September 2016 – DKI – Disaster Kleenup International

American Integrity Restoration and Team Hot AIR are “Running for a Reason”

September 27, 2016 – American Integrity Restoration (AIR), a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, announced that they are participating in the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Apple Harvest Festival 5K on Sunday, October 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the Riverfront Park in Glastonbury.

This is the sixth consecutive year AIR will participate in the event, donating $10 to a family or cause for every registered Team Hot AIR runner. This year, they are supporting 4-year-old Emma France, who has Crouzon Syndrome, a congenital condition. Allegra Weir, AIR Owner Steve Weir’s wife, has known Emma’s father, Drew France, since childhood. Emma has already had two cranial surgeries, and will likely require more as she grows.

Emma and her family started Team Emma to raise awareness and funds for her to participate in a fundraiser called Paces for Faces, which occurs three weeks prior to the Applefest 5k. All of Team Hot AIR’s donations will go to Team Emma.

If you want to participate in the AppleFest 5k and donate to Team Emma, please register online at www.crvchamber.org. Make sure to click on Team Hot AIR, so an automatic $10 donation is given to Emma and her family. All registrants will receive an AppleFest ticket, Angry Orchard Cider mug and a glass of Angry Orchard hard cider for those 21 years and older, courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce and Angry Orchard Cider, along with a complimentary Team Hot AIR shirt.

“We wish to have the largest team again and raise some money to put a smile on this precious 4-year-old’s face,” said Allegra.

If you have any questions, email Allegra Weir at [email protected].

About American Integrity Restoration

AIR is a disaster restoration company serving CT, RI and MA, that specializes in restoring residential and commercial properties after fire, water, storm, and many other disasters. Founded on the simple principle “to be better than the average restoration contractor,” AIR set out to do things differently, and hire employees who shared core values of compassion, respect, hard work, dignity and technical excellence. For additional information, visit www.1callair.com.

6 Tips to Plan for a Successful Q4

Sept 27, 2016

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Now that it is officially fall, the fourth quarter is right around the corner. This can be stressful to many business owners, especially given that the fourth quarter is during the holiday season when many clients are on vacation and your teams are requesting time off. As you consider the end of the year, many questions are probably entering your mind, such as:

Where do I begin?
Are we still on track? Where did we miss out? How can we improve?
How are we going to hit all our annual goals in time?

Read below for some tips to answer your questions, and start preparing now, if you haven’t already, for a successful end to 2016 and start to 2017.

Time to Review

Begin planning by reviewing and tracking your annual and quarterly goals and your strengths and weaknesses so far. Have your priorities changed? Where can you improve? Also, evaluate where you’ve spent the most money, where you can decrease your spending, and where you should increase it. Construct a calendar plan for each individual department, if you haven’t already, so everyone is on the same page to meet your goals.

Set Realistic Goals

Do your current goals match up with past performance? Are you on target to succeed, or have you set impractical goals that your business can’t keep up with? Examine your performance from last year and prior years, the industry trends you are seeing and your employees’ workloads. While you want to improve year over year, your goals should be realistic.

Remember, the holidays can be a physically and mentally busy time of year for everyone. Even with realistic goal setting, it’s possible your employees are already beginning to “check out.” Consider an incentive program for your sales and customer service teams to re-energize them to close that sale, and remember to encourage them with words of gratitude.

Use the Holiday Advantage

Yes, your time to reach your goals is limited with current and prospective clients and customers taking vacations, but start using the holidays to your advantage. Your sales and marketing approach can be catered to the demand for seasonal gifts, remodeling the house for holiday guests, or simply offering a holiday-focused or end of the year sale. Consider the activities during the holidays – cooking, shopping, cleaning, party planning, vacationing, etc. Can you use any of these fourth quarter trends to promote your products or services?

Maintain a Work Life Balance

Remember to allow downtime between your projects and goal-setting. Allow your employees the necessary days to rejuvenate. Whether laying low at home, spending time with family, or vacationing, everyone needs time to refresh, especially when under the pressures of finishing up the year.

Just make sure everyone is aware and can coordinate schedules to ensure coverage for those taking time off so that it doesn’t inhibit your business’ performance.

Reward & Celebrate

Keep your eyes on the goal(s) throughout the end of the year, and make sure to celebrate your accomplishments at the end. Your employees should have the mindset that hard work pays off, as it should. You all worked hard to get where you’re at – give yourself a pat on the back, and perhaps, an end of the year party.

Prepare for Next Year

Maybe you pulled through and hit all your 2016 goals, or maybe you slipped. Either way, it’s never too early to prepare for the future. Evaluate what you did in 2016 and how you can improve for next year. Consider any new products or services, equipment, technology or key hires that may be necessary to advance your business for 2017.

DRS Opens New Location in Hopedale, Mass

September 23, 2016 – Disaster Restoration Services (DRS) of Middletown, CT, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, excitedly announced it officially opened its new location in Hopedale, Mass. during a ribbon cutting and launch party on Thursday, September 22, 2016.

DRS’ customers and community enjoyed three hours of entertainment, giveaways, food and refreshments. The evening included a fire dance by Sasha, the Fire Gypsy and a magic show by David Hall, as well as brick-oven pizza from the New Haven Brick Oven Pizza Truck, made out of a fire truck.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to support our team. We are excited to officially service the Worcester County area in Mass. for any water, fire or storm damage or repairs you may need,” said DRS President Danny Strong.

The new facility is located at 9 Rosenfeld Drive in Hopedale, MA.

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 its 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 its consumer, insurance, and corporate customers. For more information about DKI, visit www.dkiservices.com.

Top 5 Fall Prep Tips

Sept 22, 2016

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Happy first day of fall! As the weather starts to change, it’s important to perform check-ups around your office and prepare your business for the new season. This past week we have been providing basic fix-it tips. Check out the top five below for an easy reference guide. Please share with us in the comments any other fall prep tips you have.

Draft Check

Your employees won’t be very productive if they’re freezing at their desks from a cool draft from leaky seals on your windows and doors. And, we’re positive you won’t enjoy a hefty energy bill from having to up the heat around the office and install personal heaters in sections that appear cooler. So, check the sealants on your windows and doors to prevent these pesky drafts. Caulk and repair as needed.

Smoke Alarm Check

Smoke alarms save lives! Since you are responsible for your employees, make sure to test each smoke alarm around your building at least once a month, and replace the batteries at least twice a year, or as needed. Dust and clean each smoke detector, as buildup can impair sensitivity. Also, ensure your employees are aware of your evacuation plan if a smoke detector goes off.

Furnace Check

Another way to prevent a large energy bill is to check and clean your furnace and heating vents. Dust and clean as needed, and schedule your annual check if you haven’t already.

Safety Check

As each season changes, it’s a good reminder to check your emergency safety kit(s). Restock as needed, and ensure you have the appropriate supplies for the changing weather. For example, do you have materials to keep warm if you’re stranded at the office without electricity? Keep these potential disasters in mind while preparing your kits:

October is earthquake month.
Hurricane season runs through November 30.
Blizzards typically occur between December and March.

Light Check

As the fall and winter seasons set in, daylight ends earlier. Consider installing exterior lights to keep your employees safe after work.

Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Sept 15, 2016

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Here’s a quick guide for you to easily access to prepare for any natural disaster.

As in any emergency situation, it’s important to know your location’s risk and stay informed. Monitor your radio, TV and social media alerts frequently to stay on top of the weather and any significant instructions. And, make sure to keep your employees informed on your evacuation plans and any roles they should play in an emergency. Consider holding emergency drills specific to natural disaster risks in your area to keep everyone prepared.

Click the links below to access preparedness tips for workplace risks:

Don’t forget to take part in America’s PrepareAthon!

Cousino Restoration Hosts 6th Annual Chic Palooza

September 14, 2016 – Cousino Restoration, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, excitedly announced its sixth annual Chic Palooza on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the Stone Oak Country Club in Holland, OH. ChicPalooza16

Chic Palooza is held annually to pamper Cousino Restoration’s female clients with entertainment, shopping, arts and crafts, massages, facials and beauty services. Food and refreshments are also served.

Each year, Cousino Restoration also introduces a new charity to which the guests can donate.

This year’s charity was Ruthie’s Angels, a non-profit organization that assists individuals with a life-altering medical diagnosis or terminal illness who are in chronic pain or dealing with a debilitating injury. Ruthie’s Angels helps people mentally, physically and emotionally.

If you would like to learn more about Ruthie’s Angels or how to get involved, visit https://ruthies-angels.com.

About Cousino Restoration

With a full service team of skilled craftsmen and technicians, Cousino Restoration is equipped to tackle any size reconstruction and/or remodeling project, whether residential, commercial or institutional. It is proud to be able to be involved with projects from beginning to end. For information please visit www.cousinoharris.com or call 419-874-9500.

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.

Putting the Customer First

Sept 9, 2016

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

As we approach the 15th anniversary of 9/11, that traumatic day that changed many lives, we can’t help but think about the effects it has/had on us and our business. We’re in the business of restoration, which not only entails repairing property, but most importantly, restoring the lives of those affected by a disaster. When a disaster occurs, we always place the needs of the customer first. Use the below as a reminder each time you accept a new loss (project).

What is the need?

Sure, by appearance, the need is to repair the property damages incurred. Yet, sometimes, your service may expand further to the emotional and mental position of your customer(s), directly. By simply restoring their property, the customer may be grateful, but may not remember you for future circumstances. In order to make the customer last, you should put him/her first.

Get to know your customer(s). What are they experiencing; what kind of emotional tolls?

Offer personal assistance.

Preparation is key in any event. It can reduce the extent of a loss, the costs and emotional tolls sustained, or even prevent one altogether. Take the time to inform your customers of the actions they can take to prevent another loss. If you see a glaring problem with their foundation or property, mention it and provide your suggestions for other preparation and safety methods.

Be sympathetic.

Remember, disasters can happen unexpectedly and can, within moments, change a person’s life. Your customer may be entirely unfamiliar with the situation at hand. So, be understanding when speaking to them about the restoration process, insurance claims, etc. Don’t get frustrated if you need to repeat something, or restate in a different way. It’s important to continue to communicate everything with your customer; just be patient.

DKI Moves up in Franchise Times Top 200

September 8, 2016 –

DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, announced that it claimed No. 56 on Franchise Times Top 200+ List for 2016. DKI is proud to have ranked in Franchise Times Top 200+ since 2005.

The Franchise Times Top 200+ is an annual ranking of the top U.S. based franchises, measured by worldwide system sales and locations. The information is collected through surveys submitted by each company, representing their sales from the prior year.

View the list for 2016 by visiting www.franchisetimes.com/Top-200. This will also appear in Franchise Times October 2016 issue.

This news comes shortly after DKI was ranked the No. 33 franchise on REMODELING Magazine’s 2016 Remodeling 550 List, listing the leading 550 franchise operations, insurance restoration firms, full-service remodelers and replacement contractors.

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.
About Franchise Times
Franchise Times, based in Minneapolis, is a trade magazine which publishes expert columns, in-depth analysis, articles designed to help franchisors, multi-unit franchisees and vendors improve their businesses, as well as, features and personality profiles on the people and companies that make up the numerous industries that use business-format franchising to grow their companies. For more information, visit www.franchisetimes.com.
About Hanley Wood
Hanley Wood, which produces REMODELING Magazine, is the premier company serving the information, media, and marketing needs of the residential, commercial design and construction industry. Utilizing the largest analytics and editorially driven Construction Industry Database, the company provides business intelligence and data-driven services. It produces award-winning media, high-profile executive events, and strategic marketing solutions. To learn more, visit www.hanleywood.com.

Skyline DKI Names Michael Brill as Operations Manager

September 6, 2016 – Skyline DKI, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, announced the promotion of Michael Brill to operations manager. He will be responsible for the day to day activity as well as overall operational efficiency of the fast-growing restoration company.

“Michael has been a key part of Skyline’s success and implementing proven processes, and we are thrilled to promote him to this important position,” said Doug Burton, president of Skyline DKI.

Michael, 38, joined the company in 2015 as Skyline’s mitigation and contents project manager and quickly excelled in his supervisory and management positions.

“We plan to grow rapidly and open an additional office in the coming year, and we are confident that Michael will be an important asset to help our organization reach its goals,” said Burton.

Michael has been a restoration company owner, has worked in the restoration and construction industry for over 18 years, and is an IICRC Master Restorer, certified in fire, water, textiles, mitigation and restoration. Michael also carries certification as a certified mold remediator.

About Skyline DKI

Founded in April 2001, Skyline DKI provides relief to residential and commercial property owners throughout Chicago after water, fire, wind, and mold damage. The company’s mission is to “Restore Happiness” for each home or business owner and employs 52 employees throughout South Chicago. It has won numerous awards including TOP 500 designation the past four years with Qualified Remodeler, an award reserved for the top 500 contractors in the United States. For more information about Skyline DKI, visit www.skylinedki.com.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Jenni Guzzo, business development manager at 708-629-0563 or [email protected].

What is Storm Surge And How Can it Affect You?

Sept 2, 2016

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Following the latest with Hurricane Hermine, the first hurricane Florida has seen since Wilma 11 years ago, it was predicted that storm surge would create the most threatening impacts along the coastal areas of the state.

Storm surge, abnormally high water (waves) generated by a storm, is produced by forceful winds from a storm pushing the water toward the shore, often resulting in coastal flooding. This can cause normally dry areas to be inundated with flooding.

Here’s a scary fact: A storm surge of 23 feet has the ability to inundate:

67% of interstates
57% of arterial roads
Approximately half of rail miles
29 airports
Almost all ports in the Gulf Coast area

(CCSP SAP 4-7; NHC)

As we have seen recently, storm surge can happen quickly and sometimes unexpectedly, not allowing much time to prepare. Residents living near the coastline should prepare well in advance as soon as they are notified of a potential hurricane. Most warnings are given 48 hours in advance, which allows time to collect food and water, and find shelter.

Remember what Florida Gov. Rick Scott said, “You can rebuild a home. You can rebuild property. You cannot rebuild a life.”

Follow these tips to prepare for possible storm surge:

Check your property for any threats to flooding. Lock and board up all doors and windows. Secure your belongings, and bring inside those from the outside.
Take advantage of sandbags being sold in your community. These can prevent water from entering your home or place of business.
Have an evacuation plan with all of your employees. This may include closing business, or setting employees up to work remotely.
Build or restock your emergency kit.
- Water – You should have one gallon per person per day, PLUS extra for sanitation use.
- Non-perishable food – Keep enough for at least five days for each person.
- Toilet paper, personal hygiene items, etc.
- First aid kit (including medications and employees’ prescriptions)
- Clothing
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Important documents: insurance, medical information, files you may need to stay away from your business for several days, etc.

Most importantly, if you are ordered to evacuate by state or local officials, do so as quickly as possible. Heavy traffic can cause significantly longer travel times, and you want to ensure everyone is safely relocated as soon as possible.
Continue to tune into local radio or television stations. Listen carefully for any advisories or instructions from local officials.

Month: September 2016