Professional Remodeler articles from January 2008

Professional Remodeler archives from January 2008

Volume is Vanity.
January 1, 2008... Dave Bryan, Advisory Board Columnist Years ago, when I was stumbling through my real world education, desperately trying to obtain the secrets of a successful remodeling company, I made certain assumptions. Key among them was that bigger is...

The Real Deal: Remodeler Grows Business by Packaging.
January 1, 2008... By Scott T. Shepherd, PATH Partners Consider bundling green and energy-efficient products Travel agents do it. So do software firms, telecommunications companies and restaurants. Package deals are found in most industries with...

2008 Innovators.(Company overview)
January 1, 2008... By Jonathan Sweet, Senior Editor Five Companies with a Different take on Business Last year was one of transition for the remodeling industry from a market of soaring growth to one where many companies struggled to maintain those...

Know Your Market Position.
January 1, 2008... Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor The current state of the economy is strong in some markets, but has slowed down in many others. Some remodelers might say it's more of a normal economy - not just an order taker's phase, while others might...

How Do You Deal with Change?
January 1, 2008... Michael R. Morris, Editor in Chief Human beings are creatures of habit. We all have everyday routines that help us manage our personal and professional lives, and when we are forced outside of these comfort zones, life can become a real...

Top 5 Challenges for 2008.
January 1, 2008... By Michael R. Morris, Editor in Chief As the calendar rolls over from 2007 to 2008, the likelihood 2008 will be a challenging year for remodelers increases with each passing day. Rising interest rates, declining home values and more...

12 that have Shaped Green.
January 1, 2008... By Rebecca Bryant, Contributing Editor Our list of the top influencers on green building and remodeling NECESSITY The picture came into focus in the 1970s; more people were using more resources. This shaped supply and demand...

Keeping the Faith.
January 1, 2008... By Jonathan Sweet, Senior Editor Legacy's Leadership Team Maintains its Focus Through Turbulent Transition A switch in ownership. An almost complete turnover in employees. A local housing market that soared to record highs - then...

How do you Start a Business Plan?
January 1, 2008... Paul Winans, Contributing Editor It is the beginning of the year. Once again, on your list of to-dos is "Business plan." You are stuck, as you have been in the past. How do you create a plan that makes a difference in the day-to-day...

Expanded Vision.
January 1, 2008... By Ann Matesi, Senior Contributing Editor This New England Colonial's kitchen doubled in size to fit a crowd The owners of this custom-built home in Hopkinton, Mass., recognized that their lifestyle requirements had changed...

Product Preview.
January 1, 2008... Staff Wellness Shower Staff Employing "negative ions and rare volcanic minerals," and claiming to reduce the signs of aging, the Wellness Shower water purification system removes chlorine and heavy metals. The company says its...

Sales Strategies in a Down Market.
January 1, 2008... Tom Swartz, Contributing Editor A changing market may require you to alter some business tactics With the housing market in the midst of an extended down cycle, it's a good time to evaluate the way you do things within your company....

Virtual Bathroom.
January 1, 2008... By Wendy A. Jordan, Senior Contributing Editor The World Wide Web Comes Through for a Contractor Designing an Exotic Bathroom Revamping the Marches' master bathroom was more than a remodeling project; it was a quest. Jo and Rick March...

Trade Secrets.
January 1, 2008... By Jonathan Sweet, Senior Editor A bonus system that works Jonathan Sweet For the last few years, The Wiese Co. has been trying to find a merit-based bonus system that recognizes employees for a job well done without causing...