Archived General Blog Posts
Consistent Communication
9/21/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® is always Here to help.
SERVPRO® of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa knows that when your residential or commercial property is threatened with damage, it can be a very stressful and unknown time. This is why we make it a priority to communicate with our clients every step of the way. SERVPRO® will provide detailed information to our customers in every step of the restoration process so that our valued customers are never left in the dark. Afterall, having repair teams working on your private property and belongings can come with questions or concerns.
Beginning with the initial phone call to SERVPRO, our office staff will talk through options and scheduling with the customer. The staff will gather information and let the customer know that SERVPRO is here to help. A Project Manager will scope the loss and provide an estimate. These managers will also discuss the restoration process with the customer and inform him or her of the work that will need to be done on the property. Our skilled technicians will work to make fire, water or mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Our consistent communication continues through the payment process with our office staff and follow-up conversations.
Helping to restore your house back into your home.
5/15/2018 (Permalink)
Home: (noun) 1. The place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household. 2. Any place of residence or refuge.
You have worked hard to turn your house into a home. You have so many memories in your home and when disaster strikes you want to preserve those memories. At SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa, we are here to help you restore your home and personal contents. We are diligent and work hard to get you back into your home.
Our warehouse cleaning technicians take good care of your contents to make sure they get back to you restored and “Like it never even happened.”
Give us a call at SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa when disaster decides to strike on your home.
When Mother Nature makes a roaring entrance SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa makes it “Like it never even happened.”
2/26/2018 (Permalink)
Make March memorable and make a roaring entrance!
“In like a lion out like a lamb.” As we head into March we are still in winter and then we slowly transition into spring. Iowa weather is so incredibly unpredictable we can go through three different seasons in one day! No matter what the weather brings know that SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa is here to help. Whether there are heavy winds that require us to securely board up your home, excessive rainfall that floods your basement and damages your contents, or your neighbor has a sump pump or sewage back up that flows into your basement. Feel free to give us a call when a disaster or Mother Nature strikes. With the winter we have had you can look forward to spring starting on March 20th.
SERVPRO Emergency Green Vehicles are equipped to cleanup your emergencies.
12/20/2017 (Permalink)
Contact SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa for your emergency water and fire cleanup needs.
Green is on the Scene with our many different types of vehicles. During emergency water and fire calls we respond with our trucks all ready to go! Thanks to some of our amazing staff these trucks keep stocked
We have a water truck that we bring to the job site to extract water right on the premises. This helps to ensure that the drying process can start quickly so your water emergency can get cleaned up. We also have other vehicles that are designated for large loss jobs and removing your affected content for cleaning at our shop. When you see the green SERVPRO vehicles you know we are helping you, your neighbors, and your local businesses get back to everyday life quickly and efficiently.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
9/14/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to help. Take the time to reduce property damage by doing these things this fall to prevent property damage. Winter is around the corner and Iowa winter temperatures are cold and harsh. Be prepared by taking a little action now by doing a little fall preventative maintenance.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
- Stow Your Mower
- Store hoses and turn off outdoor water
- Drain and turn off sprinkler systems
- Seal cracks around doors and windows
- Clean your gutters
- Inspect your roof
- Direct drainage away from your house
- Get your furnace serviced
- Prune your plants
- Look up the chimney for any blockages and check the dampers to make sure they are working
When damage happens though know we are here to help make it " Like it never even happened"
Items in an Emergency Supply Kit
9/14/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa believes in being READY. One of the first ways of doing this is to have an emergency supply kit. It may be different depending on what type of disasters you are likely to encounter but this is a good starter list.
- Water ( one gallon water per person per day)
- Food ( non-perishable 3-day supply)
- Battery-operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal help
- Dust mask
- Hygiene items
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener
- Local Maps
- Cell phone with chargers
- Cash
- Important documents
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches
Put this emergency kit in a safe place that easily able to be found by all members of your family.
Sign Up for our Periodic Newsletter
3/3/2017 (Permalink)
3/3/2017
Click the below link to sign up for our periodic informational newsletter. We send out our newsletter frequently. The newsletter is an informational tool that we use to stay in touch with our SERVPRO friends. The newsletter provides information about how SERVPRO is different from other restoration/mitigation companies. We include content on the equipment we use, how we do the work we do, things that are going on in our community, and provide you information to help you be prepared in the event of a disaster. There newsletter also links you quickly to our website for easy access to blog information and before and after pictures of the work that we do. There is also a quick link to our services page so you can learn more about what we do and how we can help you or someone you know when you need us most. Please take the time to click Sign Up and we will put your email on our newsletter list.
Hiring for Production and Cleaning Technicians
2/23/2017 (Permalink)
We're hiring for all locations, Iowa City/Coralville, Ottumwa/Oskaloosa, and Des Moines East and SW - Full Time production and cleaning techs! HS diploma/GED, valid driver's license required, competitive pay/benefits. Full description/application at www.SERVPRO.careerplug.com or send resume to andrea@SERVPRO.me
We believe in a team environment. We support each other and cross train when needed.
We offer a health insurance option to our full time staff.
We believe in training and supporting our staff. There are many areas of advancement in house. Our production and cleaning staff are a big part of helping people after a disaster help put their lives back together. All of our employees have a lot of empathy for our clients. If you have a big heart and desire to help people this is the place for you.
Ready At All Times
2/8/2017 (Permalink)
One of our many van trucks.
We have a promise to our clients. WE ARE READY at all times. We have a staff of over 40 people ready to help after any size disaster. We have staff on call at night and on the weekends to make sure that when we are needed we are ready. We have different size vehicles all stocked and fueled ready to leave at a moments notice. We have a very mobilized fleet. We have cars, trucks, trailers, and van trucks. We have a highly trained staff with crew leaders with over 90 years of combined experience in the mitigation and restoration business. They maintain certifications in residential and commercial approved structural drying, fire and smoke restoration, odor control, water damage restoration, carpet and duct cleaning, and biohazard. Our staff is ready to help you.
Emergency Ready Profiles
2/7/2017 (Permalink)
We offer a service of helping businesses develop an emergency ready profile for their business at no cost. We offer a free app to also maintain this critical contact and property information electronically in advance, where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if a disaster strikes, also free. This information can be shared very easily with staff. This ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk area, shut off valve locations, insurance contacts, and more. We believe in helping to reduce property damage when a disaster occurs. We provide a paper copy, emailed copy, and the app copy of the Emergency Ready Profile for easy access by all employees. We believe in being proactive not reactive to an emergency situation. These profiles are proven to help reduce the amount of damage that occurs if kept current and utilized. Call and schedule your appointment with one of our great staff to help develop your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.
2017 CE Classes in Iowa City/Coralville Areas
2/6/2017 (Permalink)
We are excited to announce that our CE Classes for Spring AND Fall are now available and waiting for you to get signed up!
We are offering more classes this year (morning and afternoon options) and also options for all-day classes to better accommodate you and your schedule! We hope to see you this year!
The website link can be found below, but here is a breakdown of our classes in the Iowa City/Coralville area this year:
http://SERVPRO2017ceclassschedule.eventbrite.com
1) Course Topic: Ethics & Truth (SPRING Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)
Date: Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Coralville Marriot Hotel
300 E 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241
2) Course Topic: Winners & Losers: The E & O Story (SPRING Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)
Date: Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Coralville Marriot Hotel
300 E 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241
3) Course Topic: Cowboy Ethics (FALL Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)
Date: Wednesday, September 20th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Coralville Radisson Hotel
1220 1st Ave, Coralville, IA 52241
4) Course Topic: Winners & Losers: The E & O Story (FALL Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)
Date: Wednesday, September 20th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Coralville Radisson Hotel
1220 1st Ave, Coralville, IA 52241
Lunch is provided for all attendees (12PM-12:30PM)—come half an hour before for registration
There are afternoon options available on the same dates as the morning sessions at the same location. If there is an interest to participate in a whole day of CE Class sessions, remember to register for both the morning and afternoon classes (a whole day session is $50.00)
2017 CE Classes in the Ottumwa Area
2/6/2017 (Permalink)
We are excited to announce that our CE Classes for Spring AND Fall are now available and waiting for you to get signed up!
We are offering more classes this year (morning and afternoon options) and also options for all-day classes to better accommodate you and your schedule! We hope to see you this year!
The website link can be found below, but here is a breakdown of our classes in the Ottumwa area this year:
http://SERVPRO2017ceclassschedule.eventbrite.com
1) Course Topic: Ethics For Dummies (SPRING Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)
Date: Tuesday, June 6th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Bridgeview Center
102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501
2) Course Topic: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire (SPRING Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)
Date: Tuesday, June 6th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Bridgeview Center
102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501
3) Course Topic: Ethics & Truth (FALL Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)
Date: Wednesday, November 15th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Bridgeview Center
102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501
4) Course Topic: E & O Mock Trial (FALL Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)
Date: Wednesday, November 15th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Bridgeview Center
102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Lunch is provided for all attendees (12PM-12:30PM)—come half an hour before for registration
There are afternoon options available on the same dates as the morning sessions at the same location. If there is an interest to participate in a whole day of CE Class sessions, remember to register for both the morning and afternoon classes (a whole day session is $50.00)
2017 CE Classes in Des Moines/Ankeny Areas
2/6/2017 (Permalink)
We are excited to announce that our CE Classes for Spring AND Fall are now available and waiting for you to get signed up!
We are offering more classes this year (morning and afternoon options) and also options for all-day classes to better accommodate you and your schedule! We hope to see you this year!
The website link can be found below, but here is a breakdown of our classes in the Des Moines/Ankeny areas this year:
http://SERVPRO2017ceclassschedule.eventbrite.com
1) Course Topic: Cowboy Ethics (SPRING Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)
Date: Thursday, May 11th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: Glen Oaks Country Club
1401 Glen Oaks Dr., W Des Moines, IA 50266
2) Course Topic: Insurance Claims for Water, Mold, Crime Scene & Biohazard (SPRING Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)
Date: Thursday, May 11th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: Glen Oaks Country Club
1401 Glen Oaks Dr., W Des Moines, IA 50266
*To gain access to the Glen Oaks Country Club facility: At the security gate, let the personnel know you are attending the SERVPRO CE Class*
3) Course Topic: Ethics for Dummies (FALL Morning Session) (9:00am-12:00pm)
Date: Wednesday, October 18th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 8:30 AM
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Ankeny Courtyard by Marriot
2405 SE Creekview Dr., Ankeny, IA 50021
4) Course Topic: Industry Hot Topics (FALL Afternoon Session) (12:30pm-4:30pm)
Date: Wednesday, October 18th, 2017
Registration: Begins at 12:00 PM
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Todd Davis, CIC
Course ID #: Pending Filing Processing
Cost: $25.00
Location: The Ankeny Courtyard by Marriot
2405 SE Creekview Dr., Ankeny, IA 50021
Lunch is provided for all attendees (12PM-12:30PM)—come half an hour before for registration
There are afternoon options available on the same dates as the morning sessions at the same location. If there is an interest to participate in a whole day of CE Class sessions, remember to register for both the morning and afternoon classes (a whole day session is $50.00)
Hiring for Marketing Representative
5/4/2016 (Permalink)
Marketing Representative
SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville and Ottumwa/Oskaloosa, a cleaning & restoration Company specializing in water & fire mitigation, is currently hiring for a Marketing Representative.
Responsibilities
Primary Role: Promote and communicate franchise services in business to business interaction to achieve increased use of, and profit from, our services for residential and commercial losses. Grow and develop residential and commercial customer base by utilizing a systematic process to identify new prospects and to routinely contact and follow up with customers or COI (Center of Influence). Build relationships with such clientele as insurance agents and become acquainted with local law enforcement and fire departments. When losses occur, this clientele should feel comfortable calling you. Daily travel is required. This job requires occasional overnight/weekend stays and, depending on event duration, (ie: conventions, trade shows, etc.) may require extended stays. Conduct repetitive contact calls as follow up to losses and continue to build relationships and educate the customer as to why SERVPRO is the best cleaning and restoration company in the industry. Utilize SERVPRO marketing materials and tools to educate potential residential and commercial customers of the benefits from choosing SERVPRO and gain maximum exposure to the public. Grow public relations by attending scheduled marketing events within the community and help orchestrate such events as assigned by existing marketing team, ie: continuing education courses in various fields related to our clientele, public relations events and community outreach. Attendance at certain Chamber and community events will be required. You will schedule and present Lunch and Learns for larger groups. You will also work in conjunction with existing marketing team to provide administrative help and put together Emergency Response Profiles for commercial accounts.
Results Expected: Continual increased usage of SERVPRO’s services throughout the assigned territory. New customers are routinely added and customer base is diverse. Both internal and external communications are timely and effective.
Minimum Requirements
- HSD/GED and 1 to 2 years preferred in sales/marketing and customer service
Valid Driver license
Pass background check and drug test
Subject to verbal and written scenario testing
Understand production and estimating processes
Complete documentation, as appropriate
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including proper punctuation, grammar and use of courteous and professional tone, via voice, email or text at all times
Ability to meet people in new or difficult situations and build rapport
Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
Very self-motivated and goal-oriented
Ability to multi-task
Capability to work in a fast-paced, team oriented office environment
Proficient in Microsoft Office (ie: Outlook, Word, Excel)
Ability to produce well worded emails and social media posts. Will be primary social media handler (ie: Facebook, Twitter, Webpage)
Ability to brainstorm and bring new ideas to the table to help SERVPRO remain one of the leading restoration providers in our area
Attend marketing meetings at least quarterly and production meetings once a month
Hours
- 40 hours/week, with the flexibility to work overtime when required, afterhours and on weekends.
Pay Rate
Competitive base with commission, based upon qualifications and discussed during interview
Check out our website at: www.SERVPROiowacitycoralville.com for even more information.
TO APPLY: E-mail your resume, along with salary history to our Marketing Director, shea@SERVPRO.me and/or Administrative Assistant zinnia@SERVPRO.me
SERVPRO® specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage situation. So, when disaster strikes, homeowners, businesses and insurance providers will rely on us to respond with unparalleled service excellence. As a nation's leading fire and water cleanup and restoration company with more than 1,600 Franchises nationwide, we are growing rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for "A Level" talent. We have recently gained status as a Large Loss Response Team franchise, therefore, we travel statewide for large commercial losses. We are also an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa
12/4/2015 (Permalink)
Our 2015 Christmas Tree!
Happy holidays from SERVPRO! We wish you the happiest time this season!
Moving Day is Nearing!
10/26/2015 (Permalink)
We are almost ready to move into our new building! We are so excited to FINALLY have a space big enough for our business to keep growing to its full potential! We will have updates to come when that moving day finally hits!
New Building Progress
9/24/2015 (Permalink)
Things are moving great in our new Ottumwa building! We cannot wait to get moved in! Hopefully in October or November!
New Building Progress
8/17/2015 (Permalink)
As a lot of you know, we are building a brand new building for the SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa office and shop. This is such an exciting time for the SERVPRO family as we move from our little shop to this big brand new building! Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for pictures of the progress!
Springtime Maintenance
3/23/2015 (Permalink)
Too many homeowners believe spring maintenance is all about the cleaning. Sure, spring cleaning comprises a big chunk of any spring home maintenance schedule, but maintenance aimed at various structures, appliances, and systems within the home is, arguably, just as important. Nearly all homeowners love to see spotless windows for that first sunny, 70-degree day, but you can't forget your roof and the possibility that ice dams formed over the winter. Indeed, just as much as that first spring day should provide an excuse to go for a hike or a picnic, it should also provide a reminder that your outdoor spring maintenance is waiting. Follow this spring maintenance checklist to ensure your home is in optimal condition for the rest of the year.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Gutters and downspouts: Pull leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
Siding: Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting.
Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all of the eroding caulk and recaulk needed area.
Window sills, door sills, and thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary.
Window and door screens: Clean screening and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames if they are allowed flap and move so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
Drain waste and vent system: Flush out system.
Hot water heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
Evaporative air conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt.
Heat pump: Lubricate blower motor.
Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a foundation professional. If you can slide a nickle into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation call a professional immediately.
Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
Deck and porches: Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn't look like it should or water has turned some of the wood a dark grey, hire a deck professional to treat your deck and fence.
Landscape: This is a natural for spring home maintenance. Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home's paint and force you to have that side of the house repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time.
Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an area of your yard that collects too much water or doesn't get enough, run the sprinklers to figure out the problem. If it's not something you can fix yourself, call a professional before your lawn needs the water.
Now Hiring!
1/2/2015 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa is now hiring for the following positions:
Please email resumes to lauren@SERVPRO.me
Questions and Inquiries please call 319-338-8550 and ask for Lauren.
Happy Holidays
12/17/2014 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa would like to wish all of our friends and family a very safe and happy holiday season!
Iowa Association of County Medical Examiners Convention
11/7/2014 (Permalink)
Chris our lead estimator will be present at the IACME Education Expo in West Des Moines on Friday, November 14, 2014! Stop by and see him if this is an event you will be attending! SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa specializes in biohazard cleanup and will be present for questions!
24/7 Emergency Service
