they don’t have even a few hours a month to spare in a meeting. They believe they should be working their businesses, instead.
What many of them don’t realize is all the benefits they will get by being active and involved. As a member of NAHB and the Remodelors™ Council, I have more than 600 members in the HBAST and about 50 members of the Remodelors™ Council to help me when I need it. They keep me abreast of the latest information and I can draw from their experience. Many of the members are as interested in seeing my business succeed as I am.
For instance, during HBAST meetings my so-called competitors schooled me in profit margins and what I should be charging. I was told to bid my jobs at 45%-50% — nothing lower. Why? Because that is what it takes to survive.
I was advised by my fellow members to figure in everything, including license fees, general liability, workmen’s compensation, vehicles and tool fees. Look at the successful remodelers and builders around town; they don’t bid jobs at 10%.
My recommendation to anyone who owns a construction or remodeling company is to join your local association and one of the councils — and above all be active. Membership is only worth what you make it. For me, it produced a nice profit margin.
David Hawke is president of Hawke’s Home Improvement & Repair, of Chattanooga, TN, a residential remodeling company that specializes in additions, kitchens and baths. For information, e-mail Hawk.
National Membership Day — April 26
The recruitment efforts of each and every member on National Membership Day, April 26, are vital in ensuring its success. Contact your local Membership Chair to find out where you can help the most.
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For the most up-to-date details on the Member Advantage discount program and all of the participating companies, go to http://memberadvantage.nahb.org. Or visit www.nahb.org to explore the full range of benefits associated with membership in your local, state and national home builders associations.
Make Your Connection With www.nahb.org
Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.
Log in today to register for educational seminars, meetings and networking events; find important economic and housing data; and learn the latest developments in NAHB’s efforts to promote housing. It’s all available to you 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Member Log In" button to get started.
If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.
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