Meet the founders

Dry Ground Restoration was founded by Joel Butler and his wife Lauren, who bring a combined 22 years of restoration industry experience and a shared vision for serving families in times of crisis.

Joel Butler

Joel Butler brings over a decade of hands-on experience in the restoration industry, with a strong background in both field operations and estimating at a national level. His experience ranges from residential water losses to coordinating complex mitigation projects across multiple markets.

Certifications and Expertise:

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD) — IICRC certification focused on advanced structural drying techniques, moisture mapping, and the science of professional drying systems.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) — Training in identifying and safely remediating microbial growth such as mold following water damage events.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) — Core certification covering water extraction, drying procedures, monitoring, and restoration standards.

• Trauma & Crime Scene Technician (TCST) — Certification in the safe cleaning and restoration of environments impacted by biohazards or traumatic events.

• Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) — Advanced certification focused on complex and large-loss commercial drying projects.

• National estimating and project coordination experience — Extensive experience preparing mitigation estimates and coordinating restoration projects across multiple markets.

• Expertise in mitigation systems and insurance documentation — Deep familiarity with moisture documentation, drying verification, and insurance claim processes.

Lauren Butler

Lauren Butler brings over 12 years of experience in the restoration industry before stepping away to focus on raising their children as a stay-at-home mom. Her background spans multiple roles across both field and office operations, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the restoration process and the families it serves.

Experience and Contributions:

• 12+ years of restoration industry experience

• Contents Technician — Responsible for the inventory, packing, and care of customer belongings during restoration projects.

• Sales — Worked directly with homeowners to guide them through restoration services and solutions during stressful situations.

• Customer Service — Often the first point of contact for families experiencing water damage, coordinating response and providing clear communication.

• Contract Coordination — Managed job documentation, project coordination, and agreements between homeowners and restoration teams.

• Accounts Receivable — Oversaw billing coordination and insurance-related payments.

• Operational insight across field and office roles — Experience across both technical restoration work and administrative operations.

Starting a company together has long been a dream for Joel and Lauren. Over the years they have often talked about building a business that reflects their values, experience, and desire to serve their community well.

That shared vision ultimately became Dry Ground Restoration.

After years of experience inside larger corporate environments, Joel and Lauren saw an opportunity to build something more personal — a company that combines professional systems and technical excellence with local ownership, strong values, and genuine care for the people they serve. In many ways, Dry Ground Restoration represents a return to the kind of local, relationship-driven business where they both first began their careers in the restoration industry.

Joel and Lauren view Dry Ground Restoration as more than just a business. They see it as an opportunity to faithfully steward the skills, experience, and opportunities God has given them, while helping families move from the stress of water damage to the peace of dry ground again.

Dry Ground Restoration exists to deliver the same technical precision and industry knowledge found in national firms — with the care, clarity, and integrity of a locally owned company.