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When Jeld-Wen sales manager Brent Adair retrofitted his San Diego home with one of his company's long-span folding door systems last year, he expected it to be an oddball job. The product, which the company introduced a year ago, wasn't conceived with existing homes in mind. But that hasn't stopped...
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Most remodelers are not skilled in every aspect of the business world — and they don't need to be. Part of learning how to thrive and grow in a competitive market means seeking outside help, and there are consultants who can help you become more effective in just about every business area. Many...
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It's a no-brainer that people want to hire people who they like and trust. And because much of remodelers' work comes from referrals and reputation, the most successful upscale companies not only do top-quality work but also build strong, enduring relationships with past and prospective clients.
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Open book management, or OBM, is a management style that gives employees access to all the company's financial numbers. When coupled with profit-based bonuses, it's supposed to make everyone more invested in the company's success.
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As a successful remodeling business grows from a one- or two-person operation to a company that warrants a dedicated sales staff, the owner must often assume the role of sales manager. But managing people who sell requires a different set of skills from selling itself. Though entrepreneurs tend to...
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The credit check is one of the most sensitive aspects of the relationship between customer and remodeler. In fact, not all remodelers take this step. “It's not prevalent even with some of the more sophisticated contractors,” says D.S. Berenson, an attorney with Johanson Berenson LLP in McLean, Va...
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A remodeling company that takes care of its customers after the job is done is sure to get great referrals. That's why Classic Remodeling & Construction of Charleston, S.C., uses its handyman service to generate goodwill. The service is normally billed out at a rate of $80 to $100 per hour, but the...
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Quinn's company could be the poster child for how a commitment to change and growth can keep a remodeling business healthy and profitable.
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Most remodelers base their margins not merely on what is required to cover overhead and profit, but on what the market will bear. In a competitive market, they may need to cut margin to win the work. On the flip side, the busier they get, the more they can charge. Some remodelers also raise margins...