In my 34 years in the trenches of the restoration industry, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations. The technology, the techniques, and the scale of operations have all evolved dramatically.
But beyond these tangible changes, I’ve also observed a shift in the human element – in the way professionals interact, share knowledge, and support one another.
For this story to make any sense, I feel it is important for me to illustrate the differences from then to now.
Back when I first became a member of ASCAR which is now the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), things were different. The ASCAR membership directory wasn’t just a list of names and numbers – it was a gateway to a community. It contained addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers.
I remember reaching out to successful restoration companies, many of them multimillion-dollar enterprises, with questions about the business. I was careful not to say “I want to pick your brain,” a phrase that always struck me as a rather…unrefined way of asking for help.
I simply sought information that would help me navigate my way, and Lord knows I was operating a rudderless ship of a business at the time.
What I encountered was extraordinary. These industry giants, these CEOs of thriving companies, took the time – sometimes up to an hour or more – to answer my questions, share their insights, and offer guidance.
They made me feel welcome and instilled in me a sense of confidence in my position as the head of a growing restoration business. There was a camaraderie, a spirit of generosity that was truly inspiring. The one thing that was missing was that not once did these men refuse to help me.
Fast forward to today. The industry is larger, more complex, and more interconnected than ever before. Information is readily available, often at our fingertips. Yet, I’ve noticed a change, and perhaps it’s just my perception, but it seems that gratitude for the information and help one receives isn’t as prevalent as it once was.
Many newer restorers come to social media platforms sharing a picture or two of a job they are working on only to have others pile on like a grade school bully pile on. Whether it’s in response to questions on social media, during training classes, or in mentoring situations, expressions of appreciation seem less frequent.
This isn’t a blanket condemnation, of course. Many individuals and organizations continue to embody the spirit of generosity that I experienced early in my career. But I do believe this shift, this decline in expressed gratitude, has implications for the industry as a whole.
Why does this matter? Because the restoration business is built on relationships. It’s a high-stakes, demanding field where collaboration and mutual support are essential for success.
When someone takes the time to share their knowledge or offer assistance, it strengthens the bonds that hold our industry together. It fosters a culture of reciprocity, where professionals are willing to help each other because they know their contributions are valued.
Conversely, when gratitude is lacking, these bonds weaken. Generosity becomes less appealing. The free flow of information slows. And a sense of isolation can take root, hindering growth and innovation.
In an industry as challenging as ours, where businesses face constant pressures and uncertainties, a strong support network is crucial.
We need to be able to turn to each other for advice, guidance, and encouragement. And that support network is built on a foundation of gratitude.