Qualified Remodeler Magazine

OCT 2015

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.

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Who started your company? I did. When and how did you choose this career? In 1978, I was laid of from my third job in the oil feld business, and I had enough of working for someone else. I grew up in the residential construction trade since my dad did carpentry work and my grandfather did cabinet work; if I wasn't helping one I was helping the other. How has the remodeling profession changed since you've been involved? Te biggest change has been the technology involved; it allows someone instant information. New software is now more tailored to assist in or- ganizing our administrative and operational procedures. Right now, what is your fo- cus as a remodeler — more growth or steady revenue at great- er proftability? I plan to grow my sales by 10 percent, and it is always a goal to cut waste on labor and material to control slippage. We plan to increase our presence in targeted communities and place a new procedure in contacting the neighbors of ongoing projects. Many remodelers are report- ing increases in their average job size in 2015. Are you seeing this as well? Not only size but homeowners are wanting better quality as well as extra bells and whistles. When this is the case, I will introduce an interior designer to assist the homeowner with their project. a gentleman who became wheelchair bound. We had to resize and comply with ADA re- quirements for completely remodeled bath- rooms, doorways, hallways, patio, balcony and garage. We had to rework and modify foundation and framing structure as well as relocate or reroute A/C duct lines, water lines and of course electrical lines without expanding the footprint of the residence. And still retain the charm and quality the home originally possessed. Anything else you'd like to mention about career ac- complishments? Career accomplishments are nice but it's not why I became a remodeler. To me, an accomplishment is when I complete a project and the homeowner thanks me for making their home the home they always wanted. Tat is the reason why I remain a remodeler. | Where do you go to look for solutions and ideas for your business? Houston has a group of great re- modelers who belong to Te Greater Houston Builders Association Remodeler's Council, and we take pride in our profession. A broth- erhood exists, and we extend our help when asked. If I have a question or I need to search for a trade, all I have to do is pick up the phone and call or text one of my colleagues. Tis group is so supportive and knowledgeable that I rarely have to go outside this circle of professionals to fnd answers or ideas. If you could have a 30-minute conversation with any busi- ness leader in the country — to pick their brain for business ideas — who would it be? Bill Gates — who else is better? What is your No. 1 source of leads right now, and why is it working? I have a strong referral program in place and emphasize keeping in touch with our clientele. We email a newsletter with help- ful hints and an incentive for referrals each month and major holidays. We send birthday cards to our clients and include a photo of their project. If we land a project due to a referral, then a certifcate to a nice restaurant and/or a bottle of wine is sent to the home- owner as a "thank you." Te response has been tremendous, and we will continue to improve our method of communication to ensure we will receive those referrals. What is the most unusual project your company has completed? We created space for a large elevator in the center of a three-story house for Referral Program Helps with Leads Keeping in touch with clientele proves benefcial By Kacey Larsen GONZALO GARCIA, CGR, GMB, CAPS, CGP, GMR JRG Builder & Remodeler's Houston, Texas JRGbuilder.com TITLE: President YEAR FOUNDED: 1992 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 3 An interior makeover included custom cabinets, wood plank flooring and adding full-size windows. (Photo: Harry Durham) Visit QualifiedRemodeler.com to read the complete interview QualifiedRemodeler.com QR October 2015 19 PROFITS: NAHB Remodeler of the Month

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