In the ever-evolving world of construction, contractors who specialize in insurance repairs are discovering new ways to streamline their processes and improve efficiency. One such tool that's gaining popularity is AI, particularly ChatGPT, which is helping content creators like podcasters develop valuable resources for their audience. Imagine a contractor running a podcast for peers in the insurance repair industry. They want to cover a range of topics but find it challenging to structure their thoughts and create engaging episodes. With the help of AI, they can now generate detailed outlines, brainstorm ideas, and craft questions that resonate with listeners—all in a fraction of the time it would normally take. Here’s how AI, including tools like ChatGPT, is helping contractors and content creators alike: Contractors Using AI to Generate Episode Outlines and Scripts One of the biggest challenges content creators face is organizing their ideas into a clear, concise format. Contractors are using AI to create episode outlines for podcasts, ensuring they stay on topic and cover essential points. AI can quickly pull together relevant information, helping hosts focus on delivery rather than getting bogged down in research. For a podcast focused on insurance repairs, AI can suggest the latest industry trends, customer concerns, or even highlight legal updates, making the episodes more informative. Contractors Using AI to Enhance Communication with Clients Contractors are increasingly using AI to improve client interactions, whether that’s through automated chatbots or virtual assistants. These tools can handle routine customer queries about claims processes, timelines, or common project steps. By handling basic communication tasks, AI allows contractors to focus more on their core business operations, such as project management and delivering quality work. Contractors Using AI for Estimating and Project Planning AI is also transforming how contractors estimate costs and plan projects. By analyzing historical data and current market trends, AI can offer more accurate cost predictions and timelines, which is especially beneficial in insurance repairs where precision is key. For example, AI can suggest material costs, labor requirements, and even potential supply chain delays based on real-time data, helping contractors make better decisions. As contractors leverage AI to improve their daily operations, they’re also discovering its potential to help them create better content. Whether it’s structuring a podcast episode, answering common customer questions, or improving cost estimation, AI is proving to be a game-changer for the insurance repair industry. Listen to The DYOJO Podcast Episode 120 - Let the Structure Speak - the watch and hear how AI has helped these content creators enhance their creativity.
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This podcast clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 119 revolves around the risks and challenges faced by construction companies, particularly in the aftermath of storms. We discuss the importance of making informed decisions to avoid large financial losses and the pitfalls of not doing things correctly, both technically and politically.
We remind the audience of our prior series of episodes (starting with TDP 92) reviewing a case in Texas where a contractor sued a school district for non-payment after providing emergency services, highlighting the complexities and potential for bankruptcy. Our discussion also touches on the importance of authority and clear agreements in contracts. Listen to this Clip on Spotify Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTube Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify, Apple, and all platforms Read The DYOJO Blog - for additional information and sources Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve SUMMARY: The DYOJO Podcast discusses a $200 million wrongful death trial in Oregon over the fatal shooting of Freddie Nelson Jr. in a Lowe's parking lot by a security guard, Logan Gimble, who is now serving life for second-degree murder. Nelson had a verbal altercation with a Lowe's employee over pallets, despite having permission from store staff. Gimble, who was not authorized to carry a firearm, pepper-sprayed Nelson and his wife before shooting him. The trial involves the property management firm TMT and the security company Cornerstone, with arguments centering on de-escalation training and the high crime area of the parking lot. In recent years, many contractors have likely noticed heightened security measures at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. It’s becoming more common to see tools locked up and armed security personnel present. This shift raises an important question: What happens when an altercation involving security personnel escalates, leading to the use of force?
A tragic case from Oregon offers a sobering example of what can go wrong when security protocols and training fall short. The incident, now at the center of a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit, involves the fatal shooting of Freddy Nelson Jr. in a Lowe's parking lot in North Portland. The Incident On May 29, 2021, Freddy Nelson Jr. was shot and killed by Logan Gimbel, a private security guard employed by Cornerstone, the firm contracted to provide security at the Lowe's location. Nelson had an arrangement with a Lowe’s employee to collect and recycle broken pallets, but the property management company, TMT, had implemented a strict "zero tolerance" policy for any unauthorized activity on the premises. On the day of the incident, Nelson was in the parking lot to pick up pallets when Gimbel confronted him. The altercation quickly escalated. Gimbel pepper-sprayed Nelson and his wife, who was in the truck with him, and then fired four fatal shots through the windshield of Nelson’s vehicle as he attempted to drive away. Gimbel, now serving a life sentence for second-degree murder, was later found to be carrying a firearm he was not legally allowed to have as a security guard. The Civil Lawsuit Kari Nelson, Freddy’s widow, is now suing both TMT and Cornerstone, seeking $200 million in damages. Her attorney, Tom D’Amore, argues that the shooting could have been avoided if Cornerstone had provided better de-escalation training to its security personnel. He asserts that Gimbel's actions were unnecessary and that Cornerstone’s lack of proper supervision and training led to Nelson’s death. On the defense side, the case is complex. TMT’s attorney, Sharon Collier, acknowledged the tragedy but placed the blame on Cornerstone, claiming the security company did not follow TMT’s instructions to avoid engaging with Nelson. She explained that the Lowe's location was in a high-crime area known for drug activity and gang violence, which is why they hired Cornerstone in the first place. On the other hand, Cornerstone’s attorney, CJ Martin, admitted the company’s negligence but pointed out that Gimbel had passed all necessary background checks and training programs. She emphasized that Oregon law requires security personnel to prioritize de-escalation whenever possible, which she argues was not adequately considered under TMT’s zero tolerance policy. Lessons for Contractors and Business Owners For contractors and business owners, this case highlights several critical lessons when it comes to security on job sites and other properties. 1. Clear Communication and Policies: When property owners and contractors hire security companies, it’s essential to ensure there’s a clear understanding of policies and procedures. In this case, the lack of communication between TMT and Cornerstone regarding their handling of Nelson created confusion that may have contributed to the tragedy. 2. Proper Training for Security Personnel: The most important takeaway is the need for comprehensive, ongoing training in de-escalation techniques for security guards. Gimbel’s actions underscore what can happen when a situation is mishandled, leading to fatal consequences. If Cornerstone had provided better training, or if Gimbel had adhered to a de-escalation protocol, Nelson might still be alive today. 3. Liability and Risk Management: This case serves as a reminder that liability doesn’t just fall on the individual responsible for the incident—it can also extend to the companies that hired and trained them. Contractors, business owners, and property managers must vet the security firms they work with carefully, ensuring that proper safeguards and training programs are in place to prevent unnecessary escalation. 4. Balancing Security Needs and Safety: Finally, it’s essential to strike a balance between protecting property from theft and ensuring that security measures don’t endanger the safety of individuals. While security is crucial in areas with high crime, the policies and procedures guiding that security must prioritize the safety of everyone involved. Closing Thoughts The tragic death of Freddy Nelson Jr. is a sobering reminder of the importance of clear security protocols and proper training. As contractors and business owners continue to navigate the complexities of maintaining secure job sites, this case offers an important lesson in ensuring that those tasked with enforcing security are adequately trained to handle situations without resorting to unnecessary force. As the trial continues, it will be interesting to see how the jury weighs the arguments and assigns responsibility. What’s certain, however, is that this case will have lasting implications for how security companies and their clients handle risk, liability, and training moving forward. For those working in industries that rely on security partnerships, this case emphasizes the importance of making sure everyone understands their role and how to safely resolve conflicts before they turn tragic. Sources: Video - KPTV Fox 12 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DouSndVI4gI Article - CVN - https://blog.cvn.com/25m-trial-over-fatal-shooting-in-lowes-parking-lot-begins-watch-gavel-to-gavel-via-cvn In our next episode of The DYOJO Podcast, we’re diving into a tragic story that’s making headlines: the $200 million wrongful death trial in Oregon. This episode short will discuss the details related to a civil suit following a tragic Confrontation Between Armed Security and a Pallet Flipper at an Oregon Lowes. Nearly two years ago, Freddy Nelson Jr. was fatally shot in a North Portland Lowe’s parking lot by Logan Gimbel, a private security guard for Cornerstone, now serving a life sentence for second-degree murder. Nelson, who had an agreement with Lowe's to collect and sell unwanted pallets, was confronted by Gimbel, and things escalated quickly. The security company and the property management are now facing a civil trial related to their involvement in this tragic outcome. This incident raises critical questions about security practices and training—topics every contractor and business owner should be aware of. Tune in THIS THURSDAY (YouTube, Spotify, and Apple) for this important episode, where we break down the case and discuss the implications for security and risk management on job sites. Sources: Video - KPTV Fox 12 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DouSndVI4gI Article - CVN - https://blog.cvn.com/25m-trial-over-fatal-shooting-in-lowes-parking-lot-begins-watch-gavel-to-gavel-via-cvn You're Invited: Elevate Your Business at Our Exclusive Contractor Training Event in Vegas!8/20/2024 Are you a contractor, or do you work in a service-based business like water damage restoration, carpet cleaning, remodeling, or insurance claims? If you’re nodding your head, this invitation is for you. We get it—you’re always looking for ways to invest in your business, sharpen your skills, and grow your team. Well, we’ve got the perfect excuse (I mean reason) for you to head to Vegas in September! Join us for an unforgettable training experience that’s all about real-world, practical strategies to elevate your projects and your business. I’ll be presenting on the "3 Ps of Project Management," a powerful framework designed to help professionals like you build processes that deliver consistently great project outcomes. When everyone’s doing their own DANG job—well, that’s how champions are made, right? This isn’t just another seminar. We’ll be diving into actionable insights, discussing proven project management principles, and exploring simple tools that will empower your team to step up their game. Whether you’re looking to refine your current systems or find new ways to enhance your services, this training is going to give you exactly what you need to take things to the next level.
And did I mention it’s in Vegas? Imagine learning valuable skills while hanging out with other like-minded professionals and taking in everything the city has to offer. We’ll be working with principles from my book, So You Want to Be a Project Manager, to guide you through hands-on exercises and discussions that you can directly apply to your business. So don’t miss out—mark your calendar, pack your bags, and get ready to elevate your business. We can’t wait to see you in September at this one-of-a-kind event. Let’s grow together and become the champions our clients deserve! Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024 Time: 9:40 am - 10:40 am Location: Caesar's Forum Conference Center, Room 122, Las Vegas, NV Topic: The 3 Ps of Project Management – Real-World Strategies for Better Project Outcomes Secure your spot today! See you in Vegas! The water damage response and repair industry has emerged into the consumer discourse. But how many property restoration contractors are aware of the rich history of innovation and collaboration that have laid the groundwork their livelihood? In this episode we take a field trip into the past with Ron "Alfie" Alford and complete our recap of RIA 2024 with Ed Cross. In Episode 118 of The DYOJO Podcast 0:00 The 5th Water Damage Air Mover Made 12:49 Robust Conversations with Xactimate 18:16 History and Headway with the AGA 28:00 Becoming a Class A Contractor with Ron Alford References and guest appearances for this episode include: Sgt Ed from Restoration Crosscheck, video from Ron Alford, Cliff Zlotnik, Jim Thompson, Mark Springer, Katie Smith, excerpts from Ron Alford's book How To Win The Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon), prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast. The DYOJO Podcast for Contractors
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