Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.
Issue link: https://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/308139
1233 Janesville Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0803 (800) 547-7377 Publisher Mark Taussig, ext. 1632 mark.taussig@cygnus.com Editorial Director Rob Heselbarth, ext. 2714 rob.heselbarth@cygnus.com Managing Editor Laurie Banyay, ext. 2709 laurie.banyay@cygnus.com Assistant Editor Kacey Larsen, ext. 1698 kacey.larsen@cygnus.com ForResidentialPros Editor Andrea Girolamo, ext. 6273 andrea.girolamo@cygnus.com Art Director April Van Etten Production Director Steve Swick Audience Development Manager Tammy Steller Production Services Rep Cindy Rusch Administrative Assistant Jenni Ehlke-Heyer Editorial Advisory Board Stephen Gidley, GMB, CAPS, CGP, CGB, CGR, CPRC, CR Jeffrey Holloway, CKD, CBD, CGR Michael Nagel, CGR, CAPS Scott R. Sevon, CGR, CAPS, GMB, CGP, GMR Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, CGP Kenneth P. Skowronski, CR Chief Executive Officer John French Chief Financial Officer Paul Bonaiuto EVP Building & Construction Kris Flitcroft VP Content Greg Udelhofen VP Marketing Debbie George VP Audience Development Julie Nachtigal VP Technology Eric Kammerzelt VP Production Operations Curt Pordes VP Human Resources Ed Wood A preferred publication of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the NAHB Remodelers Business lessons and a clean car A while ago, I was driving home from the paint store with a gallon of paint on the passenger side floor. I was looking forward to the weekend project awaiting me at home. As I approached an intersection not far from the paint store, the driver of the car in the left turn lane changed his mind and abruptly swerved into the through lane, which I was in. Because I was in his blind spot he moved quickly, which forced me to hit the brakes. The paint can tipped forward, the lid popped off and the paint spilled out. I avoided the accident but now I had a big mess to deal with. White paint was all over the dark gray interior of my car. Arriving home, I cleaned up as much as I could, but quickly realized this mess would not easily be removed. I wasn't sure there was enough elbow grease in the world to remove all the paint from the carpet. I took the car to the car wash I pass on my way home each day. One of the owners told me he and his brother owned and managed the place, which was started with help from their father. This was not the cheapest car wash in town, but it had a nice backstory and I thought I'd give these brothers a chance as their business took off. One of the brothers examined my car and quoted me a reasonable price to remove the paint. I agreed, dropped it off the following morning and left it there all day. After work, I picked it up; not a drop of paint was to be seen. The brother told me he had three guys working in shifts for several hours scrubbing and removing the paint. He seriously underestimated the time it would take to complete the job and, therefore, seriously undercharged me for it, too. With experience, I'm sure the car wash brothers stopped underestimating jobs like mine. But that day, they honored their price with a smile. In exchange, I over-tipped the guys who did the work. Then, I continued to bring my car there for every subsequent car wash. This place earned my business, and I've shared the story of their great customer service with many friends in the area. Service like this goes a long way with customers, and can be well worth whatever financial hit one might take during the process. I've met many remodelers who understand this concept, who have told me stories of how they, too, jumped through hoops trying to keep customers happy, just like the car wash brothers. Businesses with strong brands and expectations of longevity are built on stories like my paint- can mishap. Run a business without this kind of service and integrity and it's a much weaker foundation that supports it. Have you and your team had an opportunity to provide customer service like the car wash owners? If not, are you prepared to? Do you have a similar story to share? Share it in Qualified Remodeler's LinkedIn group or on our Facebook page. Or, send them to me at editor@qrmagazine. com. QR 6 May 2014 QR ForResidentialPros.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR'S NOTE This place earned my business, and I've shared the story of their great customer service. QUR_06-7_Editor514.indd 6 4/28/14 9:33 AM