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Education Gets a Free Head Start at the Remodeling Show
Joe Mingioni, of Mingioni Construction Company, Edgemont, Pa., started his Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) education at the Remodeling Show three years ago. “CGR is a great program that allows you to separate yourself from the competition as well as further your education,” said Mingioni.
 CGR is an exclusive, professional designation that emphasizes business management skills as a key to a professional remodeling operation. A CGR designation enables remodelers to gain recognition as an industry leader and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
This year, 31 lucky attendees of the Remodeling Show in Baltimore began their CGR education by taking their PREP, the first step in attaining a CGR designation, for free by successfully completing an interactive puzzle at the show.
The PREP measures a CGR candidate’s knowledge in five core areas of remodeling business management — sales and marketing; business administration; design, estimating and job costing; contracts, liability and risk management; and project management.
A Growing Niche for CAPS
John W. Bratton, CGR, CAPS, of J.W. Bratton Design/Build, LLC in Renton, Wash., said that more than 30% of his business is for customers who want to age in place, a growing segment of the remodeling market.
NAHB offers a designation — Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) — geared towards those older adults and their families seeking this type of remodeling. Bratton noticed an increasing number of aging-in-place products on the exhibition floor of the Remodeling Show and predicted that the trend will continue in the years ahead.
Bratton also said he came to the show because he wanted to educate the public and make people aware of aging in place and staying in their homes longer.
“The biggest thing about keeping people in their homes is the piece of mind it gives the next generation. People who are 50 and have parents in their 70s want to know that they’re safe in their house,” said Bratton.
The 2006 Remodeling Show will be held next year in Chicago on Oct. 18-21.
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