Qualified Remodeler Magazine

FEB 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? Michael Owings When and how did you choose this career? I was in commercial construction for my frst 12 years out of high school as I got married early and had children. Ten, I moved into residential doing side jobs, and then started a small remodeling company. How has the remodeling profession changed since you've been involved? It is constantly changing. Consumers are much more educated and demanding. Tey have a high expectation of what they should receive for the price they are paying. Companies have become more business focused than in the past. Tere is a less available and qualifed workforce. What does being part of NAHB mean to you? I have long felt a sense of responsibility to be involved as sort of a payback to the overall community of remodelers, but it has become more than that. I have developed friendships and partnerships that will most likely last a lifetime. It has benefted me in many ways, from actual projects to just learning more about what it takes to be a professional and a leader. What have you done to grow your business during the current economy? We looked into insurance work and single-line remodeling, but decided if we wanted to im- prove our situation we needed to do some- thing diferent. So we joined a kitchen and Anything else you'd like to mention about career accomplishments? We survived the downturn, and are more ef- cient and successful than before. I am involved with Rebuilding Together and will be a house captain this year with my staf volunteering. I have three wonderful, smart and beautiful daughters, a beautiful wife and seven grand- children. I have much more to accomplish but that's a good start. | bath buying group and installed a kitchen and bath design studio. We added both interior de- signers and kitchen designers. Our marketing increased, and we recently added a salesperson. We only hire quality people and supplement that with great vendors and trades. What is the most unusual project your company has completed? Probably a custom arched bridge over a stream for the owner to ride his ATV to visit his son's property on the other side. As you were growing up, what did you want to be? Stunt man. What is your favorite item in your ofce? Putter. Joseph Smith, CGR, CAPS, CGP OWINGS HOME SERVICES, Eldersburg, Md. TITLE: Partner YEAR FOUNDED: 1983 TYPE OF COMPANY: Full-service remodeling with Kitchen and Bath Design Studio Smith cites adding a kitchen and bath design studio as helping the company survive the downturn and become more successful. Photos: Curtis Martin PROFITS: NAHB Remodeler of the Month 50 February 2015 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com | ForResidentialPros.com

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