August 30, 2016 – Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, just celebrated its one-year anniversary for Fire Forward during its 3rd Annual Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, August 26, 2016 at its facility at 94 Banair Rd. in Bangor, Maine. Continue reading “Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI Celebrates Giving Back While Honoring its Customers”
Month: August 2016
Aug 25, 2016
By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC
In Louisiana, 39 straight hours of heavy rain resulted in a state of emergency warning with eight rivers reaching record levels, thousands of homes and businesses severely flooded and around 13 citizens found dead.
While several cities, and those close to the Amite River knew to watch out once the flood warnings were in effect, some of this destruction also impacted those outside the designated high risk flood zones. The weather forecasters continued flood warnings for these areas, but being inexperienced, most in these higher ground locations were unprepared, and didn’t expect the severity of the flooding that occurred.
Unfortunately, this is all too common.
Take a look at the results of those surveyed in New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy hit: (Survey by Robert Meyer, a professor at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania)
- 16 percent of people who thought they were in mandatory evacuation areas evacuated. That means, 84 percent remained in the area, even being aware of evacuation!
- 38 percent of people living within one block of the ocean or bay thought the main threat from Sandy was water (the rest thought it was wind).
- 54 percent of those living near the water had flood insurance. So, nearly half of those in high-risk flood zones did not even have flood insurance! (Just to note, this is not covered by a regular homeowner’s insurance policy.)
Remember, flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States and everyone lives in a flood zone. Your biggest takeaway from what you just read should be to always prepare for the unexpected.
You will continue to read posts and blogs about disaster preparation techniques. Don’t ignore these. In fact, challenge yourself to get educated on your potential risks:
- What risks are associated with the area(s) you live and work?
- What are the signs of potential flooding?
- Though everyone lives in a flood zone, what is your level of flood hazard? Be aware this may change as FEMA re-maps flood zones to reflect the changing landscapes due to weather patterns, development and other natural forces. Try to stay up-to-date with the latest developments with flood zone mapping. Your town or city hall should have access to flood zone maps, or you can visit the FEMA Map Service Center (MSC). To help understand the flood map and your level of risk, visit gov.
- Do you need flood insurance? Note that 20 percent of flood insurance claims are from those in low-to-moderate flood risk zones. Even though it may not be federally required, anyone can be financially susceptible to flooding.
- What is your community’s plan of action should a flood or other natural disaster occur?
Remember, just because you haven’t experienced something before, doesn’t mean you should ignore the warnings. Know how to respond and always be prepared! Communities well-prepared for flooding can save up to 80 percent of potential flood damages (Gissing, 2003: Bureau of Transport Economics, 2002: Wright and Smith, 1999).
If you or someone you know has experienced flood damage, call our emergency services line: 866.277.2977. DKI has teams of professionals, available 24/7/365, experienced in water and flood mitigation, fire and smoke restoration, mold remediation and more.
August 23, 2016 – Disaster Restoration Services (DRS), a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced they raised a total $2,692.50 for the Connecticut Epilepsy Foundation’s 30th Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament. Continue reading “DRS Raises Over $2,600 for Epilepsy”
Aug 17, 2016
By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC
As the kids rush back to school to begin another year for their growing minds, businesses should take this opportunity to grow as well. This is a great time of the year to get back on track with your annual goals and fix any shortcomings. The last quarter (Q4) will be here before we know it!
Here are some back-to-school tips for your business:
Identify your strengths and weaknesses
Just as your kids will be tested on their strengths for the next school year, you should also test those in your business and of your employees. Any outstanding projects recently? Get testimonials, pictures, videos, etc. and promote them! People want satisfaction; if they don’t see or hear of your successes, they may not choose to purchase your products or services.
On the other hand, if something failed or didn’t meet your expectations this year, analyze the results and make a plan to improve it. Maybe it’s worth tossing aside, and starting fresh; or maybe it’s salvageable in some way. This is your chance to fix the situation and increase your ratings before the year is over.
Update your planners
When was the last time you reviewed your business plan for the year? Now that you’ve analyzed your strengths and weaknesses, you may want to review and revise your plan. Once you have your plan set and have communicated it fully with your team, it’s time to update your planners and calendars with deadlines, campaigns, events and appointments. You’ll want to promote your business now, more so than before, to ensure you stay top of mind with your customers and clients, especially as the holidays come around.
Grow your knowledge
Your kids are going back to school; consider taking some classes of your own. Whether you want to develop your certifications or get a better understanding of the ever-changing social media world, attending a conference or signing up for training may help you better serve your customers.
Purchase new supplies
Just as your kids need new school supplies as technology advances and depending on the quality of last year’s, so may your business. Test your equipment, follow up on the latest and greatest gear for your industry and check in with your employees on what they may need. If it will benefit your company’s performance and appearance as well as help bring in more sales, it may be worth updating your current supply.
And, while your kids show off their new school uniforms/outfits and supplies on social media, you should too! Promote your latest new equipment, fancy uniforms, etc. and maybe even run a giveaway for some new company swag for your customers.
Reunite
As our kids go back to school, they may reunite with friends they hadn’t seen over the summer. Naturally, they will catch up – show off their new hobbies and skills and/or new toys they bought. This is your chance to show off your new skills, services, equipment, etc. Reconnect with those potential customers you spoke with before summer started and share any exciting updates about yourself or your company that may help you close a sale.
Celebrate the holidays
Remember, the holidays aren’t just for kids. Take advantage of this time of year to plan holiday specials for your customers. For instance, consider having a Customer Appreciation Week for Thanksgiving, showing thanks to all your customers, new and old, by offering a preferred customer rate on your products or services.
August 16, 2016 – 
Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, is proud to announce its team’s newest members, Estimator Joe Ouellette and Water/Carpet Technician Greg Stuart. Continue reading “The Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration Team is Growing”
August 15, 2016 – For the fourth year, K-tech raises funds with Homeruns for Hunger
K-tech Kleening Systems, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, is excited to announce they will be donating $3,000 to Blessings in a Backpack, thanks to the funds raised during their promotion with the Wis. Woodchucks, Homeruns For Hunger. Continue reading “K-tech Kleening Donates $3,000 to Blessings in a Backpack”
August 11, 2016 – Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, is proud to announce its director of marketing, Lara Clark, has been added to the American Red Cross’ Eastern Maine Chapter Board of Directors. Continue reading “Lara Clark of Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration Joins Maine’s Red Cross Board of Directors”
August 11, 2016 – Because of its passion for excellent service, Super Restoration (SR), a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, is excited to announce Adam Eckstein as its new account manager. Continue reading “Eckstein to Lead Community Outreach”
August 8, 2016 – Disaster Restoration Services (DRS) of Middletown, CT, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, today announced its grand opening for its new location in Hopedale, MA will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 9 Rosenfeld Drive in Hopedale, MA. Continue reading “DRS Grand Opening in Hopedale, Mass”
August 8, 2016 – 
Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, is proud to announce for the second consecutive year, Market Surveys of America has voted them as Bangor’s 2016 “Best Cleaning & Restoration Company” and “Best Cleaning Service.” Continue reading “Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI is the Best of the Best”