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Who started your company? Me, John Guillory. When and how did you choose this career? I chose my design ca- reer at a very early age — 6 or 7. My father owned a design frm, and I chose this career by his example and instruction. Te education he provided has been the most valuable and precious gift of my professional career. What did you do before be- coming a remodeler? I have always been involved in residential design. I started as an apprentice draftsman in April 1974. For the frst eight years of my career, I learned my craft both "in ofce" and on "build projects." Tese "build projects" involved me What is your No. 1 source of leads right now and why is it working? Word-of-mouth is always our No. 1 source of leads. Redesigning and updating spaces we designed 20 years ago is not uncom- mon and a testimony to great client relations. What is the most unusual project your company has completed? Sketching, photographing, numbering, systematically disassembling and moving of a historic home 45 miles away from Baton Rouge; redesigning the interior func- tions of the home; and reassembling the up- dated version on a tight site in Baton Rouge. Finding qualifed labor is a challenge. Are you hiring this year and how are you going about fnd- ing the right people for your company? We are not hiring, but Custom Home Designs is involved with several young ar- chitects and designers in the Baton Rouge area in a mentoring program. Te education that was given to me by my many mentors is now being passed forward. It is a great joy to see these young men and women maturing into the right people for any company. What does being part of NAHB mean to you? Te peo- ple I have met within the NAHB, regardless of position or personal status, have reached out to welcome and help me. Having access to such a knowledgeable group of building professionals is a terrifc resource during times when help is needed. | in hands-on construction under the direction of Master Craftsmen across the building trades (another valuable and precious gift). How has the remodeling profession changed since you've been involved? Remodeling has transformed from adding a room for the ar- rival of an unexpected baby (reactive/must- have remodeling) to renovations that enhance homeowners' lives and property investments (proactive/fnely crafted). Many remodelers are report- ing increases in their average job size in 2015. Are you seeing this as well? Our average job size is shrinking, but the quality of materials and amenities is ris- ing. Recently, we have partnered with interior designers and remodeling contractors in an efort to provide a "team" approach. Tis has allowed us to condense project size and focus our client's resources to maximum efect. Where do you go to look for solutions and ideas for your business? Our local Remodeler's Council of Greater Baton Rouge meets monthly to share ideas, questions and solutions to difcult problems, which is very helpful and informa- tive. Each Friday afternoon, Custom Home Designs has a "mastermind" meeting with a select group of colleagues from the building industry; these meetings run the gamut from design and planning to timely completion of punch list items. Houzz has revolutionized our industry by allowing our clients to succinctly express their desires. Houzz gives designers an opportunity to see what creative solutions are being used and developed by others. Mentoring to 'pass it on' The September Remodeler of the Month learned by example and wants to pass that passion on By Laurie Banyay JOHN GUILLORY, CAPS, CGA, AIBD Custom Home Designs, LLC, Baton Rouge, La., yournewhomedesign.com TITLE: Owner YEAR FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 2 Guillory sees the quality of materials and amenities being selected for projects rising. Visit QualifiedRemodeler.com to read the complete interview PROFITS: NAHB Remodeler of the Month 18 September 2015 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com