Head Heart & Boots

Look—most of us in this industry have lived through tough stretches. When claim volume dries up or margins get squeezed, the gut reaction is to cut, freeze, survive. But Brandon and I are asking a better question: What if this slowdown is the wake-up call your business needed? This conversation is all about what to do now and how to build a company that thrives tomorrow. We're not peddling theory—we’re sharing the stuff we’ve seen work, and what we’re doing ourselves. Why you should listen: [08:29] Why the “gravy train” of program work is over—and what replaces it. [13:20] How to trim cost without cutting muscle: smart spend vs. emotional spend. [20:16] A full-time estimator for $1,400/month? Why offshore labor isn’t just for tech startups. [27:23] The #1 reason VAs and fractional hires fail—and how to fix it. [32:16] Still using mid-level PMs to babysit losses? There’s a better way. [46:26] In-house trades vs. subs: what costs you more when things slow down? [51:42] Fractional leadership: when to stop hiring full-time and start hiring smarter. [58:05] AI isn’t replacing your team—but it might replace your excuses. [63:52] Is your tradeshow spend actually doing anything? How to rethink it. [70:23] Want to fix a $500K revenue problem? Here's how to sell your way out. You’re not stuck. But you might need a new playbook. —Chris Thank you sponsors! Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

Brandon here. Look — I get it. Financial episodes don’t usually light people’s hair on fire. But this one? This one’s different. Chris and I sat down with Jim Emerich and Melissa Zinni from Backbone CFO — and I walked away with real answers to questions I’ve been wrestling with in my own business. This convo was way more than spreadsheets and P&Ls. We got into the real mindset traps that keep us stuck — and the strategic moves that can unlock margin and cash flow. Why you should listen: (34:42) Why business owners freeze — and how to break through indecision. (41:42) Controller vs. CFO — know the difference, save your business. (13:40) Expanding locations? Avoid the cash flow sucker punch. (47:43) What 20% profit actually looks like — and how to get there. (57:52) How one company saved $50K by ditching a bloated setup. (51:15) Self-insurance and group captives — the financial hacks nobody’s using. This one’s loaded with takeaways. If you're trying to scale smart and stop leaving money on the table, don't skip it. Thank you sponsors! Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

Hey friends, Brandon here. This one hit different. Chris and I sat down with Holden Looper, CEO of Blue Shield Environmental and second-gen leader in the Southeast Restoration family. Still in his 20s, Holden’s already building something of his own — with a foundation of grit, integrity, and values that run deep in his family’s business. We talked legacy, leadership, and how to do family business in a way that actually works. If you're navigating the generational handoff or raising kids in the business, this episode is a blueprint for how to do it with intention.   [00:04:00] – Thrown Into the Fire (Literally) [00:13:00] – Transparency at Home [00:41:45] – Launching Blue Shield Environmental [00:51:24] – Advice for Family Businesses   Thank you sponsors! Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

Hey friends this is Chris. In this episode, Brandon and I dive into the unique internal culture of 1Tom Plumber alongside guests Leah Hanlon (one of the OGs from Icon Restoration) and Alvaro Leal (Rocky's right-hand man). This isn’t just a recap of a Discovery Day or another 1Tom Plumber promo—it's a transparent look behind the curtain at how intentional culture creation drives growth, team loyalty, and operational excellence. There's a lot of real talk about leadership, trust, "failing forward," and fostering a tight-knit work family. [00:08:23] – Why Employees Stay (Leah’s Perspective) [00:15:25] – Fail Forward Culture [00:38:51] – Working Interviews: Secret Weapon  [00:51:56] – Hiring Systems and Final Takeaways   Thank you sponsors! Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

So we jumped into this episode to wrestle with something that's been front and center lately in our client work—and in our own Floodlight team:-Why isn't our “training” sticking?-Why do good people still hesitate or fall short after a solid onboarding or rollout? It’s because we’re mistaking knowledge transfer for skill transfer. Let me break that down. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this gap that keeps showing up—between what we think we’re doing as leaders and what’s actually happening in the trenches with our teams. And man, I’ll be honest… for a long time, I confused training with coaching. I thought if I gave a killer talk, showed the playbook, or laid down some well-crafted processes, then boom—problem solved. We’re off to the races. But that’s not how real transformation works. Not even close. [00:04:20] Training ≠ Coaching [00:10:20] The Ego Trap [00:15:14] Coaching Gold: The Wayne Story [00:34:08] Values = Leverage [00:46:03] Two Tactical Nuggets   Thank you sponsors! Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

What’s up, folks? It’s Brandon from Head, Heart, and Boots. In today’s episode, Chris and I sit down with James from LiveSwitch to talk about some seriously cool tech that’s changing the way businesses handle customer interactions—especially in the restoration game. This isn't just about fixing damage; it’s about making real, human connections when your customers are in crisis. If you’ve ever wanted a way to connect with people on a deeper level, especially when they’re stressed out and at their lowest, LiveSwitch is here to make that happen. [00:02:08] - What is LiveSwitch? [00:05:56] - Restoration Use Case [00:12:00] - Emotional Connection [00:16:33] - QR Code Lead Gen [00:20:20] - Sales & Training [00:40:30] - Pricing [00:45:42] - Accountability & Safety   Thank you sponsors! Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

Hey, it's Chris here. In today’s episode, Brandon and I tackle some essential truths about leadership and teamwork that you won’t want to miss. We discuss why emotional intelligence isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a core attribute of leaders who excel. We delve into what makes someone more than just a team member but a true asset to any group. We’ll show you why prioritizing character over technical skills in your hiring process can transform your team dynamics, and why trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships. Join us as we share personal stories and insights that highlight the power of human connections, especially important in our digital-first world. We wrap up with a focus on the soft skills that set exceptional leaders apart in an era where AI and automation are on the rise. Tune in to learn how to harness these insights to become a better leader and team player in today’s fast-evolving landscape. 06:32 - Building Team Chemistry 14:31 - Discussing Emotional Intelligence 21:38 - Hiring for Character 28:10 - Adapting in Business 34:28 - Fostering Trust and Connection 39:34 - Emphasizing Humanity in Business 56:49 - Leadership Superpowers for Tomorrow Thank you sponsors!  Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

Hey everyone, Chris here from the Head, Heart, and Boots podcast. In our latest episode, Brandon and I get really personal about the trials we face—not just as leaders but as individuals pushing through tough times. This episode really hits close to home for both of us. We're laying it all out there because transformation starts with being honest with ourselves and with you, our listeners. Episode Highlights: Confronting Challenges: We dive into how easy it is to feel like a victim of our circumstances and the profound impact it has on us. Brandon opens up about his recent struggles with injuries and how this has tested his mental fortitude and leadership. Stories of Strength: Inspired by the incredible tales from the Sean Ryan show, we reflect on the grit and resilience of military personnel, connecting their experiences to our own battles. The Silent Struggle: We discuss the crucial importance of mental health and having a support system, and how often people suffer in silence—reminding us all that it's okay to reach out. Choosing Action Over Inaction: The episode takes a turn into empowerment, as we talk about taking back control and stepping out of the shadows of victimhood through proactive choices and leadership.   Thank you sponsors!  Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance; partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions.  Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start AssessmentKnow Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

Dive into personal transformations and the importance of health as the hosts share their own fitness journeys. Discover game-changing sales strategies that prioritize foundational techniques over untested innovations. They explore the significance of client engagement through proactive outreach in the property management sector. Tips on maintaining consistency in sales and adapting to market shifts offer practical insights. Finally, the 'More, Better, New' framework introduces a fresh perspective on innovation and continuous improvement in business.

Hey everyone, Chris here. In this latest episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Alexus from Thomasville Restoration. She blew us away with her insights on reshaping recruitment and branding in the restoration industry. Trust me, this is an episode that truly revolutionizes how you think about team building and company identity. Here’s Why We Love This Episode: Innovative Recruitment Ideas: Alexus shares how Thomasville uses their branding strategies not just externally but as a core part of their recruitment. This approach attracts top talent and creates a workplace where everyone wants to be. Building a Magnetic Culture: We dive deep into how Thomasville integrates their brand values throughout every employee interaction, transforming their workplace culture into something genuinely inviting and cohesive. Engaging and Retaining Talent: Discover the creative and effective methods Thomasville employs to keep employee engagement high and loyalty even higher. Their approach makes the company's brand a living part of their employees' lives. Thank you sponsors!  Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don’t leave it to chance, partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned.  https://www.liftify.com/floodlight  AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions. Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry’s oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere.  https://candrmagazine.com  Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight  Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies