Awareness and mitigation workshops for schools

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

This summer (summer of 2022, if you're reading in the future), we've introduced a brand new program that's been going great: a series of half-day workshops put together for local school districts to educate them on a variety of topics related to risk, safety and property damage.

These workshops, put on in partnership with Stohl Environmental, are designed to inform school buildings and grounds staff about risks they might encounter in the workplace, as well as how to react in emergency situations.

The day begins with a two-hour asbestos awareness course taught by Stohl Environmental. This course satisfies OSHA requirements for school employees.

Next, we team up with Stohl for an hour-long course covering the risks, regulation and remediation of mold and microbial growth.

Finally, we wrap up with a primer on understanding and properly mitigating water damage before we arrive on-site.

Interested? Give us a call and let us know you'd like us to come to your school!

See you on Breakfast With Disaster!

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

One of our most popular ways of connecting with the community and the people that we serve is a little something that we call "Breakfast With Disaster."

"Breakfast With Disaster" is a weekly livestream that we put out via social media and YouTube every Tuesday at the exact same time: 10:10am. 

Each broadcast is only ten or fifteen minutes long, but it's jam-packed with actionable information about property damage, insurance claims, restoration, mitigation and construction aimed at working insurance professionals and commercial real estate professionals across the region.

Of course, we have a little bit of fun too. "Breakfast With Disaster" pairs every broadcast with our SERVPRO Mug Club.

Members of the Mug Club receive a SERVPRO coffee mug with a number on the bottom. That number gets put on a prize wheel.

If we call their number at the end of the broadcast, they win a prize. And if they're watching when we do it, they win a double prize. 

Supporting the Lake Erie Seaway Trail Center

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

According to the United Nations, plastic pollution is the #2 biggest threat to our environment, and while most people are familiar with pollution in the ocean (e.g. the Great Pacific Garbage Patch), they don't realize that the issue is much closer to home.

Lake Erie has one of the highest concentration of microplastics in the entire world. These plastics are too small to be effectively filtered out and cause all sorts of problems for plant, animal and human life on the lake.

How bad is it? Here's a quote from the Lake Erie Foundation: "Ultimately, microplastics are simultaneously increasing our chances of death while decreasing our ability to reproduce." 

Yikes.

Luckily, SERVPRO of The Southtowns and the Lake Erie Seaway Trail Center are here to raise awareness.

What is the Lake Erie Seaway Trail Center?

The Lake Erie Seaway Trail Center is an outpost in Hamburg for the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, which runs 518 miles through New York and Pennsylvania. 

The volunteers here in Western New York devote their time to educating the public and protecting Lake Erie here at home.

Full disclosure: Lyn, who owns our SERVPRO locations, is on the board. 

How is the LESTC helping with plastic pollution? 

Among other initiatives, the LESTC is installing Western New York's newest public art destination: "Red Fish," a custom metal sculpture created by internationally renowned artist Ellen Steinfeld. 

When it's installed later at the Seaway Trail Center this summer, Red Fish will be a bright red, six-foot by six-and-a-half-foot reminder of the importance of protecting our lake and the life within it. 

The sculpture will be surrounded by lidded cages filled with plastic bottles, a constant encouragement to keep the lake clean and avoid single-use plastics.

How can you help?

Individuals and businesses will have a chance to sponsor the sculpture and be remembered as protectors of the Great Lakes for years to come. 

For now, the best thing you can do is share the news: Red Fish is coming to Lake Erie, and it's going to be huge. 

Why get IICRC-certified?

5/15/2022 (Permalink)

Would you trust an attorney that never bothered to take the bar exam? Or a medical specialist that never bothered to pass their medical boards?

Of course not. Everyone knows that these specialized professions keep their standards high by requiring practitioners to acquire well-known, well-respected certifications in order to do their work.

Many people, however, do not realize that restoration work like the work we do at SERVPRO of The Southtowns also has a governing, certifying body: the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC.

The IICRC has done a lot for the restoration industry by setting standards of work for a wide variety of service lines, including water restoration, fire restoration and more.

Our technicians are certified by the IICRC in the work that they do and the services that they provide. This ensures that they understand the science of restoration and can make educated decisions to provide the highest level of service possible.

We put a lot of stock in certification and training, and you should, too.

What does "1-4-8" mean?

2/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Southtowns holds high standards when it comes to serving our community here in Western New York.  We have an emergency team ready 24/7/365 and because of this, we follow the 1-4-8 service response guidelines.  These guidelines are in place to offer our clients a timeline of what to expect when you call us.  Our teams pride themselves on being ready for any disaster.  Here’s what “1-4-8” really means.

One - Within one hour from the notice of loss, our on-call manager will contact you.  We have team members on call 24 hours a day even on weekends and holidays so you can feel confident that we will pick up the phone. 

Four - Within four hours, we will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).  Our team is ready to go within short notice.  We understand that some things need to get dealt with as soon as possible before damage continues. 

Eight - Within eight hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to you.  After this time frame, we will have a good idea of the job that needs to get done and a plan on how to do it.  We do our best to create an open channel of communication between the SERVPRO team and the building owner.

The 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines are our commitment to being there for you.  Whether you are experiencing an emergency due to an ice dam, bursting pipe, sewage backup, or even a collapsing roof, we have a team on call and ready to support you through this devastating time.

We love our community!

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Lyn and Thom Braun have owned and operated SERVPRO of The Southtowns since 1995 and believe in being an active role in their local community.  Merriam-Webster defines community as a unified body of individuals.  At our company, we take that meaning to heart.  We strive to always be there for our community when we are called upon and make every effort to create a positive impact on those around us and those we serve. 

SERVPRO of The Southtowns means so much more than excellence in cleanup, restoration, and disaster relief. To us, fulfilling our mission means being “here to help” when our community needs us most.  From private homes to government facilities to commercial businesses, we’ve performed coronavirus cleanings for just about everyone.  Mayor Thomas Moses would say that we “stepped up to the plate” when we decided to reach out to every single local first responder and ask “how we can help?”  In all, we ended up sanitizing 536 vehicles at 24 separate police, fire, and EMS agencies out of a love for our community. 

This effort, along with many other initiatives, contributed to a huge achievement last year. In 2021, we won the Buffalo Niagara Business Ethics Association's Crystal Award for ethical business practices.  This was a big deal for everyone around here because it meant that all of our hard work has been recognized.  This award is in place to “honor companies that demonstrate a firm commitment to ethical business practices in daily operations, management philosophies, and responses to crises or challenges.”  Lyn, Thom, and the entire team here at SERVPRO of The Southtowns are proud to contribute toward the betterment of the community.

Employee of the Month - Devin

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Each month, we honor one employee who has gone above and beyond to provide our customers with the highest standard of service.

In February of 2021, that was Devin. Devin has always been one of our top production technicians. He combines expert-level knowledge of disaster restoration with a sunny demeanor and a sharp sense of humor that often makes him a favorite for both customers and his fellow team members.

In February, Devin really stepped it up, knocking a variety of water, fire and carpet cleaning jobs out of the park. Nearly every single customer that he helped, no matter how dire their circumstances were, called our office at the end of the job to tell us how much they’d loved working with Devin.

Thank you, Devin, for being such a rock star! We’re honored to have you on our team and we’re looking forward to working with you for years to come!

Employee of the Month - Taylor, Dan and Chris

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Usually, when we pick an Employee of the Month, we choose a single employee and highlight them.

In April of 2021, though, that was tough. It’s not that we didn’t have anyone to honor – in fact, it was the opposite problem. We had too many people that deserved to win.

To make matters even harder, everyone we picked turned the honor down, saying modestly that they were just “doing their job.”

In the end, we decided that instead of honoring none of them, we’d honor all of them – the “Three Amigos” of SERVPRO of The Southtowns: Taylor, Dan and Chris.

Taylor earned his spot by volunteering to work several afterhours jobs over the course of the month, even when he wasn’t on-call, in order to make sure that we didn’t have to tell our customers “no.”

Dan, meanwhile, kept our reconstruction team on track during a very busy season with several of his employees out on leave. With him at the helm, we were able to meet our deadlines despite missing an entire crew.

Chris, for his part, kept the whole show running. As our production manager and lead estimator, he is the lifeblood of the company, and he made sure that we were able to scope and perform every single job that came our way, even if it meant working long hours putting together estimates and explaining them, in great detail, to both homeowners and adjusters.

Thank you for everything, guys! We’re proud to have you on our team!

Mayor Thomas Moses: SERVPRO "Stepped Up to the Plate" With COVID-19 Response

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Thank you, Mayor Moses!

When COVID-19 lockdowns first started going into effect in New York State, many people found themselves working from home more or less overnight.

Quarantining at home, however, was never an option for our first responders. While many of us were able to hunker down at our houses, our first responders still had a duty to go out into the community and keep us safe.

At SERVPRO of The Southtowns, we felt an obligation to do our part, give back, and keep our first responders safe as well. So we volunteered our time to disinfect every police station, fire department and EMS agency that would have us, including the agencies right here in the Village of Hamburg.

Months later, we interviewed the village’s mayor, Thomas Moses, about his leadership throughout the pandemic. He was kind enough to remember our work with the first responder agencies and thank us. Here’s what he said:

“I want to thank SERVPRO for stepping up to the plate in the beginning stages. It was two or three days after we got underway [with implementing COVID-19 regulations] and you called us and said ‘can we do anything for you in regards to disinfecting?’

We said ‘yes, we would appreciate that.’ You stepped up to our plate, took care of the Village of Hamburg Fire Department. We have 10 or 11 pieces of equipment, you came in, you sanitized all of that, and all the trucks. Our police department, you did all the cars. To this day, now, we disinfect after every call.”

On behalf of SERVPRO of The Southtowns: thank you, Mayor Moses, for your leadership and your kind words! We’re happy that we could help in a trying and confusing time.

View the video here.

We're Proud to Work with Chubb Insurance

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

We're proud to work with all of our insurance partners!

Here at SERVPRO of The Southtowns, we’re happy to work with your insurance carrier and adjuster, no matter who holds your policy.

That said, we do maintain special relationships with a select group of companies that believe deeply in the value of restoration, mitigation and reconstruction. One of our favorite partners is Chubb Insurance.

How does SERVPRO of The Southtowns work with Chubb Insurance?

On a national level, SERVPRO has a detailed agreement in place with Chubb that covers fire, smoke, water damage, mold remediation, contents cleaning and reconstruction services for both their residential and commercial clients.

The details of this agreement are highly technical and specific to the type of work we do, so we won’t go into specifics. Basically, it lays out a strict standard of work and communication that we must follow every single time that we work with one of Chubb’s insureds.

This standard covers everything from responding to the very first phone call to maintaining an open line of communication with the insurance adjuster to providing the highest level of mitigation work possible.

How does this relationship benefit the insured?

The entire reason that we have this agreement in place is because it makes things easier for the insured in a difficult time. If you’ve ever suffered a disaster at your home or business, then you know how difficult and confusing it can sometimes be to get the help you need. The agreement with Chubb lays the process out in black and white, limiting delays, miscommunication and any other obstacles that might get in the way of making your loss “Like it never even happened.”

Are you a Chubb insured that needs help? Call us 24/7/365 at 716-646-6684 – we’re here to help all over Western New York.

What Sets SERVPRO of The Southtowns Apart From Other Restoration Companies?

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Thanks Julia! Peace of mind is the name of the game!

Julia Spitz, the executive vice president over at Savarino Properties in downtown Buffalo, NY, has had to call SERVPRO of The Southtowns on more than one occasion.

Disasters are never fun, but we’re glad we’ve been able to help her time and time again. She sat down with us to explain why she keeps coming back.

Check out her testimonial here. Would you rather read it? Here’s the transcript:

When I call SERVPRO, I value lots of things. But I think the thing I value the most is the peace of mind I’m given. I know that my team won't have to deal with matters that maybe they're not trained to deal with, toxic situations. I'm also given peace of mind that our tenants won't have to interact with a toxic matter. It'll be cleaned up professionally and properly by people who know what they're doing.

Why Julia Spitz of Savarino Properties Uses SERVPRO of The Southtowns

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Thanks so much for talking to us, Julia!

Julia Spitz, the executive vice president over at Savarino Properties in downtown Buffalo, NY, is one of our favorite customers.

Well, all of our customers are our favorite customers. But you get the point.

Julia was kind enough to sit down with us to talk about how she learned about SERVPRO of The Southtowns and why she keeps calling us back, time and time again. She even explains why SERVPRO is worth the sometimes sizable price tag.

Thanks so much, Julia! You’re the best!

Check out her testimonial here. Would you rather read it? Here’s the transcript:

Intro

Every emergency you can think of actually does happen!

I work at Savarino Properties and I'm their executive vice president. My name is Julia Spitz. I am in charge of overall operations of our property management team and I also am responsible for day-to-day management of several of the properties in our portfolio.

Our properties are a variety. Most of our properties are located in the city of Buffalo. We have charter schools, mixed-use office buildings like the one we're in right now, multi-family residential buildings and retail or commercial buildings.

The First Time She Called SERVPRO

The first time I ever called SERVPRO was early in my career. I entered one of our buildings one day and the smell of sewage was overwhelming. It was very clear after about a minute of inspection that it was coming from a small basement under the building and to be honest, I didn't know what to do.

We knew how to call a plumber and solve the problem. We didn't know who was going to clean that up.

I didn't feel confident asking my own staff to deal with such sensitive material as sewage. We didn't, I didn't feel we had the safety measures in place and I Googled. I didn't know what else to do. SERVPRO came up and the very same day, I mean maybe hours later, they showed up they started cleaning it up.

Men were wearing full hazmat gear and these giant boots and by the end of the day it smelled clean and I have never been more grateful.

What She Values in SERVPRO

When I call SERVPRO, I value lots of things. But I think the thing I value the most is the peace of mind I’m given. I know that my team won't have to deal with matters that maybe they're not trained to deal with, toxic situations. I'm also given peace of mind that our tenants won't have to interact with a toxic matter. It'll be cleaned up professionally and properly by people who know what they're doing.

How SERVPRO Prevents Long-Term Mold & Water Issues

In this building, actually, part of the building is under grade and we have our fitness center there and a couple other parts of the building. Early on, when we first moved into the building, the first time we were really deluged with rain we learned that that rain poured right into the parts of the building that were under grade and again this time we knew to call SERVPRO.

We panicked and we called SERVPRO right away and you guys responded immediately and you brought in equipment to suck up the water and then you also brought in equipment to dry it out to make sure no mold formed.

So it's not just the emergency response that was helpful for us in that situation but also the proactive prevention work that you guys did to make sure that we don't have any problems in the future.

Is SERVPRO worth the money?

The first time I got a SERVPRO estimate, it was a lot, but to be quite honest, the first time I was dealing with SERVPRO it was a raw sewage situation so I was very happy for someone to come and do that work and I think you can't put a price on that kind of work.

When I've been dealing with other situations that don't seem as toxic, like a flood, it's harder, honestly, to swallow the big price tag. But once you see the outcome, you understand why it costs so much. You see the equipment involved, you see how many people are involved, you see the long-term benefit of it. So I think the first time might be hard but time after time it gets easier because you see the outcome.

Why She Likes Working with SERVPRO

I like working with SERVPRO because everyone I've ever come in contact with within the company is easy to deal with and makes my life easier, not harder. When you're really busy and you're running around all the time, the last thing you need is someone who's going to make your life harder. Nice, friendly people who are going to take your call and respond quickly and make your life better are exactly what I need in my day, which is part of the reason why we just keep going back to SERVPRO.

Is SERVPRO Worth It? Why Can Restoration Cost So Much?

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

A lot, but worth it!

Julia Spitz, the executive vice president over at Savarino Properties in downtown Buffalo, NY, sat down with us to answer the million-dollar question, no pun intended: is SERVPRO of The Southtowns worth it? Why can restoration cost so much?

She admits that the first time she saw one of our estimates, she had a little sticker shock. But once she saw the work and expertise that goes into each job, she realized pretty quickly that it was worth it after all.

Check out her testimonial here. Would you rather read it? Here’s the transcript:

The first time I got a SERVPRO estimate, it was a lot, but to be quite honest, the first time I was dealing with SERVPRO it was a raw sewage situation so I was very happy for someone to come and do that work and I think you can't put a price on that kind of work.

When I've been dealing with other situations that don't seem as toxic, like a flood, it's harder, honestly, to swallow the big price tag. But once you see the outcome, you understand why it costs so much. You see the equipment involved, you see how many people are involved, you see the long-term benefit of it. So I think the first time might be hard but time after time it gets easier because you see the outcome.

How does SERVPRO of The Southtowns disinfect an area with confirmed COVID-19 exposure?

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 is serious. We can help.

There are lots of companies out there that claim to be able to offer cleaning for COVID-19, but trust us - not everyone's the same. 

How does SERVPRO of The Southtowns confront the coronavirus? In a word: directly.

We adhere strictly to CDC protocols and only use products included on the EPA’s List N for use against the coronavirus SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Our disinfecting programs are tailored to your needs based on a variety of factors, including industry, facility type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points. We offer both emergency service as well as proactive, defensive cleaning.

Not every disinfecting company can say the same. Some offer discount cleaning services that don’t amount to much more than someone walking through a space, spraying it with an unproven disinfectant, and leaving it at that. 

Want to learn more about our COVID-19 disinfecting services? Call us today at 716-646-6684 for your free estimate. 

Certified Cleaned! Coronavirus Disinfecting for Western New York

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

"Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" has three steps.

Many companies claim to offer COVID-19 disinfecting services in the Buffalo area and all over Western New York. But only SERVPRO of The Southtowns can say that a space has been “Certified.” 

By combining decades of biohazard experience with the latest science, we have created the highest standard of disinfecting available. We also provide you with the tools to reassure the public that you’ve taken every step necessary to provide the gold standard of safety.

We call this “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.”

Step 1: Consult

Our Cleaning Protocol Specialist assesses your needs and devise a disinfecting plan tailored to your situation.

Step 2: Clean

Our biohazard team decontaminates your space, always adhering to the highest standards of the CDC and using EPA-approved products.

Step 3: Certify

We provide you with the tools to leverage SERVPRO’s trusted brand and show the public that you’ve brought in the experts to disinfect, including signage, window emblems, digital resources and more.

To learn more about the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, give us a call at 716-646-6684. We’re here to help.

24/7 Emergency COVID-19 Cleaning, When You Need It Most

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

We act fast, because COVID-19 waits for no one.

From private homes to government facilities to commercial businesses, we’ve performed coronavirus cleanings for just about everyone.

These days, we’ve been proud to provide 24/7 emergency coronavirus disinfecting for the manufacturing community here in Western New York.

Why do the largest manufacturers in the Buffalo area trust SERVPRO of The Southtowns with their COVID-19 cleaning needs? Simple: they know how important it is that they don’t lose a single day of work due to a suspected or confirmed exposure to the virus. They know exactly how much profit and loss is on the line if they have to shut down their manufacturing floor, and they’re ready to spring into action if an employee tests positive.

How do we factor in? Because we’re the largest COVID-19 disinfecting company in the area, and because we offer 24/7 emergency service, we’re able to complete the necessary cleaning procedures overnight so that these businesses can open safely in the morning. No matter how large the facility or serious the exposure, we’re generally able to help them avoid any disruption in their business by providing swift, thorough and professional cleanings.

Our COVID-19 cleaning protocols adhere strictly to the latest guidelines from the CDC and use only products featured on the EPA’s List N for use against coronavirus. We tailor each cleaning to the space that we’re working in, ensuring that we provide the most effective and targeted disinfection service possible. 

To learn more about the our COVID-19 cleaning services, give us a call at 716-646-6684. We’re here to help.

Review Us on Google, Facebook, Yelp or AngiesList!

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

We work hard every day to make it "Like it never even happened."

Have you worked with SERVPRO of The Southtowns in the past? We’d love to hear what you think!

Leave us a review on Google, Facebook, Yelp or AngiesList and let us know how we did! If you had a less-than-stellar experience, please call 716-646-6684 – we value your feedback and would love a chance to make things right.

Here are some of the things our past customers have said:

“Lyn, Thom, and their team are amazing. They put their heart and soul into every job they do. I’ve used their services numerous times for different projects and they have always gone above and beyond. Thanks SERVPRO!”

“I’ve lived out of town for many years but have an aging Mom still in the Buffalo area and so it’s always difficult to find a trustworthy and fair company to work with let alone one that responds quickly in an emergency. It was just such a case when Mom’s basement flooded last week. They not only came in with a professional crew but were compassionate and took extra care with the items that weren’t ruined by water. Thank you SERVPRO of The Southtowns.”

“I have used this company several times and have never been disappointed. The service has been excellent, the quality of the equipment and the products has been very impressive, and the end result has always left me and my family extremely satisfied. I would highly recommend SERVPRO to anyone.”

Thanks again for trusting SERVPRO of The Southtowns, and please leave us a review on Google, Facebook, Yelp or AngiesList to let us know how we did!

Introducing Dan Bauer, Our New Marketing Manager

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Say hi to Dan Bauer!

Hello! I’m Dan Bauer, the new Marketing Manager here at SERVPRO of The Southtowns.

I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the SERVPRO family and helping our community for years to come!

I’m coming to SERVPRO after years in the marketing and branding industry. I worked with companies like Patricia Nash (whose handbags you may have seen at Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s) and The Mark Hotel (most recently in the news for hosting Meghan Markle’s baby shower).

When Lyn and Thom first approached me about jumping ship and joining SERVPRO, I’ll admit that I was hesitant. Would my skillset translate to restoration and mitigation? After working with clients based everywhere from New York to Tel Aviv, would I fit in at a company in Hamburg?

After seeing the organization that the Brauns have created, though, I was convinced. Unlike the clients I’ve worked for in the past, who were totally obsessed with selling, SERVPRO is a company that’s uniquely dedicated to helping. When people are dealing with the most catastrophic events of their lives, we’re there to make it "like it never even happened." We combine the resources of an international network with the personal approach of a local, family-owned business to provide a service that’s unrivaled anywhere in the world.

That’s why SERVPRO will be here, serving our community, for a long time to come. That’s why I plan to be with SERVPRO for the rest of my working years. I’ve seen firsthand that this company is built to last, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.

Have a great day!

Introducing Cassie Mueller, Our New Office Administrator

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Meet Cassie Mueller!

If you’ve called SERVPRO in the last five months or so, you’ve probably spoken with our friendly neighborhood Office Administrator Cassie Mueller. But she’s way overdue for a proper introduction!

Cassie started with us right as the coronavirus pandemic was picking up steam in the US – not an easy task! She’s already made her mark on the company, serving up inspirational quotes and well-timed side eyes in equal doses. We asked her five questions to get to know her better.

Q: What food would you eliminate from the face of the earth?

A: Grapefruit! Get outta here!

Q: What fictional character would you switch places with and why?

A: Stitch, ‘cause he lives on the beach. (Editor’s note: you can live on the beach and not be a tiny blue alien.)

Q: If forced to sing karaoke, what would you sing?

A: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Q: Who is your celebrity doppelganger?

A: Emily Osment. (Editor’s note: this is apparently someone from Hannah Montana. This answer made is feel old, too.)

Q: Caption this cartoon.

A: How I felt when you asked me these questions.

VIDEO: We're Here to Help Our First Responders.

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

We're proud to be here for our first responders any way we can.

SERVPRO means so much more than excellence in cleanup, restoration and disaster relief. To us, fulfilling the SERVPRO mission means being “here to help” when our community needs us most.

That’s why, over the course of April and May 2020, we devoted ourselves to helping our first responders feel safer in the face of an unprecedented pandemic. As coronavirus swept our region, our crews worked nearly every day to clean, disinfect and sanitize first responder vehicles and agencies, free of charge, to minimize the spread of COVID-19. In all, we sanitized 536 vehicles at 24 separate police, fire and EMS agencies.

Throughout this crisis, our first responders have been on the front lines, doing their jobs and keeping us safe in a truly selfless and heroic way. Helping them to be a little safer was the least we could do.

Production Manager Chris Ferguson put together this incredible video chronicling the work that we did – check it out on YouTube.

Why SERVPRO: Your One-Stop Shop for ALL Your Restoration Needs

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Call the only restoration company in the area that can handle ALL your restoration needs in-house!

What most people do not realize is that there are multiple steps and layers to fire and/or water restoration. First, a professional and well trained technician needs to come out and assess the damage. After, he can put together an effective drying plan that will get you back to normal faster and without causing secondary damage. From there our crews can begin the mitigation work necessary.

But, what about the rest? What about things like your textiles, important documents, and the reconstruction that comes after? Other restorations companies have to send that work out to other companies, which only takes longer and creates more stress.

However, SERVPRO of The Southtowns does not need to send any of this work. That’s right, we are your “one-stop shop” when it comes to all your fire and/or water restoration needs. We clean your textile and soft goods in house, which means they are returned to you faster! Our in-house Reconstruction Team is ready to rebuild you after the mitigation work is done so you do not need to stress and worry about finding an outside contractor.

Also, SERVPRO of The Southtowns can restore your important documents and photos. So, if you have fire and/or water damage give the only restoration company in the area that can handle all of your restoration needs in house! Call our office at (716) 646-6684 today and let us make your fire and/or water damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO: The Best Way to Move, Store and Track Your Belongings

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire and/or water damage is stressful enough. Don't stress over your belongings as well.

Sometimes after a fire and/or water loss items need to be removed from the home, either to be stored until the damage is restored or to be restored/cleaned. This can seem overwhelming, especially since you just a major loss. Your contents are important to you, and they are important to us too. So, don’t sweat it. SERVPRO of The Southtowns has a system in place to inventory, package and safely move/store your items.

Our professional technicians utilize Contents Tracker to successfully, and safely pack/store your belongings. Each item is individually inventoried, and a photo is taken. That item is then placed in box with a barcode that is tied to the item. So, at any point you can call us and say you want your Grandmother’s air loom perfume bottle and we will be able to locate it, and get it to you right away.

On top of knowing how to properly pack and move your belongings, SERVPRO of The Southtowns can store them in one of our pods our temperature controlled warehouse. That way, you do not have to worry about your belongings being exposed to secondary damage. Just one more reason of why you should choose SERVPRO of The Southtowns for all your fire and/or water damage needs. If you have experience fire and/or water damage needs, please give our office a call at (716) 646-6684.

Why SERVPRO: Teamwork Makes The Dream Work!

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

The phrase, "teamwork makes the dream work" holds true here at SERVPRO of The Southtowns!

You’ve probably heard the saying, “teamwork makes the dream work”, and here at SERVPRO of The Southtowns that holds true. Not only are our technicians some of the best in the industry, we are a family as well. All of our professional technicians know that when it comes to fire and/or water damage, teamwork is everything! When a major storm hits our area, our crews come together to ensure that we get to every person who calls our office. Or when a commercial building suffers a loss after hours, because fire and/or water damage rarely happens during business hours, our technicians rally together to be faster to any size disaster.

We’ve always got a professional crew on call, ready to jump into action and make your fire and/or water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Also, our crews are willing to put in the extra work when needed. When a local Buffalo, NY college needed a massive post construction cleaning done in one day before the first day of classes, our amazing technicians pulled together and volunteered to work into the late hours of the night to get the job done. That is teamwork at its finest. So, if you suffer from water or fire damage, choose the company that is faster to any size disaster! Call SERVPRO of The Southtowns at (716) 646-6684 today.

An interview with Travis Braun – Operations Manager at SERVPRO of The Southtowns

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Travis has been a part of the SERVPRO of The Southtowns family since 2006

An interview with Travis Braun – Operations Manager at SERVPRO of The Southtowns

What makes your proud to work at SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

The environment. We are a big “Family” company, not corporate, there is a direct line to each person in this company, an open door policy if you will.

What is something that still surprises you?

Never Settle. We are always striving for continuous improvements, such as the textile restoration division we just launched.

What is our greatest strength?

Compassion. We train everyone to have a “hero” mentality. We are usually dealing with people on their worst day. Every person in the company has to have great compassion for our customers to help them though their tougher times and get them back on their feet.

What is your management style?

I try to always be here to help if I am needed, but I prefer to give initial input and then let them perform with the best information they have and the training we’ve given them. This is a tough job and things change constantly. My team has to know that I trust them to make decision because I have set the expectation and given them the training to succeed.

Where do you see the company going in the next 5 – 10 years?

I want to double everything – double the building space, the truck fleet and the crew numbers. We have doubled in size over the last 5 - 7 years and I am looking forward to doing it again.

What would make someone successful at SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

Initially, just someone who has a good attitude, a willingness to listen and learn. Restoration is a specialized field, I don’t expect people to come in understanding the daily activities, just that they are excited and motivated to learn and succeed.  

What does a typical day in your job look like?

I spend most of my time communicating with adjusters on approvals for certain job criteria.  Also responsible for final invoices and compliance with the programs we are on. As the industry has evolved there has been major shifts in compliance and expectations between insurance companies and vendors. It is my primary responsibility to make sure that everything we do is in line with what the insurance companies request from us.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Travis! You are an integral part of our team.

An interview with Dan Duggan – Construction Manager at SERVPRO of The Southtowns

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Dan has been a part of the SERVPRO of The Southtowns family since 2012

An interview with Dan Duggan – Construction Manager at SERVPRO of The Southtowns

What is one of the most interesting projects you have worked on SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

We built a 2,000 square foot containment for mold remediation inside of a middle school gym. That was a really cool project to have the mitigation teams and reconstruction teams working together at the same time.

What makes you proud to work at SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

The sense of accomplishment when putting the finishing touches on a job.

What is something that still surprises you?

To this day, there are still jobs that blow my mind on the amount of damage caused by water and fire.

Why should customers hire us?

We can do it all, clean up, lineup subcontractors, rebuild. We truly handle the loss from A to Z.

What is our greatest strength?

The front office and communication. They are involved in ALL the jobs every step of the way. Customers feel safe and confident because of all the work our front office does.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Being right here where I am. Construction Manager at SERVPRO of The Southtowns, I’ll retire from here and truly love coming in every day.

What is your work environment like at SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

It’s a sports like atmosphere. Everybody working together to accomplish the same goal.

What is your management style?

I like to have a coach style. I set goals with my team every day and stay hands-on to teach and assist.

Where do you see the company going in the next 5 – 10 years?

We keep getting bigger and better! I’d like to double the construction division, maybe even my own office one day, haha!

What does a typical day in your job look like?

In the mornings I come in extra early, I like to get my crews prepped for the day’s schedule, set goals for what we will accomplish that day. Then I like to get out in the field and swing a hammer alongside my team.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Dan! You are an integral part of our team.

An interview with Chris Ferguson – Production Manager at SERVPRO of The Southtowns

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Chris has been a part of the SERVPRO of The Southtowns family since 2003

An interview with Chris Ferguson – Production Manager at SERVPRO of The Southtowns

What is one of the most interesting projects you have worked on SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

We had to set up a very large containment center for mold remediation in a middle school gymnasium. It was like building a room inside a room.

What makes you proud to work at SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

We are a family owned and operated business that is able to reach a lot of people when disaster strikes. Also, I am proud of how much we have grown since I started and all the technologic advances in the industry.

What is something that still surprises you?

The products and equipment are constantly being upgraded and improved.

What is our greatest strength?

Our knowledge and experience. After over 20 years in this industry, there isn’t much we haven’t seen.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Working my way up from carpet cleaner to a production manager. I am 15 years strong with SERVPRO of The Southtowns and I am constantly learning and striving for more!

What is your work environment like at SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

We are very team based. Everyone gets along and has fun, but when it’s time to take care of business we are all hands on deck.

What is your management style?

I would said I am fair but firm. I try to use teachable moments.

Where do you see the company going in the next 5 – 10 years?

We just keep growing! I am looking forward to hiring more people and being able to expand our reach to help more and more homes and businesses across Western New York.

What would make someone successful at SERVPRO of The Southtowns?

Commitment and hard work. This is not an easy job, there is manual labor, long nights, and dirty work sites, but someone who is willing and able to do what’s needed when its needed, able to change on the fly, things are always changing.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Chris! You are an integral part of our team.

When Disaster Strikes, Time is Key

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence when dealing with fire or water damage.

Whether its fire, water or mold damage time is KEY. In order to protect your home and belongings from further damage, immediate action is best. That’s where SERVPRO of The Southtowns comes in. Our professional, highly trained technicians know how to strategically begin to mitigation process to prevent further damage and protect/restore what’s important to you.

SERVPRO of The Southtowns is conveniently located in the village of Hamburg and a crew is ALWAYS on call to respond to your disaster. Once our office is notified of your loss, a certified technician will arrive onsite within an hour to begin assessing the damage. Within four hours a crew will have arrived onsite and the mitigation process will begin. From there our crew will put together a drying plan and communicate that information to the insurance adjuster/agent so that everyone is on the same page.

Our fleet of 17 trucks are ready to roll out at any time of day. So when disaster strikes, SERVPRO of The Southtowns will be ready to take action! We truly are faster to any size disaster. Should you experience fire or water damage, call our office immediately at (716) 646-6684.

Community Matters To Us

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Southtowns has been an active role in the Hamburg Community since 1995.

Lyn and Thom Braun have owned and operated SERVPRO of The Southtowns since 1995 and believe in being an active role in their local community. SERVPRO of The Southtowns has been a member of both BOMA and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce for the last 6 years. Our Marketing Manager Emily M. currently sits as the Treasurer for the BOMA Board and has recently accepted the role of Chair Elect for the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. We are also members of several other organizations that support different groups in our community. 

Each year we participate in several local events in support of our community such as the Hamburg Village Halloween Parade, supporting the Hamburg Farmers Market and donating to local charities. So when you come home to a burst pipe or heaven forbid a fire, call the people that you know and trust. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of The Southtowns at (716) 646-6684 to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Restore Vs. Replace: Why Having a Professional Matters

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can be the difference between hundreds of dollars of cleaning vs. thousands of dollars of replacement.

A general misconception among people that have suffered fire and/or water damage is that, “It is less expensive to replace rather than to restore.” However, professional technicians at SERVPRO of The Southtowns are trained to see beyond the misconceptions. Our certified technicians know that prioritizing mitigation and restoration efforts will not only stop further damage and reduce the loss, but also prevent secondary damage from occurring.

Having a professional on scene to assess the damage quickly can be the key difference between hundreds of dollars of cleaning vs. thousands of dollars of replacement. The mitigation process of cleaning yields excellent results at a cost-effective price. Mitigation stops further damage and reduces the loss, while restoration puts the damaged items back to their preloss condition. For ultimate results, mitigation needs to begin within twenty-four hours of a loss. Any delay will complicate or, may devalue the mitigation effort.

Our SERVPRO professionals utilize testing and measuring equipment to ensure that the moisture content has been returned to normal standards. Thus, preventing a multi-thousand dollar mold claim in the future, caused by ineffective drying. State-of-the-art meters and sensors allow us to document and record data that justifies equipment usage, as well as allow us to know when to safely remove it. Only the professionals at SERVPRO of The Southtowns can make it, “Like It Never Even Happened”.