So, let’s remember to show our trade contractors appreciation and respect and treat them for what they are — eminently important team members and keys to our own success as contractors.
Stop me if you don’t believe it’s true, but can you remember the last time you produced a successful project with trade partners? When was the last time you admitted that to them?
Gone are the days when we seek enjoyment from seeing how many “subs” in any and every category we can get to grovel for our business. With manpower in such high demand, it may be us doing the groveling.
If you really respect and appreciate your trade contractors (I'm officially banning the s-word from now on), you'll pay them in a timely manner; discuss payment terms before the work begins; discuss problems before they become a payment issue, etc.
You'll ask for their input when formatting a schedule and not force the schedule on them. You'll thank them for their help in making you successful, not wait for them to bring you a gift for your business. And you'll break the habit of throwing dirt on them when confronted with a problem by your customer.
What we need is the realization that we’re all equally vested and interested in the same successful outcome. What we need is mutual consideration and respect.
Greg Miedema, CGR, CAPS, is president of Dakota Builders in Tucson, AZ. He is chair and founder of his local Remodelors™ Council, a member of the NAHB Remodelors™ Council Board of Trustees and currently serves as the chairman of the Remodelors™ Council Public Affairs Committee. The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) has named Dakota Builders, Inc. Remodelor™ of the Year in 1998, 1999 and 2000. For more information, send him an e-mail.
Nominate the Best of the Best for Remodelor™ of the Year
Applications for the Remodelors™ Council’s most prestigious awards program, the Remodelor™ of the Year Award, are now available online at www.nahb.org/remodelors under the Awards section.
The Remodelor™ of the Year Award recognizes exemplary NAHB involvement at any level, superior business management and an outstanding contribution to the remodeling industry. Councils should nominate individual remodelers, but the nominee must write his or her own entry essay.
The winner will be announced at the Remodelors™ Council Gala during the 2004 Remodeling Show in Chicago (Oct. 8).
Local Councils Honored With CADRE Awards
The Council Awards for Demonstrating Remodeling Excellence (CADRE) is awarded to local Remodelors™ Councils for superior member service in the categories of:
- Membership Recruitment & Retention
- Community Service Project
- Public Relations & Promotion
- Outstanding Associate Member
- Member Service/Education
- Government Affairs/Legislation
- Outstanding Council Chair
- Outstanding Executive Officer/Council Coordinator
For information, e-mail the Remodelors™ Council or call 800-368-5242 x8216.
Who Will Be Inducted to National Remodeling Hall of Fame?
The Remodelors™ Council is searching for the best of the best for induction into the America’s Best National Remodeling Hall of Fame. This award honors those individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the remodeling industry on a state or national basis.
Induction into America’s Best National Remodeling Hall of Fame is open to individuals in any public or private sector entity or institution. Areas of contribution may include industry image, governmental affairs, education, business management or any other contribution that has helped advance the remodeling profession. Please nominate individuals who have made a positive impact on the remodeling industry. Self nominations are not permitted.
Completed applications must be received by Monday, July 12. The induction ceremony will take place at the Remodelors™ Council Gala during the 2004 Remodeling Show in Chicago (Oct. 8).
Click here to download an application or contact Barbara Drobins at 800-368-5242 x8217 for more information.
Go to BuilderBooks.com for 'Ten Steps to Increase Jobsite Productivity'
Productivity equals profitability. Managing and working with subcontractors is one of the 10 important steps covered in “Ten Steps to Increase Jobsite Productivity,” available at BuilderBooks.com. Make everyone on your job site more productive. To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665 to order.
Remodeling Publications and Resources Available Through BuilderBooks.com
BuilderBooks.com offers a variety of remodeling publications online. To view or purchase these publications, click here.
University of Housing Offers Courses and Designation Programs
The NAHB University of Housing offers a variety of business management courses and professional designation programs that set builders and remodelers apart from the competition. For a complete list of current offerings, click here.
[ Go to Top ]