Hillier goes on to explain that starting with the company’s franchise ownership model, Paul Davis always sought independent businessmen and women who live in the communities they commit to serve for disaster mitigation and restoration needs. Brenda Davis, wife of the company’s founder, recalled in a book published about her husband Paul, that many of his life principles formed the foundation of his business. In Paul’s own quotes: “There is no higher goal than to seek to make someone’s life better by your words and deeds. Caring is actions, not just words! I feel a sense of pride and give thanks that I was able to create a business based on this philosophy. At my retirement at age eighty-eight, I can enjoy remembering the successes of starting and growing Paul Davis, the company. I have memories of the hundreds of really good people who were part of the franchisee organization, people who now enjoy their own success. When I watch what FirstService Brands is now doing to tremendously expand on the foundation of my dream, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratification and pride … that its leaders and staff are committed to continue the caring culture that came out of my need to serve others.”

The book entitled, If I Could, So Can You, was published in 2017 and continues to be a cornerstone of today’s Paul Davis Restoration business model.

Today at Paul Davis our thousands of people spread throughout North America share an expanded vision. We are Difference MakersTM. Beyond our business lies our passion to help others. “At Paul Davis we are Difference Makers, ” notes Hillier, “who truly relish serving our communities, simply because of who we are. We are united by our values and beliefs. The Paul Davis mission, vision, and core values inspire us to serve not only our customers, but importantly also our fellow coworkers and our communities. We are fortunate to have each other. We know that through our actions and good deeds we can improve the lives of so many that are less fortunate. Our founder, Paul Davis, would be proud. Learn more at https://pauldavis.com/about/culture/ 

Protecting your company’s operating ability following a disruptive operational event requires pre-planning, proven procedures mapped out ahead of time, and smart post-event actions that will lead promptly to a complete recovery. For example, flood and fire damage are common, severe disruptions that Paul Davis Restoration is called upon to solve. “Whether it’s a large operation like a school, community center, grocery store, multi-family condo, or apartment complex, or a neighborhood drug or convenience store, the solutions are not that different,” says Chuckel. “Rapid inspection by trained and experienced technicians are necessary to identify and protect against additional hazards and plot mitigation requirements. Expert, experienced recovery and restoration professionals, who work for large national companies like Paul Davis Restoration, provide the skills required to fully repair or rebuild facilities quickly. If it’s a business or facility that is unable to safely operate, pre-planning and having sound restoration procedures for the business are a must. This is no time for guesswork. Without a proven, professional mitigation and restoration partner, time will drag on beyond what business operators can afford, and most important, well beyond what customers will accept. Regaining operating abilities rapidly is vital.

Restoring a company’s good reputation cannot be overlooked either. These tips come from experience and should not be ignored. “First, business owners and operators need to acknowledge and explain the disruption issue. Be transparent. Extend sincere public apologies for inconveniences and explain the tangible, corrective actions being taken,” explains Chuckel. “Communicate transparently and consistently through various online and community channels, focusing on honest, empathetic messaging, will go a long-way to regain customers, reassure vendors, and encourage customers to come back. Afterward, focus on consistently delivering high-quality products/services, gathering customer feedback and acting on it, plus encouraging positive reviews and testimonials from customers, employees and others impacted by the disruption. Be sure to thank them for their good suggestions, too.” Paul Davis often helps affected customers take the most useful steps that help bring back customers and increase business once again.

After the fact, Chuckel makes another great point. “Make your customers feel appreciated. Give them sound reasons to return through exclusive offers and reward them for extending their loyalty with special incentives. Rebuilding your business after a disruption doesn’t happen overnight, so be positive, be patient and thank anyone and everyone for staying with you.”  

“We are continually seeking innovative ways to be even better at what we do and to lead the industry,” says Kevin Sullivan, President, Paul Davis Restoration of Northern Virginia. “Technology is indispensable in that quest and our efforts to deploy it are intensive and diverse.”

Here are just a few of the cutting-edge technology directions many of our offices are exploring to revolutionize disaster recovery activities:

Measuring, Assessing:
Computer applications like Matterport are leveraging smart devices to virtually tour, measure and record disaster locations. Drones, piloted by expert technicians, are more quickly and safely reaching, inspecting and recording inaccessible and dangerous areas.

Enabling Business Continuity:
A range of software solutions are rapidly restoring business activities for clients damaged by disaster, bringing data and systems back online after only brief interruptions.

Predicting Disasters and Boosting Resilience:
Data analytics and risk interpretation science advances are capturing data patterns to forecast disasters and impacts more precisely, as well as targeting future responses through equipment and team management.

Tracking and Locating:
Satellites, global positioning systems and land-based sensors are yielding rich data and real-time updates to help locate, target and guide disaster response as impacts unfold.

Sharing and Communicating:
Document sharing and communications technologies are enabling faster, more secure reporting, meeting, connecting and decision-making. 

Integrating:
Digital resources are providing real-time citizen and organizational information sharing via social media. Crowd-sourced mapping – in which many people create and update a digital map by adding input and commentary – is boosting response accuracy. AI and the “Internet of Things” – in which items are digitally enabled and can network into complex systems – continue to grow exponentially, opening new frontiers in modeling, tracking, testing and much more. 

“Stay tuned,” Sullivan says. “Today we are better than we were yesterday and tomorrow we will be even faster, more accurate, more targeted, more cost-effective and more expert. It’s a never-ending pursuit to help the greatest number of people navigate an uncertain world.”

“People certainly know to call us when disaster strikes, but often we already have strong relationships with people, professionals and communities long before a threat occurs,” says Brian Rigsby, President, Paul Davis Restoration of The Tri-State Area – Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. “We are proud to offer expertise and support on so many fronts year-round to so many.”

Paul Davis Restoration (PDR) is growing as a broad, reliable, available resource through activities that many of our offices participate in like: 

• Planning business emergency response: Many PDR offices offer free, bespoke planning for companies. Simply call and request assistance. 
• Supporting emergency responders: PDR volunteers at many responder organization events as well as donates supplies, provides trainings and venues, and offers consultation and expertise.
• Building community: From partnering with the Child Cancer Fund to coordinating Red Cross blood drives and much more, PDR makes communities and their organizations stronger and more resilient.
• Training and education: PDR provides instruction, certifications, and continuing education for many individuals across a range of professional fields. The company’s training institute is a state-of-the-art center for training excellence.

Further, PDR is a trusted information source for individuals. Take charge of emergency planning to protect your loved ones through a five-step PDR process:

1. Identify threats: Which disasters are most likely to strike your area? Local authorities – which spearhead emergency planning for the community – are reliable sources for this information.
2. Identify needs: Which factors will shape your response to a disaster? Do you have pets that must be cared for? Do you have elderly adults with special needs? 
3. Identify and utilize resources: Where will you get updates if disaster threatens and what information can you use now? Sources might include news coverage, websites, automated calling options, emergency personnel contacts and the like. Map out evacuation routes and shelters now.
4. Identify support options: What are your options for evacuating if disaster threatens? What and who will help? Identify trusted support like close neighbors, capable friends and local relatives who can collaborate in your response. Discuss your emergency planning steps with this group.
5. Prepare: Store important documents – passports, birth certificates – in fireproof containers and/or upload digital copies to the cloud. Acquire emergency supplies and create a “go bag” in case of evacuation. Make itemized lists or capture video evidence of interior and exterior property. Maintain emergency devices like smoke detectors and keep digital devices fully charged. Finally, prepare the home’s exterior envelope and landscaping to provide best protection against the identified threats.

Call 888-473-7669 to talk with our friendly representatives about how Paul Davis Restoration can help you. When things go wrong, we do what’s right. 

Older adults require extra consideration due to limitations like these, which make disaster response more complex: 

Higher Medical Needs and Disabilities:
These may include hearing and vision impairments, and chronic medical conditions that require regular assistance, medication and health services.

Isolation:
Older people are more socially isolated, live alone more often, and engage in less interaction with others. Furthermore, most Americans – nearly 98 percent, in fact – choose to stay in their own residences rather than moving to shared living quarters. 

Mobility Issues:
The elderly often have slower locomotion, extended reaction times, balance problems, dexterity losses, and physical disabilities that require assistive devices like walkers, canes and wheelchairs. Their accident rates are far higher than younger populations and one in four older adults experiences a fall every year.

Financial Constraints:
Nearly half of older adult households lack the income needed for basic daily living needs, much less the financial flexibility to handle and respond to disaster impacts. 

Low Connectivity:
Older adults are less digitally savvy, experiencing difficulties accessing information online or connecting with others via digital devices. They may lack skills, equipment, up-to-date software, and instruction. Research shows that this digital divide continues to widen as technology use increases.

Disasters cause many complications for older adults including, but not limited to, communication difficulties with caregivers, interrupted healthcare, scarce supplies and disrupted living spaces, as well as service and transportation delays. “At Paul Davis Restoration, we have a unique opportunity to help older people, and we work diligently to meet their specific needs,” Impson emphasizes. When things go wrong, we do what’s right.

Our Social Purpose was established by FirstService Brands, our parent company, in 2018 with the #FirstServeOthers hashtag. Our Social Purpose is defined by our desire to do good while doing good work. We focus our social purpose efforts on three key pillars: our people, our communities, and our environment. If you want to learn more and maybe join one of our charitable activities, click here! 

Charities We Support Across the Nation

The American Cancer Society leads the fight to end cancer as we know it. Their mission is to improve the lives of individuals battling cancer by focusing on advocacy, research, and patient support. We proudly support their vision of a world where cancer no longer claims lives or causes suffering. 

Ben’s Place is dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with developmental or acquired disabilities. What began as a desire to create a safe, social environment for individuals with special needs has grown into a vibrant community that offers daily activities, life skills training, and peer interaction. We proudly support Ben’s Place mission to create a welcoming space for those with disabilities. 

The Child Cancer Fund (CCF) has walked alongside families facing the devastating reality of pediatric cancer, offering emotional, financial, and practical support. Their essential programs, such as child life advocacy, financial assistance, and support services, help families navigate the difficult journey of pediatric cancer treatment. We stand with these brave families and support the critical work of CCF in providing hope and healing.

Generation W is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and connecting women to unleash their leadership potential. Through various programs, Generation W empowers women to drive meaningful change in their personal and professional lives while building stronger communities. Paul Davis supports Generation W’s mission to fuel the power of women’s leadership and create opportunities for personal growth, innovation, and connection.

The Global Community Engaged Learning Program: Project Uganda is a collaborative initiative that partners Weber State University students, faculty, and staff with local organizations in Uganda to support critical community needs. This project focuses on building infrastructure, enhancing educational opportunities, and fostering long-term development in the town of Nyafumba. We are honored to contribute to this global initiative, which reflects our belief in community engagement and the power of education to transform lives.

The Red Cross  global humanitarian organization provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education. Known for its swift response to crises, the Red Cross supports individuals affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and health emergencies. Through blood donation drives, training programs, and community services, the Red Cross brings vital aid and resources to those in need, saving and improving lives worldwide. We honor them and their mission.

Seamark Ranch extends a safe, loving environment to children from families in crisis. Children are provided with the tools and support they need to heal and grow through their Christian home and family system. Seamark Ranch nurtures these children’s hearts and minds, providing them with life skills, education, and emotional stability within a supportive community. We are deeply committed to supporting the children of Seamark Ranch and their mission to break the cycle of generational hardship.

At Paul Davis, we believe in supporting causes that uplift and strengthen our communities. Just as we are dedicated to helping our customers restore and rebuild, we are equally passionate about supporting charitable organizations that bring hope, healing, and positive change to those in need. Giving back is at the heart of who we are, and through these partnerships, we are honored to have the opportunity to improve lives and create lasting change.