Duraclean Journal of Marketing, Management and Technical Topics

May Print Special

#3462 Carpet Cleaning & Upholstery Service postcard printed with your choice of standard backer…

500 regularly $145.00
now only $55.00

1000 regularly $230.00
now only $110.00

2500 regularly $400.00
now only $275.00

5000 regularly $750.00
now only $550.00

visit the Duraclean-BFC web site today at:

http://bfc.onet.net/catalog/login.html

Labels: Announcements, Announcements; Printing Materials; BFC, Post Card, Printing Materials, Sales

Labels: Bulletins, Marketing, Restoration, Water Damage Restoration

• Porcine Parvovirus


• Porcine Rotovirus


• Porcine Respiratory & Reproductive Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)
  

ShockWave is also among a select group of products registered to kill the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus as well as all of the pandemic human influenza strains of the 20th century including:

• Influenza A/ Brazil Virus


• Influenza A/ Victoria (H3N2) Virus


• Influenza A2 – Asian Virus


• Influenza B Virus (Allen Strain)


• Influenza C Virus (Taylor Strain)


• Parainfluenza Type 1

ShockWave is EPA registered with over 150 kill claims and has proven efficacy on a broad spectrum of RNA and DNA viruses. It is also registered for use in the presence of a 98% soil load and when diluted with 791 ppm hard water, replicating real world situations. Key factors to consider when choosing a disinfectant to assist in infection control of Swine Flu:

• Proven efficacy against a wide range of organisms including A type Influenza and Porcine viruses


• Effective in hard water


• Tested and EPA registered to be effective in a 98% Organic Soil Load


• Disinfecting and Sanitizing Claims

Read product label for complete application instructions and kill claims.

To order ShockWave from our product catalog go to: http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=1392

Labels: Announcements, Fiberlock, Swine Flu

Don't Skimp on New-Hire Orientation!





The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR (http://www.blr.com/). It provides suggestions on employee orientation which may be referred to in today's terms as "onboarding."


Considerations for New-hire Training Sessions
Some suggested items to cover include:

• Statistically workers are the most susceptible to injuries during their first month on the job. Basic safety training needs to be given to new hires as soon as they come under your supervision.
• Before assigning tasks to your new employees make sure that you take the time to welcome them into your organization. A facility walk-through and introduction to their co-workers is a good idea.
• Encourage veteran employees to help newer workers feel at ease. Both new and veteran workers will feel that they are contributing to the success of your company.
• New hires need to be made aware of how serious safety training is right from the start. In your first meetings with your new employees, reinforce the need for caution and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for each task. (Too many employees feel that PPE is an unnecessary nuisance.)
• Emphasize that all unsafe conditions, accidents, and "near misses" must be reported immediately.
• Show them what equipment they can and cannot operate without your authorization.
  

Covering the Basics
Make sure to cover these basics:

• Proper safety practices to use and hazards to be aware of within your company.
• Proper accident or injury procedures to follow in the event of an accident or injury.
• Emergency report procedures.
• Reporting procedures for accidents and near-misses.
• Reporting protocol for a workers' comp injury and how to file a claim.
• Location of material safety data sheets (MSDS).
• Proper care and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• How to use tools, machinery, or hazardous processes.
• What housekeeping and personal clean-up rules must be followed.
• The location of emergency equipment, first-aid supplies, and designated smoking areas.

Other Practices to Teach New Employees

These include:

• Inspect tools and protective equipment before use.
• Report any defective, malfunctioning, or "just not right" tool, machine, or protective equipment item immediately.
• Wear personal protective equipment.
• Follow instructions on using tools and machines safely.
• Walk, don't run.
• Don't fool around or ignore safety rules.
• Keep the work area neat and the aisles clear.
• Ask questions about anything you don't understand.
• Always be alert to possible risks or anything that just "doesn't seem right."

BLR stated that "The value of a strong new-hire training program cannot be stressed enough. Research conducted jointly by Silk Road Technologies and the Aberdeen Group showed that employers rated as best-in-class typically had onboarding processes that lasted six months. That doesn't mean six months of constant new-hire training, but rather ongoing strategies that keep management in touch with new people."

Other data indicates that employees decide within the first six months whether they will stay with an employer. The net result is that it only strengthens the argument for reaching out early and often to the new hires.

Labels: Personnel, Safety Compliance, Safety Management, Training

SureTest Circuit Analyzer

A tool every restoration contractor should have!

The proper operation of your restoration equipment relies on an adequate supply of electrical power. Overloaded circuits and tripped circuit breakers can waste valuable time in the restoration process.
Now with the SureTest Circuit Analyzer you can check each outlet to determine the available voltage and amperage to be sure your equipment will operate properly and continue to operate until the job is completed.
Simply plug the SureTest Circuit Analyzer into the outlet. The unit will first test the outlet to determine if the outlet is wired properly, with the proper wires to the hot (H), ground (G) and neutral (N) (FIG 1).



Push the down arrow to the next test and it will show the AC voltage (FIG 2). This will let you know if you have the voltage required by your equipment.





Push the down arrow one more time to test the circuit under different amp loads. This will display the voltage drop under loads of 12 amps, 15 amps and 20 amps (FIG 3). Use the side arrow to move between the different load tests. Above the voltage drop percentage reading you can see the voltage available under each load. An excessive voltage drop under load can indicate defective wiring or excess load on the circuit that may cause problems.

Labels: Announcements, Circuit Tester, Equipment

Dave McKee and his family at the 2005 Duraclean Annual Meeting held at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu

Dave McKee was a highly popular Duraclean franchisee. A four time "President's Circle" award winner, he always had a smile for everyone and was an attentive listener. Whenever Duraclean had a meeting or some kind of gathering you could count on Dave being there. He was highly supportive of his local Chicago Duraclean franchisees and he never had a bad thing to say about anyone: a true gentleman. His unexpected death was a shock to us all and he will be sorely missed by the Duraclean "family." Following is his obituary posted on the Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/.

David Rodgers McKee, passed April 15, 2009, age 57. Lifetime resident of Homewood and Flossmoor. Beloved husband of Beverly A. McKee, nee Waters; dear father of Lisa and Sara McKee; loving brother of Harry (Betty), John (Cindy) and Michael (Theresa) McKee and Patricia (Joseph) Wagner. Owner of Duraclean by McKee for over 30 years. Former member of the Homewood-Flossmoor Chamber of Commerce and an avid golfer. Resting at the Tews Funeral Home, 18230 S. Dixie Hwy., Homewood, Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Services Monday, 11 a.m. Interment Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated. 708-798-5300.

Labels: Announcements, McKee, Obituary

Duraclean’s Franchise Council is introducing the

Pro-Talk Series for Duraclean Professionals

Pro-Talk is a series of web-based meetings for Duraclean Franchises. Each session will have a specific topic and will require a reservation in order for you to be a part of the live meeting. Each meeting will have a presentation and a question and answer portion. These meetings will also be posted on Duraclean’s website.

The first session of Pro-Talk will be “Marketing in Today’s Tough Economy” and will be held Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 4 p.m. CDT. Registration will be limited and your registration request must be received by April 25, 2009.

To register, please send an e-mail to Danielle (danielle@duraclean.com). You will receive a meeting invitation via e-mail along with detailed instructions. If you have any questions please call Danielle at Central.

Labels: Announcements, Pro-Talk, Web-based Meetings

# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 3:13 PM

Using the Duraclean-BFC Website for Printing Materials




For those who have never ordered from the Duraclean-BFC Printing website you can access a tutorial that explains exactly what you need to do. Just click on the following link and log on to the website: http://bfc.onet.net/catalog/login.html.

Then look in the upper left hand corner for the link on "Tutorial" (above the heading "Catalogs"). Click on that to open a "Word" file that you can print out explaining how to navigate the site to customize, review and then order your printing materials.


Following is an example from the tutorial regarding the ordering of "direct mail" pieces. The "screens" for this example are only for reference. They are very clear in quality on the website.

Direct Mail


To begin any direct mail program, you must first create the postcard piece that you wish to mail. If you do not already know how to do so, please refer to the “Placing an Order” section or call your CSR for help.

1. Once you have reviewed and approved your postcard layout, you will be prompted to the mailing list creation portion of the site. Please refer to the image below.


2. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAIL YOUR POSTCARD, PLEASE SELECT THE DROP SHIP BUTTON. THIS WILL OVERRIDE THE MAILING LIST CREATION AND SEND YOU TO THE ORDER SUMMARY.


3. There are several options to pick from when creating your mailing list:
   a. Purchase Mailing List-this option is the most commonly used. From here, you can select the zip codes that you would like to mail to. You can be as broad or specific as you like and can sort by demographics, phone numbers, lifestyles, behaviors, etc.
   b. Business Mailing List-Allows you to mail to businesses only, within a zip code.
   c. New Homeowner-Allows you to mail to only new homeowners, within a zip code.
   d. New Mover-Allows you to mail to new residents in the area within the last 6 months, within a zip code.
   e. Resident Occupant-Allows you to mail to all residents within a zip code.
   f. Upload Option-If you already own your own mailing list, this allows you to upload your file to the order.


4. For this example, we are going to assume that the user is going to select the “Purchase Mailing List” option.
   a. Select the “Purchase Mailing List” and then select “continue.
   b. Select the geographic area that you wish to target. (Image below) Then click the next button.
   c. Enter the zip codes that you would like to saturate. Once you have entered the zip codes, click the Next button.
   d. You will then be asked to choose whether or not to include/exclude phone numbers or continue to customize your list. Once you have selected your options, click the next button.
   e. Review your Mailing List Summary. (Image below) It is important to note that if you would like to use the list more than once. You must check the multi-use option on the top right. To adjust the quantity, enter the number needed. Or using the Back button, adjust your sort choices. f. After you have reviewed your list, click the Next button. This will take you to the Order Summary page. From here you can review your order and select whether the mailing will go standard or first class. Click Continue and you will be directed to the Shopping Basket. Please contact your CSR if you have any questions.

Labels: Announcements; Printing Materials; BFC; Direct Mail; Tutorial

Direct mail requires the coordination of multiple facets within the printing arena. These steps include, but are not limited to:

• Design - the Duraclean-BFC web site offers ideas for flyers, brochures and post cards designed especially for you. If you would like to see something a little different BFC’s graphic design department can work with you to incorporate your ideas for a small additional charge;
  
• Printing - as a leader in the printing industry, BFC’s objective is to produce high quality, commercial sheet fed printing that enhances and promotes your image;
  
• Variable Data Imaging - most variable printed products end up being mailed, and BFC can imprint your customer’s, or potential customer’s, information directly on the piece you are mailing. Whether you use your existing customer list or choose from the many variable mailing lists available from BFC, your mailing will be impressive!
  
• Lettershop Services - press equipment, imaging & mailing equipment, inserting and digital equipment, large format imaging, bindery equipment or pre-press equipment, BFC has what is necessary to fulfill your requirements.

Success comes from choosing the proper partner. To succeed you need a partner willing to integrate all aspects of direct mail. Duraclean-BFC can show you how their integrated services can help you control your project.

All aspects, one roof, no headaches… pretty simple.

Visit the Duraclean-BFC web site today at: http://bfc.onet.net/catalog/login.html

Labels: Announcements, BFC, Marketing, Printing Materials, Sales

Labels: Announcements, Marketing, Printing Materials; Business Cards, Sales

Duraclean's New Spot and Stain Guide


Have you seen Duraclean’s new guide to spot and stain removal?
Full color and up to date, available with or without your information!

Labels: Announcements, Marketing, Printing Materials, Sales, Spot and Stain Guide