In the pursuit of proficiency it is important to distinguish between technical knowledge and practical skills. To achieve a high level of expertise, these two powers must be complimentary. I am thankful that when I started in this industry, almost 20 years ago, that I was sent out into the field to get some hands-on (practical) training prior to being sent to my first certification course (technical). How many of you have worked with the property restoration technician that was sent to a course on day one of their hire and then unleashed on the team? It’s like the college graduate who thinks their degree has prepared them for immediate impact in their profession. This combination of knowledge that has not been rounded out by experience is a common practice and frequently leads to frustration for all involved. Yet, many still do it. 

As a general rule, when I seek out advice, I do so from people who I have observed to have both the knowledge and experience as well as the spark for enjoying some aspect of what they do. My friend Josh Zolin shares in his book and podcast, both by the same name, Blue is the New White, the saying, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life,” is BS. What we do in property restoration is rarely glamorous, but I have found that it has a lot of value for me, my family, my clients, and my community. I have been able to work my way up the mountain (not the ladder) to build a career and provide for my family. Equally rewarding, I have been able to help many people develop their journey in and through this industry. Every day in property restoration brings something new; that something new may be disgusting, but it’s also intriguing. As Josh and I discussed on his podcast, your personal and professional development are enhanced by your ability to find some value and see the joy in what you do. That’s the spark - when someone has been operating with proficiency for a while and still has a drive to push themselves as well as to help others discover their own path to success.