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exterior contractor Growing Green Green Choice Living Makes Sustainability Affordable By Allen Barry In 2009, Ken Watson, a 14-year veteran of the home remodeling industry, decided to go out on his own and create a company where he could put his knowledge and remodeling experience to work. He wanted to emphasize direct interaction with customers in a structure not bound by the corporate red tape of larger firms. The result of Watson's efforts is Green Choice Living. With locations in Orange and Rancho Cordova, Calif., Green Choice Living focuses on customer satisfaction and high industry standards while maintaining a family-run atmosphere in its business. "One thing that sets us apart from our competitors is our no money down policy," explains Ken Watson, owner of Green Choice Living. "We don't require any money until the customer is 100 percent satisfied. We strive to make sure we have a customer for life before accepting payment for one of our projects." Doing high-quality work is, of course, central to the success of Green Choice Living. But keeping a strong business through tough economic times has required finding ways to help customers deal with the costs. "We do offer zero-percent financing for customers wanting a better financ- ing option," Watson explains. "In today's economy, everyone is looking for ways to cut costs. Our customers are not only able to take advantage of the energy savings our products provide, but they can do it while saving on interest costs. Every little bit helps, and that is why we not only offer zero-percent programs, but also no payments/no interest plans, reduced interest plans, and plans with very low payments." The "Green" in Green Choice Living comes from the energyefficient and sustainable solutions the company offers its customers. "Green Choice Living provides products that help consumers become more energy-efficient," Watson says. "Energy-efficient windows with low-E glass and argon gas, attic and wall insulation, and cool roofing are just some of the solutions that help our customers reduce their energy consumption. These products save our customers up to 45 percent on their energy costs." The company promotes its services through an array of marketing avenues, including direct mail, Web-based marketing and cold calling. Green Choice Living was also given the opportunity to represent windows in several OSH Hardware stores. "We have amassed a wide customer base in the last three years, and our customers have been great at referring us to friends and family for their remodeling needs," Watson says. When they get the call, Green Choice Living takes a consultative approach with its potential customers. "We provide free, noobligation estimates in our customers' homes," Watson explains. "We present our products with the intent of educating our customers and pointing out how our products can be affordable and help save 45 percent on heating and cooling costs. We really work with them to make sure they get the look they want with the energy efficiency they need." Looking ahead, Watson hopes to continue the good work his firm does and grow the company's name recognition even more. "Green Choice Living is always looking for ways to get our name out there," he says. "We have been diving head-first into Internet and Web-based marketing, as well as social media and review sites. Learning the ins and outs of this new way of doing business is definitely a challenge, but we have been surrounding ourselves with a great team that is very knowledgeable." Green Choice Living has been included on Qualified Remodeler's Top 500 and Exterior 200 lists for two years running, with its position rising each year. "In 2013, we look forward to climbing even higher on those lists as we service our customers with energy-efficient products, affordable financing and excellent customer service," Watson says. ForResidentialPros.com QR January 2013 43