Family businesses come with incredible opportunities, but they also come with unique challenges. In this episode, I sit down with Keri Jones, whose family built Utah Disaster Kleanup into one of the most respected restoration companies in the country. We talk about what it was like growing up in the business, learning from industry pioneers, and eventually helping lead the company through rapid growth and a private equity acquisition.

Keri shares lessons on leadership, developing people, building a strong company culture, and why creating systems for growth matters just as much as technical expertise. We also dive into what private equity really looks like from the inside, the mistakes they avoided, and the changes that helped the business scale from $22 million to $35 million.

As Keri closes one chapter after spending her entire career with her family's company, she reflects on burnout, identity, and the courage it takes to pursue what's next. Whether you're building a family business, preparing for an exit, or simply trying to become a better leader, there's a lot to learn from her journey.

Hope you enjoy.

Chris

Why You Should Listen:

[00:06:20] Hear how Keri Jones grew up inside Utah Disaster Kleanup and the leadership lessons she learned from one of restoration's pioneering families.

[00:20:30] Discover how UDK built a technician development program that transformed hiring, training, and career growth long before it became common in the industry.

[00:30:15] Learn why diversifying sales channels and building intentional business development strategies created a stronger, more resilient restoration company.

[00:39:55] Get an insider's perspective on selling to private equity, preparing a leadership team for acquisition, and what really changes after the deal closes.

[00:55:10] Listen as Keri shares why she's leaving the only company she's ever worked for, what burnout taught her, and how leaders know when it's time for their next chapter.

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