Month: July 2015

Coastal DKI Receives Best of Stuart Award Stuart Award Program Honors the Achievement

July 30, 2015 – Coastal DKI has been selected for the 2015 Best of Stuart Award in the Fire Damage Restoration Service category by the Stuart Award Program.

Each year, the Stuart Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Stuart area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Stuart Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Stuart Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Coastal DKI

Coastal DKI provides quick and efficient service for residential, commercial and industrial properties 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  If you have suffered property damage or your company is looking for an emergency response contractor, call 1.877.85.FLOOD today.  For more information visit www.coastaldki.com.

About Stuart Award Program

The Stuart Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Stuart area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value. The Stuart Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy. SOURCE: Stuart Award Program CONTACT: Stuart Award Program Email

Raymond Gould of Hawaii DKI is Honored by the Hawaii Professional Firefighter’s Foundation

July 24, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that one of their Franchise Member Companies, Hawaii DKI’s general manager and vice president, Raymond Gould will be receiving an award from the Hawaii Professional Firefighter’s Foundation.

The Hawaii Professional Firefighters Foundation (HPFF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support firefighters and the community statewide, will be awarding three distinguished honorees, including Gould, at its first annual fundraising event, the Mālama Celebration for their continued community support. The event and award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 12.

“Immediate goals for the funds raised from the Mālama Celebration include helping Hawaii firefighters who have been stricken with cancer – and their families, creating a statewide fire safety campaign, and offering free soccer clinics for keiki in all counties to promote an active, healthy lifestyle. We hope to see a lot of supporters at the event,” said Max Hannemann, HPFF president.

Added Gould, “I am honored and humbled to be chosen to be among the HPFF’s first honorees. Our team at Hawaii DKI has supported the HPFF and the incredible work they do for the citizens of the State of Hawaii without any expectation of recognition, so this honor comes as a great surprise. Mahalo to HPFF for considering me for this tremendous honor.”

For more information or to purchase tables, tickets, or to donate items for our silent auction, please contact Daisy Canite or Jolyn Garidan Prieto at (808) 949-1566 or [email protected]

About Hawaii DKI

At Hawaii DKI, our specialty is 24/7 emergency mitigation service in response to properties damaged by water, fire or other destructive forces in Oahu, Hawaii. Committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction, we pride ourselves on restoring damaged properties quickly and efficiently. We provide quick and efficient service for residential, commercial and industrial properties 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  To learn more, visit our website www.hawaiidki.dkiservices.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.

Battery Safety

July 22, 2015

Think about the many devices that require batteries. Now, think about how many of those devices you own or have around the office. How many of those do you use on a daily basis?

From the moment we wake up, we use batteries. Whether you turn off your alarm clock, or even if we’re being honest here, hit snooze, turn on the T.V. for current news updates, start your car engines or power up your computer, or all of the above, you use some kind of battery. While there are many significant uses for batteries, there is also an increased danger associated if not used or disposed of correctly.

Follow these simple tips for battery safety:

Do:

  • Insert batteries properly, matching the positive (+) and negative (-) symbols on the product with those ends of the battery.
  • Preserve battery life by turning off devices when not in use.
  • Store unused batteries in a cool, dry place (but not in the refrigerator).
  • Dispose of properly based on your state’s laws. Visit call2recycle.org to find the recycling laws in your state and where to recycle.

Don’t:

  • Store used batteries in a pile. Acid can leak and cause other batteries to rupture creating hazardous gas emissions, personal injury and, sometimes, spontaneous combustion.
  • Dispose of batteries in a fire. They may rupture or leak.
  • Carry loose batteries in a pocket or purse with metal objects like coins, paper clips, etc. This will short-circuit the battery, generating high heat.
  • Recharge a battery unless it is specifically marked “rechargeable.” This could result in a leak or rupture.
  • Don’t mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries. This can cause rupture or leakage, resulting in personal injury or property damage.

*Extra Tips to Prepare for an Emergency:

  • Remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms. Consider using Daylight Saving Time, as a bi-yearly reminder to change the batteries.
  • Check the batteries in your flashlight.

K-tech Kleening’s Burn House

July 21, 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. sponsored a Burn House event to provide CE ktech_burnhousetraining for local insurance agents and adjusters.

The event was held on July 16 and 17 by the Wausau Fire Department and EFI Global. K-tech Kleening partnered with the organizations to help provide lunch for the attendees, as well as providing an 8×8 burn cell and countertop to demonstrate appliance and flash fires.

The burn cell was furnished with suitcase, sofa cushions, clothing and carpeting to show a flashover situation, while they used an unoccupied two-story house, donated by the city to stage additional burn scenarios in each room. Agents and adjusters went through the house to determine the root cause of the fire, then they converged in a tent (classroom) to watch the video of the actual burns scenarios.  Those who passed the test were awarded CE credits.

An estimated 150 people attended the two day training event.

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 and download DKI’s Red Cross Emergency App www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/emergency-app.

Feeling Stuck? Talk About the Weather

July 16, 2015

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Let’s face it – the most common topic of small talk is the weather. I’m not just speaking for those of us in the disaster restoration industry…Everyone stays on top the weather; whether or not they go out of their way to follow the news, they at least have a general gist of it. And, while it can, at times, be cumbersome, it is generally a safe topic, less inclined to involve politics.

But, talking about the weather doesn’t have to be ordinary or boring. In fact, this simple conversation starter can lead to big opportunities! Once you master the art of “weather” small talk, you’ll be able to speak to just about anyone about anything, and easily network with professionals of prominence.

Be Knowledgeable

Don’t just state the obvious. If it’s raining out, this can be used to transition into conversation, but add to it. Do you know the prediction for the weekend’s weather? Are you aware of any forecasted weather warnings; and, do you know what actions should be taken in those incidences? Do you have any fun facts, related to the weather? Knowledge sounds more professional and keeps the conversation engaging. Plus, if you know something they may not be aware of, it might benefit them.

Make it About Them

Ask the other party questions. If they’re from a foreign area, what is their current weather like? Is that common for this time of year? Do they prefer hot or cold weather conditions? If they’re from a part of the world that doesn’t snow often, have they ever seen the snow? Whatever questions you ask, be interested in what they are saying.

Be Positive

No one wants to hear someone complain all day, especially a person who hardly knows you. Keep the conversation light. Not to mention, just because you don’t prefer the rain, doesn’t mean the person you’re talking with hates it too. Negativity can be awkward, especially if the other party doesn’t empathize with you.

Shift

Now that you’ve established a conversation, switch it up. No one really wants to discuss the weather all day. Don’t beat a dead horse. Find an opening to transition into a separate topic. This first impression could be a great opportunity – Don’t pass it by.

First Pick Builders DKI Expands Service Portfolio

July 9, 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 expanding their services to provide private security to clients and their personal property.

Occasionally, a need for additional security during and after business hours arises. This includes protection of property left at a job site, prevention of vandalism, and sometimes, even services of property management in the absence of the property owner.

Dean Pick, president and owner of First Pick was part of the law enforcement community for over 17 years and served with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.   Through his range of contacts, he was able to solicit retired law enforcement and military personnel to perform this new level of service for First Pick’s clients.

“We have seen a need to provide our clients with a very specific service.  This is another extension of the DKI’s effort to “Restore Kindness” to this industry, while fulfilling a multi-purpose.  We want to be the first mitigation franchise to offer this option, because making clients feel safe and secure, while providing highly trained former civil servants; is a win-win for all of us at First Pick Builders DKI,” said Dean Pick.

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 and download DKI’s Red Cross Emergency App www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/emergency-app.

Fun Facts for the Fourth

July 2, 2015

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Amidst all the grilling, swimming, sun-bathing, and fireworks shows – what really is the Fourth of July all about?

The Day

We know it as Independence Day, the day our nation declared its independence from Great Britain – America’s birthday. Simple, right? Well, did you know – John Adams penned, “The Second Day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.” The actual date Congress ruled in favor of independence was July 2, yet Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed until July 4th.

The Customs

Fireworks are standard on the Fourth of July. But, did you know – They used to fire cannons, used in battle, instead? There are some areas questionable to shoot off fireworks…Imagine firing artillery there!

The Symbol

Our Old Glory has been altered 26 times since 1777, when the original American Flag was designed and sewn. Since then, America has acquired and formed new states, and in 1959 when Hawaii and Alaska were admitted to the Union, the flag once again needed modification to display all 50 states. Did you know – When Robert G. Heft, a 17-year-old student in Lancaster, Ohio was presented a class assignment to create a new “national banner, “ he simply added two extra stars to the flag to recognize all 50 states – That project only received a B- grade, but was personally accepted by President Eisenhower. Heft’s design and the new 50-star flag was officially adopted in 1960.

DKI Supports Cure for MS

July 1, 2015 – DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Don Cox participated in the 35-mile Bike MS: Tour de Farms 2015 on June 27 and 28 as an effort to raise money to help cure Multiple Sclerosis.

Bike MS weekend is an annual occasion for people to gather and ridebike_ms_2015 for 35 to 100 miles each day to raise money in support of finding a cure for MS. Every mile rode and every dollar raised makes a difference to the 2.3 million people worldwide living with MS. This weekend’s event took place at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center in DeKalb, Ill.

“This is a fabulous event sponsored by the National MS Society. I am glad I could donate my time and round up some contributions for this great cause,” said Don.

Learn more and get involved by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/Get-Involved.

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.