Across The Street, Across The Country

Cyber attacks aren’t an if, but a when, and when your business is affected, it takes more than just an IT specialist to get you back on-line. In part two of our series on cybersecurity, we speak with Katarina Duke, a lawyer who specialises in helping organizations through the aftermath of a cyber attack. From the proper messaging to deliver in the wake of an attack, to how to proceed in the case of a ransomware negotiation, lawyers like Katarina are essential to dealing with the aftermath of an attack.

Theme music for this episode is Coming Up and This Is Everything by Close Kicks.

Once limited to targeting financial institutions, government agencies and large retails chains, cyber attacks are growing more common, and bolder. Attacking everything from hospitals and small businesses to educational institutions and individuals, threatening to shut down computer systems and destroy data record unless a ransom is paid.

So how do you prevent these attacks? Or minimize their risk if they do occur? We speak with Sarah Wellman, an IT expert who specializes in cybersecurity, about how to identify a threat, and deal with it, if you or your business are targeted.

Theme music for this episode is Small Town, Big Dreams and You Made it Home by Close Kicks.

What does it take to not only attract great employees, but keep them? In this episode we speak with John Atkinson, an insurance benefits expert from HMA the Benefits People about why benefits are a key factor in in both employee recruitment and retention.

We also get a chance to speak with Elizabeth Hepworth, registered physiotherapist, who offers insight and advice on how to identify and manager stress on the job site. This is especially important when dealing with property owners who are themselves dealing with stress following a disaster.

Music in this episode is “Ghost Stories” by Looking for Heather and 

“This is Everything”  by Close Kicks.

Everyone knows that they need insurance, but you may not now exactly how it works. In this episode we speak with Martin Moran of BFL Canada, an insurance company who works with DKI Canada Members across the country. Martin lifts the curtain, sharing insight on the topic gained through a long and varied history in the industry.

Music for this episode includes Fix it for You and Coming Up by Close Kicks

2023 is here, and with it the conclusion of our first season of the “Across the Street, Across the Country” podcast.

In this episode we look at the highlights from season 1 episodes. From catastrophic weather events, to employee shortages, we spoke with Members across the country as they faced challenges in their efforts to help get families home. Learning about  their community and sustainability initiatives, and how they balance work and relaxation, from ice fishing to music. 

Music for this episode is Always Be Alright and Small Town Big Dreams, by Close Kicks.

A project is only as successful as the person running it, that’s why DKI Canada Members employ Project Managers. It is the job of the Project Manager, or PM, to maintain strong communication between crews, client and insurer to ensure every job goes as smoothly, and quickly, as possible. 

In this episode we head to Ottawa, Ontario, to speak with Steve Martel, Project Manager with DKI – Novatech. We look at the unique leadership and trade skills needed to succeed in the PM role and talk about the current restoration project Steve and his crew are working on.

“This is Everything” and “Fix it for You” by Close Kicks.

What better way to change the face of men’s health than by actually changing your face? November is here and so is moustache season as the global initiative to bring attention to men’s health, both physical and mental, kicks off. 

In this episode we have an open and honest conversation with Jeff Sutton, of Markel Canada, about his reasons for joining the Movember movement. We also speak with Kyle and Matt Douglas, of DKI – CRCS, whose brotherly competition to sport the best moustache is also supporting this worthwhile cause.

We round the episode out with our top five list for the participants whose moustaches act as a beacon of hope 

Theme music for this episode is Coming up and Always Be Alright by Close Kicks 

When your job requires you to be ready to go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, eating properly can be a challenge. This is the struggle faced by DKI Canada crews whose workdays are far from regular. From eating at strange times, like in the middle of the night, to finding time to grab a bite during emergencies, it take special effort to stay fueled. In this episode we speak with a registered dietician for recommendations on how, when and what to eat when your work schedule is irregular.

 A sound body is only part of the challenge in a busy career, which is why special emphasis is placed on ensuring employees are also supported when it comes to mental health. We speak with Dany Roy, co-owner of DKI – VC Renovations in New Brunswick, about how he and his team take mental health seriously. From knowing what to look for to determine if an employee is in a stressful situation, to ensuring that help is accessible whenever it is needed.

Theme music for this episode is The House We Built and Small Town, Big Dreams by Close Kicks.

Atlantic Canada is no strangers to storms, but the devastation brought by Hurricane Fiona surpassed everything previously seen. In this episode we hear how DKI - Meco Construction in Glace Bay Cape Breton is responding to the storm and meeting the challenge of restoring homes and lives. 

David Goetz and Shaun DeLorey of DKI Canada’s corporate headquarters in Ontario, share how they’ve jumped in to help Members out, travelling to Nova Scotia to join the crews on the ground.

Meteorologist Tyler Hamilton, of The Weather Network, explains what made Fiona unique, and what we should prepare for in the future. 

Theme Music for this episode is Ghost Stories from Looking for Heather and Coming Up by Close Kicks.