The Restoration Report

Levi Stearns

The Restoration Report is a podcast for homeowners navigating the complexities of home restoration and insurance claims, offering expert guidance to help make informed, stress-free decisions. Hosted by Levi Stearns, Owner of Core Contractors, this show breaks down the restoration process with industry experts from fields like water mitigation, insurance adjusting, mental health, and various skilled trades.

  1. FEB 4

    Arena Football, Giving Back & Finding Hope | John Fahey

    In this episode of The Restoration Report, presented by Core Contractors, host Levi Stearns sits down with John Fahey, VP of Sales & Partnerships for the Washington Wolfpack and Founder of the Vacation Angel Network.John shares the powerful story behind Vacation Angel Network—an organization that provides free vacations to families after cancer treatment and other major life challenges—and how a simple act of generosity grew into a nationwide movement of hope and restoration.The conversation also dives into: • The restoration of Arena Football and the Washington Wolfpack’s return to the North Sound • Building affordable, family-friendly professional sports • The Wolfpack’s mission to give back through youth mentorship and community partnerships • Why local investment and civic pride matter more than ever • Lessons learned about generosity, leadership, and seeing the good in people⸻Core Contractors specializes in restoration and construction services built on trust, craftsmanship, and care—helping families and businesses recover after property damage and rebuild stronger than before.If you need professional restoration services or want to learn more, visit: corecontractorsllc.com/⸻#RestorationReport#CoreContractors#CommunityRestoration#WashingtonWolfpack#ArenaFootball#GivingBack#VacationAngelNetwork#PacificNorthwest#Leadership#CommunityFirst#HopeAndHealing#SportsAndCommunity

    25 min

  2. JAN 21

    Community-Driven Business: Lessons from Renae James

    In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with Renae James, owner of Hometown Values and a lifelong community builder, to talk about business, service, and the power of relationships. She describes why relationship-based marketing still works in a digital-first world. Renae also shares her journey from serving in the U.S. Army medical field to building and sustaining a successful local magazine business for over 21 years. Along the way, she opens up about raising a family rooted in public service, working alongside her spouse, and navigating business challenges.This conversation dives into:Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurshipBuilding a business on trust, consistency, and communityWhy print marketing still delivers real resultsSales without “selling” — focusing on relationships insteadWorking with your spouse (and when to delegate!)Giving back through chambers, nonprofits, and civic leadershipAdvice for new business owners seeking sustainable growthWhether you’re a business owner, marketer, or community leader, this episode offers timeless insights on connection, consistency, and service-driven success. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy conversations that restore businesses and communities alike.-------Ready for your next remodeling or construction project? Core Contractors LLC is here to make your dream project a reality. Contact us: corecontractorsllc.com/#TheRestorationReport #BusinessPodcast #CommunityLeadership #RelationshipMarketing#SmallBusinessOwner #WomenInBusiness #VeteranOwned #LocalBusiness#Entrepreneurship #MarketingStrategy #PodcastEpisode

    26 min

  3. JAN 7

    Building a Winning Culture: Leadership, Growth & the Future of Core Contractors

    In this New Year's episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns, Owner of Core Contractors, sits down with Anna Holmberg, CEO of Core Contractors, to reflect on a year of rapid growth, leadership lessons, and what’s ahead for 2026.Together, they dive into what it takes to scale a restoration company the right way—from building a strong internal culture and letting go of control, to developing clear processes, improving communication, and thinking long-term about people and impact. Levi shares his vision of running Core like a championship football team, while Anna explains how culture, connection, and care for the team drive sustainable growth.This episode also explores:Transitioning leadership roles as a company scalesUsing systems and “playbooks” to support growthHiring with intention and building future leadersThe importance of customer communication and trustWhy trades, restoration, and construction careers matter more than everCore Contractors’ vision for expansion and becoming Washington’s leading restoration providerWhether you’re a business owner, leader, contractor, or someone interested in growth-minded leadership, this episode offers real-world insight into what it takes to build something that lasts.--Need Help With Restoration or Construction?If you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business in need of restoration, reconstruction, or general contracting services, Core Contractors is ready to help. From insurance claims to complex rebuilds, their team is known for transparency, communication, and quality workmanship.Learn more or get in touch at corecontractorsllc.com/--#TheRestorationReport #CoreContractors #LeadershipInConstruction #BusinessGrowth #CompanyCulture #RestorationIndustry #ConstructionLeadership #Entrepreneurship #TradesMatter #BuildingTeams #ScalingABusiness #GeneralContracting #FutureOfConstruction

    32 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    From Full House to Full Hauls: How John Freeman Bet Big on Junk Pros NW

    In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with John Freeman, owner of Junk Pros Northwest, for an inspiring and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about entrepreneurship, service, and second chances.John shares how he transitioned from a 23-year career in the casino and poker world to building a junk removal company rooted in compassion, community, and doing things the right way. From cleaning extreme hoarding situations to donating furniture to families in need, John reveals the behind-the-scenes work that goes far beyond hauling items to the dump.You’ll hear:- How a major life pivot pushed John into business ownership- The surprising tools, techniques, and recycling processes behind junk removal- What it’s like to walk into homes with 1–2 feet of debris- Why compassion and care set Junk Pros NW apart- How John uses partnerships and donations to help local families- His most unbelievable job-site story (yes, it involves a single rat)- The rapid-fire fun questions that reveal who he really isWhether you’re a business owner, a community-minded leader, or someone who loves transformation stories, this episode delivers insight, heart, and a whole lot of authenticity.Connect with Junk Pros NW📞 (360) 774-9748📧 junkprosnw@gmail.com

    19 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    The Race That Changed His Life: Todd Fahlman’s Journey to Real Estate Leadership

    On this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with Todd Fahlman, Broker/Owner of Realty One Orca Group, whose story is packed with grit, humility, and the kind of life lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear. Todd shares his journey from pumping gas and selling furniture to becoming a franchise owner in one of the fastest-growing international real estate brands. He opens up about the hurdles—literally—that shaped his resilience, the mindset that fuels his leadership, and the systems he uses to build teams that thrive.You’ll hear:How he built an ecosystem-style real estate company spanning multiple officesWhy authenticity always wins over being “salesy”What new agents get wrong about the industryWhat’s coming for the 2025 real estate marketThe emotional story of “the race that taught him everything”Whether you're an agent, a business owner, or someone navigating your own hurdles, Todd’s story is a must-listen.👇 Connect with Todd FahlmanPhone: 425-239-0726Search: Todd Fahlman – Realty One Orca Group👇 Connect with The Restoration ReportNew episodes weekly featuring real stories, real leaders, and real lessons from the world of restoration, business, and beyond.

    38 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    Building Community Through Connection: Ivonne Sepulveda on the Power of the Chamber

    In this episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns sits down with Ivonne Sepulveda, President and CEO of the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce, to explore how genuine connection drives business growth and community impact.Ivonne shares her journey from a decade in insurance to leading one of the region’s most active chambers, the challenges and rewards of supporting small businesses, and the importance of collaboration between the City of Marysville and the Tulalip Tribes.They dive into:How chambers of commerce create real opportunities for local business ownersThe evolving role of community leadership in economic developmentBuilding bridges between businesses, education, and workforce developmentWhy investing in your local chamber can transform your business and your network🎙️ About The Restoration Report:The Restoration Report is a podcast that dives deep into the stories behind small business success—where resilience, leadership, and community come together.🔗 Learn more about the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber: https://marysvilletulalipchamber.comPhone: 360-659-7700 or Email: membersupport@marysvilletulalipchamber.com💡 Subscribe to hear more stories of growth, grit, and restoration!

    33 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    Why Every Small Business Needs a Bookkeeper (Before It’s Too Late) | Restoration Report Ep. 22

    In Episode 22 of The Restoration Report, we sit down with Jennifer Solsvik, owner of JKS Creative Solutions, to unpack why bookkeeping is one of the most overlooked — yet most critical — foundations of running a healthy business.Jennifer shares how she went from her first bookkeeping job in high school to running a thriving, relationship-based business built entirely on referrals, helping business owners stay compliant, organized, and audit-proof.We cover:Why most business owners wait too long to outsource bookkeepingWhat really happens during an IRS or state audit (and how far back they can go)The difference between a bookkeeper and a CPA — and why you likely need bothHow messy books can destroy a business sale or valuationThe real cost of DIY bookkeeping vs. “buying back your time”When a side hustle officially becomes a taxable businessHow good bookkeeping supports growth, scaling, and clean decision-makingJennifer also shares stories from the field — including reconciling five years of missing financial records for a client recovering from a brain injury, and helping overwhelmed business owners transition from “shoebox accounting” to streamlined, automated systems.📌 Connect with JenniferWebsite: jkscreativesolutions.comPhone: (425) 298-3828🎙️ About the ShowThe Restoration Report explores how real business leaders turn obstacles into opportunities — turning setbacks into systems, and lessons into leverage.Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring entrepreneurs, experts, and leaders who rebuild stronger.

    26 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    Restoring What Matters Most: Inside Reliable Content Services with Mike Missall

    In this episode of The Restoration Report Podcast, host Levi Stearns, owner of Core Contractors, sat down with Mike Missall of Reliable Content Services to discuss the often-overlooked but vital role that content specialists play in the restoration process. From floods and fires to mold and smoke damage, Reliable’s mission is simple yet powerful: helping families recover what truly makes their house a home.

    26 min
See All (28)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Restoration Report is a podcast for homeowners navigating the complexities of home restoration and insurance claims, offering expert guidance to help make informed, stress-free decisions. Hosted by Levi Stearns, Owner of Core Contractors, this show breaks down the restoration process with industry experts from fields like water mitigation, insurance adjusting, mental health, and various skilled trades.

Information

  • Creator
    Levi Stearns
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Levi Stearns
  • Show Website
    The Restoration Report