Ozarks Profile: David Harrison

Tell us about your company.

Paul Davis Restoration of Southwest Missouri specializes in remodeling homes and businesses after they have been damaged by fire, smoke, water, storm, etc. We are also actively involved with room additions, kitchen, bathroom and basement remodeling work.

Our company is in its 12th year of operation.

What is your job?

Our company is involved with many aspects of structural restoration. They include structural drying, mold remediation, odor control, and all phases of structural repair, remodeling and room additions. My job and everyday focus is to provide a positive working environment for the employees and to make sure that customer satisfaction is the top priority. We monitor the level of our customers' satisfaction through an independent third party TLS. TLS contacts our customers after the job is complete and performs a telephone survey, which measures key areas of customer satisfaction. I personally review the results of every survey on every job.

How did you choose this career?

I have always enjoyed construction and dealing with people. This career has allowed me to do both.

What effect did the recent storms have on your company?

The storms we all experienced this past spring did create an increase in business. The challenge the remodeling contractor faces is knowing how much additional work to contract. We decided right away only to accept the work we could complete with our regular crews. We had many families that were depending upon us to help them in a great time of need. Those folks had been through enough trauma and deserved our best people working on their homes.

What are the biggest challenges in your work?

Communication. I have often thought that this business is more dependent upon good communication as opposed to how to construct the "sticks and bricks." If a clear line of communication exists with the property owner, contractor, suppliers and trades, life seems to be so much more simple and enjoyable.

What's your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction I get when a customer expresses his appreciation for a successfully completed job. For this to happen, it requires that everyone in our business perform his/her assigned tasks. I also enjoy helping our employees grow and reach their business related goals.

Tell us about your family and your spare time interests.

My wife, Susan, and I have been married 24 years and we have two sons. Our oldest son, Jeff, is a senior at Central Methodist College majoring in business management. Brian is a freshman at Drury (University) majoring in architecture. I enjoy gardening, fishing, boating and the annual Colorado ski trip.