December 2009
1 post
8 tags
Construction Industry Representatives Speak with...
At the recent Jobs Summit at the White House, Jeld-Wen executive vice president Ron Saxton and Home Depot CEO Frank Blake participated in a break-out session focused on energy efficiency and it’s role in job creation. President Obama sat in on this session and both Saxton and Blake addressed the President and shared their ideas on how the construction industry can help create U.S. jobs.
...
August 2009
1 post
Peter Lytle, by Michael Anschel →
In memory of an entrepreneur turned ecopreneur — and the creator of one amazingly efficient home.
July 2009
6 posts
Don't Just Do Something, by Greg Antonioli →
My advice to remodelers: If necessary, write “Sit, Review, Learn” on your calendar. Then check it off and feel like you’ve done something.
A Life You Don't Need to Escape From, by Greg... →
A seasonal question for fellow remodeling company owners: Are you running to your vacation or from work?
Serfing USA, by Leah Thayer →
Is it just this remodeler, or are others also feeling they’re bearing the unkind brunt of others’ financial strain?
After the Fire: Part 3 on Sustainable Forestry, by... →
We've Been Experiencing Delays, by Greg Antonioli →
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to tell clients, “We’re having a nail-through-a-pipe situation,” and then expecting them to believe we’re going above and beyond the call of duty to fix it?
Engaging the Change: A New Approach to... →
Perhaps we should harness the innate fight-or-flee response in the sustainability movement.
June 2009
14 posts
3 tags
Social Networking as a Virtual Business Platform,... →
Having a corporate Facebook page is becoming as popular as having a website.
Why You're in It, by Leah Thayer →
Timeless truths from truly inspiring remodelers, for good times and bad.
Ask Not What the Stimulus Can Do for You... by... →
When someone asks you how you are, answer in the superlative! Go stimulate some sales!
More on Sustainable Forestry, by Michael Anschel →
Part 2 in Michael’s video blog of Canada’s sustainable forests. Practical use of tree tips, the wonders of black spruce, and wood craftsmanship high atop an airplane hangar.
Understanding Forestry, by Michael Anschel →
From Canada, a first-hand look at how what appears to be clear-cutting is actually a best practice in forest sustainability.
Hot and Bothered, by Leah Thayer →
Lead-generating companies: an old concept that remodelers just can’t discuss (and be frustrated by, and yet need) enough.
Done Biting My Tongue, by Michael Anschel →
Now that the NAHB has staked out its position against climate reform, I have to say it: “NAHB’s Green Building Standard” is a slap in the face to every well-intentioned builder and remodeler out there who is trying to do the right thing.
Belief in the Win-Win, by Greg Antonioli →
Homeowner good, remodeler bad? Why remodelers should walk away from prospects who seem to think that it’s a game, and you’re the loser.
Protecting Yourself from Bad Customers--an Angie's... →
Online columnist Rick Provost writes about a new Web site, kind of a reverse Angie’s List, where registered businesses can post and read complaints about customers.
Turning Over a New Leaf by Nina Patel →
After closing their Kansas remodeling business and working for a contractor in Florida for a few years, Candi and Troy Hilton are launching a new company—New Leaf Construction. The Hiltons have agreed to share their experiences in establishing their new company.
The Good Remodeling Fight, by Leah Thayer →
This $6.5 million remodeling company has survived a recession every 9 years. Some of its strategies for soldiering through since 1973.
204 New Things...And Counting →
Products editor Lauren Hunter has written about hundreds of products so far this year. How many have you tried?
Take Control of Your Message, by Michael Anschel →
No offense, but remodelers and builders generally run crappy ads that are little more than business cards with a list of services. We see ads as a content- and design-rich reinforcement of our commitment to the community we serve.
What We Tell Our Families, by Greg Antonioli →
Remember who you work for and why your business exists. Keep this photo on your desk and consult it before every major business decision.
May 2009
7 posts
I Can't Get No (Stimulus) Satisfaction, by Greg... →
Tax credits or no tax credits, the remodeling consumer is still going to buy on emotion from someone who authentically identifies and addresses their concerns.
Stimulus Sign Language, by Leah Thayer →
How easy are you making it for your prospective clients to draw a clear line between the energy-saving work you can do for them, and the money they can save through the recovery act?
Capturing the Energy, by Michael Anschel →
The Remodeling Leadership Conference is all about growth, reflection, and honesty. Everyone was willing to take the time to help any of their peers if asked. This kind of camaraderie is too rare in our industry
"I Hope..." by Greg Antonioli →
Hope is a wonderful thing. It sustains us. But it can also delude us as business owners and keep us from taking action.”
Step 2: Get in Shape! by Michael Anschel →
What’s the next step toward becoming a Green remodeler? Never stop asking questions.
"If I Could Only..." by Greg Antonioli →
When you solve “insoluble” problems, you widen the gap between your company and your competitors.
You Want the Truth? You Can't Handle the Truth!!!... →
If you really want to get your clients to tell the truth about their experience with your company, get in their faces. Don’t rely on written surveys.
April 2009
12 posts
Confusing Green with Blue, by Michael Anschel →
So you want to be a Green remodeler? First, understand that energy-efficiency is not the same as Green.
DIY Dividends, by Greg Antonioli →
Our general rule of thumb is that when we’re on site, we’re in charge. Clients want to do demo beforehand, paint afterward, do our advertising for us? Be our guest.
Energy on the Brain, by Leah Thayer →
This energy stuff isn’t a fleeting fancy. It’s changing the way people live, and the work remodelers do. Start learning how here.
Social Networks -- or Moral Blinders, by Michael... →
When I assert that the Green building movement should be formed around the platform of broader thought and consideration for our fellow human beings, I am often met with raised eyebrows. A “you can’t be serious” look …
Remodeliculous, by Greg Antonioli →
Prepare to get in an uncomfortable place about your remodeling beliefs and your ridiculous faith that the same old practices will somehow magically result in a different outcome.
Instinct, Decency, Success →
Why do some people lead and others follow? Why do people follow those who lead? Why are some companies successful and others doomed to failure?
Culture Trumps the Individual →
Do your clients have confidence that your company’s culture is strong enough to overcome problems with employees and other short-term mistakes?
Documenting Systems: Where to Start →
In his monthly Web column, Rick Provost says if you create thorough system procedures, your team could be more productive and more efficient, resulting in happier customers.
Selling Science →
The book Buyology focuses on a new type of marketing which offers science-based insight into why and how we buy. Will companies use it for branding or brainwashing?—Nina Patel
The 5th Concept →
They said I shouldn’t talk about it. They said it would scare you away. They said you couldn’t handle that kind of thinking. They told me I would alienate my audience and achieve nothing in the process. They said: “Baby steps. Remodelers need things in baby steps.”
Survival Jobs? Not in My Back Yard →
“Over the years, we’ve had employees who viewed their positions in our company as ‘survival jobs’ ….something to survive on until they got their life together….a means of procrastination. Then we went open-book. Those people didn’t last long.” Your clients and dedicated staff deserve better.
Try This at Home →
Simple remodeling business ideas through a travel-soaked lens: asking for recommendations, focusing on craft, making it easy to learn and enjoy.
March 2009
16 posts
Why Are We Doing Well? →
In this week’s blog, Greg Antonioli explains why he thinks his company is doing well during the economic downturn.
Your Piece of the Bazillion-Dollar Pie →
What’s in all this government spending for remodelers? Our Q&A with a Washington insider points the way (caution: it’s a long journey).
The "Higher Cost" of Green Building: a Glaring Red... →
Remodelers often want to know about the costs of building Green. Remodeler Michael Anschel says the real issue is the huge costs of NOT building Green.
Leeches →
A bad lead is a bad lead, says remodeler Greg Antonioli. Pluck those suckers now.
Dust Control →
Educate your employees about dust control for their health and safety and for the health and safety of your customers.
LiteSteel Creates Jobs with Opening of Massive... →
When layoffs and plant closures seem to be top news these days, it’s nice to hear about new production facilities starting up.
What To Do, What To Do? →
Judy Miller blogs on small-business owners’ openness to new ideas in a turbulent economic climate.
All Foreclosures is Local →
From Ted Cushman’s Remodeling blog
Architects Needed On Large Projects?
Editor Nina Patel blogs about an article in Popular Mechanics magazine lists 5 reasons homeowners should hire an architect for a large remodeling project. Do articles like these make it harder for you to sell your design/build services?