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: When and how did you choose this career? JG: When I was 14 years old, I found a builder that would let me sweep out houses and as I worked there, I became intrigued by how things went together. As the years passed, I took other jobs but I always came back to construction. QR: What is the best advice you've received in your career? JG: "Do it now. Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today?" at has to be the best advice that I have received. QR: How has the remodeling profession changed since you've been involved? JG: Now there is better technology to help us provide better service and increase our efficiency. We use tablets in the field, which allows us to communicate quickly. ey are a great help with keeping everyone on track. We use 3-D design software which allows our through vetting and trial work periods we have found the right people for us. QR: What is your No. 1 source of leads right now, and why is it working? JG: at would have to be word-of-mouth. Most of our leads are through referrals from people we worked for and even people that we ended up not working for but who were impressed by our process. QR: What is the most unusual project your company has completed? JG: We actually have two very interesting projects. One is a new build, and a challenge with that project was the shape of the lot. e goal was to get the maximum amount of homes built on a triangular-shaped lot. So, we created the house at the tip of the triangle in a triangular shape to maximize square footage. is created some unique challenges with the project (creating a variable pitch gable roof to have the ride at the same elevation, creating rooms to fit in the space, fitting a kitchen with non-45-degree walls, entry location, etc.). e interesting challenge with the other project is it had to be within the footprint of the house and fit everything into it. It's a three-story home with two extra stories—one is a mezzanine and one is an attic/balcony. QR: Anything else you'd like to mention about career accomplishments? JG: I went from a one-man operation to a well-respected company that has won numer- ous awards throughout the years. | Read the complete interview at QualifiedRemodeler.com/NAHBR. clients to visualize their projects during the planning phase. is is a great benefit as the client can make and see changes while the project planning is in process. QR: What does being part of NAHB Remodelers mean to you? JG: It means that I have a great opportunity to have an affiliation with colleagues and as- sociates. e NAHB Certification Programs help me provide better customer service and to stay up-to-date with important issues in the industry that may affect my company and clients. QR: What is your focus as a remodeler— more growth or steady revenue at greater profitability? JG: Both. We want to continue growing and, of course, want a greater profitability which we can accomplish because employees have a great potential here. And if you pair that up with the system we have in place, well then there's really nothing we can't accomplish. QR: Many remodelers are reporting in- creases in their average job size; are you seeing this as well? JG: Yes, we are. Because many of our clients are repeat clients or referrals, there is an auto- matic trust factor. New clients see the quality of our work and our commitment to service, become comfortable, and realize how much more we can do for them. QR: Are you hiring this year and how are you going about finding the right people for your company? JG: We are hiring and it is a challenge, but Technology Improves Service John Gillette recognizes that gaining trust is a key ingredient in producing a better project. Interviewed by Qualified Remodeler JOHN GILLETTE, GMB, GMR, CGR, CAPS, CR, CGB Craftsmanship by John, Inc., Houston craftsmanshipbyjohn.com TITLE: President YEAR FOUNDED: 1992 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 27 Photo credit: Peter Molick Photography Working with designers Janice Freeman and Kristen Cliburn, Craftsmanship by John converted a 1960s kitchen into a functional, contemporary design. PROFITS: NAHB Remodeler of the Month 18 February 2017 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com