Most people don’t plan a career in restoration. For Greg Anderson, it started with a summer job and a newspaper ad promising unlimited overtime. What that ad didn’t mention was mandatory overtime—or how quickly the work would pull him in.
Years later, after hands-on field experience and countless hours training technicians and project managers, Greg found himself drawn to teaching and today is an IICRC-approved instructor known for blending technical knowledge with something far more critical: perspective.
Restoration work isn’t just technical—it’s personal, time-sensitive, and carries real consequences when it’s done wrong.
In this instructor spotlight, IICRC WRT Instructor Greg Anderson shares how he got started in the industry, what he sees technicians struggle with most, and why mindset, empathy, and education matter more than ever in restoration work.
Q: How did you first get started in the cleaning and restoration industry? What moment or experience led you from doing the work to teaching others?
I got into the industry right after college. I applied to a newspaper ad that promised unlimited overtime, thinking it would be a good way to make some extra money while I figured out what I wanted to do long-term. What the ad didn’t mention was that the overtime was mandatory (which was a bit of a shock!) but it gave me a lot of great experience very quickly.
I ended up falling in love with the industry and stayed. When I took my first IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT) class with Barry Costa, that’s when the idea of teaching first clicked. The class was educational, but it was also fun, and the information was presented in a way that really stuck. Barry clearly enjoyed teaching, and that made me feel like it was something I could do someday.
Before becoming an approved IICRC instructor, I spent many years teaching, coaching, and training technicians and project managers at various restoration companies. I’ve always found a lot of fulfillment in helping people do their jobs better, safer, and more efficiently.
Q: What’s a common mistake you see technicians make early in their careers and why do you think it happens?
The biggest mistake I see is technicians not taking safety seriously enough.
A lot of young or inexperienced technicians believe they’re bulletproof. Wearing PPE can feel uncomfortable, and setting up proper safety protocols can slow the job down. Because of that, safety often feels like a waste of time—but it absolutely isn’t.
Many of the things we’re exposed to in this line of work don’t cause immediate health problems. It can take years of continued exposure before the damage shows up. That’s why I stress to everyone that wearing PPE and following safety procedures early in your career is incredibly important. There are consequences to every action, and safety needs to be taken seriously from day one.
Q: What separates a great technician from an average one?
That’s a tough question, but I think the difference comes down to emotional tools rather than technical ones.
Great technicians have true empathy. They can put themselves in their customers’ shoes, understand what they’re going through, and connect with them on a deeper level. That empathy helps build trust, which is absolutely critical in the restoration industry.
They also have a servant mindset. Restoration often means getting up in the middle of the night to do work most people wouldn’t want to do under the best circumstances. Showing up with a positive attitude in those situations takes someone who’s motivated by more than just a paycheck.
Technicians who work with purpose—who understand the importance of the work they do—will always go further than those who are just there for the job. And that mindset usually starts at the top. When leaders show empathy, service, and purpose, it trickles down through the entire organization.
Above: Technician demonstrating during WRT class how to extract water from carpet using body weight and Water Claw extraction tool.
Q: What’s the biggest mindset shift technicians need to make when getting into restoration work (either brand new to the industry or transitioning from carpet cleaning)?
Technicians need to understand that restoration work has real consequences if it’s done incorrectly.
If someone doesn’t do a great job cleaning carpet, the carpet just isn’t as clean as it could be. But if someone is working on a Category 3 water loss and doesn’t do their job properly, people and buildings can become seriously ill. There can also be major financial and legal consequences for the company.
Restoration is emergency work, so time is always a factor—but that doesn’t mean rushing through the job. Technicians need to work in a slower, more methodical way to make sure safety procedures are followed, regulations are met, and the work is completed correctly and thoroughly.
I’m not saying restoration is more important than other trades. I’m saying the impact of doing it wrong can extend far beyond the end of the project.
Q: What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry over the last few years?
One major change is the rise of private equity in the restoration space. On the positive side, it’s brought in capital that allows companies to grow, expand their services, and attract top-tier talent.
But it also creates pressure to drive higher profits. There’s nothing wrong with profit, but when profit becomes the primary focus, the customer can suffer—and that’s dangerous in a service-based industry like restoration. I always try to keep the customer first.
Another big change has been technology. The number of tech companies entering the restoration industry has exploded. Historically, restoration has been slow to adopt new technology, but now software platforms, reporting tools, and even AI are helping technicians and office staff gather information more efficiently, create better documentation, and get paid faster.
Q: Where do you think the industry is headed in the next 3–5 years?
I see the industry heading in a very positive direction.
I think restoration technicians will increasingly be viewed as skilled tradespeople rather than unskilled labor. With the number of catastrophic events we’ve seen, like hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding, the industry has been pushed into the spotlight, and more people now understand how essential this work is.
I also expect to see larger companies diversify into multiple trades like plumbing, electrical, and mechanical services, while smaller companies continue to enter the industry at a steady pace. We’ll likely see more crossover as well, with contractors from other trades moving into restoration.
Q: What skills or knowledge do you believe will matter most for technicians going forward?
Education will matter more than ever—along with well-developed soft skills.
We’re going to see more people intentionally entering the restoration industry, including individuals with degrees and formal training. That’s a big shift from the past, when many people ended up here by accident.
Future technicians will need a stronger understanding of building science, chemistry, psychrometrics, and regulatory requirements. IICRC certifications will still be important, but they’ll be just one part of a much larger educational foundation.
Soft skills are just as critical. Technicians need to balance empathy with firmness. Earning a customer’s trust while explaining why their building needs to be torn apart isn’t easy. Clear communication and professionalism throughout the entire process will separate successful restorers from the rest.
Above: Sample wall section used during WRT training.
Q: What do you hope students walk away with after taking your class (beyond the certification, of course)?
For experienced technicians, I want them to leave with a deeper understanding of why they’re doing what they’re doing. Field training often focuses on the what and the how, but the why is what leads to better decision-making and more thorough work.
For students who are new to the industry, I want them to understand the basic steps, procedures, and order of operations in restoration work. I don’t expect them to leave class ready to run a job on their own—that comes with field training—but I want them to step onto their first project with clarity and confidence.
Q: When you’re not working or teaching, how do you like to spend your time?
My wife and I love to travel, although a lot of our trips are work-related. We try to carve out time to see a Cirque show or explore local sights when we can. When we’re home, we’re usually on our boat—fishing or just cruising around.
I’ll admit, I’m not great at unplugging. Even on the boat, I’m often on the phone with a client or former student. But I don’t see that as a negative. As Nick Paolella once said, “When your work is your play, you never work a day.” That really rings true for me.
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Find WRT Training Classes with Greg Anderson
Greg Anderson brings a rare combination of technical expertise, real-world experience, and a deep respect for the responsibility that comes with restoration work.
If you’re looking to strengthen your decision-making in the field, deepen your understanding of restoration principles, or take the next step in your career, Greg’s classes offer the knowledge and perspective to help you get there.