Across The Street, Across The Country

What does it take to not only attract great employees, but keep them? In this episode we speak with John Atkinson, an insurance benefits expert from HMA the Benefits People about why benefits are a key factor in in both employee recruitment and retention. We also get a chance to speak with Elizabeth Hepworth, registered physiotherapist, who offers insight and advice on how to identify and manager...

Everyone knows that they need insurance, but you may not now exactly how it works. In this episode we speak with Martin Moran of BFL Canada, an insurance company who works with DKI Canada Members across the country. Martin lifts the curtain, sharing insight on the topic gained through a long and varied history in the industry. Music for this episode includes Fix it for You and Coming Up by Close K...

2023 is here, and with it the conclusion of our first season of the “Across the Street, Across the Country” podcast.   In this episode we look at the highlights from season 1 episodes. From catastrophic weather events, to employee shortages, we spoke with Members across the country as they faced challenges in their efforts to help get families home. Learning about  their community and sustainabili...

In our industry we learn a lot about the people and businesses whose home, and lives, we restore, but what about the people behind the DKI triangle? In our final episode of Season 1, we look at some of the people who make DKI Canada, and its Members, who they are.   Recharging in a busy and demanding job is important to maintain a healthy mind and body, and for DKI Canada Director of Operations, S...

A project is only as successful as the person running it, that’s why DKI Canada Members employ Project Managers. It is the job of the Project Manager, or PM, to maintain strong communication between crews, client and insurer to ensure every job goes as smoothly, and quickly, as possible.    In this episode we head to Ottawa, Ontario, to speak with Steve Martel, Project Manager with DKI – Novatech....

What better way to change the face of men’s health than by actually changing your face? November is here and so is moustache season as the global initiative to bring attention to men’s health, both physical and mental, kicks off.  In this episode we have an open and honest conversation with Jeff Sutton, of Markel Canada, about his reasons for joining the Movember movement. We also speak with Kyle...

When your job requires you to be ready to go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, eating properly can be a challenge. This is the struggle faced by DKI Canada crews whose workdays are far from regular. From eating at strange times, like in the middle of the night, to finding time to grab a bite during emergencies, it take special effort to stay fueled. In this episode we speak with a re...

Atlantic Canada is no strangers to storms, but the devastation brought by Hurricane Fiona surpassed everything previously seen. In this episode we hear how DKI - Meco Construction in Glace Bay Cape Breton is responding to the storm and meeting the challenge of restoring homes and lives.  David Goetz and Shaun DeLorey of DKI Canada’s corporate headquarters in Ontario, share how they’ve jumped in to...

DKI Canada prides itself on customer service, treating everyone with compassion and respect. No matter who you are, where you are from, what your emergency is, or even how old you are, DKI Canada Members are here to help, and most importantly, listen.  When Judith Heron called DKI – Pro Pacific in Victoria, BC. Needing some major work done on her home, the retired family counsellor was relieved to...

Every story has a beginning. In the case of DKI Canada, our story begins 30 years ago with a small group of independent operators with shared values and a desire to create something more. In this episode of Across the Street, Across the Country, we speak with three DKI Canada founders; Ken Tucker, first president, Chris Douglas, patriarch of DKI – CRCS and Andrew Martin of DKI – Superior Restorati...

Dealing with the emotional toll of a disaster is not only challenging, but stressful.  That’s where DKI Canada Members come in. Throughout the rebuilding process, Members across the country go above and beyond, to not only rebuild, but to offer compassion, understanding and support to those affected by disaster.   In this episode we hear from an individual who has firsthand experience with the tra...

In the second episode of our two-part series on sustainability, we continue to look at how DKI Canada Members are leading the restoration industry with their commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling. We speak with Laurie Dean, of DKI – Barclay Restorations, about their recycling efforts that are turning waste that can’t otherwise be repurposed, into electricity. We also speak with Andrew Fee...

When it come to sustainability, DKI Canada’s commitment is about more than just recycling. In this episode, Rachel Kozak, DKI’s Western Canada Director, explains why sustainability is so important, and how DKI’s initiatives are leading the industry. Curt Wilkens, of DKI – Miller Restoration tells us about their special relationship with a non-profit that not only helps build and furnish homes for...

Featuring interviews with DKI-Miller, DKI-ProperCare and DKI-Helferty's.  We wrap up our series on the business transition by hearing from those at the receiving end of a succession. But, as you’ll hear, each new owner’s circumstances around assuming that helm are different. We learn about those journeys, which bring success, fulfillment and unique challenges. We also have a playful Top 5 lis...

No matter how well you think you’ve crossed the Ts and dotted the Is, a smooth business transition always benefits from sound, unbiased, expert advice. In the second part on our series about succession planning, speaker and business guru Donald Cooper, shares wisdom gained from some of the challenges he has helped businesses face during his time as a consultant.   Theme music for this episode: Dre...

A storm by any other name... Before May 21, most people had never heard the term “derecho”, but DKI Members had. When a major derecho storm hit Ontario and Quebec on May 21, causing damage to properties across a 1000-kilometre area, DKI’s restoration experts stepped up. They had to. That’s what they do. That’s who they are. In this episode we speak with four DKI experts about how they responded, a...

Sign on the dotted line, hand over the keys, wish the new owner luck, then start your new adventure in retirement. Sounds easy, right? Not necessarily. In part one of our three-part series on the business transition, we hear from Roy and Gladys Abrams, former owners of RS Restoration now DKI - Pro Pacific. Still members of the DKI Family, Gladys and Roy are refreshingly candid on what it took to t...

What happens when you partner one of the country’s most beloved children’s charities with a company committed to making a positive impact in their community? A partnership dedicated to “bringing families home”. In this episode we speak with Kate Horton of RMHC Canada, along with Brooke Hunter, Director of Marketing and Communications at DKI to discuss this unique partnership – and why they’re only...

The benefits of community involvement are more than just bolstering your corporate image. For DKI Canada Members, contributing to the communities they live and work in is simply the right thing to do. In this episode of “Across the Street, Across the Country” DKI Canada Members Tamara Roy of DKI – ProServe, serving Fort MacMurray, AB, and Matt, Kyle and Ryan Douglas of DKI – CRCS serving Oshawa, O...

Not every family can do it. And not every family should do it. But for relatives working with – or for – relatives, it can be a wondrous thing. Many successful family-run DKI Canada member companies, after all, can’t be wrong. It’s all about buttons. You know, which one you can’t push, and which you can. We talk to siblings, offspring, parents and partners about understanding – and respecting - th...

Finding the best people for your team is always a challenge,  in any industry. But especially during these past few years with the pandemic presenting obstacles employers have never experienced. DKI members from east to west weigh in how they’re dealing with these hiring hurdles, as do a couple of tri-lingual partners from Montreal.  DKI’s HR expert drops in to offer an industry-wide perspective a...

The inaugural episode goes West featuring  conversations with DKI Barclay, DKI ProPacific,   DKI Sparklean , and the DKI Corporate office. We talk floods, fishing, and purpose.