The Importance of Disconnecting: A Safari Adventure and Family Bonding

In the restoration industry, disconnecting from work is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. This industry can be relentless, with the demands of being on call, handling emergencies around the clock, and often sacrificing personal time. From canceled vacations to working through holidays, the challenges are endless. When we manage to get away, it's crucial to disconnect and recharge.

Why is disconnecting so important? The restoration industry, more than many others, can kick your ass day in and day out. It’s a business that doesn’t sleep, with teams ready to respond to disasters 24/7. This constant state of readiness means vacations are often canceled, and holidays can be spent servicing urgent calls. This high level of demand can lead to burnout, making it vital to take time off and stay away from work completely.

In today's digital age, we're constantly accessible via text, phone, or email, even on vacation. I’ve found myself checking emails on a cruise or catching up on texts during a safari in the African savannah. However, the best vacations, in my opinion, are those with no service. Telling your team you're unavailable because of no service gives you peace of mind and allows your team to step up and take on more responsibility. You might be surprised at how capable your team is when allowed to handle things independently.

A good leader should be able to take off for one or even two weeks without everything falling apart. This recent trip to Africa was memorable for many reasons. It was my favorite trip of all time and a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. Seeing poverty up close and witnessing Mother Nature in its rawest form is humbling. The safari was a chance to see over 250,000 animals, from big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards to majestic elephants, giraffes, zebras, and even 20-foot-long snakes.

But the best part of this trip was spending quality time with my family. Unlike most vacations, where everyone ends up doing their own thing, this safari kept us all together, exploring the African Serengeti for 7-14 hours a day. We watched the great migration, shared picnic meals, and talked and laughed with each other. This experience brought us closer together like no other trip had.

You might be asking yourself, why talk about my kids and my spouse in an article on LinkedIn? Because they are my everything, they are my purpose. I want to be known most notably as an incredible father and husband. They are my legacy. My job and ATI Restoration give me purpose, but when I'm buried in a grave one day, I want my legacy to be theirs. Our families define us, not our paycheck, the industry, or the company.

This trip taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and family. It’s not about the lavish vacation or going to Africa—it's about truly disconnecting and being present. As leaders, we must set an example. How can we expect our staff to do so if we cannot vacation correctly? If we cannot disconnect, what role model are we to our spouses and children, let alone our teams?

True leadership is demonstrated through actions. By showing my team that I trust them to manage without me, I empower them to take ownership and grow. This is crucial in our industry, where the ability to handle emergencies independently can make all the difference. A team that knows its leader values balance and well-being will be more committed, productive, and loyal.

Our African safari was a transformative experience, but you don’t need to travel far to find this balance. The key is to create moments where you can unplug from work demands and connect with what truly matters—family, nature, and personal well-being. Whether it's a weekend camping trip with no cell service, a beach vacation where you leave your phone in the hotel room, or simply a few days at home without checking emails, the impact can be profound.

The restoration industry is demanding, and we must make time to get away, not just for ourselves but also for our employees. They need that balance as much, if not more than we do. By taking these steps, we foster a healthier, more sustainable work environment where everyone can thrive.

This journey has reinforced my belief in the importance of family time. My greatest treasures are my wife, Tavia, and our children—Tyler, London, Savannah, and Phoenix. Tavia, my soulmate and biggest cheerleader has supported me through thick and thin. She’s the loving, compassionate mother who holds our family together, especially when my work demands my presence elsewhere.

Tyler, our oldest, is a senior in high school and a dedicated golfer working on his college applications. London, our sophomore, has an on-and-off love for volleyball, navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. Savannah, our princess, is in 8th grade, juggling her interests in volleyball and gymnastics. Phoenix, our youngest, is passionate about baseball and has an infectious personality that lights up our lives.

Tavia is a saint for putting up with me, supporting my weekly travels, and helping grow our family business into what we are today and aspire to be. Always loving and enduring, no matter the sacrifice.

I encourage every leader in our industry to make a concerted effort to disconnect from work and fully engage with their families during vacations. Doing so benefits your personal well-being and sets a positive example for your team. Employees who see their leaders prioritize work-life balance feel more empowered to do the same. This balance is essential for maintaining high levels of productivity and job satisfaction.

To truly disconnect, consider planning vacations where internet and phone service are limited or non-existent. This forces you to leave work and be present with your loved ones. Whether it’s a remote cabin in the mountains, a secluded beach, or a rustic campsite, the key is to unplug and focus on what matters most.

We work hard in this industry, and we must lead by example. How can we expect our staff to do so if we cannot vacation correctly? If we cannot disconnect, what role model are we to our spouses and children, much less our teams? By embracing the importance of disconnecting, we enhance our lives and inspire those around us to find their own balance.

I hope this article inspires you to find a better work-life balance, take meaningful vacations, and strengthen the bonds within your family. Remember, it’s not about the destination or the grandeur of the trip—it’s about the quality of time spent and the lessons learned from truly disconnecting.

Cordially, Jeff Moore Chief Acquisition Officer and President of ATI Restoration