Commentary: Mark Richardson

Mark Richardson is co-chairman of Case Design/Remodel and Case Handyman Services. His new book, “How Fit Is Your Business?” will be published in October, 2008. mrichardson@casedesign.com; www.casedesign.com.

  • Doing Remodeling Projects For Friends and Family isn't Easy

    Remodeling is a service industry. Crafting a quality product isn't enough; you have to develop and manage relationships with your clients in order to be successful.

  • Taking Business Improvements from Idea to Reality Hinges on a Few Key Factors

    Most people make New Year's resolutions, and most people fail to keep them. The failure to follow through is not because the resolution was stupid or unrealistic. So what happened?

  • How To Fine Tune Your Marketing Strategy

    Are your marketing costs rising while your number of leads is falling? If so, you are not alone. Some of the biggest, most successful companies in the industry are struggling with this issue.

  • Among many exceptional remodeling company owners, what makes one business leader stand out?

    It's easy to use the words “leadership” and “success” without thinking too much about them. When we speak or hear these words, we have a clear sense of what they mean. And, like the concept of “quality,” given examples of specific people or organizations, we can usually identify those who fit these...

  • Women in the trades are notable exceptions

    In remodeling, the stereotype of the male carpenter or tradesman persists. Women in the trades are notable exceptions, so much so that some remodeling companies draw attention to the fact that they have female crew members to demonstrate how progressive the company is.

  • Tough Times

    Familiar ways of managing and leading may not work in a changing business climate.

  • High Tech vs. High Touch

    Balance is the key when deciding how to apply the latest technologies in your business.

  • Three common denominators of remodeling leaders

    Three common denominators in many business leaders outside the remodeling industry are common to leaders in the industry.

  • Growth creates opportunities

    I find that many in the remodeling community tend to look at the importance of the growth of their business differently from other types of businesses. While most small-business owners are constantly striving to grow larger, many remodelers are happy to stay small. In industry seminars and even in...

  • Position yourself for future growth

    As time marches on and your skills advance to new levels, you discover that you need to develop new passions to keep the flame alive. Otherwise, you risk becoming disillusioned or burned out.