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Member Profile: Education and Trust Mean Good Business
The latest 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.
 Todd Newman, CAPS, CGR, CGB, GMB, CGP
President, Newman Company, Inc.
Riley, Ind.
Todd Newman, the president of Newman Company, Inc. based in Riley, Ind., is a strong believer in approaching remodeling as a true profession, worthy of all the time and effort needed for professional development and certification.
The Remodelers Council member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Terre Haute in Indiana has earned five certifications through NAHB and his HBA.
“Education is everything,” Newman says. “Most remodelers who go out of business don’t even see it coming. They may think if they’re out there swinging a hammer, they’re making money. But if they don’t understand their financials, cash flow needs and profit and loss statements, they don’t know how to be profitable. Or, how to stay in business.”
“What’s more, the industry is changing so fast, you need to stay aware not only about what’s available today, but also what’s coming. You have to attend trade shows, see what’s out there and meet the vendors,” Newman says. “You may not use everything you learn — but at least you know what’s available.”
Newman, in his 18th year of business, oversees a company with a staff of 14 and annual revenues of about $1.1 million. He and his company have not experienced much of a downturn in the remodeling market for the past few years. In fact, he expects 2008 to be a strong year.
“Most of our clients are baby boomers,” Newman says. “Their kids are gone and they have large houses that no longer meet their needs.”
“We’re helping them add the features and amenities they need to make their homes more comfortable, such as combining smaller bedrooms to make master suites, adding heated floors and ADA-compliant showers and other improvements. It’s very gratifying to help bring people’s dreams into reality.”
Newman is also a firm believer in making sure his people build trust with customers and demonstrate respect.
“You’re basically a member of your customer’s family during a project. You’re there all day — often, more than the owners themselves. You sign for packages and may even get to know the kids,” Newman says. “Customers trust us with their most valuable assets, so our people have to act accordingly.”
Running a Tighter Ship
Newman also oversees a variety of policies that help ensure that his team functions effectively and delivers maximum value.
“We require drug testing of all our employees to make sure that there’s not a dependency that could change their mindset and behavior,” Newman says.
When using subcontractors, Newman requires them to be insured and bonded — and members of the Terre Haute HBA. “With all the support that remodelers and subcontractors get from our local HBA, as well as the state and national organizations, I don’t think anyone should get a free ride,” he says.
Newman sets a high standard for performance and he and his company are constantly working to raise that bar.
“No matter what our standard is, I believe we can always raise our level of quality,” Newman says. “Once you stop improving, I really think it’s time for you to get out of the business.”
 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.
'How to Find a Professional Remodeler' Available at BuilderBooks.com
"How to Find a Professional Remodeler," available at BuilderBooks.com, promotes the professionalism of your remodeling business by offering valuable advice to your customers on the process of selecting a remodeler.
The brochure guides consumers from the dream to the reality of having their homes remodeled by skilled and trained professionals. Sections include what to look for in a professional remodeler and what questions to ask.
To view or puchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665 to order.
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