Wow, what a week it was here in Auburn, Maine! We were honored to welcome restoration leaders from around the country to our workspace, bring fresh ideas into our community, and share the kind of energy you only get when driven professionals come together to grow, collaborate, and just have a little fun.
A Gathering of Minds (and Metrics)
Earlier this month, leaders from across the PuroClean network gathered right here in Auburn for an intensive group session focused on strengthening our businesses and pushing the boundaries of what property restoration can look like in 2026 and beyond.
We opened our doors, rolled out Maine hospitality, and got straight into conversations that matter, from AI advancements in estimating and documentation, to marketing strategies that help local companies stand out, to building strong internal cultures that turn team members into long-term contributors.
Being able to see restoration professionals approaching common challenges and sharing solutions that actually work was inspiring. These aren’t just conversations about spreadsheets and profit margins (though yes, those got attention too); they’re conversations about elevating the way we show up for our communities when disaster strikes.
Attending the meeting were:
Chad Crowther, Regional Director at PuroClean
Bud Summers, Executive Vice President of Operations and Training at PuroClean
Avi Sohal, Owner, PuroClean of Center Valley, Stroudsburg & Saylorsburg, and Easton & Nazareth, PA
Jiri Smetana, Owner, PuroClean of Southlake, Keller, and Northwest Fort Worth, TX
Brandon Burns, Owner, PuroClean of Auburn, ME
Eleanor Terlecki, Owner, PuroClean of Auburn, ME
Dan Irmscher, Owner, PuroClean of Southern Indiana, IN
Nick Ondrejka, Owner, PuroClean of San Rafael, CA
Gregory Arianoff, VP of Operations, PuroClean of The Big Island, HI, and East Las Vegas, NV
An impact group of operators and leaders, all bringing different perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the table. That’s exactly what an impact group is all about!
Innovation, Culture, and the Future of Restoration
At the heart of the meeting were big ideas that reflect where the restoration industry is heading — both technologically and culturally:
- AI and Tech Integration: From estimating and documentation workflows, to customer communication tools, we explored how embracing new technology can make response faster and more accurate.
- Brand and Community Presence: Local visibility matters. We discussed how reputation, digital presence, and community engagement can set restoration providers apart in competitive markets.
- People First: Teams with strong culture, accountability, and growth opportunities don’t just perform — they excel. Leaders shared strategies for fostering environments where people want to stay and grow.
It was a powerful reminder that when we collaborate, we elevate the entire network — and most importantly, we improve outcomes for the homeowners, businesses, and first responders who rely on us.
A Little Maine Flavor
Of course, no visit to Maine would be complete without soaking up some local traditions. After heavy strategy sessions, we took a break and dove into one of Maine’s most delightfully puzzling pastimes: candlepin bowling.
If you’ve never tried it, imagine bowling… but somehow harder. Smaller balls. Tall, slender pins. Plenty of laughs and just enough friendly competition to make everyone question their form. It was the perfect way to balance business intensity with light-hearted fun, and a great way for us to bond with our guests outside the meeting room.
Looking Ahead
As hosts and local restoration professionals, we couldn’t be more proud of how this event unfolded. Bringing people to Auburn: sharing meals, ideas, and yes, gutter-to-gutter conversation and reinforces why we love what we do: real relationships, real impact, and continuous growth.
To everyone who joined us, thank you for bringing your passion, your curiosity, and your Maine-level competitive spirit. And to our community here in Auburn: we’re even more energized to serve you with the best service, response, and care whenever you need us.
