Qualified Remodeler Magazine

JAN 2016

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.

Issue link: https://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/623311

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 21 of 70

When and how did you choose this career? I worked in sales for several years after graduating from college. One of my former clients from my building material sales days hired me to work as a project manager. He was a general contractor focused on multifamily reno- vations. In 2008, the owner of that com- pany passed away. I submitted my resume, unsolicited, to several commercial general contracting companies. Because of the economic climate at that time, most did not even acknowledge they had received it. With encouragement from my wife, I decided to start my own company in October of 2008. Where do you go to look for solutions and ideas for your business? My "go to" options for solutions and ideas for my business are my family, employees, and the members of my NAHB 20 Club, the "Mavericks" (my defacto "Board of Directors"). How has the remodeling profession changed since you've been involved? With the ad- vancement of online shopping, overnight deliveries and instant downloads, customers are conditioned for immediate gratifcation. To meet the demand for instant every- thing, we've advanced from taking calls anywhere on our mobile phones to sending and receiving emails with our Blackberry devices. Now, more and more, we are seeing customers forgeo the phone call and even emails and simply texting us when they want to communicate. Also, we've been able to satisfy our cus- tomer's need for instant response by giving them access to our online "customer portals" afordable workers' compensation insur- ance. And because of my association with the NAHB, I have been able to exchange ideas and get direct input on my business by participating in the 20 Club as well as continue to expand my knowledge of this industry through designations. What motivates you every day? Getting better! We are always looking for ways we can get better. Our employees, trade partners and custom- ers deserve the best we can give them every- day. Te day that we stop trying to improve is the day we start to die as a business. Anything else you'd like to mention about career ac- complishments? As simple as it sounds, I started this business with the simple prin- ciple of "do what you say you are going to do!" Most of our customers simply want to deal with a company that has the integrity to do what they say they are going to do. Tat can be as simple as showing up on time for an appointment, fnishing a job on time or fnishing the job on budget. | where our clients can log in 24/7 and check the production calendar, review and approve change orders, approve selections or even make payments. What is the most unusual project your company has completed? In 2014, we installed a 210-ft.-long concrete block seawall at a local lake. What made this project so unique was the tight construction timeline we had, as the water at this lake is only lowered for about 14 days once every three years! Tis project was a test of our ability to coordinate with our trade partners. Everything had to be organized perfectly ... and we needed a little cooperation from Mother Nature. What have you done to grow your business during the current economy? We continue to explore better ways to generate quality leads. Although more than 50 percent of our leads are generated by referrals, we understand that if we want to continue to grow, we need to maintain a steady stream of high-quality organic leads that we can convert into jobs. What does being part of NAHB mean to you? Not having a remodeling background (no family history of remodeling/nobody to pass on the "best practices"), I rely heavily on the resources I fnd through my association with the NAHB. For example, through my local association, I develop relationships with other remodelers and trade partners that I can call on for referrals and for other support. Trough the Home Builders Association of Alabama, I have access to ELLIOT PIKE, CGR, CAPS ELM Construction, Vestavia Hills, Ala. Elmbuilds.com TITLE: Owner YEAR FOUNDED: 2008 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Two full- time and two part-time Pike was named the HBA of Alabama's 2014 Remodeler of the Year. (Photo: Melissa Garrison) Always Improving January's Remodeler of the Month sticks by his original principle of doing what he says he'll do By Laurie Banyay QualifiedRemodeler.com QR January 2016 19 PROFITS: NAHB Remodeler of the Month

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Qualified Remodeler Magazine - JAN 2016