Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Launches “Voice of the Independent” Task Force

Mt. Laurel, NJ (Feb. 26, 2026) –The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is proud to announce the official launch of the Voice of the Independent Task Force. This strategic initiative marks a significant milestone in the RIA’s ongoing mission to educate, advocate, and elevate restoration professionals by ensuring that the unique perspectives of independent contractors and their companies are represented at the highest levels of industry leadership.

While the restoration landscape continues to evolve, the RIA recognizes that independent companies face a distinct set of challenges and opportunities. The Voice of the Independent Advisory Board is composed exclusively of leaders from firms that are neither franchised nor backed by private equity. This group will serve as a critical mechanism for providing industry guidance, shaping advocacy positions, and developing educational resources tailored to the independent restorer. Applications for the advisory board will open yearly.

"The RIA has always been the home for restoration professionals, but this task force brings the independent voice to leadership in an intentional way to help guide our mission and strategy," said an RIA CEO, Saima Hedrick. "We have assembled a diverse group of leaders with decades of combined tenure who understand the grit and local expertise required to thrive as an independent operator."

Leadership & Membership

The task force is led by two industry veterans who bring a wealth of operational expertise to the table:

Nate Judy (Chair): General Manager, Tobin Restoration (Idaho Falls, ID)
Marcie Richardson (Chair): COO, Guarantee Restoration (Baton Rouge, LA)

The inaugural members of the task force represent a broad geographic footprint across the United States, ensuring that regional market nuances are captured in the RIA’s national strategy:

Adam Hensley: Director of Operations, Restorm Restoration (Noblesville, IN)
Andy Mason: Owner/GM, Level Creek Property Restoration (Braselton, GA)
Brad Heise: CEO, Phoenix Renovation and Restoration (Overland Park, KS)
Doug Weatherman: COO, Rare Restoration (Colorado Springs, CO)
Hunter Olmstead: Owner/GM, Teasdale Fenton Cleaning & Property Restoration (Cincinnati, OH)
Jim Kowalski: Partner/Owner, Kowalski Construction, Inc. (Phoenix, AZ)
Zac Curry: COO, Rumsey Construction and Restoration (Columbia, SC)

A New Chapter for Advocacy

The Voice of the Independent Task Force will act as an advisory body for the RIA’s broader strategic efforts, ensuring that the association’s initiatives are balanced with the independent perspective and contribution. The Task Force will help advance the mission of the RIA through the lens of professional development, leadership, and ethical business practices within the restoration ecosystem. Their collective experience will also be instrumental in fostering a culture of community and professionalism that strengthens independent companies. Ultimately, this ensures that the independent restorer’s perspective is woven into the very fabric of the RIA’s commitment to elevating restoration professionals.

About the RIA
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the leading international network of restoration professionals, protecting the interests of the industry by tackling shared challenges and providing access to resources and opportunities to help you elevate your business.