Brodie West is the first woman to take on the position as head of the RIA in Australasia. The Westaway Restorations general manager  has previously served on the association’s measurement and events committees.

West says her focus will be on serving the membership.

“I don’t look at the job as being any different as a woman and there’s no grand plan in terms of doing certain things because I’m a woman,” West says.  

“It’s more about what we need to do for members. The big things at the moment are advocacy and our member survey, which will help us collect important data about the industry.”

That data – and the accompanying advocacy – will help the RIA build relationships with government agencies, insurance companies and related sectors, including the construction industry.

“I think over the past five or six years, builders have become more aware of restoration, the importance of it, and where it helps them. But there is still a lot more that we need to do in terms of building those relationships and thinking how we can work better together.”

West says the impact of extreme weather events are highlighting the importance of the restoration industry, making this a crucial time in the association’s history.

“When you have had so many more homeowners affected by these events, more people become aware that restoration exists. We’ve had more and more people who have gone through an insurance claim. These events are disasters but they do raise the profile of restoration as an industry because it means that businesses are getting more work.”

Coming from a background in real estate, West started working for her family’s restoration business 13 years ago and has been running it for the past five. She says the industry is packed with people who, like her, have discovered a passion for the industry later in life and found there is always room to grow.

“If you speak to most restorers, there are generational family businesses, but a lot of people fall into it somewhere along the line. It becomes their passion, and they love it. It’s amazing seeing how many people in our industry continue education through IICRC certifications or through the RIA. It’s very much an industry where people are looking and seeking more, to further their education.”

West admits to first night nerves as she took on the role of president at the RIA Inc. Restoration Conference & Trade Show, but is clear about what she wants to achieve.

“I want to show people that we want to listen. We want to try and make things happen for the members. Obviously, a big part of that is advocacy and getting restoration recognised more broadly. Really, I just want to do a good job in the role so that, when I pass it on, I can say I gave it 100 percent and I really tried to advocate for the members.”