estimationPRO announces Strategic Partnership with Trapp Online

Kansas City, Missouri January 2, 2012 –  estimationPRO is proud to announce today a Strategic Partnership with Trapp Online, a provider of the world’s leading cloud hosting solutions within the accounting industry. This partnership will provide customers access to Trapp Online’s innovative cloud capabilities. The integration of estimationPRO’s technologies combined with Trapp Online’s technologies will ultimately lead to the world’s first hybrid business management solution for the construction industry.

“The Strategic Partnership with Trapp Online will provide technological solutions never even considered in the construction industry. This partnership has enabled estimationPRO the ability to provide small business owners the infrastructure reserved for Fortune 500 class companies. Yet again, through our Strategic Partnership program, estimationPRO has the ability to provide technology to the small – medium – enterprise class contractor that was never even been considered a possibility.” Wallace Stine, Vice President – Board Member

“Our relationship with estimationPRO brings a complete Hybrid cloud solution to the construction industry” said Greg Forshey, President at Trapp Online.  “Sales Representatives, Project Managers, and Crew Leaders can now work in the field and do data entry with the local application on their laptop, while the back office is working on the cloud.  Once the employee has an internet connection, the system syncs up and everyone is updated throughout the system, all the way to receiving the invoice numbers and updated accounting information.  We are changing the industry, one quote at a time.”

About estimationPRO:  estimationPRO is the construction industries only fully automated technology customized to the end user. estimationPRO’s dedication to being the leading software technology in the roofing industry has produced the world’s fastest and most accurate estimation platform, compiled with the industries only scalable and customizable CRM. estimationPRO”s Strategic Partnerships has produced the industry’s most advanced accounting synchronization along with the world’s first hybrid solution. This enables the end user a 360 view of their company information, from estimation to accounting, from any device, anywhere in the world. For more information please visit estimationPRO.com.

About Trapp Online, LLC:  Trapp Online is a premier provider of cloud online hosting solutions for the small to mid-sized business market.  The Phoenix, Arizona, based company provides unparalleled products and services to CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, and business owners across the country.  Trapp Online’s highly sought-after business solutions include remote access hosting using My Accounting Cloud, dependable website hosting using My Domain Cloud, and virtual server hosting using My Server Cloud are unmatched within the industry, and Trapp Online offers a great deal more than the competition, from superior products and services to unsurpassed customer service.  The Trapp Online certified support team is available to clients 24/7 via live chat, e-mail, or by phone.

For more information on what Trapp Online has to offer, please visit www.trapponline.com or call 1-877-942-CLOUD

A great first day at Booth #1701. Got our booth set up and met a lot of good people. We look forward to all of our future endeavors with the exciting new people we have met so far.

IRE 2012 – Day 2

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estimationPRO with ConnectPoint’s Roof Diagramming will enhance the contractor network abilities to receive the most precise and comprehensive diagramming report in the market today

CATOOSA, OK, February 23, 2012 – ConnectPoint Resolution Systems, a division of The Pacesetter Companies, Inc. is proud to announce today a strategic partnership with estimationPRO, a provider of property estimating and data management software to the contractor community. This partnership will allow estimationPRO customers to have direct access to ConnectPoint’s Roof Diagramming Service.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with estimationPRO, our combined resources will add tremendous value for ConnectPoint and estimationPRO clients,” said Scott Mullins, President of ConnectPoint Resolution Systems.

The roof diagram report from ConnectPoint connects contractors, adjusters, insurers and homeowners to make roof measurements fast and easy. Our powerful roof survey system can determine the precise dimensions of a roof within a 2% margin of error. Utilizing state-of-the art advanced aerial imaging technology, we can calculate a roof’s area, pitch, and face details, so that you are provided with the entire report and you will never have to leave the ground.

About ConnectPoint Resolution Systems: ConnectPoint Resolution Systems, Inc., is a division of The Pacesetter Companies, Inc. and a leading provider of aerial diagram services and inspection services to the property insurance and construction industries. The Pacesetter Companies provide a range of adjusting services to insurance companies throughout the United States. In addition, Pacesetter owns and operates Pacesetter Training Center, which provides adjuster training and continuing education to new and experienced adjusters. The Company’s mission is to continue to build profitable relationships with its partners while improving the property claims process for the insurance carrier and the insured. Pacesetter seeks to build unique and customizable solutions for its partners that result in greater productivity in the claims adjusting process. For more information, visit www.connectpointinc.com

“estimationPRO is dedicated to providing the worlds best technology to the roofing industry, whether proprietary or though a Strategic Partnership.  The partnership with ConnectPoint enables estimationPRO to provide the industries elite contractors access to ConnectPoint’s Innovative Roof Diagramming Service in seconds.” Wallace Stine, Vice President  - Board Member

About estimationPRO: estimationPRO is the construction industries only fully automated technology customized to the end user. estimationPRO’s dedication to being the leading software technology in the roofing industry has produced the world’s fastest and most accurate estimation platform, compiled with the industries only scalable and customizable CRM. estimationPRO”s Strategic Partnerships has produced the industry’s most advanced accounting synchronization along with the world’s first hybrid solution. Which ultimately has enabled the end user a 360 view of their company information, from estimation to accounting, from any device, anywhere in the world. For more information please visit estimationPRO.com.

estimationPRO: Valente a few months ago you where looking for a software solution to assist in estimation, why was this?

Valente Montenegro: When we first started we are writing our contracts by hand, and calculating our measurements and estimate’s manually.  This led to many errors and caused our projects to break even or even worse lose money.  When we entered into the storm recovery business and started having  many adjuster appointments, it was a rude awakening.  The field adjusters look at my sales representative’s and smile, some even went as far as suggesting we were not professional simply due to the fact of our hand written estimates. It’s still my belief today that the field adjusters would write a low ball scope on my projects due to this fact. I quickly realized  I needed a software solution that could quickly and  accurately  produce professional job scope’s that ultimately would boost my profits.

estimationPRO: What was the determining factor in choosing estimationPRO to solve your estimating needs?

Valente Montenegro: After reviewing three competing software programs, I personally feel very lucky to had the opportunity to speak to Wallace Stine at estimationPRO. After our initial online demonstration the only choice was estimationPRO. The price, it’s ability to build a job scope and all supporting documents in seconds, and its ease-of-use were all overwhelming factors in my decision.

estimationPRO: Have you used any software before estimationPRO to estimate your roofing projects?

Valente Montenegro: I used “omitted due to competitors name used” and it was too hard to learn and other programs require the Internet and just could not produce an accurate estimate.  estimationPRO is the answer!

estimationPRO: How long did it take you to learn how to use estimationPRO’s Bid-Client?

Valente Montenegro: Our set up was complete in a matter of 1 hour, and my staff and I was trained in two sessions consisting of less than two hours. After your first 10 estimates you will easily be producing estimates in 5 mininutes with all supporting documents. Personally I’d like to thank Mr. Riley it was a pleasure working with you our setup process.

estimationPRO: How accurate has estimationPRO been when creating your estimates?

Valente Montenegro: Currently we have estimated over 100 projects with estimationPRO’s off-line Bid-Client. estimationPRO automatically accounts for each line item by simply entering the measurements, and produces 100% accurate  job scope every time.

estimationPRO: Has estimationPRO assisted in increasing the job amounts when Supplementing?

Valente Montenegro: With minimal effort estimationPRO is empowered my sales staff and provided the ability to present professional and accurate job scope’s each and every time. This has increase our jobs $2-$5000 on each and every roof by simply pointing out the line items the original adjuster missed.

estimationPRO: After using estimationPRO over the last three months, could you imagine producing estimates without?

Valente Montenegro:  No, estimationPRO’s become an integral part of S & R Works, and I personally believe estimationPRO is the wave of the future.

estimationPRO: In closing this customer interview, you have any last thoughts?

Valente Montenegro: All of us here at S & R Works are excited about estimationPRO and its capabilities. After using estimationPRO the last three months I would tell anyone that this is the program, stop wasting your time with the others like I did. We spent hours trying to learn other software programs with no such luck.

That concludes our customer interview with  Valente Montenegro, CEO of S & R Works.

1. Log into http://estimationpro.com/client enter in your username and password information. Then click Estimate Manager on your home screen.

2. Click on the estimate that you need to edit.

3. On the left side of the screen click on Lock/Unlock Estimate

4. Select Lock or Unlock and Insert CEO Password

1. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button. In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update.
2. In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
3. If you see a message telling you that important updates are available, or telling you to review important updates, click the message and at minimum, select the important updates to install.
4. Click Install Updates.Read and accept the license terms, and then click Finish if the update requires it. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Step 2: System Settings Operation

Press the Start button. Right click on Computer, and then select properties. See System Type: 64 or 32 Bit Operating System.

Note: All Windows XP users are on a 32 Bit operating system.

Step 3: Login to http://estimationpro.com/client with your admin login & password

Select your Operating System (32 or 64 bit) system type. Save the File.

Step 4: Locate the Downloaded File

By default, this file will be placed in your Document/Downloads Folder.

Double Click the EPro XX-bit Setup.exe to execute. Complete the following prompts

Step 5: Install Complete

Locate estimationPRO from your Start Menu and start estimating!

Register now  |  Book housing reservations

The roofing industry’s largest, most comprehensive event of 2012 brings you the full range of show features to help you benefit beyond expectations — cost-saving resources, vital knowledge, powerful connections and much more.

Make plans to attend the 2012 Int’l Roofing Expo and you will find a wealth of opportunities to help you boost your bottom line, increase your productivity and grow your commercial and/or residential roofing business.

Benefit From Products
Connect with manufacturers, suppliers and industry contacts in an exhibit hall filled with a wide range of multi-dimensional products, services, technologies and innovations.  See and compare the full range of the newest products from every major product category.
Benefit From Education
Choose from expert-led seminars packed with leading-edge advice on how to reduce costs, improve profits and save time.  You will receive the latest, most effective strategies for surviving — and thriving — in today’s economy.
Benefit From Networking
Make lasting connections with people who speak your language and share your day-to-day challenges.  Compare notes, exchange ideas and build relationships.  Gain insights and learn from experiences of your peers.
For the staying power you need to thrive during changing times, count on the steady stream of resources, ideas and opportunities available at the 2012 Int’l Roofing Expo.  Online registration and  housing are open, so make plans now!

Cameras, Cell Phones and Pagers
Cell phone, still or video photography on the show floor is strictly prohibited. No cell phones or pagers may be used during seminars. 

Solicitation of business by anyone who is not an official show exhibitor is strictly prohibited.  Show Management takes this matter very seriously, and any individual who violates this rule will be asked to leave the show venue immediately without the right to receive any refund of fees.

estimationPRO: Tripp tell us about Republic Roofing and Restoration.

Tripp Atkinson: Republic Roofing & Restoration was founded to bridge the gap between the confusion of the insurance claims process and reconstruction after the loss. Republic specializes in Fire, Wind, Water & Hail restoration services with an emphasis on natural disaster re-roofing. Our service technicians are the best in the industry, striving to achieve excellence through precise estimating and customer service. Republic also prides itself on having a fun and energetic atmosphere that is constantly changing and evolving to better serve our past, present and future clients.

estimationPRO: Why did you think it was vital For Republic Roofing and Restoration to implement some sort of CRM software?

Tripp Atkinson: In a recession, you need to work smarter, not just harder. Republic realized that with CRM our business could become more profitable by concentrating our resources more efficiently; better serving and developing new customers.

estimationPRO: What was the determining factors that ultimately lead to you choosing estimationPRO and JOBTRACKER CRM?

Tripp Atkinson: Republic wanted an estimation platform and CRM that understood our needs as a roofing & restoration contractor. After carefully analyzing several different software options, estimationPRO was chosen due to its ability to estimate losses in the field, without the internet ,using prices inputed by the central office, thus giving management complete control of profit percentages and the ability to monitor job flow. Jobtracker was also fundamental in our decision as it solved our CRM and document management needs with the ability to seamlessly communicate with the service writers, sub contractors, office staff and most importantly customers.

estimationPRO: Republic Roofing and Restoration purchase estimationPRO mid December of 2011. How would you rate the implementation process during the past few months?

Tripp Atkinson: Republic was concerned about the implementation of new estimating software, CRM, a document management system all at the same time, but the staff at estimationPRO has proven to our company. That with their assistance our service writers and office staff have and are beginning to understand the benefits of a software system based on customer service and effortless communication throughout the company. Though there are still loose ends that need to be resolved the implementation process has gone as painless and as smooth as one could ask for considering how large of a task it is to implement a estimating and CRM software simultaneously.

estimationPRO: During the implementation of estimationPRO in JOBTRACKER. Do you feel that estimationPRO fully understood the needs of Republic Roofing and Restoration?

Tripp Atkinson: estimationPRO worked diligently to accommodate our organizations requirements and have continued to do so. EstimationPRO spent the necessary time to understand our business methods and requirements. More importantly they custom tailored a work flow for our business. The software was built to suit our individual needs and because of this Republic would willingly refer estimationPRO to others in the roofing & restoration industry.

estimationPRO: Did estimationPRO meet your expectations?

Tripp Atkinson: estimationPRO is not perfect, nor was any of the other software applications we considered. It is however the closest Estimation/CRM software out there that offered practical solutions to our needs.  Republic will never have all of its expectations met by simply using Epro; however, expectations have been surpassed when it comes to the staff and their constant efforts to help Republic Roofing & Restoration become the best it can be. The countless hours and constant interaction with the staff at Epro has created a sense of confidence that Republic has chosen the rite Estimating/CRM software for the job.

estimationPRO: Do you feel that estimationPRO understands the issues contractors are experiencing in our industry, and have the solution whether through our software package or through consulting?

Tripp Atkinson: estimationPRO is definitely a software firm designed for the roofing contractor.  The estimationPRO staff is often asking you questions that you may have never thought of before. The owners and developers at Epro understand every aspect of the roofing business and often suggest ways to solve the problems with proven systems and procedures. This we feel was the key difference in estimationPRO and their competition. estimationPRO was built by roofers for roofers and has partnered with some of today’s leading roofing technology companies such as Pictometry. The owners and staff at Epro have been there and done it time and time again. The priceless knowledge that one receives from experience and experience alone is one of many attributes estimationPRO  staff has to offer to any roofing contractor.

estimationPRO: estimationPRO completely customized your workflow to fit Republic Roofing and Restorations business model. Do you believe it’s possible for a out-of-the-box workflow could have worked for Republic Roofing & Restoration.

Tripp Atkinson: NO…every roofing company does business differently. Without being able to customize your work flow you would find yourself having to change the way in which you do business to fit the mold of the software company you chose. Republic purchased estimationPRO to help take its existing business model and make it better and more efficient. Not to change its model!

estimationPRO: Can we use you as a referral?

Tripp Atkinson: Yes

estimationPRO: In closing this interview, any last thoughts?

Tripp Atkinson: In closing, it has been an enjoyable experience implementing esimationPRO and JOBTRACKER. The staff is great and extremely helpful. It has opened our eyes as a company as to where our industry is headed. Our industry is forever changing and as a business owner we owe it to ourselves, our staff and most importantly our customers to be on the cutting edge of technology and advancements in software. estimationPRO enables any roofing company to be run like a multimillion dollar corporation. A corporation that monitors the entire roofing process from beginning to end keeping everyone involved informed. If you do not begin implementing an Estimating/CRM software such as estimationPRO and JOBTRACKER you will find yourself left behind while those around you who are using such software pushing forward and becoming more and more successful.

That concludes our customer interview with Tripp Atkinson, Chief Operating Officer of Republic Roofing and Restoration. All of us here at estimationPRO would like to thank Mr. Atkinson for taking the time to complete this interview. Please visit Mr. Atkinson and his team of professionals at www.republicroofingrestoration.com.

According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), more than half of homeowners are concerned about pest damage to their homes and property — and rightfully so.

“Increased moisture from melting ice and snow can create cracks and holes in roofs and foundations, allowing pests easy access,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. “Ice dams, which form on roofs and prevent snow from melting, are especially problematic as they can damage walls, ceilings, insulation and drywall, with resulting moisture attracting pests such as termites and carpenter ants.”

If pests have already found their way indoors, immediate action is recommended. “Homeowners should deal with a pest problem right away since household pests breed relatively quickly. A small pest problem can result in a full-blown infestation in a matter of weeks, posing serious health risks to homeowners and their families,” advised Henriksen.

The first step toward keeping spring pests outdoors is to repair any obvious damage. The NPMA recommends the following advice:

• Look for missing roof shingles, ripped window screens and clogged gutters, all of which are as inviting as a “Pests welcome” vacancy sign.
• Seal cracks and holes, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Replace weather-stripping, and repair loose mortar around basement foundations and windows.
• Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Vacuum around doors and windows, as these are key entry points for eager pests. Frequent vacuuming can catch invaders like spiders, silverfish, earwigs and beetles.
• Inspect garages and outbuildings for rodent tenants. Organize cluttered debris, boxes and random items along the walls where mice may hide or nest. Does spring cleaning call for a new shelving unit?
• Partner with a local pest professional to treat existing infestations, and consider a quarterly maintenance plan to keep pests out for good.

For more information about pest maintenance, tips on identifying an infestation and locating a qualified and licensed pest professional, visit www.pestworld.org.