Q: When did you join the Remodelors Council and why?
I had been a member of our local Home Builders Association for 10 years, and we were in the process of creating our local RC chapter. A steering committee was formed, and I was asked to be involved with its inception. From that point, around May 1998, I’ve been involved with several committees including our first annual Tour of Remodeled Homes. I’m also vice chair. I joined the RC to help myself and other local remodelers have an organization that represents us as an industry, qualifies members through education and the CGR program, and gives all concerned a chance to network and share ideas.
Q: What has been the greatest benefit of your membership thus far?
Networking. It’s an invaluable resource having other builders and remodelers available to question on their business practices and building products.
Q: What examples can you give of services, information or benefits the RC provides that truly had an immediate impact on your business?
Credibility. Educating the general public that the RC is an invaluable resource for qualified contractors is one of the issues that the NAHB RC is trying to address. Being part of an organization that is establishing guidelines and goals for its members as a bar to meet gives everyone a platform from which to work. And the CGR program - this again is part of education, meeting a standard and being able to put what learn to work for you.
Q: Why is it important to be a member of an association?
To be represented as a large group as opposed to as one individual. As population-density issues arise in local municipalities and as local building codes change to meet their requirements, having a voice - a large voice - to inform and, if possible, direct local leaders on issues that are important to our industry is a benefit.
Q: What advice would you give other remodelers about the RC?
Be active with your local, state or national RC; serve on committees, and make your local work. Most important in my eyes is making the local work. There is no better way for you to learn about your industry and what is happening locally than being in a room with 20 to 100 of your peers. Being able to network with subcontractors, suppliers and other competitors can be exhilarating. And much of what you learn can be directly applied to your business.