iRestore | iRestore Restoration Software

What’s Sets This Restoration Management Software Apart?

Posted on December 26, 2020December 26, 2020 by iRestore

As a restoration company owner, you don’t need to add another piece of equipment or tool to your belt unless it is going to keep you from having to do MORE work. When business owners learn of yet another piece of technology or software that is supposed to help their company grow and be more productive, it isn’t shocking when they are reluctant or hesitant to try it. While there are many types of software and apps and programs that really don’t provide enough for business owners to benefit from using them, iRestore’s restoration management software is not one of them.

What Makes iRestore’s Restoration Management Software Different?

But what sets our restoration management software apart from other software programs that claim to help restoration business owners work better, faster….smarter?

For one, it was designed specifically for the restoration business. We had no need to include information that is unnecessary because everything is designed to cater to the needs of the restoration company and the information that business owners need to gather from their employees, customers, insurance agents, and so on.
Our objective was to support the flow of restoration operations and the organization. This software isn’t just another tool. It is THE tool that restoration business owners can rely on to mesh within the organization and help you serve everyone better.
It isn’t just for HR. It isn’t just for equipment maintenance. It isn’t just a tool to organize jobs. It is a tool to help with each aspect of your business. You need to keep track of employee training, certifications, and basic information. You need to track where equipment is, what jobs equipment pieces are assigned to, and when they will be available again. You need to store job-specific documents and information, including the contact information of anyone else that is involved in the restoration process. You have needs that are specific to the industry – and iRestore’s restoration management software is designed to meet those needs.
What you really don’t need is another app or software that isn’t compatible with certain types of phones or computers. You don’t need another tool that will work at the office but not out on the field. You don’t need another place to store information that your techs don’t have the time to manage. Conveniently, this restoration management software is an easy, flexible, accessible software that can work on any device. You can update it in the office or out on the field. You are not limited. If you need specific information, you can get it at any time. It’s fast and easy to use.

It’s not just about what sets iRestore’s restoration management software apart from other types of software – because it just is different than other types of software. What it’s really about is the compatibility it has to work with restoration companies to enhance production, minimize mistakes, find information quickly, rely on data, and respond to your insurance agents, adjustor, and clients accurately and build your reputation as an organized and efficient company that is prepared and gets the job done!

Top Tips For A Restoration Startup

Posted on December 4, 2020December 4, 2020 by iRestore

It has been more than 20 years since my husband and I started our full-service restoration company. Today, I have the privilege to meet and share tips with others who are starting up. The most common request? Lists for things such as contracts, equipment, procedures, any list to give a roadmap to success.

My husband and business partner dug out our original start-up to-do list from his files as we celebrated our 20-year company anniversary and it is now framed in the hallway. As we reviewed the list, we laughed at the simplicity of the handwritten document that included polo shirts, which is obviously of the utmost importance (ha-ha). Is it that simple?

Our company colors, green and gold, were less strategic and more out of a desire to reflect what is now known as Shared Value #10: We pride ourselves on our presentation and professionalism as a company. We had no money but wanted branded vehicles, but guess what? We already had a gold pickup truck and a green minivan! Voila – our company colors were born! No need to spend money on painting vehicles.

Armed with a vision, yellow legal pads filled with notes and ideas, a toddler, a baby on the way, and no income stream, we borrowed money, cashed in an $8,000 retirement account, and got started.

Today, the fleet of over 70 vehicles is gold with green lettering. We love our careers; the opportunities we have had to grow personally and professionally, the gratification of having served thousands, and the people we have the opportunity to work alongside of in our award-winning full-service restoration company.

My husband will reflect on the momentum of our company’s launch and sum it up very simply, “Failure was not an option.”

Twenty years later, here are our tips for starting up…

The Short List

There are many pathways that will lead your startup to Restoring Success. Your startup’s success is how you define it and there is not a right or a wrong. Embrace your vision and get moving. Here are some things to consider as you begin:

Why and Drive: Every business has a profit motive and building a financially strong company is a priority; however, restoration is about something bigger and it is important that there is a purpose, vision, and motivation that goes beyond profit. It is like many other businesses where you can easily lose money and will face all types of challenges. Many view restoration as a “recession-proof” industry without vulnerabilities. It is not.
- Stay in touch with “why” you want to start a restoration company.
- Drive for your success. An unwavering focus and drive to your goals will be an important fuel to power your launch.
- Pros-Cons-Challenges: Our youngest son, who wants to be a restorer when he grows up, summed it up and explains his motivation. You can also pick up some tips on the moisture meters you will need for your start-up: A Restorer, Hero in our Community
Leverage your Assets: Assets may include but are not limited to: soft skills, technical skills, facilities, equipment, and relationships. In general, utilize your strengths and develop your weaknesses and/or surround yourself with individuals that complement your skills and soft spots.
- Experience and Expertise: You may have experiences and knowledge from other jobs, businesses, education, and childhood you will be able to bring to your company. Form a foundation and make your company special and unique. I was an accountant who grew up with a father who was an insurance underwriter. My husband was a claims adjuster who grew up strapped to a roof by the age of 10 and helping his dad build cars. Regardless of your background before entering the industry, embrace your talents and know-how in your new company. Do not dismiss anything as irrelevant. One of my many favorite things about restoration is that it is somewhat of a melting pot of diverse individuals with unique backgrounds that bring expertise and apply it to their restoration career. The individuals and companies are special and can find foundations of success in their uniqueness.
- Relationships: Leveraging your existing relationships will help you start your company. A marketing strategy is sound and important, but do not discount existing relationships. It may be customers of an existing business or friends and family. Consider your existing contacts and leverage them when building your business based on trust and long-term relationships.
Guidance and Information: Today, there are many options and resources that can help you get a solid start in your new company. Evaluate your needs and seek out the best fits for you to help you get started. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and draw on others who can add value. Remember, there is no right vs. wrong. There are many paths to success and different approaches to the business. Find what feels right and make it your own. Keep an open mind and learn different perspectives and approaches. When you can learn from the mistakes and successes of others, take it.
- Franchise
- Consultants
- Training and resources
- Software systems
- Mentors and industry friends
Be Resourceful and Have Resources: You will not have everything and everyone you need out of the gate. Actually, that may never happen in restoration. Be prepared to think out of the box and prepare resources. Today, we have a beautiful textile restoration department with commercial and specialty equipment. When we started 20 years ago, my husband went to the laundromat and worked through the night.
- Examples include but are not limited to: subcontractors, suppliers, rental companies, banks
- Be prepared to solve problems along the way. Ask for help and use your drive to make things happen. In the early days, your ability to respond and deliver quality results will help propel your new company. I vaguely remember our first commercial loss in the early days. I do not remember the logistics; somehow, we assembled a large team, worked through the weekend, and had them open by Monday. I do remember feverishly scrubbing a special chair and thinking, “I want them to say, WOW when they walk in on Monday.”
Reinvest: When planning, and upon starting your new business, plan to continually reinvest. If your vision includes growing beyond your initial startup, you will need to invest in people, facilities, equipment, and systems.

Enjoy the journey and excitement. May starting a restoration company bring you much Restoring Success.

https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/89197-tips-for-restoration-startups

Grow Your Business This Holiday Season With iRestore Software Management System

Posted on November 21, 2020December 1, 2020 by iRestore

Organizing your schedule around the holiday season can be hectic. Tasks on your list may include buying and wrapping gifts, planning family dinners, volunteering at your local Christmas food drive, hanging up the lights, etc. The list goes on. On top of that, there’s the added challenge of navigating your schedule around COVID-19 restrictions. This means you may have to add safety precautions and make adjustments to your traditional holiday plans.

Just like there are unpredictable elements to holiday plans this year, there are also unpredictable elements to water, fire, storm, and mold damage. At iRestore, we have mastered the principles of planning, scheduling, and organizing restoration projects. In fact, we’ve built a management software system to guide you through every step of the restoration process. Here are three ways iRestore can help you help your customers navigate through the stress and uncertainty of property disaster.

1. We Understand The Restoration Process

Before creating a restoration management system, our president and CEO worked in the cleaning and restoration industry and knows the disaster restoration process inside and out. He also understands the stress and uncertainty that your customers might be experiencing immediately following a disaster. Our team has engineered a system with your customers in mind, helping you help them alleviate some of that stress.

2. Keep Your Customers In The Loop

Your customers are most likely coming from a place of distress after experiencing a disaster. Your company’s reputation is heavily based on how you care for your customers throughout the restoration process and it’s important for them to feel confident in you and your services. Customers’ expectations are met when a company is well organized, transparent, and practices effective communication. Our software includes a customer relationship management feature that we can personalize to best address your unique customer base. This includes contact organization, an interactive map to find friends, easy formatting for follow-ups and managing contact-related tasks, emailing/calling your contacts with a click of a button, and many more customer relationship building features.

3. Increase Profitability

Organization in a company pays off big time. It allows your company to run its operations and use its resources at maximum efficiency, which will help make your customers happy and deem your company as reputable. When your company brand is trusted and respected, more people will be inclined to do business with you, causing your leads and profit to increase.

Request A Free Demo

If you’re looking to incorporate the iRestore Software Management System into your business, contact our team today. Or, tune into our free, no-obligation live webinar demonstration to get a closer look at our system. You can sign up for the webinar by filling out this form. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing the growth and success of your business with the iRestore Software Management System.

Use Your Words

Posted on November 12, 2020November 12, 2020 by iRestore

restoration business management, restoration business development, restoration business leadership As children are learning to speak and communicate, we often say, “use your words.” An important soft skill that, as adults and restoration professionals, we should never stop developing in ourselves and others. The following excerpt is a brief description from childcare.net as to the importance of developing this skill:

Use Your Words

Teaching young children to “use their words” is a well-known educational tool aimed at increasing kids’ communication skills and teaching kids how express their feelings rather than resort to physical means (i.e., hitting, biting, scratching, etc.) to resolve conflicts. All daycare staff should be trained in how and when to encourage children to use their words, and at which ages children need help in finding the right words to express their feelings. Teaching kids to use their words is also a developmental strategy in the realm of “emotional intelligence,” or “emotional coaching,” wherein parents and caregivers teach kids how to name their emotions and learn to deal with setbacks and change. Read the Entire Article Here

The ability to clearly articulate and use the right words is important in our service to others, individual success, and organizational goals. The words we choose and the ability to not just communicate but to communicate effectively in an emotionally intelligent manner helps us succeed in our day to day. In restoration, we are often faced with difficult situations and conversations, being equipped to use the “right” words can ultimately impact the outcome. We can teach, coach, learn and constantly improve much like many other skills.

This important skill helps us in our entire life, and these are a few areas to consider in our restoration companies:

Customer Communications
Management and Leadership
General Internal Communications

Scenarios

Scenario 1

A customer wants the equipment pulled early and does not seem to care about the implications.

Response 1: Fine, but you know you will probably get mold!

Response 2: I will respect your wishes; however, I need to advise you that our company cannot deem the materials dry and I will need you to sign a waiver that you understand that there may be secondary damage up to and including microbial growth.

Objective: A response that is respectful to a property owner’s wishes while protecting the company’s potential liability.

Scenario 2

On the first day of meeting a new customer, customer states that Joe in the office said all the work can be done by Friday. Caught off guard, it is not possible that the job is done Friday.

Response 1: Joe is totally disorganized and has no idea when the job can be done! Joe should not have told you that.

Response 2: Let us review the job together. I will touch base with Joe and follow up with you on the schedule.

Objective: Clarify the possible miscommunication and take control of the situation by managing the expectations of the customer so that there is the opportunity to complete their job to their satisfaction. Never should we disparage a coworker or the company. Frustrations with a coworker or supervisor should never be presented with a customer.

Scenario 3

A manager is told they must complete their weekly report. It is the second session addressing the lack of adherence to this company guideline.

Response 1: I give up! I am sick of telling you to do your report.

Response 2: You are either unable or unwilling to do your report. Let us discuss…

Objective: Start a productive conversation that can identify the root cause of the problem and potential solutions. While being firm and clear that the guideline must be adhered to, the opportunity to offer help to the manager may present itself. On the other hand, if the person is simply unwilling to do something that is very important to the organization’s process, the conversation may go in a different direction.

Scenario 4

A customer or business partner makes remarks or outward expressions of prejudice towards members of the team.

Response 1: Huh! Well….Ummm…

Response 2: Our team is a diverse team of restoration professionals and if that is of concern for you, it may be best to work with another company on your project.

Objective: Deliver a clear and professional response that is reflective of your company’s values. Core values are those that are not compromised.

These scenarios are just a few of the many difficult situations and conversations that we can find ourselves in on any given day. Our abilities to handle them by using the “right” words can determine the outcome.

The following are a few tips to consider in developing this skill:

Self-Awareness: Have you ever reflected on a situation or conversation and thought, “I should have said…?” Do not dismiss this thought. See it through and play out the words that may have led you to a better outcome. Next time, in a similar situation, you may have just the right words ready to confidently articulate.

Coaching: In the scenario, where the team member called a co-worker, “totally disorganized” to the customer, the job ended with a bad customer review stating specifically that the company is “disorganized”. You investigate the matter. You learn of the scheduling and communication conversation. This is a great opportunity to talk it through and coach the individual to handle the frustration and conversation differently next time.

Practice and Script: Go through scripts and practice with the team. Utilize the most frequent scenarios like the customer who wants their equipment pulled early to engage the team and equip with the communication tools to succeed. Not only will this help everyone best prepare for the situation that they will likely encounter; it will also help develop their skill in general. It is much easier to think through a situation and find the right words when you do not have the pressure of the moment.

Learn from others: Be observant and constantly learn. You are constantly surrounded by people who at any given point articulate something extremely well. I often make note of others use of words and think, “Wow, that was well said!” One of my favorite’s that I have passed on to others came from my dad, “You are either unable or unwilling to…” referred to above in scenario 3.

Our word choices and ability to articulate them are a valuable skill, something we should constantly develop, and can ultimately determine or influence outcomes. As a side note, our culture and values set the tone. Even if it is a script or words that were practiced, they are always best delivered when they are true, sincere, and from our hearts. The reality is that “using our words” is not always easy as it may sound. Never stop learning how to “use your words.” Best wishes for much Restoring Success.

Originally published in R&R Magazine

November 5, 2020
Lisa Lavender, M.T.R., M.F.S.R., M.W.R.

Restoration Management Systems Grows Your Business In The Best Ways

Posted on October 22, 2020November 12, 2020 by iRestore

In today’s modern world, it’s uncommon to find a business that has yet to utilize technology in its day-to-day functions. Technology is convenient, efficient, and limitless. It increases business productivity, enhances client communication, and fosters consistent growth.

From the experts at iRestore, here are 3 ways that the use of restoration management systems is crucial to the success of your restoration business.

Restoration Management Systems

Better Customer Relationships

Maintaining strong customer relations is a huge factor in determining the success or failure of a business – especially in today’s world where people expect immediate and clear communication. Technology has changed the way businesses are able to connect with their client base. Not only does it store information that helps with analyzing customer patterns and feedback, but it’s also a great tool in organizing and providing quick access to important client information. At iRestore, we offer a robust customer relationship management system (CRM), which keeps track of useful information for past and current customers. This tool can help improve client communication on many levels. Whether you want to send a text or make a quick phone call, CRM makes it easy with just a click of a button.

Increase Business Productivity

Technology is key to increasing the productivity of not just the employees but the overall organization. It enables collaboration among team members and helps businesses utilize their services and function more efficiently.

Our restoration management software helps businesses keep track of the various components that come with running a cleaning and restoration company – including keeping track of jobs, equipment, and vehicles. This allows you to fully utilize your time, team, and resources to provide the best possible service for your clients.

Improve Employee Engagement

Imagine how productive your employees can be if they’re able to access important information right when they need it. With just a click of a button, they can see what a certain job entails and what the available resources are. This meets the goal of enabling proper education and opportunities to employees so they can complete their work more efficiently and effectively. When employees have a clear understanding of their jobs, it allows a place for creativity and new ideas to take root.

In addition, having a management system in place can help with quickly integrating new hires by helping them see their roles and duties within the organization.

Stay On Top Of The Restoration Industry With iRestore

Companies who resist or choose to forego investing in new technology will quickly be left behind in today’s global marketplace. If you have the budget and available resources, investing in technology will keep your business up-to-date in this rapidly changing world. If this is a challenge, there are still ways to utilize tech in a cost-efficient way.

With the iRestore Restoration Management System, you’ll have a comprehensive solution to manage your entire business. Our software allows you to implement many of the points we mentioned above including organizing client communication, managing important jobs, and keeping track of equipment – all for an affordable price. Experience the difference in managing a business with iRestore Restoration Management System today.

Author: iRestore

What’s Sets This Restoration Management Software Apart?

Top Tips For A Restoration Startup