Time to Get Back to Basics

A single theme emerged during our spring Editorial Advisory Board conference call, which we use to share ideas for future articles based on what our board members are experiencing in their businesses.

That theme was simply this: get back to basics.

I have to say, considering the advanced experience level and business acumen of the men and women on our board, I was a little surprised. We pride ourselves here at Professional Remodeler on providing a more sophisticated level of business advice for the owners and executives of the country’s largest and most successful firms. Our advisory board members are some of the industry’s most respected and accomplished contractors, educators and thought leaders.

So when someone suggested during the first few minutes of the call that this was the perfect time for us to focus on getting back to sound business fundamentals, I had to ask why. The discussion made me realize, once again, how valuable a resource we have in our advisory board.

With most remodeling markets in the country going through a down period, it was noted this is not the best time for contractors to spend a lot of time on the cutting edge of innovative and risky business practices. It is, however, a great time for remodelers to bone up on the basics, like strengthening your financials, fine-tuning your systems, sharpening your sales tactics and focusing more on grass roots marketing efforts.

In this issue, for example, Remodelers’ Exchange features a great discussion between Don Van Cura Sr. and Mike Weiss on why more education will strengthen your business. In case you didn’t know, the article itself features only an excerpt of the hour-long conversation between Don and Mike; you’ll find the complete transcript and original audio of their discussion on ProRemodeler.com under the Archives tab in the upper right corner of our home page.

So, look for more articles that address the basics in the months to come, as we follow the advice of our board and deliver the most up-to-date, meaningful content that reflects what's going on in the market at this very moment.

Of course, we’ll continue to bring you the thought-provoking special reports you’ve come to expect, like this issue’s three-article section, The Future of Remodeling. Running a professional, profitable remodeling company that will not only survive the current downturn but thrive through the next decade won’t be an easy feat.

Oh, hey, did you hear that? Another remodeling company bit the dust.

Let’s get back to basics, shall we?

>> Contact me at michael.morris@reedbusiness.com or 630/288-8057

Read my blog at www.ProRemodeler.com/blogs

This is the perfect time for remodelers to focus on getting back to sound business fundamentals