Since 2008 when he opened HomeWright, in Carmel, Ind., Matt Wright has stayed busy, increasing sales each year, including a jump from $475,000 in 2010 to $640,000 in 2011.
Though excited about this growth, he has been reluctant to hire employees due to economic uncertainty. Instead, Wright — a remodeling company of one — wears many hats, handling sales and design and supervising subcontractors.
With crews of subs working on two to three projects at a time, Wright depends on a mobile office and warehouse to make the most of his time. Being highly organized is key to the success of his business, so he's had to work on improving his time management skills.
Wright might spend a week on site during a crucial period of a job when subs are likely to have questions. He sets up his laptop in an area of the house and asks clients if he can use their wireless network. “[That way] I can answer questions on the spot, optimize my time, and stay mobile,” he says.
With his laptop and phone, Wright can work on pricing, design, and correspondence for other projects. If he sends email on his iPhone, he blind copies himself so that he has a record of the interaction on his computer.
In addition to a mobile office, Wright relies on his mobile warehouse — a truck stocked with common items. “A guy like me, with no employees — that’s the only way I can make it work,” he says.
—Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.
More REMODELING articles about maximizing efficiency:
Efficiency Up — Software helps cut time spent on scheduling
Setting up Your Virtual Office — Hosted Internet services can do it all
Keys to Successful Production — Master systems, training, and feedback
Tripping Out — Save time and money by minimizing trips to your building materials supplier
