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/771639
QR January 2017 39 1-800-PROGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVE.com Defender of Small Businesses Everywhere! QR: What is keeping these LBM dealers up at night when it comes to remodelers and contractors? Brooks: I think the issue for them is still how to reach the really good remodelers. You know as well as I know, anyone can get into the contract- ing business. And re- ally anyone can be a contractor in certain states without a lot of licensing. But f ind- ing the good, highly professiona l compa- nies that are the Neil Kelly's of the world, who are very good at what they do, that is the big thing. ey still struggle hard to find and identify those people and establish relationships with them. QR: Are LBM dealers finding reps? SUPPLIER GIVES LEADS? Does your supplier provide you with leads for new business? 2016 2015 2014 Generally, two-thirds of remodelers expect to get job leads from their suppliers. Source: Qualified Remodeler 2016 Supplier Survey Yes No 66.2% 65.0% 71.4% 33.9% 35.0% 28.6% Brooks: Everybody is having trouble recruit- ing people to the industry. e same goes for the trades. Yes, that is true. But at this point in the economic recovery, there are still 20 to 30 percent fewer lumberyards in the country than there were before the downturn. So there are still a fair number of experienced, competent people who are out there and available. e flip side is that they need to recruit young people, just as the trades need to recruit young peo- ple. And that is always a challenge for most of them. Not that there is anything wrong with the job. e pay is fine in the lumber business. is is one of the last businesses where you can support a family with one income and a high school education. But nobody knows about it to this point. Recruiting is probably the No. 1 challenge these guys are facing right now. | Everybody is having trouble recruiting people to the industry. Greg Brooks QualifiedRemodeler.com Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affi liates. Business insurance may be placed through Progressive Specialty Insurance Agency, Inc. with select insurers, which are not affi liat ed with Progressive, are solely responsible for servicing and claims, and pay the agency commission for policies sold. Prices, coverages, privacy policies and commission rates vary among these insurers. 1-800-PROGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVE.com collect them all ! collect them all ! featuring over 30 coverage options! featuring over 30 coverage options! General Liability Workers' comp Commercial auto General Liability Workers' comp Commercial Auto Defender of Small Businesses Everywhere! Defender of Small Businesses Everywhere! Defender of Small Businesses Everywhere! For more info circle 61