It can take one stroke of bad luck to take a remodeling business’s leader suddenly out of the picture — either temporarily or permanently. The repercussions can be wide and economically traumatic if the remaining team can’t pull together and keep the business running. When Rosie Romero, the owner (and primary salesperson) of Rosie On […]
We’re once again talking about the labor crisis in the remodeling industry, but from a different angle. Developing an environment that will keep the employees you have, and help them grow in their roles, will help your company prosper. In this episode, John Sylvestre talks to Tim and Steve about how he’s created a company […]
Of all the things you have in your marketing toolbox — your website, email and direct mail, or social media — there’s one you may have overlooked. Positioning your Production team to be aware of sales and marketing can be an overlooked marketing strategy, and also help align the office and field teams. In this […]
We’ve talked about getting your Production team engaged in refining your systems and processes by encouraging them to make decisions and look for problems. But have you considered involving Production in the Design process? In this episode, Michael Sauri talks about how and why he did just that with Tim and Steve. Through this […]
We’ve talked about trade schools and skills training, but today we focus on what you can learn at trade events. Attending and sending your team can broaden everyone’s skill sets and knowledge bases. In this episode, Lauren Moore discusses what goes on behind the scenes at shows and events with Tim and Steve, why you […]
Estimating accurately is critical to the success of any remodeling business. As you grow your business or hand off estimating to an employee, having the right system in place is paramount. It can feel like an overwhelming decision — there’s so much software available. The wrong decision will cost you lost revenue, but even worse […]
For many people, the actual building of the project is what Production is all about. Looking at the bigger picture, Production has a great deal of responsibility to keep profit up. Production is a huge contributor to the financial health of the company. It’s about the numbers — but what numbers are critical for the […]
Client satisfaction is a huge component of making any business successful. Remodeling has an extra personal factor — your team and your subs are in a client’s home every day. Most of the time, the homeowners are living in and around your job site. Understanding their experiences, asking questions about what they really need, and […]
Today we’re talking about LEAN in Production. Doug Howard has been helping remodeling companies see how they can make their processes better, cut wasted effort, and streamline their systems for better profits. In this episode, Doug talks to Tim and Steve about what it can do for your company — especially in Production. Doug Howard, […]
There are many different ways to work with architects in the remodeling industry, whether you’re working in the design/build model or as a builder using plans developed outside your company. Regardless of the work model, most remodelers agree the architectural plans they get at the beginning of the production process are only half done. So communication […]
Technical education at the high school level seems to be fading, but it’s growing at the college level. There are more programs turning out skilled workers that can start producing for home remodeling and construction companies on Day One. In this episode, Paul Lewandowski of Fox Valley Technical College talks to Tim and Steve about […]
Television is full of construction and remodeling shows, but we all know many of them leave false impressions of how fast and easy the process can be. But the pioneering program This Old House still shows viewers how complicated it can be. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the program, and they’re tackling a […]
A good job autopsy can lay the foundation for better processes and more profits for your company. But you have to do it right. Some companies use them like a club, which leads to finger-pointing and the blame game. Some owners just brood over the numbers and do nothing. But the numbers tell the story, […]
With growth comes a need to hire a Production Manager — someone responsible for the entire department. It can be a difficult transition to move a Production Manager or Lead Carpenter up into that role. It’s about managing a department and the people, and it’s much more complex than running a job. Your company may […]
We hear it all the time — you can’t find good help anywhere. But finding new employees is necessary for growth. You have to add staff, and keep them — not just in your company, but in the industry. We have to step up in a big way when it comes to offering employees reasons […]
As the old saying goes, to truly understand someone else’s situation, you have to walk a mile in their shoes. In our case, it’s more like work all day in their OSHA-approved work boots, but the intention is the same. There’s always at least two points of view in any interaction. Running a small business […]
Meeting client expectations and getting jobs done profitably greatly depends on hitting your schedule. Cloud-based software makes it simpler to set up a schedule, but you still have to get your staff, Trade Partners and other Subs to understand and follow through on those plans. In this episode, Keith Blose talks scheduling with Tim and […]
When you’re managing a project, you need your Trade Partners and Subcontractors to work with you, not against you. That means you need to build strong relationships and make them feel like they’re all part of the same team. The three main things to help that along, says John Vendafreddo, is to do your research […]
Although wages and benefits are rising faster in the remodeling industry than in others, the labor shortage remains an ongoing problem. Good talent is hard to find. Many companies are poaching production staff from other firms to solve their problems. In this episode, Erika Taylor talks to Tim and Steve about the issue, why it […]
Remodeling solutions that make people more comfortable in their homes, while saving energy, are becoming more important to remodelers and homeowners. Researchers and specialists are diving into this, and manufacturers are creating new products that will achieve those goals. But it’s still not simple. You have to look at the building itself — not just […]
As the labor shortage drags on, and may even be getting tighter, getting the word out about open positions in your remodeling company is more important than ever. Your recruiting effort is really a marketing function. In this episode, Jack Jostes drops by to talk with Tim and Steve about going beyond the help-wanted ad […]
You need to take time at the start of a job to plan so you can keep to a job’s schedule and the budget. But the Production department almost always feels like they’re under the gun at the start and just want to get to work. Even with a schedule, something unexpected almost always happens […]
A full week where no production, no work on projects at all, might seem like any remodeling company’s nightmare — the kind that wakes you in the middle of the night. For one company, though, it’s a reality that’s worked like a dream. In this episode, Dave Domenichini explains the hows, whys, and benefits of building […]
Skills training is a hot topic, but too few companies are doing anything more than discussing it. The industry can no longer count on anyone else to do the basic training for trade skills, those in the remodeling business need to do it to help solve our labor shortage. There’s also a fear of training […]
We’re taking a stroll down memory lane, to pick our Top 10 moments from our first 30 episodes. These episodes discuss the big ideas that can really change your company and how you do business. Every time we talk to a guest, we come away with something new. Although we look at Production, our biggest […]
Systems aren’t just for manufacturing or assembling a fast-food burger. There are tasks remodeling companies do every day, week, and month on every job. As your company grows, building systems into your business and production processes to standardize this work is a necessary step to avoid total chaos and wasted time. In this episode, Brad […]
Accidents happen on the job, and luckily most are relatively minor — cuts, bruises, maybe stitches — but they can be more serious. Then everyone tightens up and pays attention, but that attention tends to fade. Getting jobs done once again becomes the focus, with maybe a few thoughts toward what could have happened. But […]
Hiring and retention are big issues everywhere. As much as we talk about salary and bonuses, the way to get workers to stick around isn’t always about money. It’s more about the culture of your business, and the way you treat your employees from day one. You need to give people a vision for what […]
The term “trade partners” is beginning to replace subcontractor, and it’s a growing concept in the remodeling industry. It redefines the relationship, too, putting it on an even playing field. But it’s more than just a term, and Cory Fields says they’re separate roles. A trade partnership is like a marriage, based on trust and […]
One of the biggest factors in creating success as a remodeling company is keeping clients happy, and a big part of that is how you manage your jobs. Keeping a pulse on the emotional well-being of your clients with weekly meetings keeps the client on your team, while you manage the job. Pete Carey drops […]
