Economic Outlook

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    UCLA Economist: This Too Shall Pass

    Economist Christopher Thornberg, who foresaw the single-family housing meltdown, advises developers to take a deep breath and ignore trends.

     
  • 8 Survival Steps

    Remodeler Bob Fleming is taking several steps to adjust to the downturn, including laying off staff, restructuring for smaller projects, producing a brochure to promote small projects, and attending home shows.

     
  • Box Test

    Stimulus money will be used to reduce small-business lending fees and guarantee SBA loans. Take our poll on SBA loans.

     
  • Taking a Closer Look to Find Ways to Cut Costs and Improve Efficiency

    In this tough economy, WeatherTite Windows, a home improvement company in Ohio, takes steps to identify possible cost savings.

     
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    Biggest Mistakes...?

    Ten remodelers answer 12 questions about yesterday's building boom, today's business challenges, and tomorrow's commitments toward rebuilding their companies. This question: what were your biggest mistakes over the past three to four years?

     
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    Doing Less in 2009...?

    Ten remodelers answer 12 questions about yesterday's building boom, today's business challenges, and tomorrow's commitments toward rebuilding their companies. This question: What Do You Vow to Do Less of in 2009 and Beyond, and Why?

     
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    Red Flags Ignored...?

    Ten remodelers answer 12 questions about yesterday's building boom, today's business challenges, and tomorrow's commitments toward rebuilding their companies. This question: What red flags will you never ignore again?

     
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    Marketing Strategies No Longer Working...?

    Ten remodelers answer 12 questions about yesterday's building boom, today's business challenges, and tomorrow's commitments toward rebuilding their companies. This question: What marketing strategies no longer work for you?

     
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    Marketing Strategies That Are Working...?

    Ten remodelers answer 12 questions about yesterday's building boom, today's business challenges, and tomorrow's commitments toward rebuilding their companies. This question: What marketing strategies are working for you?

     
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    Cut Profit Margins...?

    Ten remodelers answer 12 questions about yesterday's building boom, today's business challenges, and tomorrow's commitments toward rebuilding their companies. This question: How much will you cut your profit margins to get a job?