Archived General Blog Posts
Job Opening- Production Crew Lead
9/17/2020 (Permalink)
Join our team today!
Production Crew Lead
SERVPRO® of Matteson-Homewood/ SERVPRO® of Calumet City-Lansing is hiring a Production Crew Chief
Do you love helping people through difficult situations?
Then, don’t miss your chance to join our Franchise as a new Production Crew Chief. In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened.”
Our Franchise is seeking someone who is comfortable working hard in challenging situations, enjoys meeting new people, has excellent communication skills, enjoys supervising others, and is a serious multi-tasker. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you’ll thrive in this work environment. Are you highly dependable and super-excited about routinely exceeding expectations? Then you may be our perfect hero!
As a valued SERVPRO® Franchise employee, you will receive a competitive pay rate, with opportunity to learn and grow.
Primary Responsibilities
Explain process and answer customer questions, as needed.
Monitor, communicate, and respond to customer needs/concerns.
Communicate clear expectations to Production Technicians and supervise their activities.
Perform production processes as scheduled and ensure quality control.
Identify safety hazards, communicate, and establish control measures to ensure the safety of occupants and workers.
Manage job file documentation to ensure complete and accurate project details.
Manage and control costs of production projects.
Manage assets by protecting and using equipment and materials properly.
Position Requirements
Effective written and oral communication
Basic math skills
Experience in cleaning/restoration preferred
High school diploma/GED
IICRC certifications preferred but
Minimum of 2 years mitigation experience
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly, occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance
Ability to climb ladders, work at ceiling heights, work in tight spaces (e.g., crawls spaces, attics)
Ability to sit/stand/walk for prolonged periods of time
Ability to repetitively push/pull/lift/carry objects
Ability to work with/around cleaning products/chemicals
Ability to travel locally and out of state when necessary
Ability to successfully complete a background check subject to applicable law
Ability to work on call/ nights/ and weekends
Preferred to live within service area
Job Opening- Production Technician
9/17/2020 (Permalink)
Become a HERO with our team today!
Production Technician
SERVPRO® of Matteson-Homewood / SERVPRO® of Calumet City- Lansing is hiring a Production Technician
Do you love helping people through difficult situations?
Then, don’t miss your chance to join our Franchise as a new Production Technician. In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened.”
Our Franchise is seeking someone who is comfortable working hard in challenging situations, enjoys meeting new people, has excellent communication skills, and is a serious multi-tasker. If you are self-motivated and have superb interpersonal skills, then you’ll thrive in this work environment. Are you highly dependable and super-excited about routinely exceeding expectations? Then you may be our perfect hero!
As a valued SERVPRO® Franchise employee, you will receive a competitive pay rate, with the opportunity to learn and grow.
Primary Responsibilities
Inventory and load the work vehicle with equipment, products, and supplies needed for each project.
Maintain a clean and organized vehicle and clean equipment appearance.
Prepare rooms/areas for work activities. Set up staging area and equipment for each project.
Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance.
Perform production processes following SERVPRO® production guidelines per work order per crew chief directions.
Ensure clear two-way communication with crew chief and other technicians (especially regarding customer needs and concerns).
Perform end-of-day/end-of-job cleanup and breakdown. Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance.
Position Requirements
Effective oral communication
Basic math skills
Experience in cleaning/restoration preferred
High school diploma/GED
IICRC certifications preferred
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly, occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance
Ability to climb ladders, work at ceiling heights, work in tight spaces (e.g., crawls spaces, attics)
Ability to sit/stand/walk for prolonged periods of time
Ability to repetitively push/pull/lift/carry objects
Ability to work with/around cleaning products/chemicals
Ability to travel locally and out of state when necessary
Ability to successfully complete a background check subject to applicable law
Ability to work on call/nights/and weekends
Preferred to live within service area
JOB OPENING - CONTROLLER
2/24/2020 (Permalink)
Join Our Team Today!
CONTROLLER Job Discription
*****Email resume to: BNichols@SERVPROKankakeeCounty.com
Position Summary / Purpose
Provide leadership and coordination of company financial planning, debt financing, and budget management functions. Ensure that company accounting procedures confirm to generally-accepted accounting principles.
Assist in managing the profitability and cash flow of the business that will assure the continued liquidity and growth of the company and the financial well-being of its stakeholders.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Direct and coordinate the company financial planning and budget management functions
- Manage the preparation of financial reports and forecasts
- Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget
- Oversee daily operations of the Finance department
- Design the organization structure for the Finance department, staff positions with qualified employees, and continually train and develop employees in order to effectively accomplish the department’s goals and objectives
- Ensure compliance with local, state/provincial, and federal reporting requirements
- Work with other department managers, executives, and owners to develop and execute the strategic plan
- Direct and coordinate debt financing and debt service payments with external agencies
- Direct financial planning, procurement, and investment of funds
- Recommend benchmarks for measuring the financial and operating performance of departments and divisions
- Direct financial audits and provide recommendations for process and procedure improvements
- Determination of depreciation rates to apply to company capital assets
- Establish and implement short and long-range departmental objectives, policies, and operating procedures
- Advise owners / management regarding property and liability insurance coverage needs
- Accurately prepare and file required tax forms
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in collecting overdue receivables
- Represent the company to external media, funding agencies, government agencies, and the general public
- Provide accounting policy orientation for new staff
Decision Rights and Authority
- Hiring, development, and termination decisions for finance department employees
- Creation of financial forecast and budget portion of strategic plan based on input from owners and department managers
- Determine when borrowing from existing line of credit is required
Working Relationships and Scope
- Regular communication with owner(s) and CEO regarding company performance and strategic issues
- Maintain communications and relationship with banking and lending organizations.
- Coordination with all department managers regarding budgets, operating performance, and strategic direction.
Performance Competencies
- Integrity–Ironclad. Does not cut corners. Puts the interests of the business above self. Earns trust of co-workers. Intellectually honest, doesn’t play games.
- Oral Communication–The individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Effective in one-on-one, small groups, and in public speaking contexts. Adaptable and able to think on his / her feet. Demonstrates a command of the language. Easily articulates ideas and standards.
- Written Communication–Writes clear, precise, well organized letters, proposals, and emails. Uses proper grammar and punctuation. Demonstrates appropriate vocabulary and correct word usage.
- Team Building–Achieves cohesion and effective team spirit with subordinates. Ability to motivate teams to produce quality output within tight timeframes and to simultaneously manage multiple projects. Sustains a climate characterized by open, honest relationships where differences are constructively addressed rather than ignored, suppressed, or denied. Treats subordinates fairly and shares credit.
- Sound Judgment and Decision Making–Demonstrates consistent logic, rationality, and objectivity in decision making. Driven by the financial well-being of the business and its stakeholders
- Planning and Organizing–Plans, organizes, schedules and budgets in an efficient, productive manner. Effectively contributes to the long-range planning activities. Focuses on key priorities. Pays attention to details. Manages personal time well.
- Money Management–Demonstrates sound fiscal habits. Employs a disciplined approach to spending. Tracks expenditures. Works from a budget.
- Excellence–Sets high, ‘stretch’, standards of performance for him / her self and their organization. Demonstrates low tolerance for mediocrity. Encourages individual initiative. Maintains a level of intensity sufficient to achieve long-range goals.
- Technology–the individual uses typical communication devices to effectively speed communication and appropriately utilizes company-approved estimating, customer contact management, and standard word processing and spreadsheet software tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy of work performed.
Qualifications-Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or related field plus CPA certification. (MBA or Master’s degree in finance or accounting is preferred but not required). Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in senior-level accounting or finance positions with similar sized and larger organizations.
- Finance, Accounting, Budgeting, and Cost Control
Extensive knowledge of the principles and concepts and significant experience in these areas – including generally accepted accounting principles. Knowledge of federal and state/provincial financial regulations. Ability to analyze financial data, prepare financial reports, statements, and projections. Working knowledge of short and long-term budgeting and forecasting.
Proven ability to identify clear opportunities and threats. Accurately assesses the company’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Comprehends the big picture.
Possesses strong mathematical skills. Able to quickly compute rate, ratio, and percentages and to interpret financial reports, analyze performance changes and trends. Recognizes inconsistencies across multiple reports and sets of data.
- Constructive Confrontation
Has the ability to solicit, process, and integrate inputs and ideas from subordinates, peers, and executives. Recognizes areas of conflict or disagreement and deals with them through open and honest dialogue. Effectively provides feedback. Willing to stand their ground based on sound principles and experience, in the face of opposition by owners and other executives.
Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems. Effectively operates accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks, Peachtree) and understands how to make changes to ledgers, accounts, and reports to reflect the needs of the business.
- Computers and Electronic Technology
Demonstrates intermediate to advanced skill in the use of computers, the internet, PDAs, and other digital technology specific to the job as well as MS Word, Excel, and other industry-specific software.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds.
Working Conditions
- Controller’s work is typically carried out in an office environment. Occasionally traveling to and meeting with customers and clients at their facilities is required.
- Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
***Email resume to: BNichols@SERVPROKankakeeCounty.com
Fire Extinguishers
6/24/2019 (Permalink)
Fire Extinguishers
First of all in case of a fire stay calm and alert everyone and get out of the building. Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.
First of all in case of a fire stay calm and alert everyone and get out of the building.
1. Call the fire department.
2. Then, if the fire is small, use the appropriate extinguisher.
ONLY FIGHT THE FIRE IF:
1. Everyone is out.
2. The fire is small and confined.
3. You can fight the fire with your back to a safe escape route.
4. You effectively know how to use a fire extinguisher.
5. The extinguisher is rated for the type of fire.
DO NOT FIGHT THE FIRE IF:
1. The fire is spreading beyond immediate area.
2. The fire could block your escape route.
3. You do not know how to use the fire extinguisher.
WHERE TO LOCATE FIRE EXTINGUISHER:
1. A home portable extinguisher is recommended for each level of your home.
2. A fire extinguisher should also be located in your garage, shop or work area, and each personal vehicle.
3. The extinguisher should be placed near an exit and in full view so they can be reached quickly and easily. If you make the decision to use it, you will be near an exit to escape if necessary.
4. For maximum protection in kitchen and garage fires, a portable fire extinguisher that will extinguish a class A, B and C fire is recommended.
THE THREE CLASSES OF FIRE:
Class A - ordinary combustibles, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubbish, rubber and plastics.
Class B - Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, grease , oil based paint, lacquer and flammable gas.
Class C - energized electrical equipment, including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.
HOW TO USE EXTINGUISHER:
Read the instructions, but in case of emergency, always remember this
P A S S
P. Pull the pin to unlock the handle.
A. Aim low at the base of the fire.
S. Squeeze the handle.
S. Sweep the unit from side to side.
PROPER MAINTENANCE:
1. Read the owners manual for proper instructions on maintenance.
2. Check gauge monthly for pressure drops.
3. Check for dents, punctures and corrosion along the body.
4. Check for chipping or cracking on the head and nozzle.
Always be sure to notify the Fire Dept. of the fire no matter how small so they can inspect the site and be sure the fire is extinguished.
Electrical Safety Tips for the Homeowner
5/14/2019 (Permalink)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOR THE CONSUMER
Electricity makes our lives easier. However, we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind.
Flipping a light switch. Plugging in a coffee maker. Charging a laptop computer. These are second nature for most of us.
Here are some safety tips from our friends at The National Fire Protection Association.
A) Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
B) When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements.
C) Only use one heat producing appliances such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc. plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
D) Extension cords and plug strips should not be used for major appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air-conditioners, microwave ovens, etc. These should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
E) Arc-fault circuit interrupters otherwise known as AFCI’s shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
F) Consider having ground–fault circuit interrupters installed - GCFI. These reduce the risk of shock they shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchen, garages and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be ground-fault circuit interrupter protected.
G) Test your ACFIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturers recommendations. You do not need a flame to start a fire. Fire can start when heat builds up near things that burn. This can happen when a hot light bulb is near things that burn. Things such as cloth or paper, or a cord that has been placed under a carpet.
H) Consider using ground – fault circuit interrupters to reduce the risk of shock. These items shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home and bathrooms, kitchen, garages and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
I) Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
J) When installing light bulbs be sure to make sure the number of watts is applicable for the product. There should be a sticker that indicates the right number of watts.
Here are some additional thoughts:
Call a qualified electrician or if you rent your landlord if you have:
A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.
Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
Flickering or dimming lights.
Discolored or warm wall outlets.
A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance.
Sparks from an outlet.
Simple safety precautions save lives and property.
Home Escape Plan
4/5/2019 (Permalink)
Make a Plan!
Plan Ahead!
If a fire breaks out in your home you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.
SAFETY TIPS
1. Make a Home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
2. No at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
3. Have an outside meeting place like a tree, light pole, or mailbox. Make sure it is a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
4. Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home at least twice a year.
5. Practice using different ways out.
6. Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
7. Close doors behind you as you leave.
IF THE ALARM SOUNDS...
1. If the smoke alarm sounds get out and stay out! Never go back inside for people or pets.
2. If you have to escape through spoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
3. Call the fire department from outside your home.
FACTS
! A closed door may show with the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms inside every sleeping room and outside each sleeps area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
! According to an NFPA survey, Only one of three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
! While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it.
! 1/3 of American households call made an estimate thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their own home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% set their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out.
The Continuing Education Classes for Insurance Agents Registration is Now Available
7/20/2016 (Permalink)
The C.E. Classes Open Registration Form from SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood.
SERVPRO Is Once Again Hosting the C. E. Classes
By offering free continuing education classes (C.E.) to our local insurance agents, we can give back to our communities goodwill and the mutual understanding of helping each other. Because we are a group of three locally owned SERVPRO franchises, we can reach out and assistance a large number of insurance agents with their required on-going Ethics Class. We believe that knowledge is power, and just as we are educated, equipped, and well trained in our field of restoration, we can assist others to maximize their abilities to perform at a high level.
As shown in the photo to the right, these Two Continuing Education Classes will be held on consecutive days towards the end of September 2016. Click this link to download a PDF registration form. Todd Davis, who has traveled to Matteson to offer mold remediation, and other courses, in the past, will once again be the SERVPRO Corporate instructor for these two classes for the Fall session. SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood will be one of the local franchises to provide free breakfast and lunch to all the participants. Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php? After the Ethics Class, he will instruct a refresher class on "Understand Mold in the Restoration Industry.” Mold remediation can be a complicated topic for homeowners, insurance agents, and our highly trained AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians. Knowing how to grapple with mold infestations can mitigate liabilities and costs while ensuring better protection from any health effects.
Consider SERVPRO as a source for keeping our communities safe following any fire, water, or mold problems. Please call us for registration for the C.E. Classes or help with your home or business. (708) 747-9925
March 2016 CE Classes - Free - Ethics & Homeowner and Auto Policy Exclusions
12/31/2015 (Permalink)
March 2016 CE Class Schedule
We are offering 2 FREE CE classes this Spring.
March 2nd, at the Holiday Inn Express in Bourbonnais, IL we have our Ethics Class from 9AM-12PM. Followed by our Homeowners & Auto Policy Exclusions Class from 1PM-4PM.
March 3rd, at the Calumet County Club in Homewood, IL we have our Ethics Class from 9AM-12PM. Followed by our Homeowners & Auto Policy Exclusions Class from 1PM-4PM.
Please see the flier for more details.
Earn up to 7 credits in one day for your license renewal.
CCFM Conference for 2015
1/20/2015 (Permalink)
The annual Conference for Catholic Facility Management, CCFM for 2015 will be in Savannah, Georgia. Meetings will be held May 11, 12, and 13, 2015 at the beautiful Hyatt Regency, in Savannah on Bay Street.
SERVPRO is a CCFM Platinum Level Sponsor.
Helping Sell Homes Faster in Olympia Fields, IL
12/8/2014 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood providing MOLD remediation in Olympia Fields, IL at a home for sale.
SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood is a proud partner with numerous Realtors in the Olympia Fields IL area to helping get homes off the market. General house cleaning, carpet cleaning, mold remediation and duct cleaning services are just a few services our agent partners have requested. Olympia Fields Illinois is a wonderful area to raise a family and the homes for sale are priced to sell.
24/7 Emergency Service
