Month: June 2015

Join the #RestoringKindness Movement

June 30, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, announced today that one of its Member Companies, A&J Specialty Services, Inc. DKI of DeForest, Wis. is paying it forward to Madison, Wis. and all its surrounding areas.

Throughout the entire month of July, A&J DKI is asking everyone to participate in their movement to “restore kindness.”  Do something nice for someone else, without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s leaving a big tip on your bill for a server, or picking flowers for neighbor, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to leave a note that includes the hashtag, #RestoringKindness, and upload a photo through social media sites, using the given hashtag, to connect with others involved.

“Every day at A&J DKI, we restore homes and businesses. Now, let’s see what happens when Madison starts restoring kindness, just because,” said A&J DKI Owner Kent Rawhouser.

Join the movement today! Visit www.ajrestores.com/restoringkindness for more information.

About A&J Specialty Services, Inc. DKI

Founded in 1984, A&J is now a leader in the restoration industry serving all of south-central Wisconsin. As a full-service restoration company, they are experts in mold remediation, water, fire and sewage damage restoration, as well as carpet, rug, upholstery, and tile cleaning. To learn more, visit www.ajrestores.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.

Hammer Building & Restoration, Inc. Renews Franchise Membership with DKI

June 29, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that Hammer Building & Restoration, Inc. of Saginaw, Mich. has renewed its Franchise Membership with the DKI network.

By continuing its DKI Franchise Membership, Hammer Restoration will continue to utilize 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. Hammer Restoration also gains access to DKI’s training seminars and workshops to ensure they remain abreast of all changes in this rapidly evolving industry.

“We are delighted that Hammer Restoration will continue to be a part of the rapidly growing DKI network,” Dan Cassara, DKI’s president.  Hammer Restoration 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 continuing our rewarding association with Hammer Restoration.”

Hammer Restoration, family owned and operated, is celebrating its 50th anniversary serving the Great Lakes Bay Religion Area. With nearly 50 trained specialists and operating under the nationally known DKI-umbrella, Hammer Restoration is ready 24/7 to provide restoration needs when disaster strikes.

Company president, Steve Gohm, is pleased Hammer Restoration meets DKI’s high standards for continued Franchise Member, as DKI has always stood for excellence in the industry.  The opportunity to work in partnership with other quality firms in the DKI network has allowed Hammer Restoration to expand their scope of services, introduced them to new markets and has helped ensure their continued success.

In addition to being able to use DKI’s technology and training capabilities, Hammer Restoration can also continue using the DKI branding in its marketing efforts, participate in its various co-op programs, and leverage DKI’s corporate marketing efforts.

About Hammer Building & Restoration, Inc.

Hammer Building & Restoration, Inc. is a family owned and operated 24-hour emergency restoration services company, based in Saginaw, Michigan. For 50 years, the Hammer Restoration Team has been serving people’s needs, offering a full range of restoration services, throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region and surrounding areas. We currently have near fifty well-trained and experienced employees ready and prepared to serve the restoration needs in our area whenever disasters strike.  For more information about Hammer Restoration visit our website at www.hammerrestoration.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 its website at www.dkiservices.com and download DKI’s Red Cross Emergency App www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/emergency-app.

Safety Tips for Summer Work

June 23, 2015

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

It is officially summer, and that means days are getting longer and HOTTER! With parts of the U.S. suffering from extreme heat lately, and the west coast rationing water usage during this misery, it’s important to be aware of the risks to stay safe.

Schedule your days early.

Though, in this industry, we can’t always plan our work schedules, when we do have flexibility, it’s best to begin work early in the cooler hours of the day.

Fuel yourself.

As it gets hotter, your body burns more fat and more energy. Especially if your work consists of outdoor environments, make sure to stay properly fueled – That means, drink lots of fluids and eat healthy. Water is your best source for hydration, as carbonated and sugary drinks (soda, juice) can pack too much sodium and sugar, causing your body to get a sugar high, then hit a slump. If water is boring for you, consider adding slices of fresh fruit to your water to liven up the flavor.

Try eating a breakfast with vitamins, fiber and calcium to keep your blood levels steady and begin your day with the utmost energy. Whether it’s a fully packed omelet, oatmeal with nuts and fruit or just a protein packed smoothie, don’t forget about the first meal of the day.

This will also prevent you from starvation, come lunchtime, because eating a lighter lunch will help diminish an afternoon slump. Avoid a food coma to remain alert throughout the day.

Stay shaded and dress appropriately.

If you do have to work in high peak hours of the heat, avoid direct sun exposure as best as you can.

  • Try to work in covered areas.
  • Wear a visor or wide-brim hard helmet.
  • Apply heavy sunscreen at all times.
  • Choose light colored shirts to reflect the sun.
  • Wear cotton material or fabrics that absorb sweat – polyester doesn’t breathe as well.

Be Alert.

In times of drought, one danger highly associated with extreme heat conditions is the occurrence of wildfires. Be aware and safe.

Another danger to watch out for is heat illness. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common with physical exertion in hot environments, especially for long hours. It’s important to watch out for each other and the signs of heat illnesses. Early symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Slurred Speech
  • Irritability
  • Profuse sweating

K-tech Kleening Supports the Red Cross and Fire Safety

June 22, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, announced today that one of its Member Companies, K-tech Kleening Systems of Weston, Wis. volunteered to help the American Red Cross install and test neighborhood smoke alarms.

With the goal to reduce fires and fire deaths in the United States by around 25 percent, the Red Cross joined fire departments and community groups nationwide to install smoke alarms in at-risk neighborhoods and encourage everyone to practice fire safety.

On Saturday, June 20, a few K-tech employees offered their time from 9:00 AM until mid-afternoon to participate in the North Central Chapter Red Cross’ Home Fire Smoke Alarm Installation Event. Following the Wausau Fire Department’s recommendation to work in the Longfellow and SW Jones neighborhoods, the volunteers spent no more than 20 minutes at each household, installing smoke alarms and teaching the homeowners about fire safety, escape plans and smoke alarm maintenance.

For more information about the Red Cross’ event, visit www.redcross.org, or if you’re interested in joining a Home Fire Smoke Alarm Installation Event, pre-register at www.volunteerconnection.redcross.org to participate in an event near you.

About K-tech Kleening

Headquartered in Weston, WI, K-tech has been serving Central and Northern Wisconsin customers since 1975. It still thrives today as a 2nd-generation family-owned business with superior commercial and residential cleaning and restoration solution services. Through its K-tech Charities division, conceptualized in 2006, K-tech prides itself in giving back to the community in which it serves. For more information, visit its website at www.k-techkleening.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 or contact Jessica Nielsen at (630) 350-3000.

K-tech Kleening Goes Pink

June 17, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that DKI Franchise Member Company, K-tech Kleening Systems of Weston, Wis. sponsored the 12th annual Pink Ribbon Open golf tournament and dinner on Monday, June 15 to raise proceeds for local breast cancer survivors.

K-tech Charities, created in 2006 to give back to the communities in which they serve, has distributed over $500,000 in money and services through fundraising efforts by employees, friends, and business partners. The Pink Ribbon Open, was started to financially help and support local victims of breast cancer. Through monetary donations, silent auction items, sponsorships and guest appearances, this event has had overwhelming success year after year.

This year’s Pink Ribbon Open was held at the Wausau Country Club in Schofield, Wis. It included guest celebrity appearances by numerous NFL and collegiate basketball figures, a silent auction and raffle, a hole-in-one car giveaway, and a meet and greet with some of Central Wisconsin’s honored breast cancer survivors.

“This annual event is about giving back to the communities we serve in North Central Wisconsin.  Everyone has been affected by a family member, a friend, or a co-worker that has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Community support for this cause is overwhelming.  The people of Central Wisconsin who step up and help, continue to amaze me,” said Craig Kersemeier, president of K-tech Kleening Systems.

If you would like to become a sponsor or donate a prize or gift for next year’s event, contact Dan Yonke or Craig Kersemeier at 715-355-1369.ktech_pink_ribbon

About K-tech Kleening

Headquartered in Weston, WI, K-tech has been serving Central and Northern Wisconsin customers since 1975. It still thrives today as a 2nd-generation family-owned business with superior commercial and residential cleaning and restoration solution services. Through its K-tech Charities division, conceptualized in 2006, K-tech prides itself in giving back to the community in which it serves. For more information, visit its website at www.k-techkleening.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 its website at www.dkiservices.com and download DKI’s Red Cross Emergency App www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/emergency-app.

Increase Customer Service with an App

June 17, 2015

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Last week we touched upon the importance of creating a mobile app for your business, and we shared our experience with our new American Red Cross Emergency App.

Now, let’s run through three simple benefits of utilizing and promoting our app for your business as a DKI Member, or even creating your own branded app.

Reasons to go mobile:

  • Stay Top of Mind

When people download your app, they view it every time they access their phones. Even if they do not physically open your app or even think about it, they will unintentionally retain the visuals and text of the app’s icon.

By partnering up with a major player, like the Red Cross, our brand is now affiliated with a well-known company. When people see the Red Cross icon, they may think of DKI. Furthermore, with a name like Emergency, whenever there is an actual emergency, it might trigger the user to access the app for information or to contact us for help. The item a person is most likely to grab in an emergency situation is his or her cell phone, and according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), about 70 percent of emergency calls are placed from cell phones, and that percentage is growing each year.

  • Content Marketing

Your app can provide as much information as you want it to include. It can provide a detailed list of your products and services, contact information, and even blogs and newsfeeds. Instead of creating an app that is solely opened when there is an emergency, attach information or new events that would prompt the user to access more often.

We’ve been working closely with the Red Cross to continue updating and improving the Emergency App with safety tips and knowledge, to not only alert the user of an emergency, but to also inform the user how to prevent future emergencies, which is useful and engages the user at any time.

  • Customer Service

A great benefit of an app is to provide a simple method of excellent, accessible customer service. With tracking technology, your support center may even be able to capture the contact and location of the person without asking for this information. Your app may even address any concerns the customer may have without requiring them to speak with a representative.

So, are you ready to go mobile? Increase your customer loyalty, build new leads and remain top of mind when over half of America reaches for their mobile devices and scrolls through their list of apps – yours could be one of those.

Why Go Mobile?

June 8, 2015

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Technology is becoming increasingly more significant for Americans’ daily lives. They use their smartphones, tablets and now, even watches (Apple Watch) to build relationships, access messages and research information.

According to the Pew Research Center, 64 percent of Americans own a smartphone and 34 percent of Americans use their smartphones to access product or service information.

With the rise in technology and its growing amount of its uses, it may be a smart idea to get your business involved before your competition beats you to the chase. You should already have a user-friendly website, appear on multiple social media outlets, and be accessible through email or digital contact forms, but what about utilizing mobile technology? If 64 percent of America use a smartphone, promote a new app – Be mobile, and stay at top of mind every time your customer turns on his or her phone.

Reasons to go mobile:

  • Stay Top of Mind

When people download your app, they view it every time they access their phones. Even if they do not physically open your app or even think about it, they will unintentionally retain the visuals and text of the app’s icon.

  • Content Marketing

Your app can provide as much information as you want it to include. It can provide a detailed list of your products and services, contact information, and even blogs and newsfeeds. Instead of creating an app that is solely opened when there is an emergency, attach information or new events that would prompt the user to access more often.

  • Customer Service

A great benefit of an app is to provide a simple method of excellent, accessible customer service. With tracking technology, your support center may even be able to capture the contact and location of the person without asking for this information. Your app may even address any concerns the customer may have without requiring them to speak with a representative.

As most of you know, we jumped on this bandwagon recently, by partnering up with the American Red Cross, and becoming the exclusive sponsor for their new Emergency App. We’ve been working closely to continue updating and improving this app with safety tips and knowledge, to not only alert the user of an emergency, but to also inform the user how to prevent future emergencies. By partnering up with a major player, like the Red Cross, our brand is now affiliated with a well-known company. When people see the Red Cross icon, they may think of DKI. It is estimated that about 70 percent of 911 calls are placed from wireless phones, and that percentage is growing. (FCC)

Inform your clients and customers of the new exposure of DKI and download it for yourselves as well! from the App Store™ or the Google Play™ store!

First Pick Builders DKI Supports Local Youth

June 3, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, announced today that one of its Member Companies, First Pick Builders DKI of Lakeport, Calif. is giving back to the local youth through scholarships, donations, softball assistant coaching, and fundraising events.

On May 26, 2015 at Clear Lake High School’s Award Night, First Pick Builders DKI awarded its 3rd annual scholarship to an individual who exhibits strength and the traits required to handle any situation life may throw at them. Because First Pick Builders DKI’s motto is helping rebuild homes and businesses from unexpected emergency situations, they chose DeShawn White of Clear Lake High to receive this scholarship based on his hard work, determination and motivation.

First Pick Builders DKI also continues to donate funds to the Youth Softball League, Future Farmers of America, as well as sponsors and coaches a team of Konocti Youth Soccer League each fall.

Later this year, First Pick Builders DKI will be holding their Halloween goodie bag give away event for the local children, with support from local businesses that donate gift certificates and bag prizes.

First Pick Builders DKI believes, “The youth are the future of our community, and we hope that these small tokens of appreciation for their abilities to excel help them get through the next phase of their lives.”

The owners and employees of First Pick Builders DKI said they wish all young men and women a successful start to their lives and hope to help be a part of that for years to come.

About First Pick Builders DKI

First Pick Builders DKI provides services for commercial and residential clients. Our goal is to return your damaged property to its pre- loss condition quickly and efficiently, delivering satisfaction to clients, insurance carriers and corporate customers. Learn more by visiting firstpickbuilders.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 or contact Jessica Nielsen at (630) 350-3000.

Stay Safe During a Hurricane

June 1, 2015

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Now that your office is prepared for a hurricane…

What? It isn’t?? Read last week’s blog post, then continue reading!

Today marks the first day of National Safety Month. Do you know what to do to keep your office safe during a hurricane watch? Remember, a hurricane watch means to be on guard for a potential hurricane.

First, if you haven’t already, designate someone in the office to monitor the news and weather reports for hurricane updates and evacuation information. Then, with the rest of your staff, follow these tips:

Windows/Doors

  • Wedge a piece of wood or stopper in your sliding glass doors and windows (if slide horizontally) to prevent them from lifting from their tracks.
  • Close and board up large windows and glass doors to prevent damage and flying debris from the powerful hurricane winds.
    • Consider purchasing thick, exterior type plywood ahead of time, cut to the size of each window, and storing until needed.
    • Taping the smaller windows doesn’t prevent them from breaking, and is sometimes a pain to remove afterwards, leaving a sticky gunk on the glass.

Equipment/Furniture

  • Secure and cover outside equipment.
  • Relocate equipment and furniture away from windows and doors, and move off of the floor, if possible.
  • Cover with plastic sheeting to minimize damage from debris or leaks.
  • Unplug equipment to prevent power surge damage.

Paperwork

  • File all paperwork left on desks and tables in filing cabinets or drawers, as this can be instantly destroyed.
  • Record all important forms and procedures into the computer for safe-keeping, then back up each of your systems to be able to continue operations while out of the office.

Communication

That’s right – Communication is key, not just before a disaster, but during and after.

  • Make sure your clients and customers know if you have to close the office. Provide them a temporary form of communication to reach you during close. Change your voicemail systems to notify of your temporary business closure or set up call forwarding to have all calls and messages sent to you or a point of contact directly.
  • Communicate to all your staff of a potential storm and the possibility of closing. Remind them of your disaster safety and evacuation plan.
  • Be prepared to answer any questions your customers and/or staff may have.