Industry News

How One Franchisee Was Inspired To Give Back While On The Job

Paul Davis Franchisee Donated Emergency Services And Got Corporate Office Behind Cause

September 05, 2018 // Franchising.com // Bristol, VA – Charles Skeens, franchisee/owner of Paul Davis of Greater Tri Cities, never suspected that a call his office received last April 4th in the wee hours of the morning would have such a profound effect on him. The ensuing project from the call has led Skeens to a new mission. Literally.

According to the call from the Mountain Mission School, located in rural southwest Virginia, a high-voltage power line broke and fell across the roof of the boys’ residence hall, possibly due to severe weather in the area. There were no injuries reported but the fire caused a water and gas line to burst and dormitory residents were displaced with personal losses and damage that caused the relocation of 125 students, faculty and their families to other buildings, on and off campus. The damage was contained to one floor and was controlled by local firefighters.

“When I learned all about the school,” said Skeens, “I was amazed and moved by the whole story.”

Insurance did not cover all that was needed for the project, so Skeens and his team of industry certified technicians donated a portion of the project including emergency mitigation, clean up, and restoration of electrical wiring, flooring, roofing, HVAC, with rebuilding and updating interior and exterior areas from extensive fire, smoke and water damage, among many others.

In addition, Skeens shared the story with his associates at Paul Davis Restoration Inc., franchisor of the company’s local offices in the U.S. and Canada. Skeens and the corporate team at Paul Davis have launched a fundraising and awareness campaign to support the school with a GoFundMe page to raise much needed support for ongoing programs and services at the residential school and facility.

“Industry knowledge and relationships play an active and daily role in our offices,” said Rich Wilson, President and CEO of Paul Davis Restoration Inc. “Our teams are trained to always do the right thing as we implement the latest restoration, repairs and reconstruction technologies to serve our customers,” he said. “Our expertise comes during a time of great stress in our customers’ lives. We try hard to help them through the process of getting their lives back to normal during catastrophic damage.”

Approximately 70 percent of the 200 students attending the school are residents of the U.S. and 95 percent of graduates go on to attend college. Mountain Mission School also serves as a home and church and provides stability for at risk kids. The annual deficit of more than $1 million is a major and ongoing concern. Generous philanthropy from donors and several annual golf tournaments have supported the school for many years.

For more information. Call 276-669-7208 or visit the website at www.greater-tri-cities.pauldavis.com.

For more than 50 years, Paul Davis has restored residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, mold, storms and disasters. They are a one-stop shop for disaster damage and restoration with over 375 independently owned franchises in the USA and Canada.

Media Contact:

Rhonda Sanderson
847-612-9829

Charles Skeens
276-669-7208
cskeens@pauldavis.com

SOURCE Paul Davis

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