How Kelmann Restoration triumphs with Encircle tech

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.

“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

Bay Lane Elementary School

• Built in 1968
• 1000+ students
• 145,300 square footage
• 8 entrances
• 66 classrooms
• 2 gymnasiums
• Cafe, kitchen, and library

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.

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."