Lonely at the Top? Restoration Owners, Find Your Tribe & Decide

Picture this:

It's late.

You're staring at your laptop screen, the glow reflecting in your tired eyes.

Another late night spent:

• wrestling with estimates,

• chasing down invoices,

• trying to keep all the balls in the air.

You’re wearing all the hats, from marketing to HR to operations...and it feels like you’re doing it all alone.

Let’s be honest:

Running a restoration business can feel incredibly isolating.

The long hours, the pressure to succeed, the constant need to make tough decisions – it all adds up. The weight of the world is on your shoulders, and sometimes, it feels like there's nowhere to turn.

• Did you know? A recent study found that entrepreneurs are significantly more likely to experience mental health challenges like depression and anxiety compared to the general population. The isolation and pressure cooker environment of business ownership can take a serious toll.

But what if there was a better way?

What if you didn't have to go it alone?

This newsletter isn't about another marketing tactic or the latest tech gadget.

It’s about something far more fundamental: the power of community.

It's about finding your "tribe" – a supportive network of fellow restoration owners who understand your struggles, celebrate your wins, and help you make confident decisions.

In a recent podcast series that Klark is doing called, "My favorite guest this week" he interviewed Tommy "Nubs" Richardson.

"It is exhausting," says Tommy, referring to the feeling of constantly chasing success. "I don't want to live my life that way; I've been chasing that for the past seven or eight years."

Here's the truth:

The biggest problem you're facing isn't a lack of leads or a broken piece of equipment.

It's isolation.

And the solution isn't another late night at the office.

It's finding your tribe and learning to decide together.

Stop White-Knuckling It: Why "Going It Alone" Kills Restoration Dreams

For too long, the restoration industry has glorified the "lone wolf" mentality. The image of the rugged individualist, grinding it out on their own, is deeply ingrained in our culture. But here's the reality:

The "lone wolf" approach is a recipe for disaster.

It leads to:

• Chronic Stress & Burnout: Trying to do everything yourself is unsustainable. It leads to exhaustion, decreased productivity, and ultimately, burnout.

• Poor Decision-Making: When you're isolated, you lack diverse perspectives and valuable feedback. This can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities.

• Missed Opportunities: Going alone to conferences/events and not being able to connect with the people already in attendance due to nerves or fear.

Take Sarah, for instance. Sarah was a talented restoration owner, but she was fiercely independent. She handled every aspect of her business herself, from answering phones to managing job sites. She was proud of her self-reliance, but she was also exhausted and overwhelmed.

One day, Sarah stumbled upon a local business owners group specifically for restoration companies. Hesitantly, she attended a meeting.

What she found was a group of people who understood her challenges, offered valuable advice, and provided a much-needed sense of camaraderie.

"Joining that group was a game-changer for me," Sarah says. "I realized I didn't have to have all the answers. I could lean on others, learn from their experiences, and get support when I needed it. It completely transformed my business and my life."

Sarah experienced an "Aha!" moment -

• needing help isn't weakness.

• It's strength.

• It's a sign of intelligence and a willingness to grow.

That’s why you need a Restoration Tribe. It’s more than just a network; it’s a support system that fosters growth, provides accountability, and combats the isolation that plagues so many owners. A restoration tribe is your cheat code to success and fulfillment.

Tommy candidly shares, "It’s not easy being a dad, is not easy being a business owner isn't easy being a good husband..."

Build Your Restoration Tribe: 3 Steps to Stop Feeling Like an Island

"The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack." - Rudyard Kipling

The pain of isolation is real, but the solution is within reach.

Building a supportive tribe is not about luck; it’s about taking deliberate steps to connect with others and create a culture of support and collaboration.

Here are three actionable steps to start building your Restoration Tribe today:

Step 1: Identify Your "Inner Circle"

Forge Bonds of Trust: How Mentors & Advisors Lift Your Game

Think of the people you already trust and respect in the industry. Who do you turn to for advice? Who inspires you? Who genuinely cares about your success?

These are the people who should form your "inner circle." They may be mentors, fellow owners, suppliers, or even former colleagues. The key is to identify individuals who are:

• Experienced: They have a proven track record of success in the restoration industry.

• Supportive: They are willing to offer guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback.

• Trustworthy: You can confide in them without fear of judgment or betrayal.

Reach out to these individuals and nurture those relationships. Schedule regular check-ins, ask for their insights, and be willing to reciprocate their support.

Step 2: Create a Culture of Honesty

Transparency = Trust: Ditch the Facade and Unleash Authentic Support

One of the biggest barriers to connection is the fear of vulnerability. We often feel pressured to project an image of success and competence, even when we're struggling. This creates a facade that prevents us from forming genuine connections with others.

What if, instead, you made a decision to be transparent with people about where you are? I’m tired of people not talking about this! This is where the true magic happens. When you're honest about your challenges, you create a safe space for others to do the same. This fosters trust, builds deeper connections, and allows you to access the collective wisdom of your tribe.

Step 3: Create "The Room"

Organic Community: How You Lead Rather Than Follow

If you are looking for your tribe, you may have to create the room and organic community where you and your other tribe members can meet. The first step is to create or identify an industry event where you would love to be. Be sure that you feel passionately about the event.

Now think about why you feel so passionately about the event. What value does the event create that speaks to you, and what value is it missing?

Think of all of the struggles and desires that we discussed earlier in the article. Which problem and solution are you most confident you could speak on, on camera? Now make that video explaining and providing that solution, and let the world see how knowledgable you are, and how you can help.

Then attend the event, and post your video with the event hashtag. Engage with people who have problems that you know the solution to. Now you have a foundation of members for your tribe, who you can invite to participate in your online or in-person tribe.

And remember, as Tommy's wife reminds him, "Don't overthink it, you're just exhausted you just need a rest day." Sometimes, that's all it takes to reset and recharge.

If you are looking for a tribe to join, check out Restoration Business Academy!

You can join for free! Use this link!

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Get off the lonely island!