The GPS Podcast - Navigating Small Business Growth

Staffing is the biggest challenge in restoration and plumbing right now, and how you hire for each role matters more than most owners realize.
 
On this episode of the GPS Podcast, Violand coaches Kelley Dolan and Josh Bachman join Jeff to dig into hiring technicians, admins, salespeople, and bookkeepers, including sourcing strategies, referral programs, and the interview questions that separate strong candidates from the rest. Plus, a guest appearance from Karen Tuersley on hiring admins.
 
Stay tuned for part two!
 
Need help with your hiring process? Connect with our coaches for help at https://violand.com/connect/
 
 
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What does it take for an owner and general manager to stay aligned while leading both a restoration and plumbing business?
 
Tanya Doucet and Kent Sonnier of Restoration Pros and 1-Tom-Plumber share what they've learned from working together through growth, change, and plenty of tough calls. Tune in as they discuss communication, trust, employee development, and the day-to-day realities of leading two successful service businesses.
 
Learn more about Restoration Pros: https://www.restorationprosla.com/
Learn more about 1-Tom-Plumber of Lafayette: https://www.1tomplumber.com/lafayette-la/
 
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Growing a business is exciting. Growing too fast can create an entirely new set of challenges.
 
On this episode of the GPS Podcast, Shawn Folks, CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services, shares his experience taking over the family business and leading the company through a period of significant growth. Shawn and Jeff discuss the $22 million disaster project that changed the trajectory of the company, scaling operations, building culture, hiring and developing leaders, managing large-loss opportunities, and why taking care of your people remains the foundation of long-term success.
 
Learn more about Guarantee Restoration Services: https://www.guaranteerestoration.com/
 
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The pressure of ownership is real, especially when you're taking over the family business.
 
In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Summer Becker-Battles of Steamatic of Albuquerque and Santa Fe shares her experience navigating succession, learning the financial side of the business, developing leaders, and making difficult decisions along the way. The conversation is packed with practical lessons for current and future business owners.
 
Learn more about Steamatic: https://www.steamaticnm.com/
 
 
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There are patterns behind every successful restoration company.
In this episode, we're joined by Josh Miller, President of Rainbow Restoration, to talk through what he’s learned over years in the industry and now leading a national franchise. They cover leadership, team dynamics, and the decisions that impact growth over time.
If you're in restoration and looking to run a better operation, this is worth the listen.
 
Learn more about Rainbow Restoration: https://rainbowrestores.com/
 
 
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Sales reps and sales managers are on the same team—but that doesn’t mean they always see things the same way.
In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind the tension between reps and managers, why it happens, and what it takes to get aligned. Drawing from our Herding Cats article series, we share practical insights on how high-performing sales teams work through the friction and improve results.
 
Read the Herding Cats article series: https://www.candrmagazine.com/herding-cats-revealing-the-biggest-misconceptions-between-salespeople-and-their-manager/
 
 
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In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Darren Hudema of PuroClean to talk about the role technical skills and soft skills play in building a successful service business. With decades of experience in the restoration industry, Darren shares insights on training, standards, leadership, and why customer experience has become a key differentiator.
The conversation covers the gap between technical training and real-world performance, the value of hands-on learning, and how communication, empathy, and consistency shape the customer experience.
 
Learn more about PuroClean: https://www.puroclean.com/
 
Join top leaders in the trades for advanced training and networking at The Violand Executive Summit: https://violand.com/training-programs/executive-training/
 
 
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In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Tom Laska of ICC Restoration & Cleaning Services to talk about what separates restoration companies that stand the test of time.
Tom shares his experience building a business from the ground up, the challenges of hiring and developing the right team, and why focusing on quality, accountability, and culture matters more than chasing growth. The episode also highlights why sales continues to be a struggle for many companies and what owners need to think about to stay competitive.
 
Learn more about ICC Restoration & Cleaning Services: https://icchelps.com/
 
Join top leaders in the trades for advanced training and networking at The Violand Executive Summit
 
 
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In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Violand Business Advisors Josh Bachman and Bill Prosch to discuss one of the biggest frustrations in the restoration industry: getting paid on insurance work.
 
The conversation explores why collections really begin before the job starts, how contracts and communication impact payment, and what you can do to reduce delays, pushback, and unexpected payment reductions. Josh and Bill share practical insights on working with adjusters, setting expectations early, and building systems that improve cash flow without damaging relationships.
 
Connect with Violand to start a conversation about improving your processes, systems, and cash flow.
Join top leaders in the trades for advanced training and networking at The Violand Executive Summit
 
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In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Chuck Violand, founder of Violand Management, shares the hard‑earned lessons that only experience can teach. Chuck reflects on 40 years of building a business and the insights that continue to shape how he approaches leadership, growth, and success.
 
The conversation covers leadership blind spots, team dynamics, stalled growth, and the mindset shifts that help owners keep moving forward.
 
Join top leaders in the trades for advanced training and networking at The Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/3Nb53iW
 
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