In the latest episode of The Restoration Report, host Levi Stearns, owner of Core Contractors, sat down with Dan Laurie of Watchmaker Marketing to unpack the power of brand building in the construction and restoration industry. Their conversation offered valuable takeaways for business owners navigating home improvement, insurance claims, and large-scale restoration projects.
The Importance of Branding in Construction and Restoration
Many contractors focus solely on the technical side of projects—whether it’s remodeling a kitchen, managing a flood restoration, or navigating the insurance claims process. But as Dan emphasized, the real long-term differentiator is building a brand that people trust.
Digital advertising offers immediate results, but it often overlooks the importance of credibility and recognition. “Advertising is a marathon, not a sprint,” Dan explained
“A strong brand doesn’t just generate leads—it validates them. When potential customers hear your name on the radio, see your logo on a billboard, or recognize you online, it signals reliability and legitimacy. That recognition is often the deciding factor when homeowners compare contractors for restoration or remodeling work.”
Creative Marketing That Stands Out
One of Watchmaker Marketing’s key strategies is creating advertising campaigns that stand out from the competition. For example, rather than relying on generic service ads, they developed a memorable Viking-themed commercial for a plumbing company. The result? A campaign that didn’t just catch attention but motivated customers to take action
In industries like construction, home improvement, and restoration, where most companies offer similar services, creativity is critical. A unique message or memorable campaign can separate your business from dozens of competitors all bidding for the same project.
Traditional Media Still Matters
While digital marketing is essential, Levi and Dan highlighted the enduring value of traditional media like radio, television, and billboards. For Core Contractors, radio ads have been a powerful way to reach clients who might otherwise hesitate to move forward. In one case, a homeowner who had delayed action for months finally called after hearing Core Contractors’ ad, leading to a $38,000 restoration project
This demonstrates how traditional media builds trust and visibility—especially important for homeowners facing stressful situations like fire damage, flood restoration, or storm repairs.
The Role of AI in Marketing and Project Management
The conversation also touched on artificial intelligence and its growing role in advertising. While some fear AI could replace creative work, Dan views it as a tool to enhance productivity. From generating visuals for ad campaigns to helping overcome writer’s block, AI speeds up processes that once took weeks or months
For contractors managing complex restoration projects and insurance claims, AI can also streamline communication, scheduling, and customer service—ensuring faster turnaround times and more satisfied clients.
Key Takeaway for Contractors
Whether you’re a restoration contractor, remodeler, or insurance claim specialist, the message is clear: your brand matters as much as your craftsmanship. Building trust through consistent advertising, creative campaigns, and strategic use of both traditional and digital media positions your business for long-term success.
As Levi and Dan concluded, it’s not just about getting the job—it’s about becoming the go-to name homeowners think of when disaster strikes or when it’s time for a remodel. In construction and restoration, credibility is everything.
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Ready to restore your home with confidence? Reach out to Core Contractors for a consultation today! Let us guide you through every step of the restoration process with care and expertise.
