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Remodelers Making a Difference in Their Local Councils
The first in a series that profiles members of local NAHB Remodelers who are strengthening their local councils through networking and recruiting new members. The grassroots champions who are being highlighted in this series have collectively recruited more than 400 new members for the NAHB Remodelers to date.
 Rob Hajek
President and co-owner
Home Repair Team
North Liberty, Iowa
Business size and focus: 17-person, full-service home remodeling firm founded in 1998.
What he does: “Having started out doing all the work myself, now most of my time is spent in sales, scheduling and purchasing. I’m also involved in the home building association at the local, state and national levels.”
Most rewarding project: Bathroom remodeling project for an elderly man living alone.
“When we were done, my customer was in tears, and said, ‘You don’t understand how it makes me feel to be able to use the bathroom without needing someone to help me.’ It really hit home with me, and I’ll never forget it.”
His advice to others: “We struggled for some years to find the right people in the field. I have great guys now, and our productivity is better than ever. We started doing more work on the front end — doing drug testing, physicals, background checks and aptitude testing. We also developed more consistent training.”
NAHB member recruitment secret: “I’m in my truck a lot driving around between projects so I just got on the phone and starting calling. It was fairly easy to get people to join.”
 Pat Mahoney
Owner
Remodeling Consultants, Inc.
Germantown, Tenn.
Business focus: Large volume residential construction and remodeling firm, founded in 1974.
What drives him: “I enjoy working with home owners and building their trust. There’s always a need for someone in this business who follows the Golden Rule.”
Pet peeve: “I hate hearing the word ‘problem’ on my work sites. ‘Opportunity’ is much better. Whether you’re the owner or a worker, take 100% of the responsibility.”
Favorite resource: “Take advantage of the NAHB Remodelers Web site [found under “NAHB Community” at www.nahb.com]. There are so many useful case studies of what remodelers did in specific situations. I’ve even printed out pages and ideas about challenges I don’t have now, but might encounter in the future.”
Tips for success: “Surround yourself with outstanding people by joining organizations, and you’re bound to pick up new skills and contacts. No builder or tradesman is a stranger to adversity — but the best just keep on plugging. Their enthusiasm is contagious.”
 Increase Your Professional Credibility
The Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation emphasizes business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation.
Remodelers who earn the CGR become members of an exclusive national program and gain recognition as industry leaders.
To learn more about the CGR designation, visit www.nahb.org/CGRinfo, or call The Professional Designation Help Line at 800-368-5242 x8154.
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