Most of us aspire to have one distinguished career. Few of us dream of having more than one. Julius Lowenberg was a stunningly successful coach before he started to build his equally impressive remodeling company in 1979. Today, even after selling his company, the Texas businessman can't seem to completely retire. He's a powerful inspiration to other remodelers who want to make the most of their businesses and their lives. More
When I consult with remodeling companies, I often recommend the same action to cure many of their ills. And often they report major improvements when they follow this relatively simple advice. More
We will look back on the last few years as the golden years for remodeling ó a time when many remodelers thrived as mere order takers. But tough times like those we have now mean a return to true selling. More
Most remodelers are finding fewer and less urgent buyers, and smaller jobs. You can't begin to sell without a lead, and leads, too, are more rare and less qualified. More
The waves of unhappy e-mails came rolling in. “Why do we have to do this?” “I'm too busy for ëhomework' that doesn't seem to lead anywhere.” More
What do efficient remodeling companies have in common with paper airplanes and Toyota's manufacturing process? I found out during a recent trip to Iowa, in a class about continuous improvement held at the headquarters of Pella Corporation. More
How can remodelers turn a group of employees into a learning team in which every player feels emotionally and intellectually safe and connected? Strong, effective business meetings are one means to this end. More
Ideally, you have a plan for maximizing your company's success in 2008. Ideally, your staff helped you create the plan, put it on paper, and roll it out in an all-company meeting More
The remodeling economy in most of the country is sluggish and weak. Remodelers are working harder for less. Successful years are still possible, but only for those who plan carefully and work their plan. More
Many remodelers give clients some sort of holiday gift as a thank-you for business. Michael Spreckelmeier, owner of Progressive Builders, in Fort Myers, Fla., elevates this tradition to a higher level. His system builds upon company culture by having staff work together to customize gifts for clients, to personally deliver those gifts, and to set goals and build team spirit. Here's how. More
