Big50 Articles

  • REMODELING Big50

    The Big50 is about the best of the best: Remodelers who distinguish themselves by their exceptional business acumen, first-rate customer service, and high-quality work. Respected by their peers, recommended by their clients, they stand as models for the industry. Join us as we shine the spotlight...

     
  • Hardknocks: Trust-busters

    Hilliard Contracting, Raleigh, N.C., ran on trust and goodwill until late one Friday afternoon in 2002, the year the company became Big50. Owner Steven Hilliard had just met with a client whose whole-house remodel was about 75% complete. His purpose was to deliver the unfortunate news that their...

     
  • Reading List

    A Big50 remodeler recommends a favorite business book.

     
  • Should you share information with your competition?

    Remodeling is not just a business for me; I am passionate about it. When placed in a group setting and given a topic that interests me, I can expand on it with perhaps too much detail. I will relate the strategies and measures that my company has taken to solve a problem or to get a leg up on the...

     
  • Q+A: Solution

    Recently we hosted our first-ever open house. It was related to our project being published in Sarah Susanka's latest book. We held it at the house featured in the book so that our clients could see our work and celebrate with us.

     
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    Second Look: Mason Hearn

    When Mason Hearn bought the final shares from his partners and became sole owner of McGuire, Hearn & Toms in Manakin-Sabot, Va., he decided they needed a name change, in part to make the company as a whole the focus. But in addition to a new company name and a new logo, Hearn found himself with a...

     
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    Profile: Larry and Elaine Taylor

    After nearly 35 years in the industry, Larry Taylor, and his wife and co-owner Elaine Taylor, are beginning to hand over their company to their two children, Lisa and Trent, but they're keeping their hands in the business by teaching others what they've learned.

     
  • Q+A: Rain or Shine

    Proper clothing is absolutely crucial for us. We wear lots of layers and insulated “bunny boots” that are good to 50 below. We buy chemical foot-warmers and glove-warmers by the case and provide these on jobsites. We also give everyone a set of ice cleats for working on slippery areas.

     
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    Second Look: Anthony John Bellomo

    Soon after he was awarded Big50 in 1989, Anthony John Bellomo says he realized, “that as far as remodeling goes, we'd arrived at where we wanted to be. I had accomplished a goal and felt it was time to move on.”

     
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    Profile: Annette and John Greco

    Owners Annette and John Greco host an annual appreciation party for the employees of Greco Remodelers (Big50 2003) in Manassas, Va. The couple books a restaurant for the luncheon and invites employees and their spouses or significant others. They usually schedule the party for January, after the...