Bob Fleming

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Challenge employees to offer solutions

When your employee comes to you and says, "We've got a challenge and here are some solutions; what do you think?," rather than "We've got a problem; what should I do?" you know you've come a long way. Bob Fleming, owner of Classic Remodeling, Johns Island, S.C., has reached that point. He credits it, in part, to something he calls "start, stop, and continue." More

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Doing the Early Work

Many forms that remodelers use have war stories behind them; harrowing tales of how not having the form cost them thousands of dollars on a job, and how they've used it ever since. More

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Customer surveys can provide remodelers with valuable information

Bowers Construction, McLean, Va., has been conducting post-job customer surveys since it was incorporated 15 years ago. Co-owner Wilma Bowers says that due to the remodeling industry's poor reputation, homeowners are predisposed to thinking they will have a terrible experience. “We want to prove them wrong,” she says. “And the only way to ensure that you have a satisfied customer is to collect data and to continually refine the customer experience.” More

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Hiring outside the remodeling industry

Remodeling is a highly technical art. It requires a grasp of the principles and practice of electricity, plumbing, engineering, geometry, and architecture. It requires a high level of craftsmanship as well as an ability to manage homeowners' expectations during a very emotional process. All of this while turning a profit. More

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Tiered bonus system offers incentives

After having tried many incentive programs over the years, Bob Fleming, president of Classic Remodeling & Construction, Charleston, S.C., says his company's new program “is the first one that is designed to address problem areas and distribute the bonus money fairly.” More

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Sophisticated direct mail campaigns can make a lasting impression

When you're competing in a sea of upscale remodelers for homeowners already numbed by unsolicited mail, you might be tempted to save your money for another marketing medium. Bruce Wentworth opted instead to make a splash ó an oversized one. More

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Getting great referrals

A remodeling company that takes care of its customers after the job is done is sure to get great referrals. That's why Classic Remodeling & Construction of Charleston, S.C., uses its handyman service to generate goodwill. The service is normally billed out at a rate of $80 to $100 per hour, but the company will sometimes drop the hourly rate for past clients, and in some cases it will do work for free. More

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Clients learning on the job

Whoever coined the expression “What you don't know won't hurt you” obviously never had a kitchen or bathroom remodeled. Yet even proactive clients who have done their research don't know everything that they will face. More

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Take Note

Something as simple as a low-tech note can often save a lot of trouble. More

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Drawer for Hair Dryer

As part of some of his vanity designs, Charleston, S.C., remodeler Bob Fleming includes a much appreciated feature: a hairdryer drawer. The drawer has an outlet in the back, so homeowners can use the dryer and tuck it away in a drawer ó all without unplugging it. More

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