In this conversation, we explore the IICRC Legislative Fly-In, where industry professionals meet directly with Congressional offices to advocate for the work of inspectors, cleaners, and restorers—and for the standards and certifications that protect consumers and communities.

Learn why this event matters, what attendees can expect, and how advocacy is helping shape the future of the industry. Click to register.

The post Policy in Motion: Why the IICRC Legislative Fly-In Matters to You appeared first on Cleanfax.

In this episode of Unscripted, an video production, we take a closer look at the people behind the scenes who help keep the cleaning and restoration industry moving forward—the ones who don’t make the headlines but whose work makes everything else possible.

This time, that person is Alicia Hooks, the IICRC Renewals Reinstatement Supervisor.

On the surface, the role is about process. Answering calls and emails, guiding professionals through certification renewals, helping them navigate continuing education requirements, and making sure the administrative side of staying certified doesn’t become a barrier to the work itself. It’s detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and demands consistency day in and day out.

But spend any time with Hooks, and it becomes clear the job is about something bigger than paperwork.

Behind every renewal request is a professional trying to stay compliant, stay competitive, and stay employed. These are technicians, project managers, and business owners who have invested real time and money into earning their credentials—and who are counting on someone like Hooks to help them protect that investment when life gets in the way. A missed deadline, a lapsed certification, a confusing reinstatement process—any of those things can have real consequences for a person’s livelihood.

That’s the weight Hooks carries into every interaction, and it shapes how she leads her team and approaches her work. Serving the customer, in this role, means understanding what’s actually at stake for the person on the other end of the phone. It means finding solutions, not just processing requests. And it means recognizing that helping someone keep their certification current isn’t just an administrative task—it’s helping them keep working, support their families, and continue building the career they’ve worked hard to create.

In this episode, you’ll hear firsthand what it looks like to lead with service, work as a team, and find genuine purpose in helping others succeed—both on the job and at home.

The post Alisha Hooks: Inside the IICRC’s Renewals and Reinstatement Team appeared first on Cleanfax.

Most people in the cleaning and restoration industry know the IICRC by its certifications, its standards, and the credentials that appear on business cards and company websites. But behind all of that is a team of real people whose job is to make sure the organization is accessible, responsive, and genuinely useful to everyone who reaches out—whether that’s a seasoned restoration professional or a homeowner who just discovered water damage in their basement.

In this episode of Unscripted, an IICRC video production, Gabe Rowley, Helpdesk Representative at the IICRC, shares what it’s like to be on the front lines of that interaction every single day.

The range of what Rowley handles is wider than most people might expect. Certifications, supply orders, exam questions, general inquiries from technicians in the field, calls from consumers who aren’t sure where to turn—it all comes through the helpdesk, and it all requires someone who can think on their feet, communicate clearly, and represent the organization well under pressure. No two calls are exactly alike, and that variety is part of what makes the role both challenging and rewarding.

What ties it all together is a commitment to keeping communication flowing across the organization. The helpdesk isn’t just a call center—it’s a connection point. When a technician has a question about their certification status, when a training provider needs clarification on a standard, or when a consumer is trying to figure out who they can trust to do the job right, Rowley and his colleagues are the first voice they hear. That first impression matters.

One of the tools Rowley highlights in this conversation is the IICRC Global Locator—a resource that helps consumers find certified professionals in their area quickly and with confidence. For contractors who have invested in their credentials, the Global Locator is one of the most direct ways the IICRC connects that investment to real business opportunity. And for consumers, it removes the guesswork from one of the most stressful decisions they’ll make in the middle of an emergency.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the role that keeps everything—and everyone—connected, and a reminder that great organizations are built as much on the people who answer the phone as the ones who write the standards.

The post Gabe Rowley: Much More Than Option 5 on the IICRC Helpdesk appeared first on Cleanfax.

In this episode of Unscripted, an IICRC video production, Angelina Dixson, Marketing Supervisor at the IICRC, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to market an entire industry’s gold standard. From graphic design and social media to email campaigns and cross-department collaboration, Dixson and her team serve as the voice of the organization—translating the work of standards developers, certification bodies, and industry leaders into messaging that resonates with professionals and consumers alike.

The scope of that work is broader than most people realize. Every certification launch, every new or revised standard, every event and industry initiative needs to be communicated clearly and consistently to a global audience. That means Dixson’s team isn’t just creating content—they’re building awareness, shaping perception, and reinforcing the value of what the IICRC represents across every channel they touch.

A key focus right now: consumer awareness. Most homeowners and business owners have no idea what IICRC certification means—or why it should matter when they’re choosing who to call after a flood, a fire, or a mold problem. Closing that gap is one of marketing’s most important jobs. That means helping everyday consumers understand the importance of working with certified professionals and giving them the tools to find those professionals quickly and confidently through the IICRC Global Locator.

For cleaning and restoration contractors, that investment in consumer education isn’t just good for the industry in the abstract—it directly supports the businesses of certified professionals by driving more informed hiring decisions at the consumer level.

This episode is a quick but revealing behind-the-scenes look at how marketing supports the industry from the inside out, and how the right messaging, delivered consistently, helps elevate trust, credibility, and connection across the entire cleaning and restoration profession.

The post Angelina Dixson: How the IICRC Markets the Value of Certification appeared first on Cleanfax.

Three instructors recently pulled back the curtain on what it takes to teach at that level. Darren Hudema, Rachel Adams, and Chris Kissin are IICRC-approved instructors with a combined student count exceeding 30,000. Their motivations are strikingly similar and have almost nothing to do with revenue.

Why they do it

Adams, who founded Indoor Environmental Management and helped create both the IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) and the ANSI/IICRC Standard for Professional Mold Remediation (S520), has been instructing since around 2002. She was direct about what drew her in.

“I think originally I did it because I thought it would be fun,” she said. “You get to make a difference in your industry, make a difference in people’s businesses. A lot of people think, oh, you’re going to get rich, become an instructor. It doesn’t really work that way. It’s a lot of work, and a lot of people don’t realize how much time and dedication it takes.”

Kissin came to instruction after two decades in carpet cleaning in Australia, where no IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) instructor was offering public courses. He saw a gap and moved to fill it.

“Carpet cleaning is still a passion for me, so I actually love being able to teach it to other people,” Kissin said. “A lot of people see carpet cleaners as just glorified cleaners, whereas I like the fact that there is a lot involved in it. I don’t do it for the money. I really enjoy the excitement. Each class is different.”

For Hudema, now director of training for PuroClean with more than 500 franchises across North America, the motivation runs deeper still. He came up through a family-owned cleaning business in the 1970s and watched the industry support his family over two generations. He was involved in writing what became the IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) program and has been instructing since 1999.

“To now see individuals that have gone through classes that I’ve taught over the years that are now running successful multi-million-dollar businesses, they’re able to put food on their table, they’re able to help improve their communities,” Hudema said. “There is no other industry that you’re going to be able to come into where you have the ability to make six figures or more, or even maybe be your own business owner at some point.”

The setup nobody sees

All three instructors emphasized that preparation begins long before a student walks through the door, and that seating isn’t random.

“I actually look at who’s coming to my class, where they’re traveling from, are they adjusters, are they restorers, are they office people?” Adams said. “I give assigned seats. After the first day, I figure out whether I have any problem children in my class, or maybe someone who’s really not very vocal, and they fit better with someone else. I try to set them up so they’re comfortable and they want to engage.”

Hudema takes a similar approach at PuroClean’s academy, intentionally breaking up groups from the same company so technicians are forced to learn from people outside their own bubble. In his flood house setting, teams rotate through different areas of the house, inheriting the documentation left by the previous group.
“It forces them to go back and have a conversation with the previous team: what did you do, how did you do it, and why?” he said. “By the time they’re finished that week, they’ve gone through four or five different areas of that house, and they’ve had to interact with every table.”

Kissin, who relies heavily on props and hands-on demonstrations, said the physical layout of the room can make or break a session, especially when teaching at an unfamiliar facility.

“Every class is different, so I’ve got a setup that I like,” he said. “If I go to a different facility and they may not have that, I’ve got to try to maximize how I can teach without blocking someone or limiting their view.”

Problem students and real solutions

Every instructor deals with the student who doesn’t want to be there. Adams said she can usually identify them within the first hour.

“Sometimes they’ll tell you, I really don’t want to be here, I was forced to be here, or I was told if I didn’t do this class, I don’t get a raise,” she said. “That gives me insight into what your motivation is. And that a lot of times is their driving force for how successful they are.”

Adams also spoke candidly about earning respect as one of the first female AMRT instructors in a male-dominated industry. “I’ve got some old-school students who look up at me, and they’re like, what are you going to possibly teach me? I’ve been doing this for 30 years,” she said. “I have to earn their respect as their instructor.”
She also raised something many instructors may not openly address: the students who struggle not because of attitude, but because of learning differences. “They may not be able to read, it may not be their first language, or they have dyslexia,” she said. “Sometimes they’ve had a problematic educational experience their whole lives. I encourage people to come up and have private conversations because there are things we can do, giving them longer time for an exam, thinking about where you seat them.”

Hudema added that disruptive students affect the entire room, not just themselves, and that he’s not above calling an owner midweek if things aren’t adding up. “If I’ve spent money sending a technician to class and they come back energized, that’s first and foremost important to me,” he said. “But if they’re not actively engaged, they’re also taking time away from everyone else.”

After the class ends

For all three instructors, the relationship with students doesn’t end when the exam does. Kissin puts his contact details on the board at the start of every class.

“I want to elevate the industry and make it better,” he said. “I don’t give them answers. I ask, what did we learn in the class? What is your thought process? So that it sticks in their mind. And I think doing that is going to be more beneficial for me as an instructor eventually, I’ll have a larger database of students who, if they enjoy your class and you’re available for them, they’re going to keep referring other people.”

Hudema echoed that sentiment. He described getting text messages and calls long after classes end from former students looking for direction, and occasionally calling owners to flag a standout. “I’ll say, you’ve got a star right there,” he said. “Take advantage of what he brings to the table, because that one is going to take you places.”

Advice for the next generation of instructors

When asked what they’d tell someone considering becoming an instructor, all three circled back to motivation.
“My first question is, why?” Adams said. “Sometimes I get people who say, ‘I’m tired of doing field work, this is easier,’ or someone who just counted 30 people in the room at $1,000 a head and did the math. Becoming an IICRC-approved instructor is not easy, and it was never intended to be. Are you willing to commit? Because it is a process.”

Hudema, who serves on the IICRC board, emphasized giving back as the true north. “For me, it was about being able to change people’s lives,” he said. “Teach with passion, teach with skill, and teach like you’re continuing to learn yourself, because when you do that, it’s going to resonate with your students.”
Kissin, the newest instructor at the table, offered the question he’d ask any prospective instructor: Are they willing to keep learning?

“Don’t think that as soon as you become an instructor, you know everything you’re teaching,” he said. “I’ve had students in my classes who have been in the cleaning industry for 40 or 50 years. And when they come up to you at the end and say, ‘didn’t know this,’ those light-bulb moments are amazing. We’re all students as well.”

Between them, Hudema, Adams, and Kissin have certified more than 30,000 students. None of them sounds ready to stop.

“This industry is a great family,” Hudema said. “They care about one another, and we care about them. When I see that they’re successful, there’s no better occupation.”

Watch the interview and listen to the podcast:

The post Beyond the Manual: The Hidden Work Behind IICRC Education appeared first on Cleanfax.

What often gets overlooked is the long, unglamorous behind-the-scenes work that raises the standards for an entire industry. That work is slow, deliberate, and driven by people who understand that mold is not just a technical issue but a public health, legal, and leadership challenge.

That truth shaped a recent discussion with three IICRC leaders whose work affects every aspect of mold remediation: Mark Cornelius, Dr. Holly Burns, and Robbie Bradshaw. Together, they described the development of the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation and its current influence beyond the job site.

How the S520 came to be

Cornelius, with over 40 years of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry, explained that the S520 was developed because earlier standards left an important gap. The ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration recognized that mold begins with moisture, but it did not provide guidance on how to properly deal with mold once it appeared.

The S520, he said, was designed specifically for mold remediation contractors, with input from industrial hygienists, consultants, and other experts. Its goal was to establish a consistent approach grounded in building science and worker safety, rather than speculation or fear.

Mold itself is not a new issue. Cornelius noted that it has existed for centuries, but public concern in the United States grew during the 1970s and 1980s, alongside the rise of sick building syndrome. That concern heightened in the 1990s due to high-profile lawsuits, media sensationalism, and public confusion. Without a standard, remediation methods varied widely, costs increased substantially, and credibility was undermined.

The industry needed something to anchor it.

Creating consistency and accountability

Burns, with nearly 20 years of experience in restoration and now involved in indoor air assessments and training, described the pre-S520 landscape as inconsistent and risky. Practices varied among contractors, documentation was inconsistent, and little correlation existed between field methods and building science.

“The S520 was born out of necessity,” Burns said. It established a science-based consensus for what reasonable and appropriate remediation should look like, with an emphasis on exposure control, contamination management, and occupant safety.

She stressed that mold remediation is fundamentally about safeguarding people and their most prized possessions: their health and their home. The standard provides assessors and remediators with a shared framework to assess risk and support decision making, rather than relying on shortcuts or assumptions.

Standards evolve for a reason

Standards, however, are not fixed. Cornelius described the revision process as challenging and sometimes controversial. Consensus committees consist of dedicated professionals who combine research with practical experience. New science, emerging technologies, and updated health and safety guidelines all require thorough assessment.

“It can take years,” Cornelius said, noting that the original S520 took more than three years to complete. Revisions can also take that long, especially when changes impact worker safety or occupant vulnerability. New products or techniques are not automatically approved just because they are new.

Burns added that updates are intentionally deliberate rather than reactive. Research on aerosolization, containment effectiveness, and the impact on immunocompromised occupants must be discussed and integrated responsibly.

Training that builds defensibility

Both Cornelius and Burns stressed that training plays a critical role in the application of standards. IICRC-approved instructors are responsible for translating written principles into real-world applications.

Burns said she teaches students to justify each decision based on principles, not habits. She emphasizes that defensibility matters, especially when work is reviewed later.

Cornelius put it even more bluntly. He doesn’t use the standard to defend his work; he uses it to judge decisions before starting. If the work meets the standard from the beginning, there’s nothing to defend later.

From job sites to legislation

Bradshaw, the director of government relations for the IICRC, explained how the S520 has become a crucial tool in policy discussions. Legislators often hear from constituents about mold but frequently don’t know how to respond. Many mistakenly believe the industry is regulated when it isn’t.

When policymakers discover a recognized standard of care, the conversation shifts. Bradshaw noted that mold remediation accounts for most of his legislative discussions. The S520 and related certifications give lawmakers a reliable reference point.

That influence is already tangible. The S520 was incorporated into state law years ago, and more recently, Congress instructed the Department of Defense to create mold guidelines aligned with the standards for military housing. Bradshaw called that progress, especially for service members and their families.

Why standards matter

As mold remediation increasingly intersects with public health, housing policy, and legal accountability, expectations continue to rise. Burns observes a growing demand for qualified professionals and a decreasing tolerance for shortcuts. Accountability, she said, will lead to greater respect for those who do the work correctly.

Cornelius offered a warning. Overcomplicating remediation, expanding the scope, or chasing trends can make necessary work unaffordable. The guidance is already in place. Do the work correctly, control moisture, remove contamination, and avoid unnecessary theatrics.

Cornelius stated, “We are in an industry where we can hurt people if we do not do our job right.” Standards, he emphasized, exist to keep professionals, occupants, and communities safe.

To learn more about the IICRC, click .

The post Inside the S520: The Standard That Changed Mold Remediation appeared first on Cleanfax.

Schindele also plays a key role in trade shows and events, handling correspondence and logistics that support IICRC’s presence across the industry. She describes her impact as making sure everything works and everyone has what they need to do their jobs effectively.

Beyond internal operations, Schindele feels attending trade shows helps her understand the broader reach of the organization. Meeting hundreds of people and supporting continuing education credits gives her a new perspective on how widely IICRC standards and education impact the industry.

Her role connects logistics with purpose—ensuring both the physical workspace and external presence function smoothly. Through facilities management and event coordination, Schindele helps create the conditions that enable consistent, practical education, standards, and industry engagement.

�������������to learn more about the IICRC

For more video content by Cleanfax, check out the��Cleanfax Video page��and start learning invaluable cleaning and restoration tips today.

Subscribe or update your��subscription to��Cleanfax.

Become an 91��Ƶ member to manage and grow your restoration company

91��Ƶ membership provides unparalleled opportunities to improve your operations, boost your profits, and make valuable connections. Learn more about the benefits that are in store for you as an 91��Ƶ member by viewing the����page today!

The post Katie Schindele: Where Logistics Meets Purpose at the IICRC appeared first on Cleanfax.

Do you know how to address the various cleaning myths?

Recently, two IICRC-approved instructors—James Tole and Jessika James—joined Unscripted, an IICRC video production, to tackle some of the most common carpet cleaning myths that continue to mislead homeowners and even some professionals.

Here’s the no-fluff breakdown, myth by myth.

Myth 1: Cleaning makes carpet get dirty faster

Reality: Bad cleaning does.��

Proper cleaning does the opposite. It’s possible the cleaner has not been certified and properly educated. James explained that re-soiling usually traces back to residue, such as cheap detergents, poor dilution, weak rinse, or equipment that leaves carpet wet. “Budget cleaning” leaves sticky films that grab soil, Tole said. Modern chemistry and correct rinse steps remove soil and residue, keeping the fiber cleaner, longer.

Myth 2: Rental machines can match a professional result

Reality: Not even close.��

Capacity, heat, airflow, and chemistry all play a role. Rental units hold a few gallons, run cooler, and rely on outdated detergents. According to Tole, the carpet might look clean, but you leave a lot behind. James added that professional equipment, whether portable or truckmount, delivers better extraction and faster dry times. Do-it-yourself jobs that stay damp for a day (or three) aren’t a badge of effort; they’re a biology project, she said.

Myth 3: If it smells clean, it is clean

Reality: Fragrance is not cleanliness.��

Covering odor doesn’t remove the source. Pet dander, body oils, food residues, and the fine soil you don’t see must be physically removed. Tole is not a fan of blasting deodorizer at the end. When deodorizers are needed, professionals apply them thoughtfully at the beginning and rinse them, rather than misting them like perfume. James put it plainly: Cleaning removes source materials; scent masks them.

Myth 4: More detergent means cleaner carpet

Reality: More detergent means more residue.��

Formulas are designed to work optimally at specific dilutions, with the addition of water, at a particular temperature, and with a specified dwell time. Over-concentration overwhelms the rinse, leaves sticky films, and accelerates re-soiling. “Not only will you leave soil behind, but you’ll also leave a sticky, tacky residue when that product dries,” James explained. The industry has shifted to lower-residue chemistries and light-touch rinse solutions. The pros measure, mix, and flush.

Myth 5: Carpet causes allergies

Reality: Neglected carpet can hold allergens; properly maintained carpet helps control them.��

James described carpet as a passive filter: Dust and allergens settle into the pile instead of circulating in the breathing zone, provided the fiber is routinely vacuumed and periodically deep-cleaned. “Cleaning is actually the answer,” Tole explained, recounting how thorough cleaning eliminated stale odor in a heavily soiled home without a drop of deodorizer. Pulling out the carpet won’t cure habits; maintaining the carpet will improve indoor conditions.

Myth 6: Stain-resistant carpet is stain-proof

Reality: Treatments reduce risk; they don’t grant immunity.��

Foot traffic and abrasion wear down stain-resistant protection in high-use lanes first. To do a quick field check, pour a bit of water in a traffic lane versus a wall edge. If it soaks in fast where people walk, that protector is tired. “They’re stain-resistant, not stain-proof,” Tole added. Pros clean with chemistry that respects the mill’s treatment, then reapply protector so spills bead up and can be blotted off more easily. For heavy-use homes, James recommended reapplying more frequently.

Myth 7: Steam (hot water extraction) ruins carpet—dry methods are safer

Reality: Hot water extraction is the most recommended deep-cleaning method for residential carpet when done correctly.��

Steam cleaning carpet rinses out suspended soil and residues that other methods leave behind. “By far, maybe like 96% of the time we would recommend steam cleaning,” James said of her company’s business, noting that dry powder and low-moisture options have a place for certain constructions or constraints. Still, they are moderate cleaning methods and can leave product behind. Modern truckmounts and portables deliver controlled heat and airflow for thorough cleaning and fast dry times that align with warranty expectations.

Myth 8: Vacuuming once a week is enough

Reality: Frequency should match life.��

Foot traffic, kids, pets, and cooking all push the schedule higher. Dry soil acts like tiny abrasives that scratch fibers and dull their appearance. What people call “traffic lane gray” is often damaged by soil, not a permanent stain. James advises clients to vacuum two to three times a week, focusing on transition zones and pivot points. Tole’s pragmatic rule: The best vacuum is the one you’ll use. Make it easy to grab, and focus where it matters most—entries, family rooms, stairs, and under dining tables. The more soil that is removed before cleaning, the better the professional result is.

The bottom line

What do these logical realities mean for cleaners and clients?

Education matters: Certified training teaches chemistry, fiber identification, equipment setup, dilution, and rinse technique—the difference between residue and results.

Process matters: Dry soil removal, correct preconditioning, agitation, controlled rinsing, and fast drying are the key elements. Skip steps and you invite callbacks.

Communication matters: Set clear expectations regarding protector durability, drying times, and maintenance. “There isn’t one fix for everything,” Tole said. Pros pick the proper method for fiber, construction, and use.

Clean carpet is a system: Regular vacuuming, periodic professional hot water extraction, and smart chemistry—do that, and the myths collapse on contact. Stain-resistant doesn’t mean stain-proof. Fragrance isn’t cleanliness. Rental machines aren’t professional tools. And the old rumor that cleaning makes carpet get dirty faster? That’s not what quality work does, but what residue does.

Stay informed, protect your carpet investment, and help your customers understand the facts behind proper carpet cleaning.

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT

EDITOR’S NOTE: Cleanfax produces this media program in partnership with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The program, Unscripted, features what the IICRC is doing, what the industry needs to know about IICRC Standards, certifications, events, technical tips, management, marketing strategies, and more. If you have a topic you would like to see featured in a future edition of Unscripted, email Jeff Cross, 91��Ƶ media director, at jeffcross@issa.com.

The post 8 Carpet Cleaning Myths Busted appeared first on Cleanfax.

While much of the IICRC’s work is visible through certifications, standards, and industry leadership, this conversation offers a closer look at the people and processes that make it all happen.

As chief of staff, Kimber plays a central role in coordinating across departments, supporting leadership and governance, and advancing strategic initiatives that directly impact registrants, certified firms, instructors, and schools. But at the heart of her work is something more personal: The people who serve the IICRC community every day.

Developing people, she explained, is both a responsibility and a point of pride. Kimber emphasized her commitment to helping team members grow into future leaders by building on their existing strengths and encouraging professional development. She described the Global Resource Center as a place where culture matters—where investing in people ultimately leads to better service for IICRC constituents.

“One of the things that I take an immense pride in is having an impact and an influence to develop the future leaders for IICRC,” Kimber said, noting that a strong working environment begins with recognizing the contributions already being made and helping individuals expand their skill sets.

Kimber’s perspective is shaped by nearly a decade of experience with the organization. Having joined the IICRC during its reset in 2016, she has worked in nearly every capacity at the Global Resource Center. That continuity, she said, has allowed her to support countless certified firms and registrants while also serving as a steady presence within the organization.

“I’m a constant, which is important for the success of any organization,” Kimber said, adding that the strength of the team means constituents can expect the same level of support from any staff member they encounter at industry events or through daily interactions.

That confidence is backed by results. Kimber pointed to customer feedback, Google reviews, processing times, and relationships with third-party instructors and schools as proof of the team’s effectiveness. For her, those outcomes all trace back to culture.

“We’ve worked really hard, and I really just attribute that to a very positive culture here at the Global Resource Center,” she said.

Together, this interview highlights how thoughtful leadership, strong operations, and clear communication support the professionals and organizations that rely on the IICRC every day.

�������������to learn more about the IICRC.

For more video content by Cleanfax, check out the��Cleanfax Video page��and start learning invaluable cleaning and restoration tips today.

Subscribe or update your��subscription to��Cleanfax.

Become an 91��Ƶ member to manage and grow your restoration company

91��Ƶ membership provides unparalleled opportunities to improve your operations, boost your profits, and make valuable connections. Learn more about the benefits that are in store for you as an 91��Ƶ member by viewing the����page today!

The post Holly Kimber: How the IICRC Chief of Staff Keeps the Organization Aligned and Moving Forward appeared first on Cleanfax.

Salaiz described her impact in simple terms: Making leadership’s work easier. “That’s the nature of an assistant,” she said, explaining that her position was created out of necessity rather than a formal structure. As the role evolved, she built reports, systems, and processes designed to improve efficiency across the organization—something she genuinely enjoyed.

One of the unexpected benefits of her position has been education. Because of her role, Salaiz had the opportunity to take IICRC courses and expand her understanding of the industry. “Being paid to learn is never bad,” she said.

Asked what people might notice if they could see behind the walls of the IICRC, Salaiz pointed first to the building itself—circular and easy to get lost in—but quickly shifted to the culture. She said the dedication of the staff and the positive work environment stood out most. “I’ve never really felt like, ‘I’ve got to go to work’ here,” she said.

She also emphasized the role of volunteers as the heart of the organization. Salaiz credited them with dedicating time away from their families to support education and standards. “I wouldn’t have a job without them giving their time freely,” she said, adding that their contributions deserve recognition.

Click to learn more about the IICRC.��

The post Destinee Salaiz: Keeping the IICRC Moving, One System at a Time appeared first on Cleanfax.