My restoration company’s best jobs have never come from ads. They’ve come from people who see water damage every week and know to call us: property managers, realtors, plumbers, HVAC techs, even an attorney who sent us six jobs from one home show booth. Here’s a simple 30-day plan to land your first ten.
Week 1: Build your list of 40
You’ll need to talk to about four people for every one who says yes. List 40 names within your service area:
- 10 property managers (apartments, condos, HOAs)
- 10 realtors and home inspectors
- 10 plumbers and leak detection companies
- 10 HVAC companies, roofers and handymen
Week 2: Show up in person
Visit 20 of them. Bring cards, and something small for the office. Keep it short:
“I run a local water restoration company. When you’ve got a leak in one of your units, we answer the phone, we show up, and we keep you updated every day. Could I be the first call on your next one?”
For plumbers and HVAC techs, add what’s in it for them: their customer gets taken care of, they look good for recommending you, and you’ll send plumbing and AC work their way.
Week 3: Visit the other 20
Same pitch. Write down who was friendly, who has the most properties or calls, and the best way to reach them.
Week 4: Follow up
Text or call everyone who was friendly. Most partners don’t send work after one visit. They send it after the third or fourth time they hear from you, usually right when they have a leak and your name is fresh.
Keep them sending work
- Do the first job perfectly. Daily updates to the partner, not just the homeowner.
- Say thank you every time. A call, a note, lunch for the office.
- Stay in touch monthly, even when there’s no job.
- Send work back to plumbers, roofers and HVAC partners.
Before offering anything of value in exchange for referrals, check your state’s rules, especially on insurance jobs. Some states restrict paying for referrals.
Keep reading: How water restoration companies get leads, Winning the job on the first phone call and Why giving back is good business. New to Damage to Dollars? Start on the home page.
The 6-Figure Launchpad covers referral partners and scripts. See also getting jobs from realtors and property managers and how one home show booth landed us 6 jobs.
