Contributions from Joe Stoddard

Joe Stoddard is an industry consultant and the director of builder operations for Dynami Solutions; www.joestoddard.com.

  • Mobile Must-haves

    Armed with a cell phone and a good laptop or Tablet PC, remodelers can slash overhead and respond to clients more quickly than ever before. But what's the best mobile computer for a remodeler? Here are a few things to look for:

  • High-tech softward for your cell phone

    One high-tech tool practically every lead carpenter, salesperson, and project manager is an expert at using is a cell phone. The following productivity software and hardware will put any modern Smartphone to better use as a true project management tool:

  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Save Time

    I recently did a complete Global Positioning System (GPS) unit roundup for our sister publication, TOOLS OF THE TRADE. I was amazed by how powerful and inexpensive these units have become — and how useful they would be for a remodeler or handyman trying to get from job to office to supply house and...

  • Use Online Photo Services to Thank Clients and Promote Your Business

    Remodelers are always looking for ways to say “thank you” to clients while at the same time promoting their own services. The current crop of online photo services offers a perfect solution.

  • Microsoft Office 2007 Delivers

    Why shell out $150 to $700 per seat for Microsoft Office 2007 when there are a bunch of free “productivity suites” already available? For starters, it's the best “office system” there is. I've been using Office 2007 for six months and feel I've barely scratched the surface of what's possible with...

  • Busting myths about the internet

    It's hard to believe, but what we now call the "dot-com boom" began 10 years ago -- an eternity in technology years. Yet remodelers still worry about the dangers of "working online."

  • FreeAgentGo external USB hard drive

    Wouldn't it be great if you could have a complete PC you could stick in your pocket?

  • Technology solutions with large returns

    Just as clients aim for the greatest possible ROI on their remodeling projects, remodelers looking to improve processes should seek technology solutions that provide the biggest bang for their buck.

  • Making phone calls on the internet

    A look at useful VOIP services.

  • An approach for evaluating technology

    Many remodelers choose their technology solutions from the "bottom up," looking first at particular products or features and then thinking about how those features might be able to help them. A more effective approach is "top-down," which requires that you first establish what exactly you want to...