A few years back, I paid my FL Cleanup crew to spend a day doing something that had nothing to do with water damage. We went to a local school and helped build a garden for the kids.
No invoice. No estimate. Just the team, some tools, and a lot of dirt.
That wasn’t a one-time thing. In October 2021, FL Cleanup teamed up with Go Local West Kendall to deliver Halloween candy to 33 schools, so every kid had candy for Halloween. We loaded up the van, stacked the boxes, and drove school to school.
Why I do it
I spent part of my childhood in foster care. People showed up for me when they didn’t have to, and I’ve never forgotten it. Giving back isn’t a marketing strategy for me. It’s why I started Unbreakable Kids, a nonprofit for foster and at-risk kids in South Florida, and it’s why my crew and I show up for our community whenever we can.
But I’ll be honest with you: it’s also good business.
Restoration runs on trust
When someone’s home is flooded or full of mold, they’re letting a stranger into the worst day of their year. They’re not just hiring a service. They’re deciding who to trust. A company that’s known for showing up in the community has an edge before the first phone call ever happens.
The same goes for realtors, property managers, and attorneys. They want to recommend people who make them look good. A contractor with a reputation for doing the right thing is an easy recommendation.
And think about who sees your branded van parked outside 33 schools in one week: parents, teachers, principals, and school staff, many of them homeowners. That’s visibility you can’t buy, earned by doing something good.
Your crew notices too
Paying my team to help build that garden told them something about the company they work for. People want to work for a business that stands for something. That shows up in how they treat customers on every job.
How to give back as a small restoration company
- Start small. One day of volunteer work, one donated service, one local event.
- Partner up. Local business groups and community organizations already run giveaways and events. Joining one, like we did with Go Local West Kendall, multiplies what you can do.
- Use your skills. Schools, churches, and nonprofits deal with leaks and moisture too. A free inspection for a community center goes a long way.
- Bring your team. It builds your culture as much as your reputation.
- Share it without selling it. Post about it the way you’d tell a friend. Let people see what you do; don’t turn it into an ad.
Common questions about community involvement
Can a small restoration company afford to give back? Yes. It doesn’t have to cost much. A day of your crew’s time, a supply drive, or partnering with a local group often matters more than a big check.
Should I post about community work on social media? Share it to show what your company stands for, but keep the focus on the people and the cause, and get permission before showing anyone, especially kids.
Does community involvement help with referrals? It builds trust and visibility with homeowners, schools and local businesses, which makes you an easier name to recommend. Just don’t treat it only as marketing; people can tell.
Can donations be tax-deductible? Donations to qualifying nonprofits may be. Ask your accountant how it applies to your business.
What are easy ways to start? School supply or holiday drives, helping a local nonprofit with a project, or volunteering after storms in your own community.
Build a business worth trusting
The money in restoration follows trust. In the 6-Figure Launchpad, I teach you how to build a business people trust, from the first phone call to the reputation that keeps referrals coming for years. And if you want to support kids who need someone in their corner, check out Unbreakable Kids.
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