May 2015 – DKI – Disaster Kleenup International

Alliance Disaster Kleenup Ranks Amongst the Best Places to Work in Illinois

May 29, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that one of its member companies, Alliance Disaster Kleenup of Wheeling, Ill. has been honored as a 2015 “Best Places to Work in Illinois” recipient as fourth in the category of companies under 99 employees.

The “Best Places to Work” program is a survey, study, and subsequent awards ceremony, established to recognize and distinguish the top organizations in Illinois and around the country, for employee engagement and providing a supportive and fulfilling work environment. Out of hundreds of nominated companies, 74 were honored at the 10^th annual awards ceremony, hosted by the Daily Herald Business Ledger. The finalists were chosen based on an extremely detailed analysis of their best business practices, and how they benefit their workforce, business, and the overall economy. Compared to the U.S. average of employee engagement which stands at around 41 percent, these awarded companies average above a 91 percent rating on overall employee engagement.

Alliance Disaster Kleenup has been operating as a leading disaster response and restoration company in the Midwest for almost 15 years. The company is known by its clients as one that strives to provide exceptional service and commitment to their client base before, during, and after a catastrophic event. This “client-centric” commitment is supported by maintaining a strong, team based environment.

“Of all of the accolades this company has received, this designation is our shining moment,” said ADK Founder Josh Tubero. “This important designation is validation of the successes that can occur when the incredible culture that drives a company takes on a life of its own.”

About Alliance Disaster Kleenup

Headquartered in suburban Chicago, ADK is one of the most highly regarded disaster restoration organizations in North America. The services that ADK provides to insurance, commercial and residential clients include: emergency response, water damage mitigation, fire and contents cleaning, mold remediation, complete reconstruction, pre-incident planning and much more – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ADK returns damaged property to its pre-loss condition quickly and efficiently, delivering complete satisfaction to our consumer, insurance, and corporate customers. To learn more, please visit www.alliancedki.com.

About DKI
DKI, headquartered in Chicago, is the largest disaster restoration contracting organization in North America. DKI Franchise Member companies provide full service restoration to their customers: emergency response, water damage mitigation, fire and contents cleaning, mold remediation, complete reconstruction and much more, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. DKI returns damaged property to its pre-loss condition quickly and efficiently, delivering complete satisfaction to our consumer, insurance, and corporate customers. For more information about DKI, visit our website at www.dkiservices.com and download DKI’s Red Cross Emergency App www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/emergency-app

Action Restoration, Inc. Joins DKI

May 28, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that Action Restoration, Inc. of Port Arthur, Texas has joined the DKI network.

By virtue of its DKI Franchise Membership, Action Restoration, Inc. can employ DKI’s 24-hour call center, its DIAMOND claims tracking technology, and other tools to enhance its ability to serve its insurance and corporate customers. Action Restoration, Inc. also gains access to DKI’s training seminars and workshops, which ensure that it remains abreast of all changes in this rapidly evolving industry.

“We are delighted to welcome Action Restoration, Inc. into the rapidly growing DKI network,” stated Dan Cassara, DKI’s president. Action Restoration’s commitment to quick response, superior workmanship and outstanding customer service reaffirms DKI’s position in the marketplace as The Source for Quality Restoration. We look forward to a long and rewarding association.”

Action Restoration, Inc. owner, Susan Rising, is pleased that the company is a part of the DKI network, giving them the opportunity to work in partnership with other quality firms. The DKI network will allow Action Restoration, Inc. to expand their scope of service, introduce them to new markets and ensure the company’s success long into the future.

In addition to the benefits of DKI’s technology and training capabilities, Action Restoration, Inc. will also be able to utilize the DKI branding in its marketing efforts, participate in its various co-op programs, and leverage DKI’s corporate marketing efforts.

DKI Corporate Continues to Grow

May 27, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced its newest addition, Vice President of Sales and Business Development Ken Campbell.

With over 22 years of experience in the insurance claims and disaster restoration industries, Campbell is well known in the property restoration industry. He brings his wealth of knowledge and experience in ownership, sales management and account management from several restoration companies, including Steamatic, Inc., ServiceMaster Clean and Certified Restoration Dry-Cleaning Network (CRDN). Campbell also has seven years of property claims adjusting, claims management and vendor management experience with a large national insurance carrier. He is IICRC Water and Fire certified and has provided CE classes to countless insurance adjusters and professionals.

Campbell has earned a reputation for building strong strategic relationships, creating “win/win” business solutions, and providing great customer service. He is a high energy, high integrity mentor and collaborative leader.

“We are very excited to have Ken join our team, and believe he will be a beneficial asset with his leadership skills, experience and knowledge in the industry,” said DKI President and CEO Dan Cassara.

Hurricane Preparedness

May 27, 2015

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

It’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week. Even if you don’t live in a high-risk area for severe weather, it’s important to have and communicate a plan and have an emergency kit in case of any emergency event. You and your staff will be thankful you did!

So, is your business prepared? If not, it’s as simple as 1…2…3!

PLAN

Should a disaster occur, do you know what to do?

What’s your evacuation procedure? If you have to close the physical location of the business, how do you plan to remain in operation, even if only minimally?

Make sure to photograph and document office equipment and furniture (for insurance purposes).

And, remember:

COMMUNICATE

Hold a meeting to communicate the disaster plan to your team of employees. Break the ice with a pop quiz – Who knows the difference between a watch and a warning? What measures should you take for each? (Just in case: A HURRICANE WATCH means to be on guard. A HURRICANE WARNING means get out and head to safety.)

Consider documenting your plan and distributing among each employee. Graphics are a good idea to convey your message to your staff without a lot of unnecessary reading.

If your staff is more of tactile learners, you can practice disaster drills to ensure everyone follow direction in the case of a real emergency.

PREPARE

Do you have an emergency supplies kit in the office? If not, now is better than ever to prepare!

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just make sure you include these items:

First aid kit
Plenty of water bottles
Non-perishable food
Clothing
Blankets
Flashlights and batteries
A binder of contacts (Names and contact information of all staff and an out-of-town emergency contact)

To learn more about hurricane preparedness, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/

Werner Restoration Services Brings 1-800-BOARDUP to Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa

May 26, 2015 – (ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill., May 26, 2015) – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that one of its Franchise Member companies, Werner Restoration Services, Inc. in Colona, Ill. recently launched the new 1-800-BOARD UP franchise in western Illinois and eastern Iowa.

1-800-BOARD UP will operate as a division of Werner Restoration. Services provided by 1-800-BOARD UP include:

Victim assistance (providing toiletries, shelter, clothing and more)
Board-up
Roof cover
Emergency power
Temporary fencing
Shoring and stabilization

“This complements what other organizations are doing with disaster recovery, and most importantly it allows us to do more for victims of disasters,” explained Brent Werner, operations manager at Werner Restoration, Inc.

“After a fire is extinguished, there are some things the fire department can’t do,” said Mike Whitson, local director of emergency services for 1-800-BOARD UP and retired fire investigator inspector from Galesburg. “1-800-BOARD UP helps put some order back into the victims’ lives.”

About Werner Restoration Services, Inc.

Werner Restoration Services has been serving the Quad Cities as the premier restoration company since 1988. The Werner team prides itself on being the morally-sound restoration company that property owners can count on in their time of need. Contact Brent Werner at 309-792-0912.

About 1-800-BOARD UP

1-800-BOARD UP is a values-focused organization that provides comprehensive recovery services to fire victims in need. While each office is independently owned and operated, 1-800-BOARD UP is the largest franchise company that specializes in emergency response services for disasters. If needing Emergency Services, contact us at 1-800-262-7387.

Common Indoor Allergens and How to Deal with Them

May 24, 2015

Guest Blog by Brian Wallace of Central Station Marketing, Content Writer for DKI Member, Dalworth Restoration

If you are suffering from conditions like perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma, the quality of your organization’s indoor environment might be to blame. Indoor allergens and irritants play a major role in triggering allergies and asthma, as well as in making them worse in many cases.

This could be bad news for a lot of Americans suffering from these conditions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people in the U.S. spend around 90 percent of their time indoors, inadvertently exposing themselves to these allergens.

As a business owner, you have to be aware of these common indoor allergens so that you can proactively take measures to protect yourself and your employees from exposure.

Molds – Molds have been around for millions of years. In nature, they play a significant role in the decomposition of organic matter and in the nutrient recycling process in ecosystems. In your home or office, however, they are among the most harmful forms of allergens.

Molds thrive in damp environments, including the bathroom, the basement, or wherever there is a leak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, molds are responsible for causing a range of respiratory problems and fungal infections in people, which is why removing mold should be done as quickly as possible.

A solution of bleach and water can kill molds, but if the mold infestation problem is too big, it is best to hire a professional to deal with it. For instance, if your office has suffered water damage due to storm, flooding, or broken pipes, hiring a restoration company is the easiest and safest way to get rid of the resulting mold infestation.

Dust mite feces – Feeding on organic matter like dead skin cells from people, dust mites are commonly found in areas of human habitation. Their digestive systems contain enzymes that are allergy-inducing. When the dust mites excrete feces, the enzymes go along with it and are then inhaled by people.

Because they are microscopic, you won’t be able to see them, and there are too many to be eradicated thoroughly. But, while they can’t be eliminated completely, there are things you can do to reduce their numbers.

Dust mites love warm and humid environments, so try to limit the humidity in your office to no more than 50 percent. Using a dehumidifier will help you achieve this goal.

Cockroaches – Cockroaches are not only disgusting, they can also trigger allergies through the allergens found in their feces and saliva. Although they can be found almost anywhere, they thrive in densely populated environments like cities.

Make sure that all your food is stored and covered properly. The idea is to cut off the vermin from their food supply, so be vigilant when you have exposed food items, like those left over from your meals or food scraps in uncovered garbage bins. Also fix leaky water pipes or faucets so the cockroaches won’t have access to moisture and water, either.

Secondhand cigarette smoke – Often, it isn’t the smokers themselves who are affected by the smoke from the cigarettes they light up; it’s the allergic people around them. Secondhand smoke can irritate the respiratory system and can make asthma worse in asthmatic individuals. Consider designating a specific location outside for those smokers in your office.

Pollen – Flowering plants are mostly found outdoors, so pollen is more of a concern for allergic individuals when they are outside. However, pollen grains can hitchhike on people, eventually finding themselves indoors. To minimize the possibility of pollen allergy, consider getting an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

Household chemicals – Household chemicals are present in almost all cleaning and hygiene products. Consider getting hypoallergenic or mild versions of these products to avoid allergic reactions.

Armed with the right information, you can minimize your allergies and live a more comfortable life.

Gemini Restoration’s Director of Sales and Marketing is a Third Time Pageant Winner

May 22, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that one of its Franchise Member companies, Gemini Restoration of Union, NJ’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Erin Molinaro was crowned the new Mrs. New Jersey America 2015.

A native of New Jersey, born and raised in Livingston, Molinaro is now a Triple Crown title holder in New Jersey. Prior to this year, she was Miss NJ USA in 2007, and Miss Teen NJ in 2001. Molinaro is the first woman in history to be crowned three times in New Jersey.

Molinaro is an avid volunteer for The American Cancer Society, and has planned many events this year to support this organization. She is also a supporter of numerous other charities, such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organization, Coming Home Rescue, and Autism Awareness. Molinaro supports all causes everywhere because she believes no cause is more important than another.

Currently, Molinaro is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Gemini Restoration Inc., a third generation family owned business, which was started by Molinaro’s grandmother in 1973.

Her brother, Guy Abrahamson, Principal at Gemini says, “As a very humble, yet driven woman, we are very proud to have Erin as part of the Gemini team.”

About Gemini Restoration, Inc.

Gemini Restoration began as a small independently owned and operated fire and water restoration company. Four decades later, it has grown to be one of the ten largest independently owned and operated full service restoration and general construction companies in the nation. It is a one-stop-shop alternative to the fire and water restoration process. To learn more, please visit www.geminirestoration.com.

J.C. Restoration, Inc. Hires Executive Director of Government Affairs

May 14, 2015 – J.C. Restoration, Inc. (JCR) has added a new position to focus exclusively on disaster restoration in the Government and Health Services sector.

Daniel Bitton joins the JCR team after spending more than 30 years in the public (government) sector. In this new role for JCR, Bitton will be primarily responsible for developing and cultivating relationships with federal, state, and local government agencies. He will look to develop a strategic plan designed to increase sales and market recognition in the Government Agencies and Healthcare segments. Bitton recently served in the Cook County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and as Unit Commander for AIR-ONE Emergency Response Coalition. In addition to those roles, he has expertise and holds numerous certificates in Safety, Security and Compliance.

Recently, Daniel was the first to obtain the international certification of CERTIFIED EMERGENCY DISASTER PROFESSIONAL (CEDP) credential. The International Board for Certification of Safety Mangers (IBFCSM) issued Bitton certification on April 21, 2015. Bitton completed a comprehensive proctored examination to obtain the CEDP designation. The CEDP Certification tests the candidate on emergency related standards and/or best practices from organizations such as: FEMA, DHS, DHHS, NFPA, ASTM, ANSI, NRC, CDC, EPA, OSHA, HIPAA, and The Joint Commission.

“Restoration in the highly regulated healthcare and government sectors mandates broad-based industry specific knowledge and we are proud to have Bitton on board as the first CEDP credentialed Restoration/Disaster Response industry professional,” remarked Warner Cruz, president.

Bitton is also credentialed as a Master Level Certified Healthcare Emergency Manager (CHEP), Master Level Certified Hazard Control Officer (CHCM), Master Level Certified Hazard Control-Security (CHCM-SEC), Master Level Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP), and an Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM).

About J.C Restoration: J.C. Restoration is one of the fastest growing independent restoration companies in the Midwest. Since 1982, JCR has been successfully restoring damaged properties in the greater Chicagoland area for thousands of Home and Business Owners. JCR offers complete emergency mitigation and restoration services for properties affected by Water, Fire, Smoke, Storms, and Mold. Our Emergency Response Teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week– with vehicles fully stocked and ready for immediate dispatch. Restoration Services Include: Building / Structural Damage, Water Damage, Fire Damage, Emergency Clean-up, Certified Mold Remediation, Contents Restoration, Document Restoration, and Commercial/Large Loss Services. To learn more about J.C. Restoration, please call 800.956.8844 or visit jcr24.com.

Is Your Business Built to Code?

May 14, 2015

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Recently, there have been several severe weather occurrences around the world, harming homes, families and businesses. Although we can’t predict or change the weather, strengthening our building codes can assist us in the time of these natural disasters.

This is the second week of Building Safety Month, circulating around the theme of “Bounce Back Faster from Disaster – Build to Code.” Is your building built to code? Are you aware of the different building codes and what each one entails?

The United States uses the International Code Council’s (ICC) set of codes, established to set rules and minimum safety standards for design, construction and maintenance. These codes include:

IBC: The International Building Code: One of the most widely used, it’s the foundation of the ICC’s codes, covering almost all types of buildings, and has been adopted at the state or local level in all 50 states.

IEBC: The International Existing Building Code: Developed to permit flexibility with compliance of the minimum safety requirements on construction of existing buildings (repairs, relocations, additions).

IFC: The International Fire Code: Covering fire safety, evacuation plans and drills, this applies minimum regulations for fire prevention and protection in occupied buildings and premises.

IECC: The International Energy Conservation Code: Designed to reduce energy usage and conserve natural resources with new mechanical and lighting systems and new energy-efficient designs.

IgCC: The International Green Construction Code: Finalized in late 2011, only 13 states have adopted this code to create “green” building sustainability measures for the entire construction project of new and existing commercial buildings.

To learn more about building codes and to stay up-to-date with the latest safety standards, visit www.iccsafe.org.

DRT Supports Local Military Community

May 13, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that DKI Franchise Member Company, Disaster Response Team of Panama City, Fla. will be offering a promotion on May 16, 2015 to all those in our military forces protecting our country.

In remembrance of Memorial Day, DRT would like to appreciate those brave men and women with a free interior car detailing service and a disaster preparedness kit. Come out to the main entrance of the Panama City Mall on Saturday, May 16, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to receive yours.

“We want to give to you because you give so much more to us – our freedom,” said Crystal Martinez, marketing director of DRT.

Please bring with you a form of military I.D. so you may receive their free promotion.

About Disaster Response Team

Disaster Response Team, based out of Panama City, FL, responds to disasters all over the panhandle. Our certified technicians provide efficient, quality service. Our management staff works hand in hand with the homeowner to ensure the highest satisfaction. For more information visit http://drt911.com.

Month: May 2015