May 2024 Pay It Forward Winner

Darrell Combrink – Kiwi Carpet Cleaning (New Zealand)

Pay It Forward - May 2024

Capturing Success of a Restoration Champion from New Zealand

In the restoration industry, it's not just about getting the job done; it's about how you do it, the impact you have, and the people you help along the way. In the previous blog post, we first celebrated a passionate loyal customer, Dan Haynes from Dynamic Restorations who always delivers exceptional results and operated with a passion on every restoration project but who also demonstrated remarkable kindness by donating his prize to someone else. This act of generosity and professionalism truly sets him apart as a leader in the field.

Now, let's introduce the winner who benefited from Dan’s generosity, a restoration professional from New Zealand, Darrell Combrink from Kiwi Carpet Cleaning who took on a challenging job and emerged victorious.

The job in question might seem straightforward at first glance, but it quickly became clear that this was a case where the right approach and the right equipment made all the difference. Darell and his team stepped in after the previous restorer had left the job incomplete. Unfortunately, the initial restorer lacked the necessary knowledge and tools—particularly the use of heat—needed to fully address the situation. Without the Drymatic System, their approach was limited to placing fans and hoping for the best, rather than actively solving the problem.

Water had wicked up the walls and base plates, causing significant moisture damage. While the downstairs area had already been stripped to the framing, leaving it outside the scope of work, the wet particle board and baseboards upstairs required urgent attention. This was a situation where education, training, and the right tools were essential to ensure a thorough and effective restoration.

One of the standout aspects of this job was the Darell’s use of the Drymatic System, which gave him a clear edge over other restoration methods. The combination of Drymatic Boost Bar, ducting, Drymatic skirting mats, and a fan allowed him to disperse heat effectively and target moisture in a way that traditional methods simply couldn’t match.

What makes the Drymatic System so effective? Ask Darrell and he will tell you; it minimises disruption to the customer. Unlike stacking a room full of fans and equipment that can be noisy and intrusive, using the Drymatic Boost Bar with one fan ensure a simpler operation, ensuring that the customer can continue with their daily life while the restoration takes place. The system also ensures a quicker turnaround time—in this case, the job was completed in just three days. That’s a significant difference, especially when you consider that the previous restorer had struggled to make any real progress.

Another advantage of the Drymatic System is its ability to prevent secondary issues, such as mould growth. By applying heat in a controlled manner and maintaining consistent drying conditions, this set up ensured that the moisture was eliminated before it can lead to further damage. This kind of attention to detail and proactive problem-solving is what sets top restorers apart from the rest.

This case highlights the value of proper education and training in the restoration industry. Darrell credit’s his training and knowledge of how to handle the situation as critical to the success of the job. He knew exactly what tools to use and how to use them, and he was able to explain his approach to the customer in detail. This transparency and professionalism earned them very positive feedback.

Education doesn’t just benefit the restorer; it also provides peace of mind for the customer. In this case, the customer was mildly sensitive to the situation, but by explaining the process and showing how his approach would resolve the issues, Darrell was able to alleviate their concerns.

Capturing data during the initial assessment was also crucial. Insurance companies need to see a clear case to justify the approach and understand why certain equipment is necessary. By documenting the situation thoroughly and backing up their strategy with data, Darrell was able to demonstrate the effectiveness of his methods and secure the necessary approvals.

This restoration job was a win on many fronts. The customer’s home was restored to its former state with minimal disruption, no mould issues, and in just three days. The use of the Drymatic System proved its worth yet again, putting this restorer above others who may still rely on outdated or less effective methods.

Darrell’s story is one of success and professionalism. By stepping in to complete a job that others couldn’t, using the best tools available, and showing compassion through his actions, Darell set a shining example for others to follow.


CONGRATULATIONS to Darrell FOR the May 2024 Pay It Forward Win!

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