News & Press for Paul Davis Restoration of Broward County, FL

Paul Davis Restoration of Broward's Owner, Gordon Berken Featured at right on the front cover of "Big Builder" magazine in April 2005,. Prior to owning Paul Davis Restoration, Berken was a building executive for 20 years. He holds a BS in Business from University of Florida, and a Masters in Construction Management from Florida International University. Berken was also a panel member for publisher, "Hanley Wood" at the American Housing Conference in Chicago. Click here to read the symposium discussion

Paul Davis Restoration donates home restoration to couple in Miami Beach

January 6, 2010  Miami Beach, FL – Vanessa Velocci, Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Miami and Monroe Counties office owner and Gordon Berken, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Broward County office owner, have donated their services to restore an elderly couple’s home in Miami Beach. Velocci, Berken and their office staff along with local volunteers and tradesmen will help Misela and Norca Obret to improve their home and safety by restoring and repairing the single family residence at 1426 Lenox Ave.

The project is part of the company’s Paul Davis Restoring America program —an annual home improvement initiative to help those in need in local neighborhoods.

According to Kenny DeLoach, Paul Davis Restoration job supervisor and estimator, the extensive restoration and reconstruction work will include pressure washing, plaster ceiling and interior wall repairs, patching and painting, electrical and wiring upgrades, wood floor repairs, asbestos removal, flooring, and new kitchen cabinets and countertops, and roof repairs, to name a few. DeLoach and his team will also repair framing damage from termites and provide general cleanup of the home’s interior and exterior areas.

“We learned about the Obret family from news stories that ran in December about the Miami Beach Police Department and Victim Services call for help about a local couple in need and to see if there was anything that we could do to help,” said DeLoach. “After completing a walk through with local Miami Beach Police Detective Vivian Hernandez, we made a list of things to be completed and decided that this elderly couple could greatly use our help. They were living in very poor conditions,” he said.

According to DeLoach, the Obrets have been very appreciative of the donation and work should be completed in January.

According to Paul Davis Restoration office owners Velocci and Berken, Misela and Norca Obret are perfect candidates for the company’s Restoring America program which provides safe and livable home environments for those in financial or physical need throughout the United States. For more information, contact Vanessa Velocci at Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Miami and Monroe Counties, 305.260.0034
or Gordon Berken at Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Broward County, 954.979.9078.

Paul Davis Restoration provides emergency services for property that has been damaged by water, mold, fire or vandalism.  The company has been a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services since 1966. As a national full-service restoration expert, Paul Davis Restoration has franchise office locations throughout North America. For more information about Paul Davis Restoration Inc., call (904) 737-2779 or visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com.

Merry Christmas Flood ‘09

Thursday evening began with a very long rain delayed drive to the Boca Town Center mall for the Paul Davis Restoration holiday party dinner.  I was greeted by a very wet an exasperated valet attendant who had just thrown in the towel for the evening.  His comment was, “I can’t take this anymore, park wherever you can find a spot”.  I did so and made a mad dash for the front door.  Soaked to the bone, I discovered I was the first to arrive, a first.  I called the group to hear stories of I 95 nightmares.  We all figured it would be a typical rain event and eventually all gathered for a great dinner.  All the while I received calls from my children and grandma to announce the electricity had gone off and the rain was crazy.  My wife and I expected they were exaggerating.  Well, they were not.  My wife left a bit earlier than I and barely made it home.  She parked her suburban on our front lawn to get above the rising waters.  Of course I was upset that she might damage the lawn.  Turns out, she was brilliant.  An hour later I arrived to find that the kids were not exaggerating.  Luckily, I have a rather large tuck and was able to navigate the neighborhood. 

All around were me were half submerged cars and a couple that were actually floating.  What a sight.  I got the house, took off my shoes and jumped out.  Oh boy, deeper than I expected.  Up to high thigh, I walked to the front door that was just inches above the water.  I went inside to discover the master bedroom and laundry room were completely under water.   I decided to move everyone to higher ground and proceeded to carry my twin 9 year olds, grandma, son, and wife into my truck (thanks Ford).  What a great adventure they thought.  We headed west for the night expecting the water to go down in the morning, wrong.  The site the next day was amazing.  Cars stranded and under water everywhere.  A Mercedes Benz that was parked by a neighbor’s front door actually floated into the street.

I am in the business of drying and repairing properties.  Here I find my home was flooded, but work was to be done.  The weekend was an incredible adventure.  We had the honor helping people in extreme need.  A home storing antiques in the garage was a bath.  We cleaned everything and put the items in PODs where we dried everything.  An underground garage on Hollywood beach was described as a pool.  I would better describe it as a lake complete with a submerged Porsche and many other fancy cars.  There was so much water that we called Paul Davis Restoration of Miami to help.   It took about 12 hours to pump all the water out.  The day was filled with countless homeowner pleas for help, a flooded hotel, furniture store, and condos.   It was gratifying to have the ability to respond to every one.  At one point my wife called to ask when the drying equipment was coming to our own home.  I told her I would try to get to after all we were finished.  She laughed and said. “the shoemaker’s kids have no shoes”.   I got to watch neighbors helping neighbors everywhere we went.  Late Friday evening, I gathered my crews for a quick dinner.  We shared stories about the day.  Everybody was exhausted, but in good spirits.  We finished our meal and got back to work till the wee hours.  Saturday was much of the same.  We hoped Sunday would be slower, but it was not.  Our managers gave the crews the day off and we went about the task of monitoring the properties we were drying and continued to install more equipment.  I did finally get to drying our home late on Saturday.

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling to participate in City of Hollywood’s Business Advisory Committee forum on “How to stay in business during challenging times” on March 31

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling to hold fundraiser for local boy

Pompano Beach, Fl. – Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Broward County owner’s son
Lucas Berken, has recently announced that he will hold a fundraiser black party to help a local boy and his family pay for Michael Stolzenberg’s prosthetics.  Michael suffered from a bacterial infection that resulted in the loss of his hands and feet. According to Lucas Berken, he and friends will have a block party on Sunday, March 29 from 2 pm until 6 pm to raise funds as part of his Bar Mitzvah project. The event will be held at 810 Tyler Street in Hollywood, FL.

“We wish to honor Michael’s health needs by raising funds to help purchase his prosthetics. Michael will also need to have his prosthetics changed every couple of years due to his age,” said Berken. “Michael is nine years old, a sports nut, and is a trooper with a great spirit,” he said. Berken along with other Florida Gator fans and Hollywood area friends will hold the event at Berken’s home.

“We invite everyone to join us on March 29 and visit the website for more information. If you can’t attend the party, then please consider making a donation of any amount.  This would be truly appreciated,” said Berken.

According to Berken, a check can be made out to the Michael Stolzenberg Trust and sent to
810 Tyler Street in Hollywood, Fl 33019. Donations may also be made via credit card by visiting the website at www.michaelstolzenbergtrust.org.  For more information, contact Paul Davis Restoration at 954.979.9078 or email gberken@pdr-usa.net. Visit the website at www.PDRbroward.com.

Paul Davis Restoration serves as general contractor at Lynn University remodeling project

Pompano Beach, Fl. – Gordon Berken, Paul Davis Restoration of Broward County owner, has recently announced that his company served as general contractor for a significant remodeling project at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail in Boca Raton, FL. According to Berken, his firm worked with local and renowned interior designer Karen Hanlon who specializes in hospitality, restaurants and retail projects.

Berken, along with Chris Heidisch, Paul Davis Restoration’s director of remodeling, supervised the project with Hanlon who designed the updated cafeteria space for Richard Grund, Phoenix Restaurants Inc. owner, and Matt Chaloux, Lynn University’s director of operations.

“The intention of the project was to upgrade the overall appearance of the food service area. Plus, the client wanted parents and students to see a cafeteria that is current and contemporary, however not overly modern,” Berken said. “Karen believes that the quality of the food is reflected in the look of the space.    So, we installed an environment with a sense of real quality,” he said.

Hanlon and the team selected a line of restaurant-quality fixtures with chrome and espresso-finished wood cabinetry and blue accents. A floor tile pattern was selected in variations of taupe, putty and beige colors with a variety of trim sizes and textures to avoid slipping. The walls were finished in polished materials to update the previous look.
 
“Our business has continued to set the standard in innovative restoration and remodeling programs and we are honored to have been selected by Karen Hanlon Designs Inc., Phoenix Restaurants, and Lynn University for the project,” said Berken.

Berken is certified from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in water, fire, smoke and mold damage restoration. He has more than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial construction and the remodeling field. 

Berken specializes in commercial remodeling for hotels, apartment complexes, and assisted living facilities.  In addition, they specialize in mold, fire and water restoration, reconstruction and remodeling. He also specializes in home and office remodeling for seniors, the handicapped, and for individuals who are aging in place.

Paul Davis Restoration names local firefighter as consultant

Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling named No. 1 on The Annual National Firms List, 2008

  

Ft. Lauderdale , FL – Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, a nationally known leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, restoration and remodeling services since 1966, has again topped Qualified Remodeler Magazine’s list of the 500 largest remodeling firms in the country. Specifically, the company ranked first in the magazine’s August 2008 issue industry rankings feature which includes The Annual National Firms List and The 2008 Top Performers. Since 2003, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling has placed at the top of the magazine’s survey which ranks leading national remodeling companies based on sales volume.

 According to Gordon Berken, Paul Davis office owner in Ft. Lauderdale , FL , the national company recorded $418,793,056 in revenue from 79,528 residential and commercial, restoration and remodeling projects in 2007. Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling has more than 230 offices throughout the United States , each locally owned and operated, and provides employment for approximately 72,000 trade professionals. For more information, go to www.qualifiedremodeler.com.

 “We are pleased to be recognized as the top remodeling organization in the U.S. and to once again be ranked number one by Qualified Remodeler magazine,” said Berken. “Through our remodeling services, we bring ‘Dreams to Reality’ and have the privilege of celebrating with our customers as we work together to fulfill their dreams,” he said. “We are greatly honored to serve our customers who have helped Paul Davis become the largest national provider of restoration and remodeling services in the nation.”

 “Our office takes great pride in the commercial remodeling work we do and our valued clients,” Berken said.  According to Berken, his company works with Hyatt, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Lynn University , Phoenix Property Management, and many more.  “We have a knack for fast-track remodeling with the latest finishes available.  It is what our hotel and apartment clients expect from us.”

                              

 Paul Davis has been a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services since 1966.  As a national full-service restoration expert, Paul Davis Restoration is celebrating its 42nd year in business with more than 230 Paul Davis locations throughout North America . For more information about Paul Davis Restoration, call 904.737.2779 or visit the company’s websites at www.pdremodel.com and www.pdrestoration.com.

 

Paul Davis Restoration offices in Florida offer tips to consumers during hurricane season

Jacksonville, Fla. – July 30, 2008 - Paul Davis Restoration offices throughout Florida recommend the following storm damage information for property owners as a public service for those who have suffered water-related losses due to storm damage such as heavy rains, hurricanes and tornados. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the Atlantic hurricane season runs through November.

According to the owners of 25 statewide Paul Davis franchise offices which represent all counties in Florida, there are many variables involved in deciding about appropriate restoration steps for water-related storm damage to residential or light commercial structures.

Whether insured or not, it is important for property owners to document damage with photographs or video, and immediately, to begin loss mitigation procedures themselves; or hire a qualified contractor to do this on their behalf. It is not recommended to put off emergency mitigation while waiting for an insurance claims representative to arrive on the scene to evaluate the loss. By that time, in all probability sufficient time will have passed to grow and amplify microorganisms, which may not be covered by insurance. 

According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), loss mitigation is defined by insurance policies as “reasonable and prudent measures designed to preserve, protect and secure property from further damage” including microbial growth and intensification. The IICRC has outlined three categories of water quality that may cause damage in buildings. All Paul Davis technicians are fully trained and certified by IICRC.

For example, “Category 1 Water” is clean at the source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. However, this water may become quickly contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or parts of the building including walls, decking and subflooring. Time and temperature can promote the growth of microorganisms which can cause water to degrade due to burst water pipes, ruptured lines on appliances and falling rainwater.  “Category 2 Water” has some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. Time and temperature can cause this water to become progressively more contaminated.  And finally, “Category 3 Water” is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans such as sewage, rising flood waters from rivers, creeks and streams, and ground surface water flowing into homes.

Property owners should be aware that water can also enter a building as a result of wind storm damage. For example, falling or windblown rainwater can enter a structure as a result of damage to roof components or wall assemblies. Also, horizontally traveling ground surface water containing silt and soil contaminants can seep into structures through doors or around foundation walls. Also, as ground surface water or storm surge accumulates to a depth of several inches or several feet this is when structures may become partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks. Then, more elaborate procedures are usually required.

Household fungus, mold and bacteria typically require specific conditions for germination and growth to appear in the structure. They generally include an organic food source like paper or wood which are found in abundance in construction materials. Proven measures which can be implemented to control or minimize these conditions will prolong the time required for microbial growth.

With the above background information in mind, Paul Davis offices recommend emergency mitigation with safety first as the foremost consideration. For example, inspecting for structural integrity and ventilation with fresh moving air will discourage the growth microorganisms. Plus, check for shock hazards by turning off the supply of electricity such as circuit breakers to damaged areas. Also, anticipate that electricity may be restored suddenly without notice. When in doubt about safety, property owners should obtain an evaluation by a licensed and qualified builder or structural engineer before entering the damaged structure.
 
Additionally, during inspections and repairs, property owners should always wear personal protective equipment like protective gloves, clothing, boots with steel or fiberglass shanks, and a hard hat. Individuals should protect themselves from injury or exposure to microorganisms by wearing protective gloves before handling contaminated materials. Splash goggles are highly recommended to protect and prevent microorganism entry through the eyes. An organic vapor respirator like a paint respirator can prevent inhalation of most microorganisms or spores. Carefully clean all tools with appropriate detergents after use.

IICRC recommends contacting a professional water restoration contractor, such as Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling which specializes in water detection and water mitigation techniques following IICRC S520 standards. Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling can help to identify the source of water and extent of wetting and act accordingly to minimize the amount of damage to the structure and its contents.

Immediate actions are also recommended such as removing unsalvageable or wet materials, looking for evidence of moisture, wicking up insulation materials and more procedures that could save the structure. This may require the assistance of a professional water damage restoration company with trained and certified technicians, specialized cleaners, biocides, extraction, drying and dehumidifying equipment, and moisture measuring and monitoring instruments. A certified professional can be located by calling the non-profit IICRC toll free at 800-835-4624 or by contacting Paul Davis Restoration’s toll free phone at 888.4.PDR.NOW or 888.473.7669.
 
Property owners expect immediate response in their time of need, but few insurance companies are able to have an adjuster on site in one to two hours from the time the loss is reported. Often, several days elapse. During this delay, the property owner is highly vulnerable to bad advice from uninformed neighbors, public adjusters, unscrupulous contractors, and others with their own agendas.

Ethical restoration specialists put to rest many unreasonable fears and help the insured property owner adjust quickly to the reality of the situation. Paul Davis Restoration recommends that property owners talk to a professional in the restoration and emergency mitigation service industry before they wait too long after the damage has occurred.

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling offices have been serving property owners in Florida and nationwide with fire, smoke and water loss mitigation and emergency restoration services since 1966. For more information about Paul Davis Restoration, call 1.800.722.1818 or visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com .

Fire Damage: The Critical Importance of Immediate Response this Holiday Weekend

Broward County, FL July 4, 2008}—Experienced insurance adjusters and restoration contractors, like Paul Davis Restoration (PDR) of Broward County know immediate response is critically important to controlling the severity of a fire loss due to several factors:

Psychological Damage

Property owners expect immediate response in their time of need, but few insurance companies are able to have an adjuster on site in one to two hours from the time the loss is reported. Often, several days elapse. During this delay, the property owner is highly vulnerable to bad advice from uninformed neighbors, public adjusters, unscrupulous contractors, and others with their own agendas. Ethical restoration specialists allay unreasonable fears and help the insured property owner adjust quickly to the reality of the situation.

Decreased Safety Hazards Through Risk Management

According to Berken, owner of PDR of Broward County, “After a fire loss, structures can be highly hazardous locations, especially since most people are unaware of the types of risks and how to mitigate them. Restoration specialists can quickly reduce the level of risk.” Odor Penetration Odor sources, such as charred materials in the structure continue to “offgas” (i.e., emit odors) until they have been dealt with properly.

The longer porous materials are exposed to odor, the more the odor is absorbed and the more difficult and costly it becomes to remove it. Ongoing Effect of Contamination Smoke residue contains large amounts of sulfur and nitrogen oxides. When mixed with humidity in the air, they form sulfuric and nitric acids. Along with the large amounts of soot also in smoke residue, over time these acids will yellow, etch, stain, or degrade almost all surfaces in the structure. The hotter, “wetter,” and longer the fire burns, the more quickly these effects will appear. Shiny and light-colored surfaces show damage more quickly.

Damage that occurs within minutes:

• Plastics discolor (e.g., Tupperware®, small appliances, switch plates).
• Paper discolors (e.g., books, documents).
• Limestone, marble, and alabaster stain.

Damage that occurs within hours:

• Grout stains.
• Furniture and cabinet finishes begin to turn yellow.
• Appliances discolor permanently (especially where they extend above the heat line).
• Fiberglass plumbing fixtures yellow. Metal begins to tarnish or rust (silver, chrome, steel).
• Counter tops and appliances discolor, especially where contrasted with areas protected during the fire.

Damage that occurs within days:

• Most metals develop severe rust, corrosion, or pitting (even aluminum window frames).
• Wallpaper discolors, requiring replacement.
• Soot permanently stains clothing, especially synthetic fibers.
• Vinyl and wood flooring requires refinishing or replacement.
• Paints yellow or discolor permanently.
• Carpet, upholstery, and drapery fibers become permanently soot-stained or yellowed.

Damage that occurs within weeks:

• Glass, china, and crystal require replacement due to etching and pitting.
• Window glass and mirrors etch and pit.

“With proper emergency services procedures, further damage can be stopped in its tracks. Waiting until all decisions are finalized before authorizing any work to begin usually results in drastically increasing the cost and complexity of the fire loss,” states Berken, owner of PDR of Broward County.

For more information about minimizing fire losses, call Berken, President with Paul Davis Restoration, at 954/444-7856.. Paul Davis Restoration has been serving Broward, FL with loss mitigation and emergency restoration services since 1985. Specializing in fire and water damage mitigation and restoration services, Paul Davis Restoration is located at 1775 Blount Road Suite #411, Pompano Beach, FL 33069..June 08

Paul Davis Restoration named runner-up as Small Business of the Year

Specifically, the Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling office in Broward County was judged by Chamber leaders and members on the company’s excellence in ethical practices, service, reputation, honest advertising, peer recognition and management practices.

According to Berken, his company specializes in providing comprehensive emergency mitigation, restoration, reconstruction and remodeling services, as well as contents inventory tracking and recording for residential and commercial insurance claims. Berken is well-known in the area for his work as a restoration, reconstruction and home remodeling expert.

“Paul Davis Restoration is honored to have been named as runner up in the category of Small Business of the Year. We appreciate the vote from our peers and congratulate all nominees in this year’s competition,” said Berken. “As a member of Chamber, we are proud of the organization’s focus on members who provide exceptional customer service standards in the local business community,” he said.

“We operate by the high ethical standards as set forth by Paul Davis Restoration, one of the nation’s leading providers of reconstruction, emergency mitigation, restoration, and remodeling services in the areas of residential and commercial property losses due to fire, water, and natural disasters.”

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, a Jacksonville-based, nationally known leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, restoration and remodeling services since 1966, has again topped Qualified Remodeler Magazine’s list of the 500 largest remodeling firms in the country. Specifically, the company ranked first in the magazine’s Top 500 Remodelers 2007, The Annual National Firms List. Since 2003, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling has placed at the top of the magazine’s survey which ranks leading national remodeling companies based on sales volume. For more information, visit the company’s websites at www.pdrbroward.com or www.pdremodel.com .

Paul Davis Restoration’s Doug Schenck aids in recent marine rescue

Paul Davis Restoration’s Doug Schenck aids in recent marine rescue on May 23 May 2008 Pompano Beach, Fl. – Gordon Berken, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Broward County owner, announced today that the company’s senior estimator Doug Schenck, recently aided in the marine rescue of two men who were stranded in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast in south Florida.

According to Berken, Schenck was fishing at Boca Inlet in Boca Raton, Fla. after midnight on Friday, May 23. Schenck heard a distress call on the emergency band of his marine radio and learned that the US Coast Guard was miles away before rescue crews could get to the 27-foot fishing boat and its troubled occupants. “Apparently, one of the boat’s crew fell onto the deck and injured his back and neck. His fishing companion called for help on the radio and said that his friend had suffered some paralysis and was in need of immediate help,” said Schenck.

Schenck spoke to the caller and determined that the boat was close by, so he traveled towards the distress situation and found the vessel with his spotlight. “I assessed the crewman’s injuries and determined that he was suffering from back and neck problems and had limited mobility in his extremities. I notified the U.S. Coast Guard of the injuries and our GPS coordinates.

The Coast Guard arrived on scene and towed the vessel and its occupants to shore where Pompano Beach Fire Rescue was in place and waiting,” said Schenck. “The injured man was transported to the local hospital and I towed the companion and his boat about five miles to his home dock in Pompano Beach,” he said. “Then, I traveled back to my home dock in Deerfield Beach which was about 14 miles away,” said Schenck. According to Schenck who served as a law enforcement professional in Oakland Park, Fla. for four years, this was a night to remember. “With my law enforcement training and knowledge of the local waters, I was able to help these two individuals. Additionally, our mission at Paul Davis Restoration is to provide immediate emergency assistance to those in need. My training just kicked in and I was glad to have helped during the rescue,” said Schenck.

Schenk has worked for Paul Davis Restoration for more than eight years and is a highly-trained and expert insurance claims estimator. He is well versed in insurance related residential and commercial losses and insurance subrogation. Berken, Schenck and members of the Paul Davis Restoration office in Pompano Beach office have completed franchise office operations and project management training at Paul Davis Restoration’s National Training Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

For more information, contact Paul Davis Restoration at 954.979.9078. Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, a Jacksonville-based, nationally known leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, restoration and remodeling services since 1966, has again topped Qualified Remodeler Magazine’s list of the 500 largest remodeling firms in the country. Specifically, the company ranked first in the magazine’s Top 500 Remodelers 2007, The Annual National Firms List. Since 2003, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling has placed at the top of the magazine’s survey which ranks leading national remodeling companies based on sales volume. Visit the website at www.pdremodel.com .

Paul Davis Restoration donates commercial lighting to Deerfield Chamber of Commerce war memorial site and sculpture

Paul Davis Restoration donates commercial lighting to Deerfield Chamber of Commerce war memorial site and sculpture May 2008 Pompano Beach, Fl.

Gordon Berken, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Broward County owner, recently donated to the Deerfield Chamber of Commerce war memorial site and sculpture at Palm Plaza shopping center, 820 SE 2nd Ave. in Deerfield Beach, Fla. According to Berken, his company contributed labor, products and staff to install commercial lighting at the recently erected structure. “As members of the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce and through our relationship with the Chamber’s Leadership program, we volunteered to provide our expertise in lighting and construction to the recently dedicated war memorial,” said Berken. “Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Deerfield Beach resident and business leader Frank Congemi and his Leadership team for initiating and completing the beautiful war memorial which commemorates our local and national war heroes,” said Berken.

According to Chris Heidisch, Paul Davis Restoration’s Director of Remodeling, the project is part of the company’s community service involvement and appreciation to war veterans for serving in the U.S. military. “We participated in the local Chamber of Commerce dedication ceremonies on May 17 and 18 and received a certificate of thanks and an engraved brick with our company name at the memorial site. We appreciate the commendations and are very pleased to be a part of this important structure in our community,” said Heidisch. According to Berken, he was struck by Congemi’s dedication to the project, plus the Chamber’s ability to raise funds for the artistic memorial which includes five concrete monuments and granite inserts with the names of hundreds of war veterans. “We installed commercial spot lights, up lighting and wiring to enhance the monument.

The lights will illuminate the structure from sunset until sunrise everyday,” said Berken. Berken, who has served the south Florida area as a remodeling expert since 1991, has completed the restoration and remodeling of numerous historic homes in Hollywood, Fl. He has built more than 10,000 homes throughout the state of Florida.

In addition to his company’s membership in the Deerfield Chamber of Commerce, Berken’s firm also holds memberships in the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Home Builders. Berken and members of his staff have completed franchise office operations and project management training at Paul Davis Restoration’s National Training Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Berken holds a B.A. degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fl. and a Master’s Degree in Construction Management from Florida International University in Boca Raton, Fl. Berken is a long-time resident of south Florida since 1970.

For more information, contact Paul Davis Restoration at 954.979.9078. Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, a Jacksonville-based, nationally known leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, restoration and remodeling services since 1966, has again topped Qualified Remodeler Magazine’s list of the 500 largest remodeling firms in the country. Specifically, the company ranked first in the magazine’s Top 500 Remodelers 2007, The Annual National Firms List. Since 2003, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling has placed at the top of the magazine’s survey which ranks leading national remodeling companies based on sales volume. Visit the website at www.pdremodel.com .

Paul Davis Restoration launches Florida Emergency Services Program

Paul Davis Restoration launches Florida Emergency Services Program February 2008 Jacksonville, FL - Paul Davis Restoration, one of the largest national full-service mitigation, restoration and reconstruction networks in the industry, has launched its newest emergency response program in Florida.

According to Tracy Bachtell, Paul Davis Restoration Vice President of Business Development, the Florida Emergency Services Program (FESP) will provide guaranteed emergency response services for property owners throughout the state during fire, water, wind, smoke, mold, vandalism and other crises. “With just one phone call, our 26 Florida offices located in all areas of the state will offer customers a single source solution for emergency situations whenever and wherever they occur,” said Bachtell. “Paul Davis Restoration will ensure service to its customers with a toll-free number 24/7, 365 days a week for reporting emergency claims.

Calls will be returned in 30 minutes and Paul Davis staff will be on-site within four hours. Plus, all Paul Davis offices will be equipped to handle all types of property losses in compliance with state and local regulations,” he said. Bachtell along with his team of company mitigation experts and franchise office owners in Florida, developed the program to provide emergency services such as exterior board-ups, roof tarping, structural drying, contents inventory and restoration, to name a few.

In addition, FESP will implement the company’s drying program Predict-A-Dry which operates with the latest industry training and drying standards and equipment as approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and Applied Structural Drying certification (ASD). “As a result of the scientific knowledge, training, and experience gained from the company’s national emergency and catastrophic response programs, Paul Davis Restoration offices in Florida will guarantee up front pricing for emergency repairs and restoration, so customers will know the costs in advance. The FESP service and pricing structure will also allow property owners to decide whether they want to file a claim or pay for the work themselves,” Bachtell said.

An example of how the program works includes the insurance carrier or property owner’s call into the Paul Davis call center at 1.888.473.7668. Within 30 minutes, the property owners will receive a call back from an FESP trained technician. Within four hours, the Paul Davis branded trucks and properly uniformed technicians with photo identification will arrive on the scene. All Paul Davis workers are employees of the company and not subcontractors. Plus, all Paul Davis crews are supervised by IICRC-certified project managers. “We designed the program to provide the least disruption for property owners so they can get their lives back to normal as soon as possible.

We back up our work with complete documentation so the structure has been restored and repaired to pre-loss standards.FESP will also benefit insurance agents and adjusters who can quickly get an estimate the cost of emergency mitigation, restoration and repairs and settle the claim on first contact with the property owner. “Each Paul Davis Restoration office owner is accountable for efficient, timely and professional work. They are committed to saving as much of the structure as they can, while reducing overall claims costs and minimizing customer inconvenience,” said Bachtell. “We believe that FESP is a pioneering and groundbreaking program that differentiates our company’s procedures from others in the state and around the country.

Florida property owners can now rely on Paul Davis offices throughout the state to work together as a team during devastating and sometimes unexpected weather and emergency situations that may occur beyond our control.” According to Bachtell, Paul Davis Restoration has continued to match its significant restoration strengths and expertise to the industry’s ever-changing technological innovations and to serve property owners in Florida. The company leads the industry in innovative solutions for emergency mitigation and water damage through ongoing study at Paul Davis Restoration’s National Training Center and statewide training for office owners in Florida and across the nation. Paul Davis has been a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services since 1966. As a national full-service restoration expert, Paul Davis Restoration is celebrating its 42nd year in business with more than 230 Paul Davis locations throughout North America.

For more information about Paul Davis Restoration, call 904.737.2779 or visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com.

Paul Davis Restoration launches Predict-A-Drysm

Paul Davis Restoration launches Predict-A-Drysm, a new drying program featuring a fixed pricing model January 2008 Pompano Beach, FL - Paul Davis Restoration, one of the largest national full-service mitigation, restoration and reconstruction networks in the industry, has developed its newest drying program Predict-A-Dry, while operating with the latest industry training and drying standards and equipment as approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and Applied Structural Drying certification (ASD).

As a result of the scientific knowledge, training, and experience gained from the company’s Dry.In.3 initiative, Paul Davis Restoration has developed Predict-A-Dry, a performance-based pricing model where costs are upfront, predictable, and guaranteed. According to Gordon Berken, Paul Davis Restoration office owner, Paul Davis offices are now able to offer an upfront price and guarantee it in advance of starting work.

The program will greatly benefit insurance agents and adjusters who can quickly estimate the cost of water mitigation and settle the claim on first contact with the property owner. “Each of our 230 Paul Davis Restoration offices are accountable for efficient and timely structural drying. They are committed to saving as much of the structure as they can, while reducing overall claims costs and minimizing customer inconvenience,” Berken said. “With Predict-A-Dry we still utilize our knowledge of psychrometry, the industry’s scientific standard used in the monitoring and the control of water damage and reduce the cost of a water damage claim (clean water) by at least 35 percent when compared to conventional drying methods,” he said.

“Paul Davis has continued to match its significant restoration strengths and expertise to the industry’s ever-changing technological innovations,” Berken said. “We lead the industry in innovative solutions for emergency mitigation and water damage through our ongoing study at Paul Davis Restoration’s National Training Center and ‘flood’ house. Paul Davis office owners and staff technicians, along with insurance industry professionals take written exams for IICRC and ASD certification and learn the unique estimating practices associated with Predict-A-Dry,” he said. “To accomplish the company’s job guarantee, we continue to rely on psychrometric tools which include extraction, air movement/evaporation, dehumidification, and proper temperature.

Paul Davis is thoroughly trained in all four of these areas, and utilizes the right formulas to dry each job correctly and in the shortest time,” said Berken. “The Dry-In-3 program was our initial roadmap for the future of science in regards to mitigation. It prioritized new key discoveries to current mitigation procedures and served as the cornerstone for the future of mitigation services in America today. With our new program, our goal is to keep insurance claim professionals and consumers at the forefront of the industry and so far, we have accomplished that,” he said.

According to Berken, the drying process will be charted and monitored under the supervision of Michael O’Leary, Paul Davis Restoration’s IICRC certified mitigation manager. O’Leary and his technicians will measure and ultimately provide the actual documentation and proof to show that the site has been dried properly. The final documentation includes a psychrometry and a moisture content log proving the structure is dry. Paul Davis Restoration’s ASD technicians scientifically document the drying process using essential moisture-measuring equipment, including thermo-hygrometers to calculate the specific humidity as well as penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters. “We developed Predict-A-Dry to eliminate after-the-fact negotiating.

Estimating under the new pricing model is approximately four to five times faster than traditional property estimating and dramatically reduces cycle time for claim payments and improves productivity for adjusters. Claims will be settled quickly and with reduced costs,” said O’Leary. “We guarantee that our customers will pay no more than what best practices allow with documentation to ensure materials have been dried to pre-loss standards, plus materials will not be removed unless they are unable to be dried or their removal is recommended by IICRC guidelines,” he said. “We believe that Predict-A-Dry is a pioneering and groundbreaking process that differentiates our company’s procedures from others that are similar.

The insurance industry and consumers will benefit from the program as the single most innovative drying procedure currently on the market,” Berken said. “Where other conventional drying methods may take seven to nine days to dry the same type of loss, implementing Predict-A Dry methods will allow us to estimate a water loss to be dried in the shortest time at a guaranteed price.” Berken said. Paul Davis has been a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services since 1966.

As a national full-service restoration expert, Paul Davis Restoration is celebrating its 41st year in business with more than 230 Paul Davis locations throughout North America. For more information about Paul Davis Restoration, call 904.737.2779 or visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com. About The Franchise Company, FirstService Corporation and Paul Davis Restoration The Franchise Company (TFC) operates several franchise systems that provide a variety of services to more than 350,000 customers through a network of approximately 1,800 franchisees. The company directly owns or controls recognized franchise systems that include California Closets, CertaPro Painters, College Pro Painters, Floor Coverings International, Handyman Connection, Paul Davis Restoration and Pillar to Post.

The Franchise Company operates in 50 states in the U.S., 10 provinces in Canada and 12 other countries around the world. System wide sales exceeded $800 million U.S. in 2005. The Franchise Company is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation and is owned by FirstService and management partner shareholders. More information about The Franchise Company is available at www.thefranchisecompany.com .

FirstService is a leader in the rapidly growing service sector, providing a variety of property and business outsourcing services—including residential property management, electronic security and a variety of consumer services as well as information processing, fulfillment and customer relationship management (CRM) services—to customers primarily in North America. FirstService stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ National Market (Symbol-FSRV) and the TSE Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbol-FSV.TO). FirstService is a diversified property services company with more than US$1.4 billion in annualized revenues and more than 12,000 employees worldwide.

More information about FirstService is available at www.firstservice.com

Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling named No. 1 on The Annual National Firms List

Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling named No. 1 on The Annual National Firms List December 2007 Broward County, FL – Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, a Jacksonville-based, nationally known leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, restoration and remodeling services since 1966, has again topped Qualified Remodeler Magazine’s list of the 500 largest remodeling firms in the country. Specifically, the company ranked first in the magazine’s Top 500 Remodelers 2007, The Annual National Firms List. Since 2003, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling has placed at the top of the magazine’s survey which ranks leading national remodeling companies based on sales volume.

The Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling network specializes in restoration and remodeling services. The company recorded 49,257 residential and commercial, restoration and remodeling projects in 2006. Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling has more than 230 offices throughout the United States, each locally owned and operated, and provides employment for approximately 72,000 trade professionals. For more information, go to www.qualifiedremodeler.com. “We are honored to be among the top remodeling organizations in the U.S. and to once again be ranked number on