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Construction Ethics, Shared Goals, and a Stronger Future

5/8/2025

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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 Recap
7:35 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 Rivas

​ Listen 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.
​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.  Read more on this exciting announcement. 
​
The RIA Scores a Legislative Win for Restorers in Texas!

The RIA will be working closely with Representative Campos over the several months to make revisions before the next legislative session and will share updates on our progress. Read more about this effort. 
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Get Ready to Pop Bubbles at the RIA 2025 Convention with The 5050 Challenge!

4/17/2025

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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:
  1. Grab a 5050 Challenge Postcard: At the convention, pick up your special postcard. One side features a U.S. map to track the states you’ve covered, and the other has space to jot down the names of the new folks you meet.
  2. Meet & Connect: Challenge yourself to meet 50 people from different states. Strike up a conversation, share a laugh, and exchange ideas. Whether you’re a veteran restorer or a newbie, this is your chance to expand your network.
  3. Snap & Share: Take a selfie with your new connection and post it on social media with the hashtag #5050RestoreChallenge. Spread the word and inspire others to join the fun!
  4. Submit for Swag: Fill out your postcard, drop it off at the designated spot, and you’ll be entered into a raffle for exclusive prizes. The more names and states you collect, the closer you get to networking glory!

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!
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Profit Through Connection: Elevating Your Business with Industry Engagement

3/20/2025

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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.
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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
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​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. 
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Making the Most of Industry Events and Tradeshows

4/28/2024

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Jon Isaacson's attempt to meet an RIA member from every state
Tradeshows are an excellent way to expand your knowledge and your network. Industry expos can also be socially awkward. Meeting new people can be harrowing. This is true whether you have been to several large events or you are attending your first convention. One creative way I have found to force myself to meet new people is to try to meet a member from every state at larger industry events. This practice gives me a goal, forces me out of my shell, and has opened up some fun conversations.

READ MORE: C&R Article - Embracing the Social Awkwardness of Industry Tradeshows 
WATCH the video recap (Below) 
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Embracing Awkwardness, Making the Most of Your Next Tradeshow

4/17/2024

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Tradeshows are an excellent way to expand your knowledge and your network. Industry expos can also be socially awkward. To maximize professional value you must embrace social awkwardness by pushing through personal discomfort. Be intentional to move yourself from attendee to participant. One creative way I have found to force myself to meet new people is to try to meet a member from every state at larger industry events. This practice gives me a goal, forces me out of my shell, and has opened up some fun conversations. 
A few suggestions to help professionals embrace social awkwardness and harvest more value from industry events:
  • Do your research and be intentional in maximizing your trade show experience. Be more than an attendee.
  • Set a goal to meet at least a dozen new people each day or set an objective to meet a peer from every state. Be more than an observer.
  • Follow up with your association to discover its history and volunteer in an area that is interesting to you. Be an active contributor.
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Passport Tips for the Property Restoration and Insurance Claim Contractors Convention

4/2/2024

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In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we share tips for making the most of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) annual convention and expo. This year it will be in Dallas, Texas, April 8 - 10, 2024. Watch and listen for several Passport Stops that will help you elevate your mindsets and habits as a contractor specializing with insurance claims and disaster recovery
In Episode 115 of The DYOJO Podcast 
0:00 Industry Issues & Drama 
4:48 Passport #1 9:57 Passport #3 
14:07 The DYOJO Audiobooks 
16:37 Passport #4 
19:12 Passport #5 
20:57 Passport #6 
23:34 Passport #8 
26:20 Property Restoration History 
31:53 Passport #11

Clips were used in this Episode from
* The RIA Martin L King Award introduction video
* Several prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast

Articles Cited Include
* A Brief Walk Through RIA History by Michelle Blevins (R&R Magazine)
* Founding Fathers of Restoration by Pete Consigli (RIA Website, C&R Magazine)
* Restoration’s History and the Modern Restorer by Jon Isaacson and Pete Consigli (Cleanfax Magazine)

LAST EPISODE
TDP 114 No One Wants to Work

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Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

MUSIC Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX
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    The DYOJO - helping contractors shorten
    ​their DANG learning curve


    Book #4 - AVAILABLE NOW - How To Suck Less  At Estimating. Habits for better project outcomes. 

    Book #4 - AVAILABLE NOW as a TRAINING COURSE through our friends at Restoration Technical Institute

    Book #3 - So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? is designed to help contractors with the mindset and habits for success in this role. 

    Book #2 - Be Intentional: Culture, is a collaborative publication discussing how the small things enhance or undermine your efforts to build a thriving culture. 

    Book #1 - Be Intentional Estimating, is the 5 star rated book that helps estimators produce more consistent outcomes in the insurance claims process. 

    ​Jon is the host of The DYOJO Podcast, helping the skilled trades to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. 

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