Duraclean Journal of Marketing, Management and Technical Topics

1) Is a one stop location for 8 CECs in one day. (Most CEC courses are only 3-4 hours each). Agents are required by their agent to obtain at least 24 CECs per license renewal period.

2) The topics are new to most of the agents. Most corporate run courses are on insurance sales and management.

3) Provides a solid knowledge base regarding what services the franchisee provides.

4) Costs relatively little when compared to other CEC offerings which may run up to $200.00-300.00 each).

For you, the franchisee, the course:

1) Establishes you as an "expert." Few service companies offer CEC courses to insurance agents.

2) Attracts agents you have tried to market but have never got any work from them.

3) Expands your "agent" base by attracting additional agents you may not have been aware of but can provide you with business.

4) Provides a common language and understanding with the agent regarding what your line items are in relation to services performed.

5) Common knowledge base will assist both the agent and you in working out any questions regarding invoicing.

6) Your CEC courses and your listing as an "Insurance Provider" will be available for agent searches on your State Department of Insurance website.

In addition to insurance agents Jim and Elsa invited other non-insurance parties as well who although they would not receive CECs, they could provide additional business for them.

The Attendees

Over the two days of their water damage and mold remediation courses Jim and Elsa had a total of 28 attendees representing:

* American National Insurance

* Allstate Insurance

* Rocky Mountain Inspection

* Shelter Insurance

* Copper Leaf Homes

* Colorado College

* Pulte Homes

* Journey Homes

Presenting the Course

Jim and Elsa presented their course at their franchise facility.

Duraclean Master Cleaners - Colorado Spings, CO

Their business "core values" are posted on their office door that all can see when arriving in the morning and leaving at night. It reinforces the the Millers' business mission.

"Fearless in all endeavors"

The Duraclean Master Cleaners staff was an integral part of the courses in regard to the setup, assistance with sessions throughout in addition to providing demonstrations.

Duraclean Master Cleaners Staff Members

Tables were set up with manuals, pamphlets, class supplies and giveaway items.

Ready for the attendees...

Matt Plowman mops up excess water applied to a demonstation area

The class listens to opening comments by Jim Miller

Equipment is on display including an operating containment chamber and an anti-microbial foam applicator

Monitoring equipment was covered later in the first day of water damage restoration

Three demonstration areas were built to show extraction of carpet and pad, radiant heat drying of hardwood floors and remote monitoring of wet materials

Duraclean International Vice President Bill Ondratschek discusses water damage restoration protocol when mold is present

Attendees' manuals had all sessions presentations and related forms for reference

Radiant heat and its effect on hardwood floors was demonstrated by following drying progress with a remote monitoring system throughout the day

The class was treated to a delicious catered lunch sponsored by the Millers' local flooring contractor

Luckily the weather cooperated in allowing outdoor demonstrations

Paul Miller discusses the benefits of applying anti-microbials as a foam

Paul demonstrates foamed anti-microbial application to stud work

John Hesch of Rocky Mountain Inspection agreed to "suit up" in PPE with the assistance of Travis Miller

Initial Results
Jim and Elsa had two key target attendees from which they wanted to garner business. During and following the courses those two attendees were excited about Duraclean Master Cleaners and the prospects for additional business looked very promising.

We will provide updates in the Journal as to the long-term responses to the courses.

Labels: CEC, Continuing Education Credits, Insurance Agents, Meetings, Miller

# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 4:20 PM

Duraclean franchisee Dick Brady is sworn in as Fire Chief

HAIL TO THE CHIEF - Town clerk Tom Florence swore in Richard Brady on Friday as the new Fire Chief of East Longmeadow. On hand were selectman Jack Villamaino (holding the Bible) and Joe Townshend.

"It's a sad day but also a happy one," Villmaino said. "A man like Bob Wallace (former Fire Chief) can't be replaced...but Brady will be able to certainly cushion the blow of Bob's departure."

"With 31-1/2 years of experience, he won't be using this as a springboard for another job," Townshend joked.

A teary-eyed Wallace said leaving his position was "bittersweet," but he's looking forward to babysitting his seevn grandchildren, remodeling his home and working on his own schedule, not that of the town.

"I never dreamed of this," Brady said. "I'll be finishing my career here. I was encouraged by so many people to go for this and I'm so excited to fill this position."

His wife Cheri is excited as well. Brady's swearing in fell on the same day as the couple's 40th wedding anniversary. "It's a doubly special day," she said. "This is such a thrill. It's a dream come true for him."

We all wish Dick and Cheri congratulations!

Labels: Announcements, Brady, Promotion

# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 2:37 PM

Tile & Grout

Section 1 – Know the Product
* What Types of Tile Are Out in the Marketplace?
* Comparing Durability
* Comparing Abrasion Resistance
* Other Advantages of Tile

The Manufacturing Process
* Dry Pressed Tile
* Auger Extruded Tile
* Glazing
* Firing

Identification
* Porosity / Water Absorption
* Other Tests – Scratch, Abrasion, Acid reaction, Check for Coatings

Types of Grout

Section 2 – The Cleaning Process
* Cleaning Methods Old & New
* Equipment and Tools
* Cleaning Products

Maintenance
* Preventive Measures

Labels: Ceramic Tile, Duraclean Graduate Success Institute, Meetings, Rug Cleaning, Training

# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 9:10 AM