PR July 2000

The overwhelming majority of midlife and older Americans want to remain in their homes as long as possible, according to an AARP survey called “Fixing to Stay.”

Three factors - high energy costs; the availability of new, energy-efficient products; and the legions of older houses wasting energy like dripping faucets - converged at this point on the screen to form a brilliant, new remodeling niche.

I feel challenged in my business by the multitude of questions, information and advice.

Raymond McNealy, vice president of Rockville, Md.-based McNealy Corp., took three months and several hundred working hours to choose the right designer for his remodeling business’s Web site.

Westhill Inc. gives customers personal attention long after their remodeling projects are done.

Paul Sullivan, CGR: Certified Graduate Remodeler Profile

Tom Swartz, CGR and owner of J.J. Swartz Co. in Decatur, Ill., knows a thing or two about selling. His third-generation remodeling business has annual sales of $5 million. Swartz offers 10 tips for choosing first-rate salespeople.

Last year, remodeler John Maka laid out his key concerns for keeping his business successful and growing. His worries focused on some of the typical difficulties that remodelers face: finding qualified labor, paying competitive wages, organizing and sc...