January 2009
28 posts
Alive and Kicking
Pink slips and white flags may be waving in some sectors, but these remodelers are finding ways to keep the optimism alive, says Leah Thayer.
Decaffeinated Consumption
Green remodeler Michael Anschel ponders how a simple act of sacrifice (like waiting a few minutes for decaf) can save millions and reveal waste.
Hiring a Production Manager, by Les Cunningham
Consultant Les Cunningham offers options to help manage production—including switching to the lead carpenter system instead of hiring a production manager.
Field Crew Safety and Protection, by Brindley Byrd
Our expert on jobsite safety offers tips on what owners can do to ensure the health and safety of their employees.
3 tags
Know Thy Costs →
Business consultant Judy Miller talks about the breakeven formula and strategies for raising net profits. Pay attention — this number crunching is more important than ever in this economy.
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Wall Bracing Made Easy (sort of) →
In his Remodeling blog, Ted Cushman fills us in on a conversation he had with Brian Foley about bracing walls in room additions. Foley is Chief Structural Engineer with the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services for Fairfax County, Virginia, and he is also a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Wall Bracing for the International Code Council (ICC). Good stuff here..
Caffeinated Consumption
Green remodeler Michael Anschel ponders the coffee dilemma. While coffee is to some degree an unnecessary luxury, it “provides a livelihood for millions. If we were to suddenly cease consumption of this caffeinated beverage, thousands of communities across the world would collapse into poverty.”
The Day We've Been Waiting For
Remodeler Greg Antonioli says that homeowners today aren’t taking chances with unproven remodelers or lowball prices. ”If you’ve got a stellar reputation, selling high-quality remodeling projects – to high-quality prospects – should be like shooting fish in a barrel.”
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A (Trade) Show of Strength →
After a busy and successful visit to the 2009 International Builder’s Show, product editor Lauren Hunter has decided to be awesomely optimistic about the state of the industry.
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Water-based varnish that's for real →
Ted Cushman gives a brief history low-VOC paints and stains, and recommends water-based varnish called HybriVar.
Know Thy Client
From Judy Miller’s blog
Foolish Thinking on Inauguration Day, by Michael...
“It is the promise of today and tomorrow that should drive us forward to do remarkable things and be remarkable people.”
In Sickness and in Health, by Nina Patel →
The recent illness of Steve Jobs at Apple highlights the need for a company owner to cross-train and delegate.
A Window on the Four-Day Workweek
In a smart move, Pella Windows & Doors has shifted to a four-day workweek for several thousand employees. The move saves money while simultaneously retaining staff. — By Lauren Hunter
“You wanna know what drives me crazy? Passive remodeling contractors. You are...”
– Passive/Lazy or In Control/Successful: Your Choice, by Greg Antonioli
What Do I Know?
What does it mean to be a successful small-business owner, asks REMODLEING senior editor Stacey Freed in her blog, “What Do I Know?”
Go Ahead -- Brag a Little →
Some remodelers are not only surviving but thriving in the current economy. If you’re one of them, share your optimism here.
— By Leah Thayer
“Over the last week I bumped into two different articles that mentioned...”
– Animal Spirits: Just Another Theory?, by Judy Miller
“I think that every person who takes the time to call my company has the...”
– How to Say No and Create an Advocate at the Same Time, by Greg Antonioli
Greenspeak Bite Your Tongue, By Lauren Hunter →
Perhaps we should be more judicious in our use of the word “green.” But eliminate it from our vocabularies entirely? Surely not.
Remodelers with Resolve, by Leah Thayer →
Opinionated remodelers share their goals — personal, professional, and for the remodeling industry as a whole — for 2009. Read still more resolutions here.
“As remodelers, we are faced with ‘moments of truth’ all the time....”
– Honesty as a Marketing Tool, by Greg Antonioli
How much is your business worth? →
A Web site offers small business owners an opportunity for a general idea of their company’s market value.
“It’s a funny thing, payback. We only care about payback when we’re...”
– More Power, by Ted Cushman
In Sum →
Judy Miller focuses on “that which sustains us through all the ups and downs that 2009 might deliver.”