Remodelers On The Rise

A member of Remodelers Community (a free private Facebook group for remodelers - see details at www.RemodelersCommunity.com) recently wrote: "For those of you who run a handyman service - what is the best way you've found to promote your services? What are the most profitable handyman jobs? We are considering launching a handyman service next month to get us thru July and August which we are expecting to be slow."   Mike Medford (Kyle's guest on today's podcast) replied: "We started a handyman service two years ago and have found its success was opening the door to small remodeling projects that our Design-Build model was shunning. Our best marketing is focusing on past client list. Happy to chat about it if you want more info."   A lot of people were interested in hearing about how and why Mike started his handyman division (especially with things being turned upside down right now due to COVID) so I decided to invite Mike to the podcast so that more people could hear about this timely subject.   Further notes/details from Mike on his handyman division: https://www.dropbox.com/s/40nib5jcbiqv1es/Adding_a_Handyman_Business_to_a_Design_Build_Firm.pdf?dl=0   Example Ads that Mike has used to promote his handyman division: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vyjrrtdvhd7jlk9/MikesGuysMarketing.pdf?dl=0    

I'm not going to just say, 'chin up, it's going to be alright!' - although it WILL be alright. In this presentation, I'm going to share with you 10 practical and helpful ways you can remain upbeat instead of beat-up during these crazy and unpredictable times. We'll touch on your marketing, sales process, financials, mindset, and other areas to help you stay positive and remain a productive and profitable remodeler.

Rob Baugher shares his experiences remodeling (including completing a full kitchen remodel in a single week) and answers questions about his sales process, building a business that you can ultimately sell, and managing a team of only sub-contractors. 

Kyle and Tony Woodall discuss ways you, as a remodeler, can lead well in the middle of a crisis. Here are the 5 keys points for leading your remodeling business well: 1.. Stay close to good sources and have credible understanding. 2.. Move fast, don't hurry. 3.  Balance real expectations with a hopeful outcome. 4.. Adapt to new information. 5.. Last, but certainly not least, demonstrate self-control.   

Fear, concern, worry, frustration on not being able to plan and not knowing what's coming next. We're in the middle of some unprecedented times. This is a recording I did with 48 remodelers where we share how we're feeling and discuss ideas on how to lead well through this unpredictable and odd time. I hope you find it an encouraging and helpful conversation.

Bryan Kaplan and Kyle met up at IBS2020 and recorded this quick conversation that unpacks the top 10 things you should be doing as part of that first phone call with a potential remodeling client in the sales process. Learn more about Bryan and he helps residential builders create more profitable and efficient businesses here: https://constructionconsulting.co/home 

Does managing people cause you stress? Do you ever feel like you're herding cats? On this episode, guest Vicki Suiter of Suiter Business Builders shares how to manage great teams, the key to building teams that produce consistent results, and three things a contractor can do to increase profits. Bonus: You can also hear about my son's 0-8 basketball team and why my favorite number is the #3...  Join Vicki on March 3rd for her live webinar Get Your Team to Take Ownership - register here: https://suiterbusinessbuilders.com/remodel

Every remodeling sales presentation is a tug of war. The homeowners are pulling for a price breakdown, partly because they're wary of being overcharged, but also because they need to make informed decisions about tradeoffs that affect their budget.   The remodeler is pulling in the other direction and wants to reveal only the total cost of the job, partly because it's easier, but also to avoid questions about markup and profit.   Instead of resisting client requests for a cost breakdown, Michael Anschel from OA Design Build in Minneapolis lays all his cards on the table. It sounds like a nightmare but it works like a dream. Kyle digs into this topic with Michael and it's certain to get your thinking.   An article from ProRemodeler on Michael's process: https://www.proremodeler.com/big-reveal   Michael's presentation on transparency: https://prezi.com/orzynijt1byl/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy  

"I'm busy! There's so much to do to keep up." Perhaps you can relate? A piece of advice that I've been giving often lately is to make sure that you are focused on $100/hour and $1000/hour work – and delegating out the $10/hour work.

Kyle discusses the importance of business culture in attracting and retaining strong employees for your remodeling business with Vicki Suiter.  Since starting her business in 1990, Vicki Suiter has helped hundreds of contractors and designers build solid foundations for their businesses to grow, enabling them to achieve the kind of success they never dreamed possible. Be sure to download the free resource Vicki mentioned, 6 Steps to Writing Great Position Agreements!