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October 8, 2024

How Kelmann Restoration triumphs with Encircle tech



HIGHLIGHTS & KEY RESULTS

encircle-link-iconReal-time, easy to-share, centralized job documentation


multiple-users-orange-black-iconAbility for multiple users to work simultaneously


circle-checkmark-iconApproved reports with no pushback from reviewers


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LOCATION: Wauwatosa, WI
FOUNDED: 1973
INDUSTRY: Restoration

 

Family-run Kelmann Restoration has stood as Wisconsin’s trusted authority in professional, efficient, and high-quality property damage restoration since 1973. As they venture into the next half century they remain committed to the communities they serve, supported by innovative technology.



THE CHALLENGE

In 2018, Kelmann Restoration and Operations Manager Luke Myers faced ongoing challenges with capturing accurate photo documentation on job sites — a crucial yet cumbersome process. “Capturing photo documentation on the job site was a problem for YEARS,” says Myers.

The introduction of cloud-based photo solutions was still new in the restoration industry, and Encircle stood out for its simplicity and mobile capability.

“Using just our phones, we could instantly document every detail crucial for justifying our work and billing, especially for large projects,” Myers notes. He was particularly drawn to Encircle's cost-effective pricing model, and the ability to have multiple workers and sub-trades working simultaneously in the app, without having to incur additional user fees.


THE SOLUTION

In the past, Myers would assign someone to run around as the designated “photo-taker” which was extremely inefficient. With Encircle, it’s easy for anyone to capture job data with just their smartphone.

“The advantage that Encircle brings is a low barrier to entry. We can diversify the responsibility of capturing documentation across a large group of people, regardless of their skill-set because the software is intuitive, easy to use and adopt. This is like crowdsourcing your photo documentation across your team, so you just get everything,” he says.

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“When we adopted Encircle, the problems we had with photos and documentation just melted away. There’s never been an issue since. We’re getting a ton of documentation of all the nooks and crannies of the project, in real-time.”

Luke Myers, Operations Manager

Kelmann Restoration successfully uses Encircle to take detailed photos, videos, and notes. They also use Encircle's digital sketch and moisture mapping tools, as well as custom digital forms, to work more efficiently on-site.

“The custom forms that Encircle has helped us add into the app have been very useful. We use them all the time, and it's really a lot easier to tell somebody I need this document, it's in Encircle. It's not a heavy lift, it's easy, so they are going to do it. A lot of efficiencies are gained through Encircle,” explains Myers.


THE RESULTS

Minimal disruption, excellent customer service

Kelmann Restoration has established themselves as leaders in the school restoration space - winning prestigious awards like the RIA Phoenix Award for "Innovation in Restoration", and Wisconsin School Boards "Recovery of the Year" Award. The latter for their work restoring Bay Lane Elementary school—the largest elementary school in Wisconsin—after an electrical fire broke out and caused extensive smoke damage. 

Immediately after the fire took place, the Kelmann team coordinated logistics so that children could continue in-person learning at a different location.

Then, over just 9 days, they tackled extensive smoke damage, cleaning every corner—including tens of thousands of books and all communal areas—to minimize disruption to the hundreds of students, teachers, and families impacted.

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Bay Lane Elementary School
  • Built in 1968
  • 1000+ students
  • 145,300 square footage
  • 8 entrances
  • 66 classrooms
  • 2 gymnasiums
  • Cafe, kitchen, and library
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A trusted "hub" for all project documentation

On a project like this, stakeholders are broad and wide. There are students, parents, a school board, staff, administration, facilities, insurance, subcontractors, fire investigators and even fire departments to work with. Throughout the project, Encircle served as the central hub for all project documentation. The platform managed a lot of data: thousands of photos, videos, and digital notes were organized daily by area and activity. This organization sped up the insurance process and reduced administrative work, making the entire project run smoother and faster.

 

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“Encircle is the landing spot for all of our communication and documentation. If we ever have any questions from stakeholders about what was done or why it was done, there's no better way we can tell or show them, than in Encircle.”

Dave Schultz, Strategic Account Manager


 
Strong documentation = no questions asked

Because their documentation was so thoroughly captured in Encircle, rarely did they ever have a need to provide additional context or clarity.

“In Encircle we documented everything that was done, everything that we were billing for. We provided such good communication throughout the project that rarely did anyone have questions or need supplemental documentation. We had an amazing amount of documentation of what our people did when they did it, catalogued by day and by area and what equipment we use,” says Schultz. 

The quick and efficient response not only met the urgent needs of the school community but also showcased how Encircle supports large, complex restoration projects with ease and clarity.

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CONCLUSION

How Encircle helps Kelmann Restoration improve efficiency and build trust

Encircle’s tools have simplified the paperwork process for Kelmann, allowing them to focus on what they do best: providing high-quality service with genuine care. These tools also enable real-time updates and thorough oversight of projects, supporting Kelmann’s core values of trust and community service. Dave Schultz from Kelmann remarks, "With Encircle, we can manage big projects more effectively. It supports our goal of maintaining strong personal relationships and upholding our integrity."

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