Who's The Bigger Headache for Contractors: The Government or Insurance?

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 
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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."

• Set standards - Trade associations can develop codes of practice, complaint procedures, and procurement policies

• Promote business - Trade associations help businesses in their industry by improving business conditions, networking, and advocating for their interests
• Represent the industry -Trade associations speak for their members to the government, regulators, media, and other opinion leaders

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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/