Best Jon Isaacson / The DYOJO Podcasts (2025)

1
124 Construction Ethics, Shared Goals, and Building a Stronger Future 37:47

7d ago37:47

37:47

A few of the questions and topics we will discuss in this episode of The DYOJO Podcast include: * What is the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)? * Should contractors join the RIA? * Is the RIA doing a good job? Episode 124 of The DYOJO Podcast "Construction Ethics, Shared Goals, and a Stronger Future"0:00 More American 1:40 RIA 2025 Recap7:35 …

1
Get Paid, Not Played: Managing Client Expectations as a Contractor 22:04

21d ago22:04

22:04

In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast, we explore a case study where a contractor’s attempt to secure payment backfired due to unclear communication and a surprise invoice. After alerting a homeowner to hail damage, the contractor demanded the insurance payout and submitted an unapproved $1,200 invoice, sparking a dispute. The episode highlights the…

1
Profit Through Connection: Elevating Your Business with Industry Engagement 14:01

2M ago14:01

14:01

The discussion in this bonus episode of The DYOJO Podcast emphasizes the importance of trade association involvement, highlighting the upcoming RIA International Restoration Convention and Expo in West Palm Beach from April 28-30. The event will feature member-driven initiatives, including position papers on best practices and ethical standards. Th…

1
Court Orders Insurance Company to Reveal SOME of Their Claims Tricks 6:19

2M ago6:19

6:19

Will a California Court Finally Follow Through? In this clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 123, Jon Isaacson dives into a heated legal battle between Tong and State Farm Insurance over a denied water damage claim. While claims games, tricks, and denials is nothing new, the discussion unpacks escalating tensions, including allegations of discovery …

1
Who's The Bigger Headache for Contractors: The Government or Insurance? 25:10

2M ago25:10

25:10

Are you a contractor caught in the crossfire of red tape and denied claims? In our latest podcast, Who's The Bigger Headache for Contractors: The Government or Insurance?, we will review two headlines that discuss this complex issue. Not surprisingly, these two rebuild issues both are hatched in the beautiful state of California. While the land and…

1
Who Broke My Lamp?! Training team members to minimize the impact of mistakes 13:49

3M ago13:49

13:49

This clip from Episode 123 of The DYOJO Podcast discusses tips for training team members to minimize the impact of mistakes in the field.

1
Essential Project Communications 3:05

3M ago3:05

3:05

The DYOJO Podcast episode 122 focuses on project management, offering resources for career development and team guidance. Host Jon Isaacson promotes a book for aspiring project managers and another for entry-level professionals, emphasizing their utility for company growth. The podcast discussion highlights the importance of a master noting system …

1
122 Intro to Construction Project Management 31:12

4M ago31:12

31:12

In Episode 122 of The DYOJO Podcast we dive into the fundamentals of construction project management, breaking down what it takes to complete projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Listeners will learn about key milestones like understanding the contracted scope, meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, ensuring site safety, and keeping clients …

1
Six Keys to Success for Construction Project Managers 6:29

5M ago6:29

6:29

This clip from Episode 122 of The DYOJO Podcast introduces six keys to success for construction project managers. The discussion emphasizes the importance in completing tasks on scope, budget, and schedule. The video highlights the multifaceted role of project management. Key milestones for success include delivering the agreed-upon scope, meeting …

1
Mastering Construction Project Management: Staying on Scope, Budget, and Time 9:07

5M ago9:07

9:07

This video clip from Episode 121 of The DYOJO Podcast emphasizes the importance of project management, stressing the need to complete projects on scope, on budget, and on time to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction. It highlights the challenges in planning, executing, and adapting to changes, and the consequences of failing to meet these…

1
121 The Project Management Carousel: Navigating Construction's Challenges 25:45

6M ago25:45

25:45

Episode 121 of The DYOJO Podcast focuses on the challenges of project management in construction, emphasizing the need for profitability and customer satisfaction. Key metrics for success include completing projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Various scenarios of lackluster outcomes were examined, such as projects that are on budget and on s…

1
Three Ways to Ruin a Construction Project (and How to Prevent Them) 6:06

6M ago6:06

6:06

This clip from an upcoming episode of The DYOJO Podcast (#121) centers on common pitfalls in construction project management, emphasizing the importance of completing projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Host Jon Isaacson highlights that failure in any one of these areas can lead to negative outcomes, affecting both financial performance and …

1
120 Let the Structure Speak During the Insurance Claims Process 33:43

7M ago33:43

33:43

Episode 120 of The DYOJO Podcast focuses on the importance of contractors, homeowners, and insurance representatives letting the structure speak during the insurance claims process. The discussion emphasizes the restoration triangle involving policyholders, contractors, and insurance companies. Stressing the need for thorough data capture (TDC) to …

1
Protecting Your Construction Company 7:37

7M ago7:37

7:37

This podcast clip from Episode 119 revolves around the risks and challenges faced by construction companies, particularly in the aftermath of storms. We discuss the importance of making informed decisions to avoid large financial losses and the pitfalls of not doing things correctly, both technically and politically. We remind the audience of our p…

1
Can Insurance Companies Fake the Claim Facts? 7:27

7M ago7:27

7:27

The conversation in this podcast clip, from Episode 119 of The DYOJO Podcast, revolves around the issue of insurance companies potentially altering claim estimates to pay out less than the actual damage. We discuss how independent adjusters, who document damages and write estimates, find their work significantly reduced by insurance representatives…

1
119 Falsifying Insurance Claims 31:55

7M ago31:55

31:55

The conversation revolves around the issue of insurance claims fraud, where independent adjusters allege that insurance companies manipulate damage estimates to save costs. The discussion highlights a case where an adjuster's initial damage estimate was altered, with the adjuster's name still attached, leading to significant financial discrepancies…

1
Tragic Incident at an Oregon Lowes 5:41

8M ago5:41

5:41

The DYOJO Podcast discusses a $200 million wrongful death trial in Oregon over the fatal shooting of Freddie Nelson Jr. in a Lowe's parking lot by a security guard, Logan Gimble, who is now serving life for second-degree murder. Nelson had a verbal altercation with a Lowe's employee over pallets, despite having permission from store staff. Gimble, …

1
Testing Contractor Competency 19:48

11M ago19:48

19:48

How does a consumer know whether a contractor is competent enough to complete remodeling and repair work? Author Ron Alford provides insights into the four types of contractors in his book, designed for property owners, titled How to Win the Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon). In this video we review those four types of contractors, Ron's t…

1
118 Porta Dryer Number 5 - Water Damage History 33:24

12M ago33:24

33:24

The water damage response and repair industry has emerged into the consumer discourse. But how many property restoration contractors are aware of the rich history of innovation and collaboration that have laid the groundwork their livelihood? In this episode we take a field trip into the past with Ron "Alfie" Alford and complete our recap of RIA 20…

1
117 Xactimate Apologizes to Restorers 30:47

1y ago30:47

30:47

We recap some of the highlights from the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Expo with our friend Ed Cross. Items of interest for property restoration contractors include an apology from the stage by Xactimate/Verisk and a face the advocate with four TPAs from the insurance claims ecosystem; Contractor Connection, Alacrity, Sedgew…

1
116 What Do Customers Know 24:42

1y ago24:42

24:42

We know customers aren’t always right. Yet, how come in insurance claims, property restoration, and construction projects we perpetuate this mantra of, “Do right by the customer”? In Episode 116 of The DYOJO Podcast, we will review whether this mindset leads to the positive project outcomes that all parties are looking for. In Episode 116 of The DY…

1
115 Property Restoration and Insurance Claim Contractors Convention 37:17

1y ago37:17

37:17

In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we share tips for making the most of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) annual convention and expo. This year it will be in Dallas, Texas, April 8 - 10, 2024. Watch and listen for several Passport Stops that will help you elevate your mindsets and habits as a contractor specializing with insurance claims…

1
114 No One Wants to Work 26:55

1y ago26:55

26:55

In this episode of The DYOJO Podcast we review an interesting scenario where a podcast host gets called out or canceled for comments made regarding paid time off on Tik Tok. By doing so, we unravel some of the ways employers and employees can create better outcomes in the workplace. We confront mindsets and habit from old school mindsets, young pro…

1
113 Learning from Job Description and Interview Fails 31:22

1y ago31:22

31:22

Business owners and managers complain about the lack of quality applicants and employees who won't stick around. We take a look at some examples of terrible job descriptions for ways construction professionals can better navigate the recruitment process. We will also review some clips of hilariously bad job interviews for ways modern businesses can…

1
Standing Out in a Job Interview - Tips for Employers and Employees 5:24

1+ y ago5:24

5:24

For those of you watching, who are actually preparing for an interview, we will help you Prepare 2 Thrive. For those business owners, managers, parents, and educators, you will want to share this information with young professionals preparing for interviews. What we discuss in this video will help job seekers stand out and thrive in a job interview…

1
Structuring Your Business for Growth - TDP 22 Replay PLUS 25:48

1+ y ago25:48

25:48

We take a trip down memory lane with a REPLAY plus of Episode 22 of The DYOJO Podcast. We discussed growing your business without compromising your values with guest Lex Sisney, author of Organizational Physics and Designed to Scale. In this BONUS Episode 0:00 Jon is traveling to Winter Break 4:12 Review of an old episode 8:51 Business structure vs…

1
Rethinking Outdated Job Descriptions 6:59

1+ y ago6:59

6:59

When was the last time you reviewed and updated your job descriptions? Do they reflect what you value as an organization? Do they accurately reflect the roles and responsibilities of the position you are hiring for? Do they map out a path to success for the recruit as well as the supervisor? In this short clip from Episode 112 of The DYOJO Podcast,…

1
Finding good construction hires from unique sources 7:57

1+ y ago7:57

7:57

We put the question back to you in the DYOJO Podcast audience - where have some of your best hires come from? Some people hire from the franchise system thinking, "Well, if I'm in this franchise system, and they're in this franchise system, they could plug and play." Has this worked for you? A lot of contractors try to hire someone who has worked f…

1
Ep 112 Create a Competitive Business Advantage in 2024 22:41

1+ y ago22:41

22:41

IN EPISODE 112 of THE DYOJO PODCAST: 0:00 Old contractor vs New contractors 2:04 Using Xactimate for Insurance Claims 4:02 Understanding Millennials with Tony Canas 9:06 Improving the Hiring Process 13:51 Creating a Pathway to Success 19:05 Preparing 2 Thrive Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curv…

1
Xactimate is a Claims Estimating Language (Clip from Ep 111) 9:45

1+ y ago9:45

9:45

Contractors are frustrated with the insurance claims process. Many have found their villain in the various estimating software programs. Of particular note, Xactimate draws the ire of property restoration contractors. One doesn't have to search far to find a social media rant about the inefficiencies of estimating tools. BUT, has the listener ever …

1
Invest In Yourself 3:46

1+ y ago3:46

3:46

Nicole Humber, CEO of Bravo Restoration in Windsor, California, joined the DYOJO Podcast to share some inspiring words for aspiring construction professionals. Nicole says, "If you don't have a leader that is invested in your growth, then you have to invest in yourself." Hear more from Nicole and others on Episode 110 of The DYOJO Podcast as we dis…

1
111 A Simple Formula for Better Construction Estimates 30:56

1+ y ago30:56

30:56

Our deep thoughts for construction estimators are brought to us this week by Norm Foster in his book, first published in 1961, Construction Estimates from Take-off to Bid. In this helpful book, Mr. Foster reminds contractors that, “A good estimate is built around a good set of quantities and a proper feeling for cost, rather than being a by-product…

1
110 Record Breaking Charitable Contractors 32:07

1+ y ago32:07

32:07

This week we will discuss record-breaking efforts by contractors who care for their local communities. We will share some creative ways business owners and managers can connect with clients and engage their employees. In This Episode #110 0:00 Contractors break charitable record 0:56 Creative community and team engagement 5:40 SOCKTember 2023 resul…

1
109 Billions for Construction Rehabilitation from President Biden 19:48

1+ y ago19:48

19:48

Episode 109 of The DYOJO Podcast, we are talking about construction opportunities. Our main story centers around an October 16, 2023 announcement from the White House. This press release outlines new actions on home ownership including $16 billion dollars designated for housing and rehabilitation. CONSTRUCTION STORIES: President Biden proposed $16 …

1
108 Crime & Construction - Contractor Burns Truck to Cover Fraud? 17:22

1+ y ago17:22

17:22

On Episode 108 of The DYOJO Podcast, we are talking about crime and construction. Our main story centers around a burning truck, a missing contractor, and millions of dollars for housing developments being unaccounted for. STORY: Today's construction crime, developer Bret Detamore allegedly faked his disappearance for nearly a week and burned his b…

1
Ep 107 Cashing in on Insurance Claims 41:52

1+ y ago41:52

41:52

Paul Donald, CEO of Encircle and MANY others join us to discuss how to position your team to cash in on insurance claims and storm response. We will go behind the scenes of IAQ Radio and review lessons learned from industry pioneers and contractor networking events. IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 SOCKTember 2023 7:00 Fall PNW Contractors Symposium 10:46 Lea…

1
Ep 106 Productivity Part 2 - Accountability & Leadership 26:21

1+ y ago26:21

26:21

Everyone talks about ACCOUNTABILITY, but what does it mean to create it within an organization? Our guest Geoff Lawson (Auburn, WA) shares his experiences with hiring, training, and developing skilled trades teams. In part two of this discussion on productivity, we will dive into elements such as: * Developing your leadership skills * Collaborating…

1
Becoming Better Managers 8:36

2y ago8:36

8:36

Our guest Geoff Lawson and host Jon Isaacson discuss examples from relational leaders in their career experiences that helped them develop their own approaches to becoming better managers. Hear more on Episode 105 of The DYOJO Podcast titled Productivity Part 1 - Training and Expectations. Excerpt from "So, You Want To Be A Project Manager" by Jon …

1
Ep 105 Productivity Part 1 - Training & Expectations 33:52

2y ago33:52

33:52

Productivity leads to profitability. Our guest Geoff Lawson (Auburn, WA) shares his experiences with hiring, training, and developing skilled trades teams. In part one of this discussion on productivity we will dive into elements such as: Training team members to excel Reducing friction through clear expectations Increasing profitability by underst…

1
Ep 104 Busy But Bankrupt 37:45

2y ago37:45

37:45

What factors cause contractors to lose their businesses? We discuss some of the unique challenges restoration contractors face when working on insurance claims as well as some of the creative solutions that have helped our guest Brendon Rumsey grow by twenty percent annually. In Episode 103 Bredon shared the interesting story of how he wandered int…

1
Understanding Contractor Costs and Pricing 4:38

2y ago4:38

4:38

As a continuation of our discussion with Brendon Rumsey (Rumsey Construction & Restoration, South Carolina) from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 103, we elaborate on: The importance of contractors understanding their costs (Direct and Indirect) so that they can customize their pricing to meet their goals. The value of meeting locally with other contracto…

1
Ep. 103 Defensible or Defensive? 33:47

2y ago33:47

33:47

Is your position defensible or are you just being defensive? Our guest Brendon Rumsey, Rumsey Construction & Restoration (South Carolina) joins us to discuss some of his experiences with getting into property restoration (insurance claims), collaborating with local contractors, and learning to defend your pathway to profitability as a contractor. I…

1
Special Event - PNW Water Damage Claims Symposium 1:34

2y ago1:34

1:34

Are you a contractor in the Pacific Northwest (PNW)? We are hosting our first half-day water damage and insurance claims symposium in Edmonds, Washington on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. This event will feature three Ted-talk style presentations from subject matter experts. Joyce Gabriel - Landall (Tacoma) and Expert (Olympia) Colby Wynn - Affordable Res…

1
The Power of Being a Connected Contractor 10:58

2y ago10:58

10:58

We discuss the power of contractors connecting at the local, regional, and national levels. Our guest Brendon Rumsey (South Carolina) discusses his experiences with starting a local contractor's networking group, utilizing resources from the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), and defending his business practices in court. In This Video: 0:00 D…

1
Ep 102 Building A Strong Local Construction Brand 29:58

2y ago29:58

29:58

Contractors face many challenges. Friend of the show, Michelle Blevins, returns for Episode 102 of The DYOJO Podcast to discuss some creative ways employers and managers can better engage their community as they build a local brand. Michelle discusses authentic leadership, the importance of marketing TO the team as consistently as one markets to cl…

1
Ep 101 The "P" Word (Program Work, Preferred Vendors, and Third Party Administrators aka TPAs) 24:13

2y ago24:13

24:13

Some contractors love program work and set up their businesses to attempt to thrive in this revenue stream. Some contractors hate third-party administrators and do everything in their power to avoid anything resembling a TPA agreement. Many contractors have questions about preferred vendor programs and who they can best utilize this resource. On Ep…

1
Can You Equalize The Insurance Claims Game? 7:25

2y ago7:25

7:25

Discussion with David Princeton, Advocate Claim Service, and Bill Wilson, author of When Words Collide, on what contractors and policyholders can do to attempt to equalize the insurance claims games that carriers play. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping Contractors Shorten Their DANG Learning Curve…

1
Ep 100 Matching Materials for Insurance Claims 1:09:16

2y ago1:09:16

1:09:16

How often do policyholders with insurance claims have issues where their roof, siding, flooring, kitchen cabinets, or other materials were the same prior to a water or fire damage occurring, but the insurance company is contesting whether they owe for "matching"? How specific are insurance policies on the definition and execution of matching materi…

1
Insurance Claims Predators 12:16

2y ago12:16

12:16

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis went on television to warn consumers about unscrupulous contractors and public adjusters. Patronis referred to them as "locusts" and "predators" that complicate the recovery process. Patronis says, "The predators are going to come in like a bunch of locusts" while "peopl…

1
Who Can Kill The Zombie Parasite Mold, Cordyceps? 7:52

2y ago7:52

7:52

Have you observed the popular series Last of Us on HBO Max? Without spoiling too much of the show, this is a zombie-type thriller where the contagion is not a virus or a bacteria, but a parasitic fungus. Cordyceps, an actual mold known to take over the minds and bodies of entire ant colonies, is the culprit. In anticipation of the property restorat…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Jon Isaacson / The DYOJO Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen