" and second in engagement which relates to contractors volunteering their time to outline initiatives and do the work behind the scenes to gain momentum on those issues. The RIA 2025 Convention and Expo is coming up at the end of April in West Palm Beach, Florida. More information about the 2025 RIA Convention & Expo - https://convention.restorationindustry.org/ 50 States, 50 Faces Challenge C&R Magazine and The DYOJO Podcast challenge you to challenge yourself to meet at least 12 new peers at the RIA Convention and Expo. This challenge can be applied to any industry event you and/or your team attends. One of the greatest value additions attendees receive from conferences is the ability to expand and extend their professional network. Participants can help us promote the challenge by posting on social media as well as be entered for a prize. #Restore5050 Read about last years effort and prepare yourself for this years challenge - https://www.candrmagazine.com/embracing-the-social-awkwardness-of-industry-tradeshows/ This clip from Episode 123 of The DYOJO Podcast discusses tips for training team members to minimize the impact of mistakes in the field. In episodes 121 and 122 of The DYOJO Podcast, we delve into the fundamentals of construction project management. While these basics might not be groundbreaking, they are essential: managing a project successfully means keeping it on scope, on budget, and on schedule. These are non-negotiables in the construction industry. For those looking to advance in construction trades or project management, mastering what we call the "Three P's" is crucial for consistent outcomes:
The Role of Management in Career Progression A key lesson from the podcast is the advice given early in one’s career: "Make your boss's job easier." This principle holds true for everyone in the industry; helping your immediate supervisor succeed can lead to mutual benefits. However, it's crucial that this effort is recognized, leading to promotions or at least acknowledgment. If not, it might be time to seek opportunities elsewhere. Transparency and Proactivity One of the core principles discussed on the podcast from the book "P2T: Preparing to Thrive in the Modern Workforce" is the importance of no surprises. If a mistake occurs, it should be communicated immediately to allow the team to address it proactively rather than reactively. This approach not only maintains trust but can enhance it, turning potential negatives into positive outcomes. Real-Life Example: A scenario shared involves a missing lamp which turned out to be broken by a subcontractor. The proactive approach would have been to inform the customer immediately about the accident and propose a solution, rather than hiding the issue, which could lead to loss of trust. Conclusion The DYOJO Podcast emphasizes that while mistakes are inevitable, it's the management of these errors that defines a team. By fostering an environment of transparency and proactive problem-solving, teams can not only mitigate the impact of mistakes but also strengthen client relationships. Looking Forward:
The podcast encourages attendees at these events to expand their networks, suggesting a challenge to meet representatives from every state to broaden one's industry connections. Visit dyojo.com/podcast for more episodes and insights into enhancing your career in construction and project management.  |
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