My name is Jim Pemberton. I manage Pembertons Cleaning/Restoration Supply in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. What I do at Pembertons is work closely with my employees to make sure the products and services that we offer are provided in a way that reflects the values that my father, Lee Pemberton, had when he founded this business in 1972 (and still has). What I like to do the most is to provide training and consulting services. While I left the IICRC model of training over a decade ago, I enjoy sharing my experiences with upholstery cleaning and odor control with hands-on oriented workshops rather than a standard classroom environment.

2 | How did you first get started in the industry?

Jim and Lee Pemberton have built Pembertons into what it is today.

My father started in the dry-cleaning business around the time I was born in 1959 and rapidly entered the cleaning and restoration industry shortly afterward. As long as I can remember, I helped him around the dry-cleaning plant, the rug plant, and evenings and weekends on commercial cleaning jobs and disaster restoration jobs. I distinctly remember my father’s first portable hot water extractor and his first truck mount. It’s been over 50 years, and new innovations in our industry still fascinate me in the same way those two machines did back then.

3 | Who in your life impacts you the most?

My father, Lee Pemberton. From the way he raised me to the experience of working with him in this industry for my entire lifetime, he continues to be an example of vision, service to both society and the individual, independence of spirit, and in keeping perspective of how small we are in the world and the universe, and yet also the impact we can have if we simply do our best in every way, every day, for our fellow man.

4 | If you could have dinner with one person from history, who would it be, and why?

It would be my paternal grandfather. He passed away when I was in my early teens, so until then he had simply been a quiet and kindly man I barely knew. But looking back over the years, I’d like to talk to the younger man he was and understand what in his life’s experiences made him the man who raised my father to be the remarkable man that he remains today.

5 | What music, movies, or books have inspired you?

My musical taste is too eclectic to minimize into the space of a response. Movies are much the same to me, but books are much easier: “To Kill a Mockingbird” for its message of moral courage, personal decency, and the example of how a parent teaches more by example than by words. Another would be “Man’s Search for Meaning,” as it explains the fact that we can control our attitude and how we respond to the most difficult of events, and through that endure and grow. And finally, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” which helped me to better understand how to comfort others in times of unimaginable grief and to understand how to be a better person during the most difficult of losses.

6 | What personal philosophy of life motivates you the most?

That working for a worthy reason, whether it is in your own business, your personal responsibilities, or for your community, is its own reward. What we’re paid for it (if we’re paid for it) is simply part of the equation that gives us the means and energy to do it again another day. Retirement? To do nothing? I couldn’t imagine it. My father at the time of this interview is 91 and soon will be 92. He works every day and finds those same rewards. How could I do less?

The post 6 Questions with Jim Pemberton appeared first on Cleanfax.

This was a topic I discussed recently with Tim Miller, the founder and president of Business Development Associates (BDA). At the Restoration Strategies conference in May, he led a discussion on how to break into the commercial restoration market. I took advantage of the opportunity to get his thoughts on video, and you can watch it at . It’s short and to the point, but impactful.

While some might think they can simply transfer their knowledge on residential restoration to commercial work, they would be right—to a certain degree.

“What’s the difference?” Miller asked. “There are many differences, and it ranges from operating at a number of different levels to production capability and more. It’s one thing to do a $3,000 basement loss, and another thing to do a $30,000 commercial water damage.”

He goes on to describe the mentality and marketing awareness that must be amplified with commercial work—but not to scare anyone off. As Miller believes, following a system to pre-sell commercial work is part of the equation, and with a foot already in the door, commercial work can be very profitable. It’s not about one-off jobs. It’s about networking and building relationships with everyone—from adjusters to property managers and building owners.

Take five minutes to watch the interview below. You will get a few good pointers and tips, and if you aren’t already doing large-scale commercial work, perhaps it is time to consider it.

The post Sharpen Your Focus appeared first on Cleanfax.

Let’s explore five ways in which AI can support sales professionals who make in-person sales calls. These are sales tools for every sales toolbox—ones that I personally use and recommend to others.

1. Targeted lead generation

Sales professionals face the challenge of identifying potential customers who are interested in their product or service. With the help of AI-powered lead generation tools, salespeople can target their efforts more precisely, improving the chances of identifying prospects who are most likely to convert and then focus their attention on those individuals. These AI tools can identify prospects by their demographics, behavior, and purchasing history.

One of my favorite lead generation tools is Apollo.io. It uses machine-learning algorithms to analyze data from a variety of sources, including social media, company websites, and public databases, to identify potential leads for salespeople. You can run a search by person, company, job title, and zip code. The dashboard is super simple to use and offers a suite of tools that includes sales automation, CRM integration, sales engagement, and analytics. The best part is that you can use the basic platform for FREE or purchase a plan if you want to get its full power.

LinkedIn and LinkedIn Sales Navigator can be used for lead generation when looking at a specific company. The latter allows you to track a prospect’s activity on its social media platform.

2. Personalized recommendations

AI can support sales professionals by providing them with personalized information about a customer’s behavior style along with preferences on how best to communicate with them. This helps salespeople build stronger relationships with customers by demonstrating that they understand their particular buying style and can offer solutions in their preferred communication style.

is an AI-powered platform that provides a range of tools designed to help salespeople communicate more effectively with customers. Crystal relies on natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to analyze the language and tone used during written communication, such as an email or social media post. This provides insights into the person’s DiSC profile, allowing Crystal to give the sales professional a playbook for conducting a meeting or communicating through emails with the customer. They offer a FREE trial on ten clients before you would need to purchase a plan.

3. Predictive sales analytics

AI can also be used to provide sales professionals with predictive analytics that help them anticipate customers’ needs and behaviors. By leveraging these AI insights, sales professionals

can tailor social media strategies to improve their chances of building trust with their target markets.

Hootsuite.com is a social media management platform that uses AI analytics to analyze large amounts of social media data. This allows it to identify patterns and trends in customer behavior, such as which types of content perform best or which channels are most effective for engagement. For example, Hootsuite analytics recognizes that certain types of posts get more engagement at certain times of day, so it can predict that similar posts will perform well at those same times in the future. This information is useful for sales professionals looking to optimize their social media strategies and engage with customers more effectively. This is not a FREE platform but has reasonably priced plans.

4. Automated follow-up

Following up with potential customers is a critical part of the sales process, but it can also be time-consuming and tedious. With the help of AI-powered automation tools, sales professionals can automate much of the follow-up process, freeing up their time to focus on other activities. AI tools can do things like send follow-up emails, schedule appointments, and record phone calls on behalf of the sales professional. By automating these tasks, sales professionals can improve their efficiency and focus their attention on closing more deals.

The AI-powered automation tools that can help automate much of the follow-up process are found in a good customer relationship management platform, better known as a CRM. Look for one that provides a wide range of tools designed to help salespeople manage their time and energy on more high-value activities. HubSpot.com is my favorite because of its ease of use and powerful mobile app. It has a FREE version but to get enhanced platform applications, you should upgrade to a paid subscription.

5. Enhanced customer service experience

Finally, AI can support sales professionals by enhancing a customer’s overall experience while building a stronger relationship with them. AI can provide customers with on-demand and easy access to information, improving their overall satisfaction with the sales process. By enhancing the customer experience, sales professionals can increase their chances of success and of generating repeat business.

Loom.com and Vidyard.com are asynchronous video platforms that allow sales professionals to provide personalized information, demonstrations, post-meeting recaps, and check-ins. Both platforms offer real-time analytics and insights on video engagements which allow sales professionals to track customer behavior and preferences to improve their sales approach and customer service. Both offer a FREE version but to get enhanced platform applications, you should upgrade to a paid subscription.

In conclusion, AI can help sales professionals be more effective, efficient, and successful. It can be a powerful tool for those who make in-person sales calls. It can provide targeted lead generation, personalized recommendations, predictive analytics, real-time insights, automated follow-up, and enhanced customer service. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that AI will play an increasingly important role in the sales process. As such, sales professionals who embrace AI will not need to write their tombstone epitaphs in the near future.

The post Is AI Going to Be the Death of the Salesperson? appeared first on Cleanfax.

The latest disruption transforming our industry is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

If you get some of your cleaning or restoration business online, the way you market and grow your business will never be the same again. Why? Because AI has fundamentally changed Google search results forever. It’s changed how people find your business in the future.

Every day, potential customers Google their cleaning and restoration questions: “How do I remove a wine spill?” “How do I find a carpet cleaning company?”  “What can I do about this leak?” “How do I clean up water from my basement?” The list of questions is endless.

Search engine optimization (SEO) professionals like to make Google sound more complex than it really is. Google—like all search engines—is simply a tool that indexes answers to questions. The better your online answers are to those questions, the more often your business will be found. It’s that simple.

These “answers” could be better referred to as “content,” as its online content that creates the information that search engines like Google use to deliver those answers to their users. The cleaning and restoration contractors who usually get online business are the ones who produce massive amounts of content. They are a content factory of information regarding their business services. They consistently have the most and the best cleaning and restoration information, answers, and resources.

This is why random strangers surfing the internet trust their expertise. That trust causes online visitors to pick up the phone and call—and the same is true no matter what cleaning or restoration services are being offered.

Every single day, potential clients go to Google and other search engines. They type in their problems, ask questions, read reviews, price shop, and check out their options.

Now here’s the big change: Content used to take hours of writing, research, and thorough investigation. It was laborious, and often required entire expensive content teams.

Now, AI can produce quality content for free in under 10 seconds. It just takes the right prompt. For example, you can build an entire library of flood job content that gets your water damage business found in under an hour. The following is an excerpt of the content that took just a few seconds to generate, via ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence content generator service.

AI has the potential to transform the content marketing efforts of restoration industries. As content is the backbone of search marketing, it’s essential for contractors to produce high-quality content that can rank well in search engine results pages (SERPs). However, producing such content is time-consuming and can be a significant challenge for contractors who are already busy running their businesses.

But with an AI-powered content generator, what used to take hours to do can now be accomplished with just one question. By using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, these tools can analyze large amounts of data and generate high-quality content quickly and easily. This means that contractors can produce more content in less time, which can help them rank higher in SERPs and attract more traffic to their websites—and ultimately, gain more clients.

One of the most significant advantages of using AI-powered content creation tools is the ability to produce content at scale. Instead of writing each piece of content from scratch, contractors can use these tools to generate dozens or even hundreds of articles in a matter of hours. This not only saves time, but also allows contractors to target a larger audience through a broader range of topics.

In addition to creating content, AI can also help contractors optimize that content for search engines. By analyzing user behavior and search engine algorithms, AI-powered tools can identify and choose the best keywords and topics to use, as well as the most effective ways to structure content for maximum impact. This means that contractors can optimize their content for both search engines and user experience, which can lead to higher rankings and more traffic.

Overall, AI is set to transform the restoration industry in a significant way. From faster and more efficient job handling to more effective content marketing, AI-powered content generators offer contractors a range of benefits that can help them grow their businesses and attract more jobs.

By embracing these technologies and incorporating them into their marketing strategies, contractors can stay ahead of the competition and build thriving businesses in this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.

By the way, everything between the image of ChatGPT’s burst pipe article and the sentence above this one was written by AI. Could you tell? Did you notice?

The future is here. The contractors who seize it first will get the lion’s share of cleaning and restoration business online.

The post The Rise of AI: What Marketers Need to Know appeared first on Cleanfax.

It has become relatively clear that, for now, the supply chain issues brought on by COVID-19 have largely passed. That said, it could be argued that we are entering a new age of scarcity. Dwindling resources, population growth, labor shortages, global conflict, and the proliferation of catastrophic events have all converged to create the perfect storm currently making landfall on our supply chain. It is possible, even likely, that in the future, what you need may not always be readily available.

As we all learn to live differently, you, as a contractor or remediation specialist, must also learn how to do more with less. It isn’t always raw materials; it could also be equipment or personnel. It takes creative problem-solving to do this job and to do it well.

The first installment of this series primarily covered the “why” of using containments. This article is designed to provide the reader with an explanation of developing your containment options. This will represent a combination of tried-and-true approaches that many professionals in the asbestos, lead, mold, blood-borne pathogen, and drug lab cleanup industries already use, along with techniques that must be integrated into various industries. In short, the readers will leave with at least one new takeaway or be reminded of the importance of some technique that may still be useful but has fallen out of favor. We present the information here in ascending order, from the most common containment-building methods to the more innovative ones.

Plastic affixed to surfaces with poles, spray adhesive, and tape

An example of a decon chamber.

Since the purpose of containments is to control contaminants and often to withstand the rigors of negative pressure, the barrier must be impermeable, fire retardant, and strong/durable. Afterward come things like ease of use/setup, light transmission, price, and availability. It depends on the application, but if you are setting up negative air, then the choice is clear; no less than four mil thickness on the plastic will likely survive the intense demands of this environment. More importantly, that minimum is required by various federal and state regulations related to asbestos and lead abatement.

The latest guidance regarding mold remediation includes another encouragement to move up to heavier plastic. According to the current ANSI IICRC S520 2015 edition, “containment systems normally consist of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting.” In high-risk situations where redundancy is required, it may be recommended that double-layered plastic be utilized. One layer is theoretically just as effective as two. However, one critical difference is that a single tear or puncture can compromise single-layer plastic containment.

With space in the truck already at a premium, how many types of plastic do you carry, and how much? When dealing with others to choose supplies, the decision is sometimes more complex than one would think.

When, where, and how to use poles as your basic framework can also be daunting. The larger the piece of hanging plastic, the more critical it is to have some structural support such as poles or framing. When to use the specialized aluminum extendable poles (often with spring-loaded tops to facilitate secure placement) can often be as simple as whether you have enough of them and if they are bent, broken, or missing critical parts. Poles also make the most sense when timber, steel, or inflatable barriers are in short supply.

Another consideration when using poles is whether negative pressure will be employed.

The critical distinction that must be kept in mind is that dust control is not the same as negative pressure containment. Because there is not as much stress on the barriers, poles are better suited to the lower standard of dust control. Another evaluation tool to decide on the use of poles is when the speed of set up and short duration of the barrier are key factors. It is also important to remember that a bit more training is required for crews that will construct wood or steel for plastic barriers.

Plastic affixed to sliding steel or temporary wooden framing for a compression fit

Sometimes you have to tape the containment to the wall.

Strictly speaking, both techniques are similar to compression poles. Temporary compression steel framing is typically constructed out of steel wall framing studs. Wooden framing, usually built from 2-x-2 inch or 2-x-4 inch lumber, can be screwed, nailed, or held in place with special corner brackets. Overall, such products provide a solid framework that takes most of the stress away from the attachments of small areas or adhesives and spreads it more evenly throughout the structure.

With proper thought and implementation, little to no additional damage will be caused, but some assembly is required. Think of these methods as the Ikea of containment without the super easy-to-understand instructions. Because all jobs are unique, these contaminants do not come in “kits.” You will have to shop for and stock volumes of materials or take the necessary time to identify the needed sections and custom shop for each containment setup.

Fewer professionals in the restoration industry are familiar with the techniques of setting up steel support structures. They are most useful when carpentry tools, the skill to use them, or the timber is in short supply. There are unique advantages of using metal wall studs, with one of the most important being that the process does not require measuring in the traditional way. Instead, the remediation technicians cut two pieces of steel studs that equal the gap they are trying to fill, plus an additional 15% to 20% per piece. Cutting the extra length will ensure sufficient overlap between the two pieces and allow enough material for screws to lock it together.

When setting up steel isolation barriers as vertical supports, nest the two pieces of steel stud to fit together like two letter “Cs.” Once nested, put them in place and slide them apart such that they push against the top plate and sill plate. Once the initial expansion of the steel assembly is set, move them aside and then slide the two pieces just slightly so that they are longer than they were. Now with a 1/8 inch or so extra, screw them together in that position and then push or tap them back into place. The extra “slide” that you affected will have made them just a bit too long for the gap, thus creating tension.

Doing the same thing with wood requires precise, oversized measurements, but not too oversized. And if you cut it too short, you will have to shim it or possibly try to use the beam in another part of the structure. All the rest is similar to compression poles or wood. One distinct advantage, however, is that, unlike poles and lumber, magnets are easily integrated to connect the plastic to the framework. Furthermore, although tape, foam, spray adhesive, etc., are all still often necessary, steel does offer some distinct advantages. Strength, cleanability, reusability, low weight compared with green studs, and magnetism are some of them.

Reusable inflatable modular barriers

Relatively new to the industry are modular inflatable barriers. Like all the other options, these come with advantages and disadvantages. Some apparent disadvantages are up-front costs and the 10-foot ceiling height limit. However, any containment constructed over 10 feet tall will require special care and consideration to ensure that it is sturdy enough, even when it is only serving as a simple dust barrier.

An example of venting contaminants out of a window.

One of the significant advantages of reusable inflatable modular barriers is the savings on consumables. While this may seem like a fake benefit to many in the United States today, look around the other areas of the globe where single-use plastic for everything from water bottles to sheet plastic for barriers is being curtailed for environmental or cost control reasons. Inflatable modular barriers can also be an economical alternative because of the savings in the far more impactful labor category. Labor is the highest single cost for any business, but the skillset of your crew is critical. It doesn’t matter how much it costs to build if you don’t have someone that has the time and skill to build it.

Reusable inflatable modular barriers provide a stark comparison with everything that preceded them. Unlike all other options for structural support discussed previously, it is an all-inclusive solution to containment. That is because the structure is combined with the actual barrier and is “kittified” to adapt to different heights and widths of openings that need to be sealed. Fully formed five-foot sections of containment stored and transported in small duffel bags, such as those made by AIRWALLS, allows the contractor to quickly construct isolation barriers in various settings without resupplying or stocking any consumables.

Because the inflatable barrier is actually four layers of protection, it far exceeds the isolation requirements of some protocols, even for highly sensitized individuals. The four barrier layers also provide sound-reducing properties and thermal resistance of R20 for unmatched insulating properties. They move far beyond dust control into the realm of complete environmental control.

As one of the newer containment techniques introduced to the restoration and abatement industries, many professionals need to become more familiar with their advantages. Modular inflatable barriers are easily set up with little instruction and no specialized training. They will not cause collateral damage to the building and do not require any consumables associated with the standard forms of containment, like tape, plastic, spray adhesive, and assorted hardware. They have few parts and go up fast and effectively. Most importantly, using inflatable barriers eliminates the single failure points plaguing traditional containment.

Additional tips and tricks

To finish this section, here are several additional ideas to assist with reconstructing containments, presented in no specific order.

A properly sized containment will help maintain effective negative air.

Make your own double-stick tape. Roll off two-three feet of tape, but do not tear it yet, let the roll hang there. Hold the end of the tape, sticky side away from you, in your left hand, with your index, middle, ring finger, and thumb. Your thumb will be pointing away from your body. Press your thumb toward your middle finger, grasp the rest of the roll with your other hand, and spin it. That’s it, double-stick tape.

Use spring poles to aid with the setup of stud framework. Especially when setting up sliding steel or wood containment, use the compression poles to hold your top plate and sill plate in place to get your measurements and place the vertical members.

Filtering replacement air and regulating negative air, with this simple technique. Tape a pleated filter to the plastic sheeting’s outside (clean) side, 12-x-12 inch minimum. Once secured, step inside the containment and cut a U-shaped flap approximately one inch smaller on the other side of the filter. You can adjust the negative pressure and airflow by taping the plastic flap to cover more or less of the filter. Inflatable modular barriers have this as standard equipment.

Cover critical barriers with speed and ease. For electrical outlets and switches, remove the cover plate, place an oversized piece of plastic over the outlet or switch, then replace the cover plate with the original screws. You may also choose to tape the edges of the plastic. Do not use this technique if the wall plates are otherwise sealed to the wall; instead, just tape over the surface of the wall plate, outlet, and switch.

Many other materials, such as prefabricated wall sections with adjustable top pieces, can be used for temporary containments. Regardless of the materials, the key is ensuring the containment barriers are secure and decently airtight. The third part of this series will focus on using temporary containments to minimize cross-contamination.

Mark Cornelius has been in the restoration industry for more than 38 years. He is president of Disaster Recovery Industries Inc. and owns Emergency Mitigation Technician Academy.

Keith Gangitano co-founded Zeppelin, a company with restoration containment solutions.

Michael Pinto serves as the CEO of Wonder Makers Environmental and has more than 45 years of experience in the industry.

The post The Components of Temporary Containments appeared first on Cleanfax.

Dot produces powerful cleaning products in small powder pouches for mold and mildew stains, biological residues, and pet urine/odor on a variety of surfaces. Dot is working on a range of additional cleaning products and continues to innovate. All Dot products use a fraction of the chemical content thanks to our award-winning Dilute Oxidation Technology that makes chemical reactions exponentially more efficient.

The power of partnerships

At Dot, every customer is a partner. We don’t just sell products; we help businesses thrive. Our goal is to support your growth with products that don’t degrade on the shelf, are easy to store, and are easy to move. With Dot, your business gets all of our support, including:

• one-on-one product guidance
• bulk and volume pricing
• Dot marketing, brand, and product resources to support your customer outreach
• customizable one-pagers and homeowner sell-sheets
• access to the Dot video library.

Our team has had the privilege of meeting many of the owners and employees of companies adopting Dot. It’s humbling to hear them reflect on the dangers of their jobs and chemical scares. It’s heartening to hear how Dot is improving their business and the well-being of their employees, while providing better results for their customers.

What our partners are saying

Kevin Coppersmith, CEO of ‘58 Foundations and Waterproofing, says, “Dot is the perfect fit for our mission to use sustainable, non-intrusive products in support of our five-star service.”

Chuck Sardelis, CEO of MoldX, calls Dot’s mold stain cleaner an “industry-changing product.”

Zach Konell, CEO of Bulldog Restoration, says Dot’s low chemical products “work just as fast as other chemicals we’ve used in the past. They finally did it.”

Try Dot Cleaner for your business today.

Contact: 610-643-4313 |

The post July/August 2023 Restoration Industry Leader Profiles: Sudoc appeared first on Cleanfax.

Manage your jobs and equipment 24/7 from anywhere using the free Dri-Eaz Command Center Pro dashboard and app. You can check individual jobs’ progress instantly, organize site visits efficiently, and even power dehumidifiers and air scrubbers back on if occupants turn them off.

With Command Center Pro (CCPro), it’s also easy to track unit locations and schedule them for maintenance.

CCPro leverages the WiFi-enabled Command Hub technology in current Dri-Eaz dehumidifiers and HEPA 700 air scrubbers. To integrate the technology into older dehus, redeem Legend Rewards points for Command Hubs or order them from your local distributor.

It takes just five minutes to register in the CCPro dashboard and to download the Dri-Eaz Command Center Pro mobile app from Apple and Google stores:

Dri-Eaz® HEPA 700 offers unrivaled quiet AND powerful air filtration

The HEPA 700 is the industry’s quietest, high-performance air scrubber, with up to 700 CFM for Xactimate’s XL HEPA rate. It exceeds HEPA by achieving 99.99% efficiency on .1–.5 micron particles using standard filters. And its optional carbon filter’s 2.5 pounds of activated carbon pellets provide twice the odor-adsorbing power of many other carbon filters.

Using the HEPA 700’s integrated command hub with onboard Wifi, you can remotely control airflow and monitor HEPA filter life. Learn more: .

Dri-Eaz® airmovers deliver best long-term value

When weather events strike and demand is high, it’s tempting to purchase ANYTHING that moves air, but it’s not worth the serious risk to your business.

Many overseas factories—especially those in China—take drastic shortcuts to produce products quickly and reduce costs, like substituting lower quality plastic. That can be dangerous when airmovers are left running unattended on restoration jobs.

Rest assured that you have the highest quality product when you buy trusted Dri-Eaz Velo®, Velo Pro, and Sahara Pro X4 airmovers, all engineered, molded, and assembled in Legend Brands’ Burlington, Washington, plant.

Rewards for you or your business—your choice!

If you use Legend Brands products and haven’t joined Legend Rewards, don’t wait—take five minutes and sign up today to start banking points for more than 14 million reward options:  electronics, power tools, golf and outdoor gear, movie tickets, travel, and much more! Sign up today at .

Contact: 800-932-3030 |

The post July/August 2023 Restoration Industry Leader Profiles: Legend Brands appeared first on Cleanfax.

The need

A primary need within the water damage restoration industry is moisture measurement accuracy. Parker told us that one of the major problems he comes across while working on residential water damage mitigation is the massive variation in the materials that his team has to measure. These include drywall, different flooring types, different wood species, and other building materials like OSB and engineered products. Getting accurate readings for all these different materials is essential but challenging.

The solution

In his search for accurate moisture meters for water damage restoration, Parker discovered the Navigator range from Delmhorst Instrument Co. These moisture meters have unmatched reliability. Most importantly for Parker Construction, 37 different wood species and materials are pre-set when using the moisture meter with the compatible Edge app. With Navigator meters, there is no need to manually adjust the settings for each material—Parker and his team can simply choose the relevant material and know that the device will provide accurate measurements every time.

The impact

Accuracy has been the key to Parker Construction’s success. By having access to these finely calibrated material settings, professionals working on a project get a more accurate dry standard, allowing them to be more efficient in their processes of drying out structures. Parker even cross-checked the readings from one Delmhorst meter to another, and they gave the same, highly precise readings. This was a startling difference from other brands of moisture meters Parker had tried where, even with two identical meters, they could show a 10% variation in a material’s readings. This never happened with the Delmhorst tools.

By getting consistently accurate readings, Parker Construction could speak more intelligently on the drying processes taking place in the structure, including providing correct expectations for each material. Parker says, “I think [it] gave us a more professional appearance to our clients, whether that was a homeowner or an adjuster that we’re working with; just being able to speak more intelligently on [the project], having better readings than we did before.”

Parker also notes that the moisture meters from Delmhorst are very durable, which makes them a great investment for anyone working in water damage mitigation.

Interested in bringing this level of precision and efficiency to your projects?  for more information on reliable, accurate, and durable moisture meters for the water damage restoration industry.

Contact: 877-DELMHORST (335-6467) | | info@delmhorst.com ����

The post July/August 2023 Restoration Industry Leader Profiles: Delmhorst appeared first on Cleanfax.

For more than 20 years, Aero Tech has been providing technical support and knowledge to ensure we deliver unmatched cleaning performance with the XT from Aero Tech. We engineer greatness into every XT that leaves our manufacturing facility.

Creative engineering blends well with quality construction and continued innovation to create the most powerful cleaning system available today. XT technology just keeps getting better, giving you the power and control needed to save time, conserve fuel and increase your profits.

The XT’s simple design and ease of maintenance make the unit versatile. Whether for cleaning, restoration, large jobs or small, this system is ready and reliable day in and day out.

With heat-as-you-drive technology, true dual wand capability, deeper vacuum, customized storage, and billboard-sized advertising wherever you go, the Aero Tech XT makes dollars and sense.

In addition to the XT’s power, its versatility is a real game changer; wherever your next job takes you, whether residential or commercial, carpet or tile, and/or both, the XT offers extreme heat and true dual wand capabilities.

Additionally, the dual pressure regulators allow for cleaning at two different pressures simultaneously.  Have a third guy on a crew?  A third connection can be utilized for pre-spray application.

Aero Tech’s direct approach to the market removes the middleman and provides a level of customer service and response needed for today’s busy professionals.

New features:

• 5 db noise reduction
• All-new, 4-stage heating system produces more heat for high-flow, dual-wand cleaning.

XT’s standard equipment:

• Hydraulic activated transmission PTO
• Helical Tri-Lobe/Sutorbuilt blower, 660 ICFM @ 16” HG and maximum cleaning speed (engine RPMs) of 1650 RPM
• Water pump, 6gpm, 1,600 PSI max
• Last step chemical injection system
• 7-gallon chemical tank
• 210-gallon fresh water tank: Stainless steel, round design for added strength and durability (heats as you drive)
• 155-gallon waste tank: Stainless steel, round design for added strength and durability
• Electric Vacuum Hose Reel: Stainless steel (400-foot capacity of 2” hose), furnished with 200 feet of hose
• Solution hose reel: stainless steel, (300ft capacity of ¼” hose), quantity of two furnished, each with 100 feet of hose
• Lint traps, stainless steel, two each
• FRP van body, aluminum flooring
• Box lighting, LED, three each
• Dual wand hook-up, 2.5-inch inlet connection
• Control panel, stainless steel, industrial switches, industrial gauges
• Digital temperature control

Contact: 866-390-2376 |

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With globalization, digitalization, and rapid technological advancements, the business landscape has become more competitive. This is especially true for disaster restoration companies. They face intense pressure to innovate, streamline their operations, and stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced business environment.

One of the primary challenges restorers face today is competition. Companies must differentiate themselves from competitors to stand out, attract customers, and get work from insurance companies. This requires them to develop a unique value proposition, create a strong brand image, and constantly innovate. Furthermore, companies must continuously monitor the market and stay informed of emerging trends, new technologies, and shifting consumer preferences to remain competitive.

And the need to network to be personal at the same time can’t be overstated.

Another significant challenge faced by businesses is the rapidly evolving digital landscape. With the proliferation of smartphones, social media, and e-commerce platforms, companies must have a robust online presence to reach their target audience effectively and respond to questions and concerns. This requires them to invest in digital marketing, optimize their website for search engines, and leverage social media channels to engage with customers. In addition, businesses need to ensure that their websites and online stores are mobile-friendly, secure, and provide a seamless user experience. Is this the entire list of staying abreast of technology in the digital world? Not at all, but it is a good start.

Another critical challenge businesses face today is the need to recruit and retain top talent. With the rise of the gig economy and remote work, employees have more options than ever, and companies must create a work culture that fosters originality, creativity, and growth. This requires businesses to offer competitive compensation packages, provide opportunities for professional development, and create a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork.

What does all this mean? Running a successful restoration company isn’t easy; you don’t just build it and hope it keeps growing. One strategy that Cleanfax provides is information, including success stories within the industry. Read on and see what three successful companies have done—and are doing—to remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace.

The players

Scott Vogel

First up is Emergi-Clean. Scott Vogel is the chief operating officer and partner. The company is a second-generation, woman-owned, family-owned and operating business specializing in biohazardous, infectious, and hazardous material remediation since 1995. Emergi-Clean serves the New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, working out of two locations in Rahway and Flemington, New Jersey.

James Stephenson

Then we have Stephenson Restoration, a disaster restoration company serving the Salt Lake City market. The firm had its genesis as a carpet cleaning company and then expanded. The owner is James Stephenson, who spent much of his career in law enforcement before launching a “side gig” company called Big Jim’s Carpet Cleaning in 2020 to supplement his income. Since then, he has turned to restoration management services (RMS) consulting, tapping into the industry knowledge of principals Gregg Sargent and Nate Cisney to launch Stephenson Restoration into full-scale operations.

Ken Chambers

Last but not least is Pro-Care Restoration, with Ken Chambers as president. The company is based in Summerfield, North Carolina, and serves Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and other regional areas. The company provides traditional restoration services as a family-owned and operated business with over 20 years in the industry.

Elevator pitch

For Emergi-Clean, Vogel said it’s all about “believing in unparallel service and knowledge throughout our company.” From leadership to technicians and office staff, education has always been a primary focus for the company. “We have developed and implemented an apprenticeship program that entails our technicians completing 295 hours of classroom training and 4,000 field experience, making us unique when servicing our clients. Continuing education is key.”

Speed is the name of the game for Pro-Care Restoration. “We are a full-service restoration company,” Chambers said, “and we strive to be the quickest on rebuilds in the industry. Our motto is: We do it all, large or small!”

Property disasters are unplanned events, and, most often, property owners are unprepared, unsure, and uneasy as they seek solutions to their urgent needs, according to Stephenson. For his company, “It is all about restoring peace of mind for the affected property owner along with rectifying the physical issues impacting the property.” He has pride in what his company does “through clear communication, proven processes, and strong relationships with the partnering parties, such as insurance companies.” This all adds up to a quick and affordable resolution to projects.

Challenges faced and fixed

Chambers recognizes strong competition, embraces the challenge, and determines the best way to compete. “There are several well-known franchises that serve the areas we also serve,” he explained. “This was a challenge we had to overcome to grow our company successfully. We advertised on Google and in the community and depend heavily on agent referrals.” It has paid off for Pro-Care Restoration as the company continues to enjoy success.

For Stephenson, a challenge they identified and resolved was finding knowledgeable and driven employees who fully support the business plan. He cites two examples: “In the case of our business manager, we hired a person with deep experience with a major restoration company in a neighboring state. We provided a better pay opportunity and covered the cost of relocation, and she is performing spectacularly. In the case of our crew foreman, we found a person with the personality and character qualities we wanted long-term, and, despite their inexperience in the industry, we invested in the training courses, seminars, and on-the-job training needed to bring the required skillsets.”

On top of that, Stephenson Restoration struggled with being an “unknown” among the company’s key lead sources and had to build a marketing plan to resolve that. The focus was on local insurance agents, adjusters, plumbers, and property managers, tapping into the resources again of RMS Consulting.

Emergi-Clean sees some of the same challenges as others in the industry and has figured out the best way to resolve them. From financial management, cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting, the staff has educated itself through professional development and networking. “While it may be tedious at times, we continue to grow and plan our finances to be more prepared.”

Competition is another factor, and Emergi-Clean has invested in its brand. They stand out. “To me, a brand isn’t just a logo or name; it’s the company,” stated Vogel, “from your leadership to your new hires.” The company is doing it right because that motto is working.

On top of that, Emergi-Clean tackles employee retention with its apprenticeship program, Vogel said, “to give our new hires a plan to develop themselves to be leaders in this company.” He believes in building a positive company culture, providing opportunities for career development, and offering incentives for employee retention, such as a bonus system and flexible work arrangements. “Identify the problem, develop a plan, and act,” Vogel said. “It’s also essential to be adaptable and willing to make changes as needed to ensure the business’s long-term success and employee longevity.”

Business strategies

Stephenson Restoration operates in an outlying community adjacent to a large metro area: Salt Lake City. “Buying local is a meaningful thing here, where they prefer to do business with those who live in the community versus those who must travel to our valley from the big city,” Stephenson explained. “We are heavily involved in local organizations such as the Realtor^® association and a business networking group, where we are becoming known as the local resource for disaster response.” On top of that, his company is active on the community Facebook groups for each of the small towns in its valley. Stephenson Restoration holds Plumber Appreciation Day barbecue events at the local plumbing supply house “so that we become tight with those who are often the first to be called when a property is flooded,” he said.

For Emergi-Clean, it’s all about innovation. “Innovation is a strategy I used a lot; it can involve developing new products, services, or processes that are unique and offer a competitive advantage,” Vogel explained. “We focus and specialize in crime and trauma scene mitigations, allowing us to market our services to other restoration companies.” Part of the strategy for this is something Vogel knows everyone sees: “We tend to offer the same thing; for example, how many water, fire, and mold companies are there? I feel like there is one on every corner.” So Emergi-Clean doesn’t directly compete with that but instead offers solutions to complex problems that many mainstream restoration companies do not specialize in or have the training to do, such as bioterrorism response.

Then there is the “customer-centric approach” that Vogel embraces. “A customer-centric approach involves focusing on the needs and preferences of customers to improve the customer experience and build brand loyalty,” he said. “This can be achieved by listening to a customer, gathering feedback, making changes and implementing new ideas, and always providing exceptional customer service.”

Chambers has a strategy like other successful companies: Focus on the people. “We hire great people,” he explained. “In this industry, you need people who will do the job right and do it right the first time. It takes time to grow your team, but it is essential.” Chambers also works diligently to keep as much of the contracted work in-house, which adds to his excellent customer service philosophy.

The technical advantage

Vogel loves technology. He might not argue the point if you called him a tech junkie. “There are so many new ways of technology. I research every new piece of equipment that comes out,” he proudly stated. “But just because they say it is the best does not mean it is. We need to learn, research, and understand what is being developed. Technology has allowed us to enhance capabilities through efficiency and productivity and will continue to be an essential part of our company.”

Stephenson points to customer relationship management systems, cloud-based software, thermal imaging, and the latest in drying technology to help his company with precision restoration.

Chambers agrees and points to documentation technology, management software, and other technological services that enhance what his company is already doing with a solid team.

Real success identified

Vogel knows that success can mean different things to different people, as it is highly personal and subjective. “To me, real success means having a sense of fulfillment and purpose. It means using my abilities and talents to positively impact the world, whether that’s through helping people, advancing knowledge and innovation, or contributing to the greater good,” he explained. “Ultimately, success is a journey rather than a destination, and it requires ongoing self-reflection, learning, and growth. It’s important to set goals and strive for excellence, but it’s also important to celebrate small successes along the way and be grateful for the blessings in life.”

Stephenson sees solving serious issues for others as an essential component of success. “We take great personal satisfaction in solving another person’s dilemma, and this industry allows us to do this repeatedly,” he said. “Success, in our minds, would be to serve our community by resolving the damage issues that arise while making a good living for ourselves and our employees.”

And what about doing what you like to do? That’s top of mind for Chambers. “Real success looks like doing something I love daily,” he said. “I am thankful that I get to help others in stressful times of their lives. We create relationships with many of our customers, which defines success to me.”

Leaving a legacy

Creating a positive legacy is essential for many people, as it allows them to make a lasting impact on the world and leave a meaningful mark on the people and communities they touch. “When thinking about my legacy, I first want to be known as a loving husband and father; no matter how stressful and busy work can get, I always try to make it home at a reasonable time to have some family time,” Vogel stated. “Within the community, my legacy is a service of charity and unity. I started a nonprofit called the Bearing Hope Foundation to ensure that when a child goes through a rough/traumatic event, they have a teddy bear to hold onto.”

On his own legacy, Vogel said: “The size of my company will not be my legacy but making that significant difference will be. Instilling values of health and safety with employees and other restorers and promoting professional development in the industry is critical to a path of a great legacy for me; you might be one of the best in the industry, but if you aren’t willing to share and help others achieve their full potential, then to me, you won’t be remembered,” he said.

Chambers values the positive difference he and his company make in the lives of others. “I want to have a lasting impact on people’s lives,” he explained. “Some qualities I strive to leave behind are honesty, character, and work ethic.”

Stephenson echoes similar sentiments. “This may sound a bit over-the-top, but we want to build a heroic business, one that our clients view with a sense of gratitude for the solutions we provide and the genuine care we display as we undo significant effects of their disaster.”

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