Five Questions With Mehmet Ucar
- What would you say is the key trend that is reshaping the restoration industry today?
Speaking to my local Australian market, we are seeing unprecedented cost pressures being excreted on local restorers over the past 12–18 months. Insurers and TPAs have been scrambling to cut costs by any mean possible.
Some of the cuts have included capping the drying time (e.g., the three-day drying scenario) to experimenting with unit pricing models. In my opinion, the Australian restoration industry as a whole is less mature than its U.S. counterpart; we don’t have an Xactimate-type model to assist in setting fair restoration pricing.
For general restoration work, insurers and TPAs are more often than not turning to the lowest bidder to fulfill their restoration requirements. Further to the cost pressures, insurers are demanding higher levels of service and a level of expertise never before expected from a general restorer in this country.
Restorers are being forced to educate and innovate or face potential extinction. Many are looking to establish themselves in niche markets and embrace any technologies they can to increase their business efficiency and productivity.
- Why are you involved in organizations like RIA?
Associations like RIA offer their industry members an opportunity to network, learn and contribute to better themselves and the industry. For me personally, RIA offers these benefits plus the opportunity to learn and be mentored by some of the most knowledgeable and professional people in the global restoration industry.
Ongoing education is extremely important to me, and RIA offers high-level education and the opportunity to network with likeminded professionals in both our local and international markets. I have attended many RIA conferences and education events, all of which have demonstrated the drive and professionalism of RIA that, in my opinion, is second to none. In addition, I believe that RIA is well positioned to help the Australian Restoration Industry continue to raise its profile, integrity and true value proposition through the demonstration of expertise, knowledge, professionalism, fair cost and an increased focus and emphasis on training.
- Which contributions are you most proud of throughout your involvement with RIA?
Though I have been an international member of the RIA for a number of years now, it has only been locally active in Australia for the past 12 to 18 months. Recently I was asked to serve on the local RIA committee, and have been actively working to spread the RIA message to the local Australian market. Over the last 12 months, RIA has seen a 500 percent increase in local membership with a target to double this number within the next 12 to 18 months.
- Looking ahead to 2017, how can professionals in this industry best prepare for success?
The upcoming year will bring with it a myriad of new challenges for the Australian restoration industry. Insurers will continue to exert pressure on operating margins and efficiency. Diversification, improvement through innovation and continued education will become the cornerstones of success.
- What was one of your most challenging projects and why?
One of my most challenging projects was the La Crosse Apartments in the inner Melbourne suburb of Australia. The project involved fire and water damage to a 21-level commercial apartment complex, which housed approximately 800 residences.
A fire started on a balcony on the third level of the apartment complex at 2:30 a.m. The fire quickly spread up the building, engulfing approximately 19 apartments. It took almost 80 firefighters to bring the fire under control and the building suffered extensive soot and water damage.
Due to the damage sustained, the building was deemed uninhabitable and 800 residences were forced to find alternate accommodation. Insurers and restorers sprang into action, however, the building remained in security lockdown for the first three days before Quantum was given the green light to start the mitigation and restoration process.
Our team mobilized quickly to start the mitigation process. The entire project was very much in the public eye, with insurers and facilities managers under immense pressure to move quickly and concisely. Quantum worked very closely with insurers and other material interested parties to ensure that the project continued to move forward as efficiently as possible — and that work could be completed in the shortest timeframe possible.
Our goal was to get as many of the 800 residents as possible back into their homes before Christmas. The project brought together many restorations firms and industry professionals, all working together for one common cause. Quantum is extremely proud of its achievement and thankful for the opportunity to be part of such an immensely important project.