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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QR: Who started your company? AM : A.C.T. Builders was started by Aaron, Charlie and Terree Marvin. QR: When and how did you choose this career? AM: I like to say this career chose me. My dad, Charlie, has been in construction my entire life and owned his own company in Southern California while I was growing up. I have always worked construction, and it was a natural transition. QR: What does being part of NAHB Remodelers mean to you? AM: Being part of the NAHB means I am part of something much bigger—part of the solutions, part of the fights and part of the voice for affordability of housing and remodeling. Being in the NAHB means there is someone out there looking out for me and my company. AM: e most unusual project was a ballistics testing facility for a company that produces lightweight armor for Blackhawk helicopters. We worked with the city, state of Washington, and Feds to design and build a concrete struc- ture that would be approved for shooting up to 50-caliber rounds in a climate-controlled environment. Second most unusual was an over-3,000-square-foot room addition with a free-form rock pool complete with waterslide and waterfall. e structure had a full mortise and tenon timber-frame roof structure. QR: Favorite item in your office? AM: ings that remind me of my kids are definitely my favorite. I have plaques from all the soccer teams I have coached, wooden giraffes from when I went to Africa to pick up our adopted son and drawings that [my kids] have given me. e awards and pictures are cool but pale in comparison to the items that make me think of my kids. QR: Anything else you'd like to mention about career accomplishments? AM: I have been blessed to be recognized with awards and accolades, but I truly want to give credit to my dad. He is my business partner and the one who keeps the whole thing roll- ing. He taught me how to be a family man, someone who always does what's right, and is the hardest-working person I have ever met. Without my dad and his work ethic, I would have never had the opportunity to be in a position to receive any of these awards. | QR: How has the remodeling profession changed since you've been involved? AM: I have seen the addition of the lead, silica and mold requirements; drastic changes to energy codes; and mandatory tamper-resistant outlets and arch fault breakers have greatly affected electrical pricing. It is no longer an industry that allows a skilled craftsman to accomplish a client's vision. Remodeling now requires you to be a skilled craftsman, savvy businessman and compliance officer. QR: Where do you go to look for solutions and ideas for your business? AM: Our first option is always our NAHB 20 Club. ey have been invaluable to our success. Next, we have a network of builder/ remodeler colleagues in our area whom we have the ability to talk freely with about the industry and issues we may be experiencing. Finally, we are blessed to have people who have experienced success in all different as- pects of business; we look to them for ad- vice in areas of overlap from one business to another. QR: If you could have a 30-minute con- versation with any business leader, who would it be? AM: I am blessed with the members of my NAHB 20 Club. ere are so many amaz- ing business leaders that any businessperson would be lucky to have 30 minutes with them. My second choice is probably Sarah Lamb of Scribe America—their success is incredible. QR: What is the most unusual project your company has completed? Part of Something Bigger Aaron Marvin believes it's invaluable to look within the industry and beyond for business advice. Interviewed by Kacey Larsen AARON MARVIN CAPS, CGP, CGB A.C.T. Builders, LLC Vancouver, Wash. actbuilders.org TITLE: Member/Owner YEAR FOUNDED: 2004 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 7 A.C.T. Builders' most consistent source of leads comes from direct referrals. Marvin believes that firsthand accounts of project success and the client relationship helps. Read the complete interview at QualifiedRemodeler.com/NAHBR Photo: April Williams of April Williams Photography PROFITS: NAHB Remodeler of the Month 18 January 2017 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com