Hilton Enterprises

www.HiltonRemodeling.com

Stilwell, Kan.

Design/build remodeling

6 years in business

2002 volume: $340,000

Staff: 1 office, 2 field

Candi and Troy Hilton live and work in a small suburb of Kansas City where the community prefers to hire only locals. Candi has a month-by-month marketing program and targets neighbors by sending out newsletters or postcards three to four times per year. The company focuses on kitchens, master suites, basements, and room additions.

Photo: James Madhof PhotographyIn addition to the mailings, the Hiltons say their Web site has proven to be a great marketing asset. It helps potential clients determine if the company offers what they want in a remodeling firm. To turn leads into sales, the duo turned to the Sandler sales system. "You can tell whether they will move forward on a project in a short amount of time," Candi says of the system.

Four years ago, the company began asking clients to sign a design agreement. The Hiltons say it helps the team weed out tire kickers. The design fee is credited to the contract price.