News From The International Restoration Convention & Expo

Josh Smith, CR, WLS, CMP and Katie Smith, CR attended the annual Restoration Industry Association convention in Phoenix, Arizona April 30 – May 2, 2019.

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the oldest and largest trade association representing the restoration and reconstruction industry with over 1,100 member firms worldwide. RIA serves and represents the interests of its members by promoting the highest ethical standards; providing education, professional qualification and certification opportunities; positively influencing regulations and governmental actions; and advancing the safety, image, efficiency, and competitiveness of industry members. (source: restorationindustry.org)

Both Katie and Josh are active volunteers within the RIA. Josh is a member of the Restoration Council and was asked to participate in a convention panel session titled “Everyday Restorers” which gave attendees an in-depth look at the value of the RIA’s advanced designations, of which Josh holds three: Certified Restorer, Water Loss Specialist, and Certified Mold Professional. He was asked to expand on how his Water Loss Specialist training has benefited him on the job. Josh shared real world stories of how his advanced restoration training has given him the confidence and education to restore complex commercial losses such as collegiate libraries. To be an expert, you need to know certain things like the safe and appropriate relative humidity levels for restoring a library’s Special Collection. There’s no water damage scenario too complex or challenging for PHC Restoration, because our Technical Director is dedicated to excellence when it comes to furthering his education in the field of damage restoration.

Katie has served on the Restoration Industry Association’s Board of Directors since 2015 and was elected to her second term as Secretary at this year’s convention. In addition to serving on the Board, she is also active on the Convention Planning Committee, the C&R Magazine Editorial Advisory Committee and the TPA Task Force.

Why do Josh and Katie serve within the RIA? It’s part of the PHC mission to make a positive impact on our teammates, our customers and our community. The restoration community needs volunteers to care for our industry and make it sustainable for generations to come. The restoration industry provides a livelihood for hundreds of families in our local community, and has done so for over 45 years, so it’s our pleasure and our honor to give back to the industry through volunteer service.