Wishing you a safe and Happy New Year! 2014 has a lot in store for the Restoration Technical Institute, make sure you check out or website www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com and see it all!

RTI Elves

Happy Holidays from us at the Restoration Technical Institute! Wishing you and yours a great holiday season, come back to RTI in 2014 for lots of great IICRC classes!

Click on the picture of the RTI elves below to watch some Holiday fun!

 

Our Gift to You This Holiday Season!

  

We want to give you the gift of education this year with this special gift. Sign up for any IICRC class here at the Restoration Technical Institute before December 31, 2013 and receive the opportunity to come to Insurance for the Restoration Professional CE class for free! This class is being held on Thursday January 23, 2014 taught by Paul Pinchak. When you register for an IICRC class put the words "insurance gift" in the Special Instructions box.

Follow this link to register today!
http://www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com/Courses_Registration.php

Because I care
Because You are Always there
Through Soot and Grime
From Wet to Dry
You make a Difference in All you do
And for that I have a gift for you
The Gift of Education
For you to hold Dear
To help you Succeed
From Year to Year 
 (By Lisa Lavender, C.O.O)

 

2013 coming to an end!

As the year 2013 comes to an end, we have a lot scheduled for 2014 and a lot more to come! We had such a great year here at the Restoration Technical Institute with a lot of wonderful memories. Click on the link below to see what we have going on for the new year.

http://www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com/Home_Page.php

Water Restoration Technician (WRT)

We just finished up Water Restoration Technician yesterday and had a great group of students here at the Restoration Technical Institute. It is always a pleasure having new students come to classes, and of course having students come back for more education. Our next Water class is February 2014, if you want to get certified.



Congratulations to our new Water Restoration Technicians!

Restoration Technical Institute in the News

"Insurance companies want to use companies that have their technicians certified, especially with water, fire, smoke and mold, where there are potential liabilities if things aren't done the right way," Downey said. John Downey, IICRC Vice Chairman of the Communications Committee quoted in the attached article about the Restoration Technical Institute.

http://readingeagle.com/article/20131203/BUSINESSWEEKLY/312039983?goback=.gmr_4537065.gde_4537065_member_5813651709288812548#.Up4iYO8o6rQ




 Steve Schumm, director of education at the Restoration Technical Institute, shows Lenny Altland
 of McSherrystown, Adams County, how to use a thermal fogger.

 

 

Get your technicians certified in WATER before the pipes start to freeze and there's a

winter water loss. There is still time to register at The Restoration Technical Institute for

Water Restoration Technician Tuesday December 3- Thursday December 5, 2013 ..

Click the link below to get registered!

http://www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com/Courses_Registration.php

Tip for your Success: Doff your PPE

 A great video from our Applied Microbial Remediation Technician Course last week with instructor Destry Ransdell.

We like to have fun here at the Restoration Technical Institute! We want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for our students, friends and customers. Safe travels this week and the rest of the holiday season.

Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

We had a great group this week November 19- November 22, 2013 at the Restorations Technical Institute as well as a great instructor Destry Ransdell. Congratulations to the new IICRC certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians.

Collaboration Training? We planned three great company parties and made a couple of people extremely frustrated.

We did the exercise in the attached article in a recent management meeting. We divided into three groups and then they were told that they would be planning a memorable company party. Everyone was instantly excited by the task at hand. Each group designated an idea GIVER. Then we separated the idea givers from the rest of the team. The other team members were instructed to instantly shoot down every idea and explain why. After 5 minutes, they were told to stop. One idea giver exclaimed, "I want a new group!".

We proceeded with the exercise as presented and the teams rotated idea GIVERS. In the last round, the groups were told to say, "yes" to the ideas and build and add to the ideas presented.

It was a great experience for the team. During the first round (the shoot it down group), the room was tense, the idea GIVERS were visibly frustrated, the energy in the room that existed when they were presented with the task of party planning quickly was sucked out by the negative responses. During the last group, when they were building on ideas, there were lots of smiles and laughter, when time was up, all the teams were declaring, "We planned the best party!"

We experienced the concept of "Collaboration" first hand and its value. What if this approach was applied to all of our problem solving? All strategic planning? At all levels in the organization? 

I encourage you to try this with your group. It is one thing to read about this concept and it is another thing to see it, feel it, and enjoy the benefits of it. It is well worth 30 minutes in your next meeting.

Follow the link below to read more about the improv exercise!

What Improv Can Teach Your Team About Creativity And Collaboration

Commerical Floor Drying

Tip for your Success: Dry a Gymnasium Floor while allowing the client to continue to use it? This video tip from Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) with Chuck Boutall will show you how.

 

 

We have moved

You can't help but to recall all the memories that were born at 350 Bern Street. At the Restoration Technical Institute, our building is our second home. We have many wonderful memories in our building from the students and instructors. We have had a lot of laughs and a couple tears.

 

As today being our first day in our new home at 1145 Commons Boulevard in Muhlenberg, it is with a tinge of sadness but mostly excitement that our new building was built and designed around our memories and experiences. Our doors were placed strategically for optimal flow our HVAC system designed for our students comfort.

We could tell you about our new training room, the new climate controlled storage for our clients, or tell you about the Ice Cream Machine and Soda Fountain in our Hospitality Room; but we rather you stop in and see it for yourself. As of today Monday, October 21, 2013, we will be calling our new building home.

 

The team at the Restoration Technical Institute look forward to making new memories with you in our new building for years to come.

 

 

Are you color blind? You can still do a color repair

October 23-24: IICRC Color Repair Technician (CRT) (Prerequisite: IICRC Certification in CCT or CCMT)

The attached article from Cleanfax discusses adding color repair service to your carpet cleaning business and some of the new technology available to assist in color repair. 

If you have worked with the app in performing color repair, please share your experience with the group.

Color Repair Services

cleanfax.com

Most carpet cleaning technicians have avoided spot dyeing because it seemed too challenging to them. They had difficulty with color matching and colorfastness.

RRT Carpet Repair and Reinstallation coming to the Restoration Technical Institute

Carpet Repair and Reinstallation and the IICRC S-600

Are you keeping up to date on what’s happening at the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)? Do you know what the S600 is all about? If not. Let me enlighten you. The ANSI/IICRC S600 Standard and Reference Guide will cover both Residential and Commercial Carpet Installations. Click on the following link for more information. http://www.iicrc.org/standards/iicrc-s600/

Mark Violand will be at the Restoration Technical Institute on September 24-25, 2013 teaching the Institute (IICRC) Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Course. I have to admit. I took this course about two years ago with one interest in mind. I needed this course to complete my Master certifications. On completion of this course it is in my opinion that every Owner, Manager, and Technician should attend this class. Water losses might have to have the carpet disengaged. What two tools are required for proper carpet disengagement? Why does carpet delaminate? Can it be repaired?

Mark uses this joke in his class. “I did not use a power stretcher because there was no electricity” Unless I have been misinformed, I don’t know of a power stretcher that is plugged in. You will be amazed as to how many carpets are only being installed with just a carpet kicker. Did you know you can look at the back of the carpet and tell if the carpet was installed with a power stretcher or not? How many carpets are being installed with no seam sealer? Learn to identify pre-existing conditions. As restorers and carpet cleaners we should always be looking for pre-existing conditions prior to commencing work. This then leads me to what class is being offered next. Are you looking for pre-existing conditions before you begin a carpet extraction?

Mark will also be here on September 26-27, 2013 as the instructor for the IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician class. Why not send your technicians to both of these classes? Click on the following link for value pricing when you attend both. http://www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com/Courses_Registration.php Look for the Sale Tags!

Follow us on Facebook and our LinkedIn Company Page for September and future class discounts!

iicrc.org iicrc.org

Welcome Emily!

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself...my name is Emily Mixell. Today marks my newest adventure in life, today is my first day as the new Training Services Manager for the Restoration Technical Institute. I am excited to start working at the Restoration Technical Institute and learn all aspects of the company. I graduated in May 2013 from Lycoming College with a B.A in Commercial Design. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Please share any feedback on our course offerings or discussion topics that interest you. I look forward to working with you and being part of the Restoration Technical Institute Group.

The Restoration Technical Institute will become the first dedicated training school for iCAT contents restoration software, Canada

We are thrilled to work with iCAT. Our Contents Restoration Curriculum will combine iCAT's cloud based solution for efficient inventorying, tracking, and reporting with hands on contents processing.

The program will combine theory with practical application so that graduates can succeed in the field of Contents Restoration.

iCAT issued the attached press release with more information.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/8/prweb11059305.htm

What do Bed Bud Infested Textiles and Condition 2 Mold Textiles Have in Common?

Dissolvable laundry bags were originally designed to contain bed bug infested laundry and linens but are a great tool for processing Condition 2 Mold textiles as well. Remind your team to properly "sort" the textiles during packout because they are going right into your machines. Bug Bag dissolvable laundry bags are a great tool when dealing with a bed bug infestation. With these water soluble laundry bags, you can help prevent infesting other parts of your home when transporting bags. I should also add that proper protocol following the S520 should be used - PPE, Containment, etc. in regards to Mold Remediation. These bags can be found at www.bedbugsupply.com

What's in Your Wallet? (really, your Restoration Tool Box)

Why would you have an electric knife in your Bio-Cleanup kits? An electric knife is a great tool to cut out affected foam and mattress material for proper disposal. Learn this tip and more during Forensic Restoration Class, September 10-12 instructed by industry great, Don McNulty. Visit the Courses/Registration page of our website for more information on this amazing class!

What is "Bugging" the Paint Industry?

SHELLAC SHORTAGE     

By Gene Lemons – Texas Paint & Wallpaper


A world-wide shortage of raw shellac resin is really bugging the paint industry and causing price escalations that we have not seen, in the paint coating industry, since World War II.
Shellac is a natural resin secreted from the female lac beetle during their mating season. This secretion is gathered from trees, branches and leaves, which are primarily located in the south-east Asia nations of India and Thailand.
Shellac is used in a number of specialty convenience products which are then used by consumers world-wide.  Some of the uses of shellac include products produced for nail polish, paint coatings, food processing, medical equipment use, ink products, and many other applications. Although the shelf-life of the raw shellac flakes are indefinite, the shelf-life of liquified shellac is not as long as other paint coatings made from vinyl, lacquer, or other more synthetic resins. So, “stocking-up” while supplies last may not be the best idea.

Although world-wide demand for raw shellac has risen, there doesn’t appear to be any “one thing” that has caused the shortage of raw shellac resin. One possible reason given for the shortages is that the beetles are being disturbed by human encroachments into their normal mating areas.
In its raw state, shellac is an amber flake that can be liquified into a paint coating, which can then can be applied to wood surfaces, to provide a very long-lasting protective film.
As costs continue to escalate, we anticipate a very unstable pricing market for the products we sell which are made from shellac. These products include clear and amber shellac coatings as well as shellac based primer-sealers.
While shellac has served the paint industry very well, keep in mind that there are a number of other paint products that can do many of the jobs that shellac can do.

• Varnishes and lacquers will provide a beautiful long-lasting clear finish for hardwood floors, cabinets, doors and other wood surfaces that require a natural finish.
• Water-borne and alkyd-based primer-sealers can provide the same sealing power of shellac over most stains and smoke damages.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Restoration Technical Institute has a variety of Sponsorship Opportunities available. Please view the attached video and see how you can have your products seen by thousands of industry specific individuals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi0_mbqCFGs

Emotional Intelligence

Great self evaluation tool in the attached article. A good constructive performance review can really help people achive their goals.


http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130627123742-117825785-nine-ways-to-think-about-your-own-emotional-intelligence?goback=%2Egmr_4537065%2Egde_4537065_member_253558968

Meth Lab Decontamination: July 25-26

The Restoration Technical Institute is excited to be hosting a Meth Lab Decontamination course on July 25-26. We have had a lot of interest in this course and a lot of questions. The attached article published by USA Today may answer some of your questions and help you to evaluate if this is a service niche and training program that interests you.

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-03-25/meth-labs-cleanup/53773592/1?goback=%2Egmr_4537065%2Egde_4537065_member_251304461

If you are interested in this class or any other courses, please visit our website www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com or give us a call at 610-926-0223

Building Containment - Mold Remediation and Water Mitigation

Containment is Critical in the Restoration Industry.  We need containment for Mold Remediation and Shrinking the Drying Area during Water Mitigation.  During the repair, reconstruction, and restoration phases of a project, containment systems can be used for dust control and minimizing seondary damage.   

Enjoy the video about how slip fittings can be helpful.  Please share any containment tips that you may have.

Remediating and Restoring in the presence of Bird and/or Bat Droppings - Histoplasmosis

Proper Personal Protective wear is imperative to protect against exposure to Histoplasmosis when working in conditions that have bird and/or bat droppings.  The link below from the Center for Disease Control provides a full guide, "Protecting Workers at Risk". 

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-109/

Are you on LinkedIn or Facebook?

The Restoration Technical Institute is proud to promote their new Company Page on LinkedIn. We invite you to follow our page and encourage followers to provide us with feedback regarding specific content you would find valuable such as pictures, videos, class updates, etc.

The Restoration Technical Institute Group on LinkedIn and our Restoration Technical Institute Page on Facebook are both reliable resources as well. Our Facebook and LinkedIn are great ways to stay up to date on the latest class offerings in Reading, PA. Feel free to join us in meaningful discussions regarding relevant issues while giving and getting tips.

We welcome you to all of our social media groups/pages and look forward to future discussions.

Mold and Microbial Training and Certification is a Must Have

It is important to have the skills and credentials to provide Mold Remediation services.  The IICRC's AMRT class is one of the most respected certifications in the industry. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fWTsxZkCIy4

Estimating in the World of Insurance Restoration

Last week, we had a great class at the Restoration Technical Institute, Estimatics 101.  We taught the fundamentals of good estimate writing.  Estimate writing is an art.  A solid estimating skill set and technique can be easily adapted to many software programs and platforms. 

How can there be different prices for the same repair?  The following are the main sources of differences in estimates. 

1.  Scope of Work

 A.  Dimensions and Measurements

 B.   Depth of Work

2. Use of Different Software 

    Systems and/or  databases for unit costs

3. Different Grade Selections by Estimator

4. Minimum charges, custom features, unique items. 

Share with us other areas that you find result in differences in estimates. 




http://www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com/

 

Case Study Contest Example

Need help getting started? Check out the example on our website: http://www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com/Case_Study_Library.html

Water Mitigation Case Study Contest - Win a FREE IICRC Class

Case studies are a great way to learn and allow us to celebrate the successes of our industry. To enter, post in this group, on our Facebook, Blog, or email submissions to steve@restorationtechnicalinstitute.com.

The success may be the scope of the mitigation, the conditions, the saving of a special content, or the minimization of interruption, and more. Enter as many times as you would like, pictures are optional. Please do not use specific client's names or business names.

Submissions will be featured in our new Case Study Library. Entry Deadline is May 31, 2013. The winner will be announced June 3 and win a FREE CLASS (up to $600) for your company.

Follow this outline for your Case Studies:

CONTACT NAME (contact info), COMPANY, TITLE OF CASE STUDY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF LOSS

IDENTIFY THE CHALLENGE

DESCRIBE THE MITIGATION

DEFINE THE SUCCESS

This Case Study contest features Water Mitigation; other areas of expertise will be featured in future contests.

I am looking forward to learning from your Case Studies and celebrating your successes with you.http://www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com/

A Successful Restoration Business has People Strategy

http://businessweekly.readingeagle.com/harness-the-power-of-your-people-viewpoint/

Health Insurance Reform affects the Restoration Industry

I have attended two seminars about Health Insurance Reform in the past week and one thing is certain.  It will affect the Restoration Industry; actually it will affect every person and every industry in some way.

As unpleasant as it may sound, it is time to get educated.  As requirements and implications are changing at a rapid pace; we all must understand how it will affect our companies and be prepared and plan. 

Exceeding Expectations in the Restoration Industry

Customer Service in the Restoration Industry...Any Industry

The Restoration Technical Institute's 3 Cs to Customer Service
1.  Customer Identification
2.  Company Culture
3.  Communication

Containment Tip

Quality Control

Consistency in your quality and service delivery is important.  How do you ensure this?

It is not easy and never 100%.  We are in a service industry where every project is unique. 

One tip to get things headed in the right direction is to make your "standards of care" as uniform as possible.  Your team needs to know and understand the expectations.  Once you have clearly communicated expectations, begin inspecting.  You know the saying, "INSPECT WHAT YOU EXPECT". 

Make sure you praise a job well done. 

Welcome To Our Restoration Technical Institute Blog

We hope you join us by participating in our blog. 

We are passionate about helping you find success in all you do. 

Please share your struggles, insights, and successes with us. 

http://www.restorationtechnicalinstitute.com/