An interview excerpt with Geron Smith, Director of Business Development
Interviewer: How should I investigate a company I am considering using?
Geron: There’s still this thing called the Better Business Bureau and I recommend that highly. Ask if there’s a member of the bureau that you can call. The consumer can call and find out how long they’ve been in business, or if there’s been any problems with the company in town. The other way is to just talk with the company you are working with. Ask them how long they’ve been in business. Ask them if they focus on the market that this home is in? Do they have a relationship with their insurance company? Do they know anybody with their insurance company? I guess the best thing would be for the consumer to build a rapport that way, and you’re going to know pretty quick if this person is reputable or not just by how long they’ve been in business and whether or not they have any kind of a ding on their record with the Better Business Bureau.
Also, training is a great question. Are your technicians certified? Are they trained in water? Are they trained in storm damage? The things that result from storm damage, and most common around here, is water. There can also be some wind damage. We really handle the problems that result from the water and wind causing issues. Maybe a house needs to be secured, boarded up after storm. Storms are also ice. Freezing weather causes pipe breaks, so we’re working with them on that level as well. So, there’s just some good questions to ask depending upon what kind of storm it was such as, what kind of water damage? Hail? What does your company do? What’s your experience? Are your technicians trained and licensed?