PDS is an international organization recognized throughout
North America as the leader in the insurance restoration industry.

Insurance Restoration is a niche market resilient to economic downturns. At first glance, it might appear restoration services are only linked to dramatic natural catastrophes like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. In fact, a majority of restoration jobs are a result of more ordinary (and frequent) causes: fires, burst water pipes, high winds, vandalism and hail. According to insurance industry statistics, structural fires and related damages cause nearly 40 percent of annual insured property damages in residential buildings - representing a consistent market for PDS restoration specialists.

PDS was founded in 1966 in Jacksonville, Florida. The concept was to provide insurers with the lowest equitable price to repair and restore policyholders' damaged property, while providing high-quality work for the property owner.

Today, there are over 50 locations in Canada and over 280 throughout North America. PDS Canada and
Paul Davis Restoration (U.S.) franchises receive a complete business format including more than 85
management and marketing systems. The goal of the entire PDS organization is to capture 10%
or more of the highly fragmented insurance restoration market.

PDS is a group of individually owned and operated businesses working independently under an umbrella organization directed by both the franchisor and the franchisees. While the democratic approach to the franchise business is unique, it gives everyone more flexibility to meet challenges and seize opportunities. Each franchise is a member of the PDS General Council, which has voting power to recommend and approve new programs and strategies for the organization. The policies and procedures for the entire franchise are approved by the General Council.

The General Council is comprised of geographic districts. In each district council, franchisees elect offices and meet twice each year to discuss and vote on recommendations. Each district is also represented by at least one officer on the National Executive Committee (NEC). The NEC and Franchisor meet twice each year to evaluate current programs and considers recommendations to franchisees for their approval.

Lastly, each district council has its own Arbitration Committee to deal with issues on non-compliance and to settle any disputes between its members, or between any member and the Franchisor.

Our group culture helps differentiate PDS by emphasizing honesty, dedicated service, competitive pricing and quality workmanship to the property insurance industry.

For those already in the property insurance restoration field, or a related business such as remodeling or renovations, we offer methods that allow you to convert your existing business into a PDS franchise.

Why would anyone want to convert their business?

Job Costing and Management Systems for Increased Profits
Our proprietary, state-of-the-art software package is unique in the industry.
These systems enable our contractors to drive revenue to their bottom lines.
Technical Resources and Support for Increased Professionalism
Dedicated support staff with a wide range of technical expertise.
These team members are available to our contractors 24 hours a day.
Wide Variety of Training Programs for Human Resource Development
Proven Franchise Which Adds Value to Your Existing Business

A PDS franchise
is a powerful way
to add value to your independent operation.

Many business owners struggle with the dilemma of how to exit from their business and extract the value created by years of hard work. A PDS franchise may have tremendous resale value due to the added assurance of success by the new owner.

Advantages:

Protected territory to operate a PDS insurance restoration business and participate in its programs
Professional and national name
National account programs /National Marketing assistance
Operations Manual and Procedures Manual
All necessary contracts for managing a restoration services business
State of the art software for estimating, job costing and accounting
Reasonable Franchise Fee (financing available)
Warranty fund available

Vendor Programs - purchasing discount and other programs
Interaction and information sharing with peer
10 - 15 day Training Program followed by an on-site training
24hr National 1 800 number and call center
Membership in the General Council (governing body of PDS)
A Wealth of Integrity
A Continuous Need for Services
A responsive franchisor staff committed to supporting its franchises

Required Skills
and Background:

Prior insurance restoration or construction experience is preferred
Management ability, marketing and sales skills are very helpful
Honesty and integrity
are essential

Paul Davis Systems creates profitable opportunities for the franchisees and the franchisor through superior service to the property insurance industry.

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Privacy Policy

We are committed to providing our clients with excellent service. Doing business with an Insurance Restoration organization involves providing information about yourself, so protection of your personal information is one of our highest priorities. Our company has a solid track record of respecting your right to privacy and safeguarding your personal information. As a result of federal legislation, we've further strengthened our privacy commitment by informing you of why and how we collect, use and disclose your personal information. You can be assured that we'll only handle your personal information in a manner that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances.

This document is a brief summary of our privacy practices.

Why do we collect personal information?

Enable us to deliver our products, services and warranties;
Enable us to verify information on your insurance policy;
Assist you and assess your ongoing needs;
Assess your need for other products and services;
Ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date;
Protect us both against error or fraud; and
Allow us to provide financing services on behalf of third parties.

What personal information do we collect?

Basic information such as your name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and/or e-mail address
Similar damage history
Credit and past payment records
Details about your property

We may obtain this information from You, Insurance companies, Insurance brokers or agents, Credit organizations, financial institutions

Who do we disclose your personal information to?

Insurance companies
Your insurance brokers or agents
Credit organizations
Professionals working with us such as adjusters or lawyers
Financial institutions. For example, the organizations that provides financing

Contacting Paul Davis Systems Canada's Privacy Officer

In order to fulfill requests for personal information records or to answer any questions or address any concerns individuals may have about privacy, PDS Canada has designated a privacy officer. In addition to answering inquiries, the privacy officer is also responsible for ensuring that the Policy requirements and related procedures are being met.

All inquiries or complaints regarding privacy should be directed to the privacy officer by mail, FAX or e-mail at the addresses below. All inquiries will be responded to within thirty (30) days from the date at which the PDS Canada privacy officer has received the inquiry.

Mail

Paul Davis Systems Canada
c/o Privacy Officer
38 Crockford Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario
M1R 3C2

Fax

Attention: Privacy Officer
FAX: (416) 299-8510
privacyofficer@pds.ca

AODA POLICY

Accessible Customer Service Policy

Intent

This policy is intended to meet the requirements of Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and applies to the provision of goods and services to the public or other third parties, not to the goods themselves.

All goods and services provided by Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd., shall follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

Scope

This policy applies to the provision of goods and services at premises owned and operated by Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd.
This policy applies to employees, volunteers, agents and/or contractors who deal with the public or other third parties that act on behalf of Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd., including when the provision of goods and services occurs off the premises of Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. such as in: delivery services, call centers, vendors, drivers, catering and third party marketing agencies.
The section of this policy that addresses the use of guide dogs, service animals and service dogs only applies to the provision of goods and services that take place at premises owned and operated by Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd.
This policy shall also apply to all persons who participate in the development of the Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. policies, practices and procedures governing the provision of goods and services to members of the public or third parties.

Definitions

Assistive Device – is a technical aid, communication device or other instrument that is used to maintain or improve the functional abilities of people with disabilities. Personal assistive devices are typically devices that customers bring with them such as a wheelchair, walker or a personal oxygen tank that might assist in hearing, seeing, communicating, moving, breathing, remembering and/or reading.

Disability – the term disability as defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, refers to:

any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing
impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
a learning disability, or dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
a mental disorder; or
an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

Guide Dog – is a highly-trained working dog that has been trained at one of the facilities listed in Ontario Regulation 58 under the Blind Persons' Rights Act, to provide mobility, safety and increased independence for people who are blind.

Service Animal – as reflected in Ontario Regulation 429/07, an animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if:

it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to his or her disability; or
if the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability.

Service Dog – as reflected in Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 562 a dog other than a guide dog for the blind is a service dog if:

it is readily apparent to an average person that the dog functions as a service dog for a person with a medical disability;
or the person who requires the dog can provide on request a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires a service dog.

Support Person – as reflected in Ontario Regulation 429/07, a support person means, in relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies him or her in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to goods and services.

General Principles

In accordance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07, this policy addresses the following:

The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities;
The Use of Assistive Devices
The Use of Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs
The Use of Support Persons
Notice of Service Disruptions
Customer Feedback
Training
Notice of Availability and Format of Required Documents

A. The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities

Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. will make every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures are consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity by:

ensuring that all customers receive the same value and quality;
allowing customers with disabilities to do things in their own ways, at their own pace when accessing goods and services as long as this does not present a safety risk;
using alternative methods when possible to ensure that customers with disabilities have access to the same services, in the same place and in a similar manner;
taking into account individual needs when providing goods and services; and
communicating in a manner that takes into account the customer's disability.

B. Assistive Devices

Customer's own assistive device(s):

Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices as required when accessing goods or services provided by Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd.

In cases where the assistive device presents a safety concern or where accessibility might be an issue, other reasonable measures will be used to ensure the access of goods and services. For example, open flames and oxygen tanks cannot be near one another. Therefore, the accommodation of a customer with an oxygen tank may involve ensuring the customer is in a location that would be considered safe for both the customer and business. Or, where elevators are not present and where an individual requires assistive devices for the purposes of mobility, service will be provided in a location that meets the needs of the customer.

C. Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs

A customer with a disability that is accompanied by guide dog, service animal or service dog will be allowed access to premises that are open to the public unless otherwise excluded by law. "No pet" policies do not apply to guide dogs, service animals and/or service dogs.

Food Service Areas:

A customer with a disability that is accompanied by guide dog or service dog will be allowed access to food service areas that are open to the public unless otherwise excluded by law.

Other types of service animals are not permitted into food service areas due to the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 562 Section 60.

Exclusion Guidelines:

If a guide dog, service animal or service dog is excluded by law (see applicable laws below) Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. will offer alternative methods to enable the person with a disability to access goods and services, when possible (for example, securing the animal in a safe location and offering the guidance of an employee).

Applicable Laws:

Food Safety and Quality Act 2001, Ontario Regulation 31/05: Animals not intended for slaughter or to be euthanized are not allowed in any area or room of a meat plant. It also makes an exception for service dogs to allow them in those areas of a meat plant where food is served, sold or offered for sale to customers and in those areas that do not contain animals or animal parts and are not used for the receiving, processing, packaging, labelling, shipping, handling or storing of animals or parts of animals.

The Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 562 Section 60, normally does not allow animals in places where food is manufactured, prepared, processed, handled, served, displayed, stored, sold or offered for sale. It does allow guide dogs and service dogs to go into places where food is served, sold or offered for sale. However, other types of service animals are not included in this exception.

Dog Owners' Liability Act, Ontario: If there is a conflict between a provision of this Act or of a regulation under this or any other Act relating to banned breeds (such as pitbulls) and a provision of a by-law passed by a municipality relating to these breeds, the provision that is more restrictive in relation to controls or bans on these breeds prevails.

Recognizing a Guide Dog, Service Dog and/or Service Animal:

If it is not readily apparent that the animal is being used by the customer for reasons relating to his or her disability, Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. may request verification from the customer.

Verification may include:

a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons related to the disability;
a valid identification card signed by the Attorney General of Canada; or,
a certificate of training from a recognized guide dog or service animal training school.

Care and Control of the Animal:

The customer that is accompanied by a guide dog, service dog and/or service animal is responsible for maintaining care and control of the animal at all time.

Allergies:

If a health and safety concern presents itself for example in the form of a severe allergy to the animal, Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. will make all reasonable efforts to meet the needs of all individuals.

D. Support Persons

If a customer with a disability is accompanied by a support person, Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. will ensure that both persons are allowed to enter the premises together and that the customer is not prevented from having access to the support person.

There may be times where seating and availability prevent the customer and support person from sitting beside each other. In these situations Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. will make every reasonable attempt to resolve the issue.

In situations where confidential information might be discussed, consent will be obtained from the customer, prior to any conversation where confidential information might be discussed.

Admission Fees:

If payment is required by a support person for admission to the premises Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. will ensure that notice is given in advance by posting notice of admission fees for support persons where Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. fees are posted.

E. Notice of Disruptions in Service

Service disruptions may occur due to reasons that may or may not be within the control or knowledge of Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. In the event of any temporary disruptions to facilities or services that customer's with disabilities rely on to access or use Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. goods or services, reasonable efforts will be made to provide advance notice. In some circumstances such as in the situation of unplanned temporary disruptions, advance notice may not be possible.

Notifications will Include:

In the event that a notification needs to be posted the following information will be included unless it is not readily available or known:

goods or services that are disrupted or unavailable
reason for the disruption
anticipated duration
a description of alternative services or options

Notifications Options:

When disruptions occur will provide notice by:

posting notices in conspicuous places including at the point of disruption, at the main entrance and the nearest accessible entrance to the service disruption and/or on the Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. website;
contacting customers with appointments;
verbally notifying customers when they are making a reservation or appointment; or
by any other method that may be reasonable under the circumstances.

F. Feedback Process

Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. shall provide customers with the opportunity to provide feedback on the service provided to customers with disabilities. Information about the feedback process will be readily available to all customers and notice of the process will be made available by (insert ways in which the process will be publicized). Feedback forms along with alternate methods of providing feedback such as verbally (in person or by telephone) or written (hand written, delivered, website or email), will be available upon request.

Submitting Feedback:

Customers can submit feedback to:

Brenda Slichter or Isabel Fernandes-Cunha
416-299-8890
38 Crockford Blvd., Scarborough, Ontario M1R 3C2
brenda@pds.ca or icunha@pds.ca

Customers who wish to provide feedback by completing an onsite customer feedback form or verbally can do so to Reception or to Brenda Slichter as noted above.

Customers that provide formal feedback will receive acknowledgement of their feedback, along with any resulting actions based on concerns or complaints that were submitted.

G. Training

Training will be provided to:

all employees, volunteers, agents and/or contractors who deal with the public or other third parties that act on behalf of Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. ; for example: salespersons, drivers, vendors, event operators, call centers and third party marketing agents; and,
those who are involved in the development and approval of customer service policies, practices and procedures.

Training Provisions:

As reflected in Ontario Regulation 429/07, regardless of the format, training will cover the following:

A review of the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
A review of the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07.
Instructions on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
Instructions on how to interact with people with disabilities who:

use assistive devices;
require the assistance of a guide dog, service dog or other service animal; or
require the use of a support person (including the handling of admission fees).

Instructions on how to use equipment or devices that are available at our premises or that we provide that may help people with disabilities.
Instructions on what to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing your services.
Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. policies, procedures and practices pertaining to providing accessible customer service to customers with disabilities.

Training Schedule:

Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. will provide training as soon as practicable. Training will be provided to new employees, volunteers, agents and/or contractor who deal with the public or act on our behalf during orientation. Revised training will be provided in the event of changes to legislation, procedures and/or practices.

Record of Training:

Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. will keep a record of training that includes the dates training was provided and the number of employees who attended the training.

Notice of Availability and Format of Documents

Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. shall notify customers that the documents related to the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service are available upon request and in a format that takes into account the customer's disability. Notification will be given by posting the information in a conspicuous place owned and operated by Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd., the Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. website and/or any other reasonable method.

Administration

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or its related procedures please contact:

Brenda Slichter or Isabel Fernandes-Cunha
416-299-8890
38 Crockford Blvd., Scarborough, Ontario M1R 3C2
brenda@pds.ca or icunha@pds.ca

This policy and its related procedures will be reviewed as required in the event of legislative changes.

Acknowledgement & Agreement

I, _______________________, acknowledge that I have read and understand the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy of Paul Davis Systems Canada, Ltd. Further, I agree to adhere to this Policy and will ensure that employees working under my direction adhere to these guiding principles. I understand that if I violate this Policy, I may face corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.

Name:

Signature:

Date:

Witness:

Referenced Documents:

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07
Blind Person's Rights Act, 1990
Dog Owners' Liability Act, Ontario
Food Safety and Quality Act 2001, Ontario Regulation 31/05
Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 562
Ontario Human Rights Code, 1990

PDS is an international organization recognized throughout North America as the leader in the insurance restoration industry.