DreamMaker NewsMakers Archives
November 2008
Growing Your Remodeling Business in the Current Economy
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Contrary to the financial woes making national headlines, there is still a market for remodeling. And understanding the decision-making criteria for target clients today is the first step in strategically mapping how to sustain and even grow your business in the current economy.
October 2008
Business of Change
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
Professional Remodeler Magazine
The struggling economy may be spearheading a batten-down-the-hatches consumer mentality for spending. But as history has shown, small businesses are part of the solution to a turnaround, and today is no exception. Small businesses drive our economy. They create 70 percent of new jobs and more than half our non-farm private gross domestic product, according the Small Business Administration.
September 2008
Position Yourself as a Competitive Leader
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
Professional Remodeler Magazine
Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the Franchise Mini-MBA program at Nova Southeastern University. During the three-day course, one of the topics that really stood out to me was the “Three Strategic Areas of Focus” related to creating value for customers. These three strategic areas of focus - Product Leadership, Operational Excellence and Customer Intimacy - are known as the Value Disciplines, a concept developed by Treacy and Wiersema1.
August 2008
Five Tips for Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget
It’s the height of remodeling season during a weak economy, which is a tough combination for homeowners needing to make upgrades to their kitchen. This summer, things are heating up as people debate a costly home improvement that also offers one of the best returns on investment.
August 2008
Constructive Communication
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
Professional Remodeler Magazine
I first wrote about the importance of effective communications in my July 2005 column Building Team Communication. In that column, I stated that to achieve excellence within our companies' cultures, leaders must work hard at keeping healthy relationships. Our communication skills must be a strength, not a weakness. It takes time, energy and effort, but it pays big returns by producing better results and deeply enriched relationships. It's a double win. As leaders we must be proactive in building a positive growth culture, being observant and having challenging conversations when needed.
July 2008
Selling Media Generated Leads
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
Professional Remodeler Magazine
Most remodelers have worked very hard to build a business based largely on referrals. Why? There are many reasons: (1) it doesn’t cost much to get referral business; (2) most referrals buy; (3) they typically don’t shop as much for others bids; (4) they are more willing to accept your price; and (5) it takes less work to close the sale. Who doesn’t want more customers like this – we all do. So what’s the challenge with a 100% referral business? Referrals in and of themselves are not a bad thing. It’s when they become our only lead source that it becomes an issue. You might think, “Why is that?” This is where selling skills come into play.
June 2008
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Fallbrook and Murrieta, Calif.
Featured on Cover of Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine
FALLBROOK, Calif. – (June 6, 2008) – A monthly space reserved for the top design projects in the nation, the cover of the May 2008 issue of Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine features a bath remodel by the award-winning design team at DreamMaker Bath & KitchenTM of Fallbrook and Murrieta, Calif.
June 2008
Finding the Reality for Your Business
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
As I alluded to in last month’s column concerning planning for a reality check, you will find there is always a need to get back to the basics is critical during challenging times and growth periods. Do you know what your numbers are, and are you reviewing them weekly and monthly? Or, have you gotten your eye off the ball for a couple of months or longer? A couple of months can cost you, while longer can put you out of business or create a year’s worth of damage.
May 2008
Is it Time for a Reality Check?
Doug Dwyer
Contributing Editor
Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
A reality check can apply to a company that is in a growth mode or a company that is experiencing a decrease in sales. When it comes to managing our businesses, the numbers, a strong business plan to benchmark our progress, and a good advisor or business friend can all supply some of the most beneficial reality checks we can find.
April 2008
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Announces New Hire and Promotion
WACO, Texas – (April 25, 2008) – DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, a national leader in home remodeling, announces staff changes within its franchise systems management department.
April 2008
Finding the Silver Lining in Our Current Economic Cloudiness
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
I am just starting my vacation as I write this column. Writing this is my last bit of business to wrap up before giving my 100% focus to family, rest, relaxation and leisure fun. In checking the weather forecast, it stated high temperatures in the low 80s with a 30% chance of scattered showers and mild wind. Working with our DreamMaker owners and talking to many other companies in remodeling across the country, the economic forecast varies by location.
February 2008
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Partners With GuildQuality
WACO, Texas – (Feb. 20, 2008) DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has announced a new partnership with GuildQuality Inc., a national company that specializes in conducting customer satisfaction surveys for builders and remodelers.
February 2008
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Colorado Springs Wins Regional Award
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – (Feb. 7, 2008) – DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Colorado Springs, associated with The Remodeler has received a regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for a residential kitchen priced between $30,000 and $60,000.
February 2008
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Greater Grand Rapids Wins Regional Award
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – (Feb. 7, 2008) – The DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Greater Grand Rapids has received a regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for a residential kitchen priced between $60,001 and $100,000.
February 2008
Tailor Your Marketing to Your Needs
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
As you know, marketing is a key component of any successful business. Although marketing is often overwhelming, it can be a logical and manageable process.
To read more please follow this link
January 2008
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Connecticut Recognized as Certified Lead Carpenter
WACO,Texas – (Jan. 10, 2008) – Three Connecticut DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen businesses recently completed training in the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Certified Lead Carpenter program.
January 2008
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of West Greenwich Recognized as Certified Lead Carpenter
WACO,Texas – (Jan. 9, 2008) – Bruce Engstrom, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of West Greenwich, recently completed training for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Certified Lead Carpenter program.
January 2008
Know Your Position in the Remodeling Market
Doug Dwyer, Contributing Editor
Professional Remodeler Magazine
The current state of the economy is strong in some markets, but has slowed down in many others. Some might say it’s more of a normal economy - not just an order taker’s phase, while others might say it is a down economy. In my view, they are all correct depending on where they are located.
To read more please follow this link
