Air Date: 3-09-2012| Episode: 239
“Goings on Down Under in the World of Restoration” an International Perspective live from Australia this week two industry veterans Mickey Lee and Ashley Easterby will join us to discuss some current events in the restoration industry...
Full Description:
“Goings on Down Under in the World of Restoration” an International Perspective live from Australia this week two industry veterans Mickey Lee and Ashley Easterby will join us to discuss some current events in the restoration industry.
Z-Man’s Blog:
Flight of the flip thongs
Australia is geographically a big country with a small population. Ashley Easterby’s business Network Restorer is a 3rd part administrator of property damage claims. Network Restorer acts as an intermediary between insurance carrier, contractor and policyholder. The Network Restorer group services property claims throughout the country. Network Restorer’s identifies and employs the “best in class” local contractors who agree to provide highly trained workers, state of the art equipment, uniformity of pricing and an agreed upon level of service. Network Restorer receives fees from insurance companies not contractors. In contrast to North American 3rd party administrators, Network Restorer doesn’t charge an entry fee and/or ongoing fees to its member contractors. Network Restorer provides work and fast payment to its member contractors along with a paperless business system. Network Restorer began service on domestic water losses, quickly expanded service offerings to include, commercial water losses, fire losses and structural glass replacement. Network Restorer group handles large numbers of smaller losses.
North American dehumidification and structural drying expert Mickey Lee, who is in Australia training the Network Restorer group, joined Ashley on the interview.
Nuggets mined from this week’s episode:
· There is harmony between insurance carriers and repair contractors in Australia.
· Aussies import most of their restoration technology
· Some Aussie early adopters who invested in importing restoration technology from abroad have profited handsomely.
· Due to insurance policy exclusions and climate, mold isn’t as big of an issue in Australia as in North America
· In Australia services and trades are being broken out and severed from contractors offering full service “one stop shop”.
· Opportunities exist for contractors to rent dehumidification equipment in moisture and dew point sensitive operations such as: marine, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, painting & coating, construction markets, etc.
· Quality control parameters on structural drying projects: four major issues per site: 1) confirming that the original diagnosis of the drying problems was correct; 2) finding “problem” drying areas needing additional emphasis or different techniques; 3) communicating with customers to confirm their understanding of the process; 4) reviewing job site safety practices.
· Some improvements to dehumidification equipment include: narrower wheels, energy efficiency, purge systems, option of bypassing wheel, multiple fuel units, integrating refrigerant and desiccant technologies.
· Separation from loved ones on short notice takes a huge toll on remediation workers.
Mickey Lee is a strong advocate for documented quality system for projects.
Australian entrepreneur Ashley Easterby has proven the value of his business model to property insurers in Australia. Network Restorer group is proof that insurance companies will pay for services that demonstrate value.
Today’s music: “Jump, Jump, Jump the Kangaroo Song” by Loco Loco
Z-Man signing off
