ASSOCIATIONS / INSIGHT / EDUCATION / EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
NAHB REMODELER OF THE MONTH
Kirk Aikey, CGR, CAPS, CGP
September 9-12
Greening the
Heartland/Building
Chicago, Chicago
USGBC Illinois Chapter
Usgbc-Illinois.org
Aikey's Home Improvements LLC, Midlothian, Va.
aikeyshomeimprovements.com
Year Founded: 1959
Number of Employees: 3
September 10-12
GlassBuild America,
Atlanta
AAMA, NGA, GANA,
IGMA, BEMA
Glassbuildamerica.com
September 19-21
Q: Who started your company?
A: My father, Harold Aikey. He started out as a
home builder, but always did home improvements. The last house he built was in 1979. We
have been full-time remodelers ever since.
our company uses that did not originate with me.
Other people's ideas get tweaked to fit us or
inspire a whole new concept that we implement.
September 26
Q: What did you do before remodeling?
A: I started with my dad for a while after
graduation because he needed a hand. I enjoyed
working with my hands and just kept applying
myself to it. It's not a just a job; it's my craft.
Q: What does being part of NAHB mean?
A: It has provided me with personal and business
growth. The NAHB, as well as my local HBAR,
has helped my business through education,
advocacy and great friendships. I can't imagine
not belonging. The past several years as a member
have helped me take big steps.
September 30October 2
Q: How has the remodeling profession changed
since you've been involved?
A: Wow! So much has changed in the past 34
years. Everything from codes, EPA, innovations
in products, techniques and more; it is nothing
like when I started. I've also had to become more
of an administrator.
Q: What have you done to grow your business
during the difficult economy?
A: Initially, I spent way too much on advertising
that didn't work. Eventually, I joined a business
networking group, which has been one of my best
decisions. Now I look for networking opportunities. This helps me, as well my business partners.
Q: What is the most unusual project your company has completed?
A: A kitchen in an older part of Richmond that
absolutely transformed the functionality of a
small house. We removed a wall between a galley
kitchen and the small dining room. It opened up
the area and made entertaining so much easier,
as well as beautifying the house. It included rich
dark cabinets, granite, tile backsplash, new
hardwood floors and pendant lights at the bar.
All of his friends had a "wow" moment when they
came over after the project was completed.
Q: What motivates you every day?
A: I know it might seem corny, but for me it's so
rewarding when we exceed a customer's expectations. Just last night on a whole-house remodel,
my customer was literally in tears because she
loved what we have done that much. That makes
it worthwhile.
Roofing Issues: Decks
to Dockets
Carlsbad, Calif.
National Roofing Legal
Resource Center
Nrlrc.net
KBDN Art + Science
Seminar
Needham, Mass.
Kitchen & Bath
Design News
ForResidentialPros.com/
events
Remodelers Advantage
Business Summit
Las Vegas
Remodelers Advantage
Summit.remodelersadvantage.com
October 17-18
Remodeling Show,
Chicago
Hanley Wood
Remodelingshow.com
October 23
Profitable Design/
Build, Chicago
RD+B Executive
Conference Series
Forresidentialpros.com/
rdbconference
October 31November 1
Glass Expo Midwest,
Schaumburg, Ill.
USGlass Magazine
Usglassmag.com
10
July 2013
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Q: What is your favorite item in your office?
A: A family picture. It helps me keep perspective.
It's what's really important.
Q: What's the best career advice you've heard?
A: Recognize a good idea when you steal it. I don't
know who said it, but there are a lot of good ideas
ForResidentialPros.com
Q: Anything else you'd like to mention about
career accomplishments?
A: My three NAHB designations have been such
a huge benefit to me in recent years from helping
with changes in the way we do business to having
learned new ways of doing things. But my greatest accomplishment happens at the end of every
job when the customer shakes my hand and is
glad they chose us to do their project.