Month: August 2016

Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI Celebrates Giving Back While Honoring its Customers

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.

The event ran from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to celebrate all of Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration’s customers and community with food, refreshmbouchardGB1ents, fun and games, including a chance for the local children to get up close and personal with a live fire truck and meet an actual firefighter from the Bangor Fire Department.

There was also a live broadcast with Stephen King’s radio station, WKIT.

During the event, the team hosted a bone marrow registry, a blood drive to support the local American Red Cross, and continued to collect donations for the one-year anniversary of its Fire Forward Program.
bouchardgb2The Fire Forward Program, founded by Director of Marketing Lara Clark, helps children of families who have suffered from fire damage to their homes. Helping the children helps provide relief and support to the entire family. Through the program, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration collects new and gently used toys, clothing, toiletries, etc. from local businesses and insurance agencies.

“This (program) has been a great way to help those in our community to begin their road to recovery after such devastation. This will be a continually growing initiative for us, and we hope to expand this program to help out veterans and battered women as well,” said Clark.

If you are interested in donating to the Fire Forward Program, please send new or gently used toys, blankets, clothing and/or basic necessities to 94 Banair Rd. Bangor, Maine 04401, or contact Lara Clark or Sonia Bourgoin at 1-800-479-6676 for more information.

About Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI

With over 75 years of combined experience in the restoration industry, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI’s provides 24/7 emergency mitigation services in Bangor, Maine. While maintaining the industry’s highest standards, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI’s team is skilled in the fields of commercial, residential and multi-family properties, and is known for its technical excellence and the ability to handle any size loss. To learn more, please visit www.bouchardcleaning.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.

Preparing the Unprepared for the Unexpected

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.

DRS Raises Over $2,600 for Epilepsy

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.

On Saturday, August 20, the team met thousands of othdisasterrestorationservices01er individuals at Zoar’s Pond in Middletown for a friendly competition to help provide education and support to the estimated 60,000 people in CT living with epilepsy.

Leading up to the event, DRS, along with the other 184 registered teams throughout the state, collected donations from individuals and local businesses, in the hopes of raising around $70,000 for the cause.

“DRS is always thrilled to participate in events involving the community and a good cause. Mud Volleyball is a great team bonding experience, while supporting a worthwhile charity,” said DRS President Danny Strong.

For more information about the foundation, visit www.epilepsyct.com.

About Disaster Restoration Services
Disaster Restoration Services can take any disaster clean up from start to finish. DRS is available 24/7 and services all of Connecticut. DRS provides services for: Water Mitigation, Fire Damage Clean Up, Storm Damage Clean Up and Mold Remediation. Not only can DRS do the mitigation, but DRS can also handle the remodel. Doing Restoration Strong! For more information, visit www.drscleanup.com or www.facebook.com/drscleanupllc.
About The Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut is Connecticut’s only affiliate of the national Epilepsy Foundation. It leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy, by dedicating to improve the lives of those with epilepsy and their families. For more information, visit www.epilepsyct.com or follow the Twitter handle @epilepsyct.
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.

Back to School Tips for Business

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.

The Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration Team is Growing

August 16, 2016 – bouchardcleaningteamBouchard 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.

Ouellette brings to the team 10 years of property estimating experience and his certifications in water, fire, mold and lead. In his free time, he likes to hunt, fish and be with family and friends. Ouellette is a very proud grandfather of 6-month-old granddaughter, Natalie.

Stuart joins the team with six years of experience and as a trained EMT. He also is a Lead Safe Renovator with training in asbestos operations and maintenance, and IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT), Fire & Smoke Restoration (SRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD) and Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT). In his spare time, Stuart enjoys hunting, fishing, archery and four wheeling.

“We are very excited to have the expertise and knowledge of these two professionals on our team,” said Owner Norman Bouchard.

Both employees were on-boarded to the Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration Team on Monday, August 15, 2016.

About Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI
With over 75 years of combined experience in the restoration industry, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI’s provides 24/7 emergency mitigation services in Bangor, Maine. While maintaining the industry’s highest standards, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI’s team is skilled in the fields of commercial, residential and multi-family properties, and is known for its technical excellence and the ability to handle any size loss. To learn more, please visit www.bouchardcleaning.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.

K-tech Kleening Donates $3,000 to Blessings in a Backpack

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 HungerKtechblessingsinabag.

K-tech has partnered with the Woodchucks for the last four years in the Homeruns for Hunger Program, in which K-tech makes a monetary donation for each home run the Woodchucks get during their 56-game series between June and August. The donations are collected and given to a local food program.

This year, K-tech handed the funds to Blessings in a Backpack. Blessings in a Backpack provides food for children in the DC Everest and Wausau school districts who may otherwise not have enough food at home. Their support can help improve student attendance, test scores and overall health for the students.

To learn more about the charity, volunteer or make a donation, visit www.bibdcewausau.org/get-involved.html.

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

Lara Clark of Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration Joins Maine’s Red Cross Board of Directors

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.

Clark has worked with Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration lauraclarkbouchardfor over 20 years, and is a licensed Commercial Master Applicator. She is very active in her community, serving as a volunteer for the Red Cross, vice president for the Insurance Professionals of Eastern Maine, educational & events coordinator for her local BNI Chapter, programming chair for Tuesday Forum, industry advisory chair for Penobscot Job Corp Workforce Council and ambassador for the Bangor Area Chamber of Commerce. Lara founded a program in August 2015 with Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration, called Fire Forward, which addresses the needs of children and families who have lost everything in a fire.

Last year, Clark met with the CEO of the Red Cross, which led to various volunteering efforts. Following her Zero to Hero training with the Red Cross on February 21, 2016, she served as a volunteer as part of a Search and Rescue operation for a missing local Maine Maritime Academy student and worked as a Social Ambassador for Giving Day 2016 to help provide urgent relief, such as food, shelter and other essentials after a disaster. In addition, Clark has served as Central Command for the Red Cross as part of the Bangor International Airport Drill Functional Exercise, helped prepare 100,000 packages of food for starving children during Meals from Maine, and has responded to several fires as part of the Disaster Response Team, helping individuals begin their road to recovery after a devastating fire.

She is excited to continue her endeavors with the Red Cross and serve on its Board of Directors.

“I have devoted my life to disaster restoration, and as a member of the Red Cross team, I am able to continue to assist members of the communities that I live and work in on many levels. Whether it is responding after a fire, installing smoke detectors, assisting a search and rescue operation or just serving up a cup of coffee with a warm smile, I will know I have helped others,” Clark said.

On August 26, 2016 during Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration’s Customer Appreciation Event, Clark will host a blood drive to help reduce the 4,000-pint shortage in Maine. Then, in September, she will donate her time to the Home Fire Campaign Team installing smoke detectors for those in need, and will be teaching the next Zero to Hero training for new volunteers.

About Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI

With over 75 years of combined experience in the restoration industry, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI’s provides 24/7 emergency mitigation services in Bangor, Maine. While maintaining the industry’s highest standards, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI’s team is skilled in the fields of commercial, residential and multi-family properties, and is known for its technical excellence and the ability to handle any size loss. To learn more, please visit www.bouchardcleaning.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.

About American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.MaineRedCross.org.

Eckstein to Lead Community Outreach

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.

Eckstein is committed to providing the highest quality restoration services available in South Florida to an increasing number of clients. With integrity, knowledge, and professionalism, he works with current and potential clients to determine how SR can meet their needs quickly, with as little disruption and cash outlay as possible. It is his personal goal to help SR’s clients prevent as much damage as possible, in order to minimize the need for damage restoration and loss mitigation.

“I am ‘super’ excited to be working with the amazing SR team. SR has such an impeccable reputation and devotion to restoring clients’ property back to pristine conditions. With my background in flood mitigation and continuity planning, I look forward to assisting clients,” said Eckstein.

Eckstein joins Team Super, already exemplifying the company values: teamwork, quality employees, excellent service, and mutual respect. At SR, each team member is committed to going beyond standard customer service by treating every customer like the only customer, and every client with fairness and mutual respect. These values drive Eckstein and the whole Super team. By providing service and value beyond compare, Eckstein is prepared to help South Florida weather any storm.

To learn more about the SR and its company values, visit www.superrestoration.com or dial 1-800-CALL-SUPER (225-5787).

About Super Restoration

Super Restoration is the trusted choice for 24-hour disaster and recovery services in South Florida. Offering the largest fleet of vehicles and restoration equipment, Super Restoration is the one to call When Seconds Matter SM. Highly trained staff, project transparency, and an unbeatable quality guarantee have grown the company from a single truck in 1986 to the area’s largest fleet of vehicles, personnel and equipment available today. With offices in Miami/Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward, we are in your neighborhood. To learn more about its residential services, visit www.superrestoration.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.

DRS Grand Opening in Hopedale, Mass

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.

From 4:00pm until 7:00pm EDT, join the DRS team for the official ribbon cutting of the new location. The night will be filled with giveaways, door prizes, magic and fire dancing. Cocktails and brick-oven pizza, made out of a fire truck, will be served.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Carolyn Stratton at 508-422-0935 or [email protected]

About Disaster Restoration Services

Disaster Restoration Services can take any disaster clean up from start to finish. DRS is available 24/7 and services all of Connecticut. DRS provides services for: water mitigation, fire damage cleanup, storm damage cleanup and mold remediation. Not only can DRS do the mitigation, but DRS can also handle the repairs. Doing Restoration Strong! For more information, visit www.drscleanup.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 www.dkiservices.com.

Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI is the Best of the Best

August 8, 2016 – BouchardAwardBouchard 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.”

Market Surveys of America are annual surveys designed for each specific region to determine the best of the best companies in their community.

“These surveys are big in our area, so it’s a special honor to be acknowledged two years in a row. We are so grateful for all of our customers and could not have earned this recognition without the excellent work ethic of our employees,” said Lara Clark, director of marketing for Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration.

To learn more, visit www.bestofsurveys.com.

About Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI

With over 75 years of combined experience in the restoration industry, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI’s provides 24/7 emergency mitigation services in Bangor, Maine. While maintaining the industry’s highest standards, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration DKI’s team is skilled in the fields of commercial, residential and multi-family properties, and is known for its technical excellence and the ability to handle any size loss. To learn more, please visit www.bouchardcleaning.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.