DS News

» VISIT US ONLINE @ DSNEWS.COM 65 COVER STORY INDUSTRY INSIGHT INDUSTRY INSIGHT INDUSTRY INSIGHT and restoration industry has helped Alacrity build a robust, reliable contractor network for its Direct Repair Program and Resolve powered by Lowe's program. e company also seeks to differentiate by embracing a competitive model that also cares. Hemmer says the familiar business maxim "time is money" is transformed at Alacrity. Team members need to deliver the best product they can as quickly as they can, but they do so with an awareness of the very human anxieties tied to each project. "ere's always another side to the story, and understanding the homeowner's side of the story will help you to want to move and act more quickly." is attitude motivates unselfishness at Alacrity, Miko said. "People are willing to do what it takes to get the job done… You never hear the phrase 'that's not my job.'" Hemmer, who has been with Alacrity from the outset, sees this mentality resulting from the original family-oriented business mentality, sustained through significant and rapid growth, and the return to the company's start-up roots. "I'm getting the best of both worlds," Miko said. "We're embarking on Alacrity's Launch 2.0. We are a substantial and stable and mature business. But it's how do we then take that business model and rapidly grow it? at makes the opportunity very fun to think about as we go forward." ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S STRONGEST CONTRACTOR NETWORKS Alacrity Services' national network of contractors has been built over nearly two decades of hard work. Being an Alacrity contractor requires rigorous screening and undergoing routine checks too. Each of the 1,700 contractors in the network in January 2017 had passed a background check of principals, foremen, and onsite laborers; provided a business history and profile; documented financial stability and insurance coverage; and provided necessary licenses and certifications. Each contractor also has access to Alacrity's RFMs strategically located across the country to support contractors, visit job sites, and help mediate any issues that arise. RFMs help manage Alacrity's relationships with its network contractors by meeting with them face-to- face and developing the relationships in real, meaningful ways. This shows the contractors that Alacrity is invested in all aspects of the process, not just pushing work through. Building high-touch, personal relationships with contractors ensures Alacrity is working with high-quality contractors, says Jason Kendall, Director of New Program Development. The company can be confident it is providing a "really good, sound contractor. They are going to gel with almost any customer." Plus, working with them in the field makes the entire process easier, as the company can be sure these contractors can complete the project the Alacrity way. After all, utilizing the AlacNet platform demands transparent communication and adherence to project deadlines. The system is designed to help contractors avoid failure, said Keith C. Hemmer, Alacrity's Chief Business Development Officer. "We're not simply a partner or a marriage-maker. We're not partnering you up: 'Here's a job. Here's a contractor. Here's the two of you together— good luck with it.' We're going to put you together, and we're going to manage the process to help see it through quickly and correctly." Network contractors are required to warrant their materials and workmanship, promises which Alacrity backs up with its matching Quality Assurance Guarantee provided directly to homeowners on all successfully completed jobs. ALACRITY'S CURRENT CONTRACTOR NETWORK SERVICES The variety of services Alacrity offers includes: » General Contractors (Typical, Large Loss, Commercial) » Specialty Contractors (Flooring, Drywall, Painting, HVAC, Roofing) » Mitigation (Water, Fire, Biohazard) » Emergency Services (Board Up, Roof Tarps) To learn more, visit AlacrityServices.com and ResolvebyLowes.com. "We're not simply a partner or a marriage-maker. We're not partnering you up: 'Here's a job. Here's a contractor. Here's the two of you together—good luck with it.' We're going to put you together, and we're going to manage the process to help see it through quickly and correctly." - Keith Hemmer Keith Hemmer, Chief Business Development Officer

• Cover