The GPS Podcast - Navigating Small Business Growth

Inside the Restoration Industry: C&R Magazine’s Growth Story with Michelle Blevins

What does it take to buy a magazine and turn it into a leading voice in the restoration industry? Michelle Blevins, owner of C&R Magazine, shares her story of entrepreneurship, team building, and industry innovation. Learn about the challenges and rewards of running a media business in the trades, the power of great content, and the key issues facing restoration professionals today.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
Check out C&R Magazine: https://www.candrmagazine.com/
 
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The Power of Mentorship in Building The Best Restoration Business

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Jorge Villalobos of The Best Restoration. Jorge shares his incredible journey, from overcoming challenges as an immigrant to building a thriving company with a strong team and a commitment to quality.
 
Learn how mentorship has played a key role in Jorge's success, and discover strategies for finding the right mentors, fostering a supportive company culture, and scaling your restoration or carpet cleaning business for long-term growth. Get ready to be inspired by Jorge's story and gain valuable insights to help you achieve your own entrepreneurial dreams.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
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The Trades Industry & AI: What You Need to Know Now

AI is no longer a futuristic fantasy – it's transforming the trades today. In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we explore practical AI applications for small businesses in restoration, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Discover how to use AI to generate leads, improve customer communication, optimize operations, and even handle HR tasks. The time to implement AI into your business is now. Find out what you need to know to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
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Building a Multi-Million Dollar Restoration Business in Alaska

What does it take to build a thriving business in the challenging environment of Alaska? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Jeremy Hongslo, former owner of TCM Restoration, shares his inspiring story of leaving everything behind to live in a humble cabin and building a carpet cleaning business that evolved into a successful restoration company. Learn how he overcame obstacles, built a strong team, and discovered unique opportunities in the Alaskan trades industry.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
Register to complete the RIA Cost of Doing Business Survey: https://www.costofrestoration.com/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
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Owning a Plumbing Franchise: Real Sales & Business Talk

Curious about what it’s really like owning a plumbing franchise? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Randy Anderson, owner of Roto-Rooter of NE Alabama, to discuss the realities of running a successful plumbing business. Randy shares his journey from aerospace engineering to franchise ownership, his top sales strategies, and what it takes to build a team and grow a trades business in today’s market.
 
Learn more about Roto-Rooter of NE Alabama: https://www.rotorooter.com/albertvilleal/
Learn more about AON Water Technology: https://aonwatertech.com/
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
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Overcoming a Dark Past: Empowering Second Chances (Part 2)

Join us for the final part of our conversation with Willy Johnson, as he shares his inspiring story of transformation. Willy opens up about balancing family and business, building a supportive culture, the decision to sell his business, and his work with Montana Re-Entry, helping individuals reintegrate after incarceration. His journey is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the past, there’s always a path forward.
 
Learn more about Montana Re-Entry and how you can help support the cause: https://montanareentry.org/
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hJfqUz
Apple: https://apple.co/42EB8Vp
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40Ne6ZW
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q3viW7
iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/3Ene5o6
 
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Overcoming a Dark Past: The Road from Hardship to Leadership (Part 1)

What does it take to overcome a dark past and build a life of purpose and leadership? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we talk with Willy Johnson, Founder of Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration and Montana Re-Entry, who shares his powerful story of redemption. From a troubled youth to building a successful career and finding purpose in helping others, Willy’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of second chances.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, we explore Willy’s early struggles, his path to the trades, and how he began building a business that would change his life. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into his success as a business owner and leader.
 
Learn more about Montana Re-Entry: https://montanareentry.org/
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Register for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
Register for the RIA International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo: https://convention.restorationindustry.org/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@violandmanagement
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gps-podcast-navigating-small-business-growth/id1794350235
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fwc42iL7qUmVgmhFElDLU
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fccf1886-1c1e-4e72-8734-3f0f72d032ce
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/264022400
 
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Leadership, Legacy, and Giving Back | A Second-Gen Owner's Perspective

What does it take to lead a family business to success while giving back to the community? In this episode of Violand's GPS podcast, Craig Kersemeier, owner of K-tech, shares his journey as a second-generation business owner in the restoration industry. From serving on the boards of the IICRC and RIA to building K-tech Charities and raising millions for local causes, Craig offers invaluable insights. We explore the power of personal connections at trade shows, the challenges of leadership in family businesses, and the future of restoration. This inspiring conversation is packed with practical advice for small business owners and trades professionals.
 
Learn more about K-tech Kleening & Restoration: https://k-techkleening.com/
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
Get Early Bird Pricing for The 2025 Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/violand-summit
Register for the RIA International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo: https://convention.restorationindustry.org/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@violandmanagement
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gps-podcast-navigating-small-business-growth/id1794350235
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fwc42iL7qUmVgmhFElDLU
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fccf1886-1c1e-4e72-8734-3f0f72d032ce
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/264022400
 
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Shrinkflation, AI, and Winning in 2025 - Adapting to Industry Changes

Shrinkflation, AI, and the changing insurance market are reshaping the restoration industry. In this episode of Violand's GPS Podcast, Jeff Jones and Chris McQueen explore the biggest challenges restoration businesses face in 2025, including rising deductibles, cash jobs, and the need for smarter sales, marketing, and estimating strategies.
Discover how to adapt to industry changes, uncover new opportunities, and thrive in a tough market.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
 
Receive tools and proven strategies to boost profits, efficiency, and become a recognized Restoration Project Manager. Limited Spots – Register Today: https://bit.ly/violand-projectmanagement
 
Vote for the RIA Contractor's Choice Awards! Voting closes March 14: https://form.jotform.com/240175063990154
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@violandmanagement
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gps-podcast-navigating-small-business-growth/id1794350235
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fwc42iL7qUmVgmhFElDLU
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fccf1886-1c1e-4e72-8734-3f0f72d032ce
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/264022400
 
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Restoring After California Wildfires: Hard Lessons for Business Owners

In this episode of Violand's GPS podcast, host Jeff Jones and advisor Chris McQueen sit down with restoration veterans Kirk Prouse and Matthew Sharpe to uncover the realities of running a business during catastrophic events like the California wildfires. From scaling operations and managing customer expectations to navigating insurance hurdles and legal risks, they share hard-earned lessons and strategies for success. Discover how preparation, empathy, and strong leadership can make all the difference when disaster strikes.
 
Ready to reach the next level in your business? Schedule your free consultation: https://bit.ly/violand-coaching
 
Receive tools and proven strategies to boost profits, efficiency, and become a recognized Restoration Project Manager. Limited Spots – Register Today: https://bit.ly/violand-projectmanagement
 
Register for the RIA International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo: https://convention.restorationindustry.org/
 
Listen on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@violandmanagement
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gps-podcast-navigating-small-business-growth/id1794350235
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fwc42iL7qUmVgmhFElDLU
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fccf1886-1c1e-4e72-8734-3f0f72d032ce
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/264022400
 
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