|
|||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||
          |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Stay on the cutting-edge with C&R.
|
 |
Paper Documents and Fungal Contamination. How Clean is Clean Enough? By Neil McManus, CIH, ROH, CSP |
|
General Liability Insurance & Mold By Paul Duggan, ERM, and David Dybdahal, CPCU |
|
Is It Green or Greenwashed? By Mike Sawchuk |
|
Simplifying the Process of Specifying 'Green'. The Role of Voluntary Consensus Standards By Kirsten Ritchie |
|
TopTips for Legal Employment Interviews By Randi Klein Hyatt, Esq. |
|
Keep Your Keepers: 16 Co-Effective Ways to Grow Your Company By Joanne G. Sujansky, Ph.D. |
|
Recruiting, Interviewing and Hiring: the Ultimate Game of 'Survivor' By Bob Schultz, MIRM, CSP |
|
Smart Asbestos Remediation By F. Stephen Masek |
|
Building Brand Awareness, Part 3 By F. Keri Jones |
|
The Risks and Rewards of Restoration — Part 1 By Patricia L. Harman |
|
Cost Accounting Issues for Damage Repair Contracting By Martin L. King, CR, ASA |
|
Nine Things Your Customers Will NEVER Tell You By Richard Ensman |
|
Why Good Employees Leave — And how to Retain More of Them By Gregg Gregory |
|
How to Speak Volumes (Silently) By Jessica Krznaric |
|
Align Leadership Decisions with Your Values By David Benzel |
|
What's Your EQ Score? By Casey Geisler |
|
Consistency does not Equal Fairness By Bill Catlette and Richard Hadden |
|
A Sense of Urgency By Charles E. "Tremendous" Jones |
|
Fall Conference Series Tackles Many Issues By Patricia L. Harman |
|
Are You Ready to Tackle Grout Lines? By Scott Warrington |
|
The Making of Wool from Sheep to Finish By Jessica Krznaric |
|
Road Map to Rug Identification By Ellen Amirkhan, CRS, Aaron Groseclose, CRS |
|
Building Brand Awareness By Keri Jones |
|
Ethical Team Communication By John Fox |
|
Covering All the Bases: Selecting a Creative Agency By Melissa Crowe |
|
Overcome a Talent Shortage: Create a Gen-X Friendly Workplace to Retain Key Talent By Deanne DeMarco |
|
What Health Care Trends Can Tell Small Businesses By David A. Proctor |
|
Big Water Loss, and It's Mine! By Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D. |
|
Disability Insurance is More Important Than You Think By Valerie Green |
|
Ensure Your Money’s Worth: How to Select an Insurer By Jessica Krznaric |
|
Improving Carpet Drying Times for Health By Dawn Shoemaker and Robert Kravitz |
|
Engineering Controls on Small Mold Projects By David G. Mason, CR, CMP |
|
Inter-laboratory Variability in Spore Trap Analysis By Robert C. Brandys, Ph.D., MPH, PE |
|
CO2 Blasting. The Remediation Tool for the Future By Neil McManus, CIH, ROH, CSP |
|
Catching Fire: the West End Fire Company Project By Beth Rogers |
|
Drying Out the EPA’s Headquarters By Beth Rogers, Photos by Bill Begal |
|
60 Tips for Contagious |
|
Where There’s Fire, There’s Soot and Smoke and… By Neil McManus, CIH, ROH, CSP |
|
Building a Blueprint for Success By Patricia L. Harman |
|
The Personality Divide By Patti Fralix |
|
Water Damage to Electronics – Evaluation & Mitigation By Lawrie Hollingsworth, E. E. |
|
Removaling Mold from Attic Sheathing By Kathleen A. Feldman, Ph.D., CIH |
|
Selecting the Right Hoist for Your Application By Tami Hamilton |
|
Optimize Your Trade Show Investment By Dan Coughlin |
|
Why Family Business Succession Plans Fail - Planning Strategies That Work By Jeff Harris |
|
Asbestos Liability In the Cleaning and Restoration Industry By David M. Govemo, J.D., Bryna R. Missiura, Esq., John P. Gardella, Esq. |
|
The Four Faces of Mount Restoration By G. Pete Consigli, CR, WLS |
|
Ethical Relationships with the Golden Rule By John Fox |
|
Training - Don't Ignore the Soft Skill By John Tschohl |
|
The Power of Possitive Relationships By Scott Stamper, CR |
|
How to Protect Knowledge from Walking Out the Door By Pam Holloway |
|
Effective Cleaning and Health - Part Two By Michael A. Berry, Ph.D |
|
Ethical Relationships - Part Two By John Fox |
|
Ethical Relationships - Part One By John Fox |
|
Giving Good Feedback By Peter McLaughlin |
|
Foundation Building By Phil Rosebrook, Jr. |
|
Effective Cleaning and Health - Part One By Michael A. Berry, Ph.D |
|
Tufted Rugs By Armen Dohanian, Jr., CRS |
|
Creating an Effective Containment By Neil McManus, CIH, ROH, CSP |
|
Fire Chemistry 101: Fire Losses & Electronics Restoration By Lawrie Hollingsworth, E.E. |
|
Orlando Hosts Solutions Convention By Gail A. Boyes |
|
Five Easy Steps to Bring Your Presentations of Life By Jerry Weissman |
|
A Celebration of 60 Years |
|
RIA Technical History: A Brief Perspective By Steven M. Spivak, PhD |
|
Decades of Industry Reflection and Change By Gury Poletajav |
|
Drying on the Molecular Level By Ralph E. Moon, PhD, CHMM, CIAQP |
|
Differential (negative) Pressure By Neil McManus, CIH, ROH, CSP |
|
Can Ethics Pay? By Keith E. Desserich |
|
The Flurochemical Dilema: What the PFOS/PFOA Fuss is all About By Aziz Ullah, Ph.D., MBA |
|
pH and Alkalinity Kemistry Kan be Kool By Duncan Bennett |
|
How Science Fiction Resulted in Better Carpet Extractors By Robert Kravitz |
|
How Angel Marketing Helps More Than Just Your Company By Keith Desserich |
|
Surveying Customers: A Two-Way Street By John Fox |
|
Effective Marketing: The Power By Robert Kravitz |
|
Marketing When, Why and What to Expect By Lisa A. Shenkle |
|
Marketing Successfuly with Television By Karen Angel Clendening |
|
The Root Causes of Poor Communication By Sue Dyer |
|
The Process to Our Mold Remediation Process - Part 3 By Steve Bos, CR, CMP |
|
Employment Practices Liability: The Risk Within By Ross Driscoll, CR |
|
Long-term Care: A Hurricane Predicted By Jeffrey V. Merwin, CLU, CSA, RHU |
|
There is Less Gold for Restoration Contractors By David J. Dybdahl, CPCU, ARM, MBA |
|
Mold Pollution Insurance Peril By Keith E. Desserich and Terry Strawn, M.E.M |
|
After the Fire: Multi-Dwelling Restoration Project By Crystal Salzman Multi-dwelling restoration projects provide unique challenges due to the number of stakeholders involved. First General Services of Madison, Wis., shares what they learned in handling a two-story, 21-unit apartment building fire restoration that required almost $1 million in repairs. |
|
High Temperature Restoration: Effects on Building Materials, Contents and Safety — Part 3 By Ralph E. Moon, Ph.D., CHMM, CIAQP If you have ever entered an attic space during the summer months when temperatures can reach 140 to 145 F, you can appreciate how hostile the high temperature environment is to both microorganisms and man. With the detrimental effects of heat, just how high can temperatures reach before they start negatively impacting building materials, contents and workers? |
|
The Secret to Our Mold Remediation Success — Part 2 By Steve Bos, CR, CMR, MRS Take a look at one restoration company's "aggressive" approach for a post-remediation evaluation criteria that can be used for mold contamination projects. Discover how to: clearly define verification and evaluation, establish a fixed standard for clearance, maintain project control and reduce your liability by taking proactive steps. |
|
Saks Fifth Avenue Store Helps Revitalize New Orleans By Michael J. Ebel Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Saks Fifth Avenue made its recovery from Katrina's unwelcome visit. While others in New Orleans dealt with severe water damage, Saks Fifth Avenue faced a devastating fire presumably caused by looters who broke into the store. |
|
High Temperature Restoration: Wood and Adhesives — Part 2 By Ralph E. Moon, Ph.D., CHMM, CIAQP Wood is a fundamental building block in the restoration industry; yet with rising costs, composite wood products have replaced solid wood applications. But what affect could this have on construction and how do these products respond to higher temperatures? Learn what the research says about wood, composites and adhesives when exposed to high temperatures. |
|
A Look at Environmental Laws & Regulations — Part 2 By David M. Governo, J.D. Restoration contractors face the impossible task of staying abreast of every environmental law and regulation. Take a few moments to learn about some of the more significant rulings affecting these businesses so you can wisely navigate the legal waters and better protect yourself. |
|
The Secret to Our Mold Remediation Success — Part 1 By Steve Bos, CR, CMR, MRS In an industry that often lacks clearly defined standards, contractors have struggled to protect themselves while increasing their volume in a volatile market. One company has dramatically altered their approach to, and performance of, mold remediation work—and with great success. What is their secret? |
|
Solutions Returns to Savannah By Patricia Harman Environmental laws and regulations, infrared technology, changing cleaning standards, sales-package selling, thermal treatments, healthy school environments and rug production from India were just a few of the topics covered at the 61st Annual RIA Convention and Exhibition. Here's a quick recap of some of the highlights from this year's convention in Savannah, Georgia. |
|
High Temperature Restoration: Effects on Microorganisms — Part 1 By Ralph E. Moon, Ph.D., CHMM, CIAQP Since the discovery of fire, man has been harnessing the benefits of heat for a variety of uses. Take an in-depth look at the way heat works, how higher temperatures affect microorganisms and toxins, and most importantly, whether or not it is necessary to use high temperatures in the restoration industry. |
|
A Look at Environmental Laws & Regulations — Part 1 By David M. Governo, J.D. Cleaning and restoration work varies based on the type of damage sustained and the size and scope of the job. With ever-changing statutes and laws, it's important to stay on top of current regulations and be aware of how their application may influence the way you do business. |
|
Preserving the Past By Patricia L. Harman Hurricane Katrina roared into the Gulf Coast area last August, destroying almost everything in her path. Now, RIA members are playing an active role in helping residents and businesses pull their lives back together. Learn how one company was instrumental in preserving many historical documents in the New Orleans Notarial Archives. |
|
Green Cleaning is More than Chemicals By Robert Kravitz Green cleaning is no longer just for the environmentally conscientious. As many companies are discovering, green cleaning now has tangible benefits. But if you think it merely involves using certain approved cleaning products, think again. |
|
The "Dos and Don'ts" of Hiring: An Employment Lawyer's View By Randi Klein Hyatt, Esq. Business owners may have a good idea about the types of employees their companies need to hire, but are they familiar with the federal, state and local laws that govern what is and is not permissible during the hiring process? Employers operate at their own peril if they are not clear on the legal obligations placed upon them regarding a fair and non-discriminatory hiring process. |
|
Heavy Equipment Theft and Solutions By David J. Shillingford In the wake of last year's hurricane season, equipment thefts throughout the Gulf Coast have increased dramatically. Wherever your company may be located, there are some practical steps that you can take to ensure that your equipment leave your worksite unexpectedly. |
|
Weathering the Storms — Part 2 By Patricia Harman From preparing your business for a successful sale to developing a performance-based compensation plan, the 2005 RIA restoration conference covered a variety of topics important to many members. Whether you were there or not, here's a quick glance at some of the main presentations. |
|
Magnetic Service: Prescription for Anxious Customers By Chip R. Bell When times are turbulent, customers seek the assurance that some things in their lives never change. Magnetic service that is reliable, relaxed, respectful and remarkable provides customers with tranquility in the midst of trepidation. Give customers service solace and it will accelerate their ardor and ensure their loyalty. |
|
Setting the Standards for a Loyal Customer Brand By John Tschohl Advertising may bring a customer to you the first time, but it is the quality of your service that will help you keep customers over the long haul. And empowerment, at all levels of a company, is essential for good customer service. |
|
Creating Raving Fans By Scott Stamper In a world where good customer service is undervalued and "close" is often good enough, consumers frequently believe that no one cares about the feedback they have to offer. Of course, great companies don't just want moderately satisfied customers — they want Raving Fans. So what does your company need to do to create Raving Fans? |
|
Weathering the Storm: Winning Strategies for Managing Incident Stress By Marilyn Neudeck-Dicken, Ph.D., F&D.A.A.T.S., D.A.A.P.M., D.A.P.A. We all deal with stress on a daily basis, but when disasters, acts of terrorism or the death of someone close occurs, our safe and secure world can collapse. As employers and employees in an industry that deals daily with traumatic events, understanding the different stages to incident stress is crucial. |
|
Turning a Small Business into Wealth for Retirement By Nick Hodges, CPA/PFS, MBA, CFP Business entrepreneurs often pour every ounce of energy and money into their companies, but that passionate dedication sometimes translates into a lack of retirement planning. For business owners who are approaching retirement, the 412(i) Defined Benefit Plan may be just the answer. |
|
IAQ Organizations Approve Consolidation Effort By Steve Sauer Special to Cleaning & Restoration Magazine A proposal to unify and consolidate the activities of three organizations in the indoor environmental arena was ratified in October, joining the Indoor Air Quality Association, Indoor Environmental Standards Organization and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. Once the unification is fully implemented, AmIAQ will be reorganized to serve exclusively as a certification body, IAQA will serve exclusively as a membership association, and IESO will serve exclusively as an industry standard-setting body. |
|
Weathering the Storms By Patricia L. Harman For today's restoration firms, weathering the storm involves a lot more than just surviving the latest hurricane. It means making the leap from a good firm to a great one. Several companies shared some of their secrets at RIA's recent restoration conference. |
|
Legal Risk Management: Weathering the Day-to-Day Storms By David M. Governo, J.D. Every owner wants to build a secure business, and part of that stability comes from developing a comprehensive risk management program. Legal protection is one aspect, and with proper planning, the legal system can be a safeguard and provide a competitive advantage for you and your company. |
|
The Southern Hospitality of Savannah Welcomes Solutions® By Gail A. Boyes From the Victorian-lined avenues to the boutiques of River Street, the charm of Savannah is irresistible, and RIA members will be gathering there in March 2006 for the 61st Annual Convention and Exhibition. In addition to attending the information-packed sessions, visitors will want to experience some of the history, adventure and food that Savannah has to offer. |
|
Simple Repairs for the Non-Weaver — Part 2 By Lisa Wagner, CRS While rug cleaning is important to many companies, these businesses often neglect to better serve their clients by providing some simple repairs. Pick up your needle, thread and scissors, and learn about three common types of rug repairs. |
|
Tools of the Trade By Kimberley Martel and Shawn Jeffries A business owner can quickly become overwhelmed by the incessant demands of the market, vendor managers and estimators, but there are some practical options that a company can implement in order to manage these pressures. Software applications and a performance measurement program may soon become a contractor's most valuable tools. |
|
Practical Advice to Run Your Business in the 21st Century By Denny Farrell and Mike Nadon Job tracking can be performed manually, but computerizing the process provides significant benefits and can be a huge timesaver. When evaluating if a software package fits your needs, there are some important features that you will want to consider. |
|
Structuring Your Business for Sale and for Success By L. Randolph Harris, J.D., M.L.T. Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for a while, it's never too early to start planning for the sale of your company. Unfortunately, many business owners find themselves with the bulk of their net worth locked up in their business, with no real exit strategy and with little idea of how to develop a plan for selling the business. |
|
Simple Repairs for the Non-Weaver — Part 1 By Lisa Wagner, CRS Rug cleaning facilities regularly get requests for "simple" repairs that can be easily learned. Take a few moments to find out about some of those repairs, as well as what materials and techniques are necessary, and soon your rug company may be able to provide a new division of add-on services. |
|
A Visit to Florence By Marshall Oliver, CR It's hard to resist the beauty, charm (and Chianti) of Italy. In this firsthand look at Florence, you can appreciate the restoration efforts that have helped to recapture the magnificence of some famous works of art. From the statues of Boboli Gardens to the butcher's stall in the public market, vicariously enjoy a trip through Firenze. |
|
Don't Get Caught by Surprise...Winterize! By James L. Pearson, CMH It seems as if summer has barely ended, and it's hard to believe that winter is indeed returning. But as the mornings get cooler and cooler, it's important to make sure that your vehicles, equipment, customers and employees are prepared for the harshness of winter. |
|
What Women Want ... and Why We Should Care By Lisa Wagner, CRS One of the interesting facts about the residential carpet cleaning industry is that although more than 90 percent of the technicians in the field cleaning are men, more than 90 percent of the residential clients they are dealing with directly are women. Entire industries are built around communication problems between men and women. Do you think this means there's a potential for miscommunication and misunderstanding between male cleaners and female clients? You bet there is. |
|
Marketing to Mom: Ten Ways to Infuse Your Business Establishment with "The Mom Factor" By Nora Lee Listen to your mother. It's good advice for practically everyone. But if you own or manage a store, restaurant, amusement park, sports arena, museum or any other business serving families, this friendly little admonishment takes on a whole new meaning. Simply put, mothers control America's purse strings. And that truth is reason enough to get them firmly in your corner. It is estimated that women engage in 80 to 88 percent of all consumer spending in the U.S. Now, consider that three-fourths of America's 108 million adult women are mothers. It doesn't take a mathematician to see that moms make well over half of the consumer buying decisions in this country! That is staggering financial power... so why don't businesses bend over backwards to attract them? |
|
The Power of Personal Ethics in Marketing By John Fox In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the character Polonius said to his son, "To thine own self be true." If we aren't true to ourselves first, how can we be true to our clients? Shakespeare identified the basic yearning we all have for others to be true in their dealings with us. Clients expect this genuineness and will not tolerate duplicity. Yes, successful marketing includes a logo, brochures, contact management system and promotional messages. However, modern marketing demands truth in everything we do from start to finish; a tall order, indeed! Marketing includes everything we say, how we look, how we provide service, and how our customers feel about us, especially when mistakes occur. From business cards to stationery, from brochures to sales, from service to billing, a theme of ethical excellence must be clearly visible, consistently felt and reinforced by all associated with our companies. I call this the tapestry of trust. It starts with each of us and must ripple outwards to benefit our employees, our associates and our clients. |
|
Cut to the Check: Direct Pay Authorizations and Contracts By David M. Governo, J.D., and Gregory V. Janian A job done well is the goal of most contractors, however, getting paid for that work is often another matter. Receiving payment can become less of a hassle when you use a service contract and "Direct Pay Authorization." |
|
Rebuilding St. Andrew's By Colleen C. Derda In the wake of last year's disastrous hurricane season, many RIA members provided critical assistance to Florida property owners. Here's a look at how the Church Restoration Group was an answer to prayer for the congregation of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. |
|
Managing Multiple Story and High-Rise Floods - Part 2 By Patrick J. Moffett, CHMM, REA, WRT, AMRT The second day after a high-rise flood is often the first time that all involved parties are able to see the extent of building damage and re-evaluate available options. Tenant communication and insurance coverage, moisture mapping, building drying and other concerns are just a few of the issues to be addressed. |