Carl Seville, a former remodeler and current consultant on sustainability, says that remodelers are facing the same challenges with green remodeling as they did with design/build remodeling. "We transformed design/build from 'what is that?' to one of the stronger ways to deliver remodeling services to the market. We need to do that for green," he said. More
Outside of a very small minority of remodeling companies, green building practices represent a new frontier for the industry. While the design process, installation procedures, and overall mindset necessary to truly build green are indeed unique, it's important not to forget the basics when it comes to marketing your company as green. More
In his funny and provocative presentation, sales and leadership trainer Michael Hoffman underscored some fundamentals of successful selling that are just as applicable to green remodeling as to any other significant purchase. Phrased bluntly, "You don't know jack" about why individual homeowners want to go green, Hoffman said. More
How do remodelers actually sell “green” work when it costs more and the payback is in the future for the homeowner? ó More
As recently as a year ago, Epcon Communities was not specifying hardwood flooring in its home market of Columbus, Ohio. The builder of slab-on-grade, ranch condominiums in the $180,000 to $250,000 price range installed carpet and vinyl surfaces in its homes, says Craig Thomas, vice president of development and construction for the Dublin, Ohio-based developer. More
Ask most any remodeler about the long-term goals for his business and you'll be sure to find at least one common denominator: the desire to get the company to the point that it operates without the active participation of the owner. Alex Dean, of The Alexander Group, in Kensington, Md., is no exception. And he has nearly succeeded in doing it. More
Responding to growing consumer demand for green construction, companies industrywide are brandishing green credentials. Critics, however, warn of "greenwashing," the practice of claiming limited or superficial green practices as representative of a true green identity. More
Whether it's to remember your best customers during the holiday season or to reward a client who has recommended friends and family to your business, there comes a time when you need to express appreciation with a gift. Why not select a gift that does double-duty by delighting your client while sending a positive message about your company? More
Industry experts at the Color Marketing Group have selected the color palette for homes in 2005 ó colors that “convey a respectful, serious nature, yet touch the soul.” CMG's color professionals noted that the “spa” experience adds a spiritual nature to color and refreshes, rejuvenates, and cleanses the palette. More
Soon after taking over the company named for and established by his father, Neil, Tom Kelly was faced with steering the company through the harsh recession of the 1980s. More
