Daniel Culley, his brother, and two colleagues at DryTime Restoration have all undergone the experience of water damage to their homes, so the business partners know firsthand the headache and frustration of cleanup and restoration.
“If we’re showing up to your home, it’s for a reason you’d rather not deal with,” Culley says. “Although water damage is a huge pain, I’m glad every single one of us has experienced it. It allows us to truly empathize with our customers. Water damage is typically unexpected and routinely occurs at the worst possible time for the homeowner. I try very hard to provide each homeowner with the same level of care that I would hope for if I were in their shoes.”
Age: 31.
Residence neighborhood: First Place.
Business name: DryTime Restoration LLC, 844-693-7946. www.drytimerestoration.com
Educational/professional background: Over the years I’ve worked in construction, as well as customer service. In early 2013, I finished my courses and received my certifications through the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) for water damage restoration, and began my career as a water damage technician. Over the past five years and hundreds of water damage mitigation jobs, I’ve learned something new with each project that has improved my skill set, work quality and efficiency, and customer service.
How and when the business started: After successfully operating for years as essentially a one-man show, I partnered with three other like-minded guys to grow into something a bit bigger. My brother, Ben Culley, is the developer of the group. He and I have been working together restoring homes for years, so joining together on this new venture was something of a natural evolution in both of our paths. Billy Marlowe is the networker who helps drive the creative and marketing sides of DryTime. Like Ben and myself, he’s also a certified water damage technician, and is never shy about rolling up his sleeves and jumping into the field when extra help is needed. Benjamin Fredricks is our numbers guy, handling logistics and legalities as they relate to the business, and helps us set and achieve goals.
Together we formed DryTime Restoration this past winter. We each have our own unique set of skills we bring to the table.
As for myself, DryTime Restoration is my passion. As the project manager, I’m out with my employee technicians in the field, and face-to-face with customers in their homes. I make sure that our technicians are equipped and trained well, and that we deliver the best quality work, and keep our customers happy.
Personal/business philosophy: I approach every job on a case-by-case basis. Every job presents its own obstacles and challenges depending on the extent of damage, cause of loss, and circumstances of the family or business experiencing the loss. Water damage is typically unexpected, and routinely occurs at the worst possible time for the homeowner. I try very hard to provide each homeowner with the same level of care that I would hope for if I were in their shoes.
Most rewarding part of job: Water damage can range from annoying and inconvenient to catastrophic and devastating. From the demolition to the dry-out to the rebuild and all the insurance activity going on in between, it all can turn into a long process for our customers. It’s rewarding to go into a situation of stress and anxiety with a customer, provide guidance and reassurance, and arrive at a place of relief and gratitude when everything is completed and put back together as if nothing ever happened.
Most challenging part of job: Sometimes a drying process is prolonged due to factors that are out of my control (drying conditions, availability of other contractors for supporting services, insurance coverage, etc.) In those circumstances, I wish I could expedite the process for our customers, but can’t always do so. That can be very challenging, but I’m committed to doing everything we can do.
One thing readers might find surprising about your work: We’re busy year-round; it’s not so much seasonal as many people believe it to be. Broken pipes and failed refrigerator lines can happen any time of year.
One thing you’d like people to know about your work: We always put the homeowner first. Homeowner satisfaction is our highest priority, which is especially clear when dealing with insurance claims. A popular model for restoration companies is to become “preferred vendors” for insurance companies. We see this as a conflict of interest, and we intentionally stay off insurance companies’ preferred vendors lists for this reason. The interests of insurance companies should never take priority over the interests of the homeowner.
Best feature of my Clark County community: I love people and I love being where people are. I love this city, and it’s exciting to me how rapidly it’s grown and continues to grow. I also love knowing that the great outdoors is just within minutes of the city; best of both worlds. I was born in Corvallis, Ore., and have been to many places nationally and internationally, but Clark County will always be my home.
What would make your community a better place: Less traffic.
Your favorite travel destination and type: Any trip that involves outdoor activity and going on a road trip is my preferred type of traveling, especially for a quick weekend getaway. I try to make it down to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita, Calif., at least once a year to get my adrenaline fix and enjoy some sunshine. I also have a special place in my heart for the Hawaiian Islands and love the lifestyle there. Mahalo!
Your favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: I visit the Black Rock coffee stand on First Street and 164th Avenue on a daily basis; frequently multiple times a day. Second to that, I’d say Beaches on the waterfront during the spring and summer seasons.
Hobbies: Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son. When my schedule allows, I enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, shooting, kayaking, and ATV’ing. I also enjoy photography, art, and music.
Most enjoyable book/play/movie/arts event in past 12 months: Just last month, I went with my dad and a couple of the partners to Seattle to see the U2 Joshua Tree Tour concert. It was pretty awesome, and I’m really glad I got to experience that. The only books I typically find myself spending time reading are the books of the Bible, and not only do I always enjoy spending time in the Word, I truly believe it is as it says it is: nourishment to my soul.
Who’s on your playlist? POD, Thievery Corporation, Yelawolf, Incubus, Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin, Hillsong United, DC Talk…the list goes on and on.
Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: Take a California road trip.
One word to describe yourself: Handful.
Person you’d most like to meet: Jesus Christ.
