We Asked Restoration Leaders: “What Leadership Advice Has Had The Most Impact on You?”

Leadership means different things to different people. Some see it as the ability to command authority and influence, while others define it as guiding with empathy, listening, and standing by your team in good and challenging times.

Yet, no matter the approach, one truth stands out: strong leadership is essential.

This is especially true in the fast-moving world of restoration, where quick decisions and steady leadership can make or break a project.

So, what exactly makes a leader excel in such a demanding industry?

To find out, we went straight to the source: top restoration leaders who’ve weathered storms, built high-functioning teams, and transformed their businesses.

We asked them a simple yet profound question: “What leadership advice has impacted you most?” Their answers offer a glimpse into the mindset and principles driving the very best in the business. Whether you’re leading a team or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, this wisdom can transform how you lead, inspire, and succeed.

“Stay fair, firm, and consistent” — Julie Johnson

Julie Johnson is a true master of the restoration industry. As the former owner of Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration, a leading firm in Billings, Montana, she’s seen it all and then some.

Julie co-founded Alpha Omega and transformed it from a small garage startup into a thriving business known for its strong financial discipline and vibrant team culture.

Her influence extends far beyond her own company; Julie is a prominent figure in the industry, focusing on leadership development, financial management, and cultivating a supportive, family-like work environment.

One of the guiding principles that Julie lives by comes from leadership expert Scott Tackett: “Stay fair, firm, and consistent.” This advice has shaped her approach to leadership, emphasizing that these qualities are crucial for building trust and creating a positive team dynamic.

“Empowerment starts with knowledge” — Shandie Cook

If you’ve spent some time in the restoration industry, chances are you’ve heard of Shandie Cook or met her at a conference. Over the last eight years, she has been pivotal in driving the success of the Paul Davis Restoration of the Mountain West. As Regional Program Director, she supports operations across Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Colorado, overseeing enrollment, compliance, and Service Level Agreements to ensure seamless performance.

Shandie believes empowerment begins with knowledge. Her advice? Ensure your team masters the systems they use daily to prevent bottlenecks and keep everything running efficiently. It’s this focus on operational mastery that has kept her offices ahead of the curve and thriving.

“If there’s time to lean, there’s time to clean” — Zane Bagley

Zane learned this motto as a teenager working at McDonald’s. He says it taught him the value of taking initiative and staying productive, two traits he has carried into his leadership role in the restoration industry.

As president of Alpine Restoration, Zane oversees 100+ employees and multiple offices, a far cry from the four-person team he started with when he joined Alpine in 1997.

Beyond catchy phrases, Zane resonates with this motto because it suggests that one should always look for ways to improve and contribute regardless of circumstances.

With a General Contractor’s License, a Certified Restorer Designation, and a Triple Master from the IICRC, Zane’s leadership is rooted in both action and expertise.

“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality” — Leighton Healey

Max DePree’s words, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant,” encapsulates Leighton’s approach to leadership.

This philosophy, grounded in a balance of strategic vision and operational flexibility, has been key to his success in scaling multiple companies.

Leighton is the CEO of KnowHow, a pioneering software company that provides an AI-powered, easy-to-use mobile and desktop app that helps restoration companies rapidly onboard new hires, upskill their workforce, and boost productivity—all with expert guidance.

With nearly 20 years of experience building teams across multiple ventures, Leighton understands that one of the greatest gifts a leader can offer their team is clarity.

Everyone should know where they’re going, why the destination matters, how to treat each other on the journey, and how they contribute to the goal.

“Don’t keep people in a box; let them grow” — Marcie Richardson

A mentor once advised Marcie, COO of Guarantee Restoration Services, against restricting people’s potential by confining them to rigid roles or expectations. So, she turned her focus to providing opportunities for her team members to flourish and grow beyond conventional limits.

This philosophy has helped Marcie play an instrumental role in shaping Guarantee Restoration’s company culture across its six offices in three states and 150 employee staff strength. Her approach blends the warmth of a family atmosphere with a relentless commitment to excellence, positioning Guarantee as a leader in the restoration industry.

“Stay true to who you are” — Andy Amrhein

As CEO and co-owner of Thomasville Restoration, Andy has driven remarkable growth and profitability, a success he attributes to both a sharp strategic vision and the strong leadership team he’s assembled. Before joining Thomasville, Andy spent 12 years at Under Armour in key executive roles across Finance, Strategic Planning, and Retail, where he honed his leadership philosophy.

For Andy, authenticity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. “Stay true to who you are,” he says, emphasizing that trying to mimic others often leads to awkwardness and inefficiency.

Instead, Andy champions leading in a way aligned with your personality, trusting that genuine leadership inspires others to follow.

“Be with your team in the trenches” — Chuck Lane

Chuck Lane's leadership journey, spanning nearly two decades in emergency management, healthcare, and disaster restoration, has taught him two crucial lessons: lead from the trenches and manage your emotions.

As Vice President of Learning and Development at BluSky Restoration Contractors, Chuck doesn’t lead from behind a desk—he’s side-by-side with his team, sharing their challenges and showing they’re in it together.

Equally crucial, he learned early on that a leader’s emotional tone sets the stage for the entire team’s morale and productivity. His steady, thoughtful approach not only drives employee growth and organizational effectiveness but also prepares them for the future. Whether at BluSky or as an instructor at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness, Chuck’s leadership is rooted in empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in high-pressure environments.

Conclusion:

As you’ve seen, the best leadership advice doesn’t just inspire—it drives actual results. These insights, gathered from top restoration leaders, are more than just words; they are strategies you can apply today to lead stronger teams and build a more resilient business.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, download our exclusive book, where we explore these game-changing tips in detail.

When it comes to turning theoretical leadership advice into action, KnowHow is your ultimate tool. KnowHow’s software, with its powerful knowledge management functionality, helps streamline onboarding, upskill your workforce, and keep your team aligned—ensuring that great leadership isn’t just something you talk about but something you live every day.

Download the book, set your team up for success with KnowHow, and start leading with purpose today.