The GPS Podcast - Navigating Small Business Growth

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Ed Ross, Co-Founder of TradeMutt, to have a conversation about mental health in the trades that does not happen often enough.
The trades come with long hours, physical demands, and stress that take a real toll over time. Ed shares how TradeMutt started, the impact it is making, and why creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up matters now more than ever.
This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most important thing you can do is start a conversation.
 
Join the movement. Grab your TradeMutt gear and be part of Funky Shirt Friday: https://trademutt.com/
 
Join top leaders in the trades for advanced training and networking at The Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/3Nb53iW
 
 
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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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/
 
 

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Dooley, co-founder and CEO of Kahi, to discuss the future of restoration and how the next 3–5 years will reshape the industry.
The conversation dives into the growing role of data, technology, and AI in restoration, along with how these shifts are changing business models across the industry. Kevin shares practical insights on scaling, leadership blind spots, and how to think differently about operations, profitability, and team development.
Learn what it takes to build a business that is ready for what’s next.
 
Learn more about Kahi: https://kahi.io/
Register for The Violand Executive Summit: https://bit.ly/3Nb53iW
 
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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/
 

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Ross Driscoll Jr. of Driscoll & Driscoll and National E&S Insurance to discuss one of the most misunderstood parts of running a restoration company: insurance.
 
Ross explains the risks restoration contractors face today, the coverage gaps that often go unnoticed, and how changes in the insurance market are impacting restoration businesses across the country.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why many restoration companies are underinsured
• The biggest insurance risks facing contractors today
• How subcontractor agreements affect your coverage
• What proactive steps owners can take to reduce liability
 
Learn more about Driscoll & Driscoll Insurance: https://www.driscollanddriscoll.com/
 
Learn more about National E&S Insurance Brokers: https://nationaleands.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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Humber, President of Bravo Restoration & Construction, to talk about what it really looks like to take over a struggling restoration company and turn it into something sustainable and strong. Nicole shares the highs, the setbacks, and the leadership lessons that shaped her along the way.
 
This conversation is about resilience, culture, and what happens when you refuse to give up on your team.
 
Learn more about Bravo Restoration & Construction: https://www.bravorestoration.com/
 
Register for Restoration Project Management: https://bit.ly/violand-projectmanagement
 
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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Jackson, Founder and President of Liberty Restoration, to discuss what it takes to build a construction and restoration business you actually enjoy showing up to. Shawn shares how focusing on the right team, having fun, and being the expert in the room has shaped his leadership style and supported long-term growth.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why enjoying the work can be a competitive advantage, not a distraction• How being the expert in the room shifts conversations with customers and insurers• What to prioritize when building a team that supports long-term growth• How experienced leaders simplify decision-making as their business scales
 
Learn more about Liberty Restoration: https://www.liberty-restoration.com/
 
Register for Restoration Project Management: https://bit.ly/violand-projectmanagement
 
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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Hussey, Owner of United Fire & Water, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, culture, and growth in the restoration industry.
 
Kevin shares how his approach to leadership has evolved over time, why building the right team becomes critical as a business scales, and how focusing on data, accountability, and people has shaped the future of his business.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why strong culture becomes harder but more important as companies grow
How letting go of the wrong services and roles can unlock real growth
The difference between building systems and building leaders
 
Learn more about United Fire & Water: https://www.unitedfireandwater.com/
 
Register for Restoration Project Management: https://bit.ly/violand-projectmanagement
 
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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, Bre Schmitten, Digital Marketing Specialist at Violand, breaks down key considerations for hiring and managing a digital marketing agency in the trades and home services.
 
The conversation focuses on what digital marketing is actually responsible for, how to evaluate performance, and why many businesses feel disappointed even when reports look good. This episode helps clarify expectations around SEO, paid ads, lead generation, and results.
 
In this episode, you will learn:
• What metrics actually matter for service-based businesses
• Why more clicks and traffic do not always mean more jobs
• How to review marketing reports with more clarity
• What questions to ask before choosing a marketing partner
 
Download our Marketing Terms Guide: https://bit.ly/marketing-terms-guide
 
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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, advisor Josh Bachman builds on the fundamentals and dives into advanced business numbers that support better decision-making. The conversation focuses on trends, forecasting, cash flow, and key metrics — and how to use those insights strategically, not just understand them.
Takeaways:• Advanced metrics that influence smarter decisions• How to interpret trends instead of single data points• How cash flow and receivables impact performance• What to focus on once you’ve mastered the basics
 
Looking for support with your financials or overall business strategy? Connect with us here: https://violand.com/coaching-services-for-restoration-businesses-violand/
 
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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

In this episode of the GPS Podcast, advisor Josh Bachman helps owners get comfortable with their financials by breaking down the numbers in a simple, meaningful way. If you want to understand what your financials are really telling you, this conversation is the perfect place to start.
Takeaways:• How to interpret your P&L and core financial reports• What revenue, COGS, and expenses really say about performance• Common mistakes owners make when reviewing numbers• How to build a simple, effective financial review rhythm
 
Looking for support with your financials or overall business strategy? Learn more here: https://violand.com/coaching-services-for-restoration-businesses-violand/
 
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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/

What happens when restoration professionals find themselves on the other side of disaster? In this episode of the GPS Podcast, we talk with Justin Woodard of Woodard Cleaning & Restoration, Rhett Trotter and Jason Schroeck of Green Clean, and Tammy Stokes of Oklahoma Disaster Restoration about the unexpected reality of rebuilding after their own losses. They share how fires, tornadoes, and business interruptions tested their leadership, reshaped their teams, and deepened their empathy for clients.
 
You’ll learn:
• How to lead through chaos and uncertainty
• The financial and insurance lessons most owners overlook
• What it takes to rebuild trust, culture, and momentum after loss
 
Woodard Cleaning & Restoration: https://woodard247.com/
Green Clean: https://www.teamgreenclean.com/
Oklahoma Disaster Restoration: https://okdisaster.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
 
Follow us on socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViolandManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/violand-management-associates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violand_management/