RESTORATION NEWS

After retiring from a 21-year career in the U.S. Army, Dale Dohner, transitioned to a 23-year role in the restoration industry, focusing on teaching fire, water, mold, and biohazard restoration. Recognizing a gap in leadership training within this field, Dale emphasizes the importance of effective leadership, defining a leader as anyone responsible for the actions of others. The newsletter outlines 11 fundamental principles of leadership derived from military training, which include self-improvement, technical proficiency, accountability, leading by example, understanding team dynamics, clear communication, task supervision, fostering responsibility, teamwork, timely decision-making, and leveraging team strengths. These principles serve as the foundation for effective leadership, stressing that knowledge alone is insufficient; adherence to these principles is essential for leaders to truly succeed and inspire their teams.

The debate between street smarts and book smarts is particularly relevant in the restoration industry, where both knowledge and experience are vital for success. Professionals must excel in various areas, such as water, fire, mold, and bio restoration across diverse settings. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration, and Certification (IICRC) establishes essential technical standards, including ANSI/IICRC S500 for water restoration and S700 for fire restoration, which are crucial for best practices. Opportunities for self-improvement through training classes and hands-on experience during significant events are abundant. Ultimately, a balance of both street smarts and book smarts is necessary, with continuous self-improvement fostering growth and unlocking opportunities in this challenging and rewarding field.

In water damage restoration, accurately categorizing water loss is essential for effective remediation. The ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard defines water categories based on contamination levels, not color. Category 1: Sanitary water from a clean source, posing minimal health risks. Category 2: Contaminated water that may cause discomfort or illness. Category 3: Grossly contaminated water with harmful agents, posing significant health risks. Click the photo to read full article.