Before you begin work for a customer, it’s crucial to have a contract in place. A contract protects you and your customer by setting out, ahead of time, the expectations you both have. While some parts of your contracts will change depending on the type of work, the size of the project, or your business preferences, there are some basic parts that should always be in your home improvement contracts.

In May, during National Home Remodeling Month, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) launches its annual campaign focused on the benefits of hiring a professional remodeler.  It’s the perfect opportunity for NARI members and chapters to create a public relations campaign to inspire homeowners to become educated consumers and tackle that long-awaited dream or do needed repairs.

April 24, 2014 | 0 comments

For so many businesses, training has been considered a double-edged sword. Although we all consider training to be important, so many executives avoid or neglect the training needed to ensure that the newly hired or promoted employee will be successful. Instead of implementing a training program, what I often hear is frustration about employees who aren’t up to speed or who just “don’t get it” with respect to their job responsibilities.

April 18, 2014 | 0 comments

In the United States, there are 600,000 + franchised businesses. Franchising pulls in roughly half of all U.S. retail sales annually and enjoys an estimated 12 percent growth rate in the number of franchised units each year. More than nine of 10 franchise owners surveyed by the Gallup Organization said they considered their franchise to be somewhat or very successful.

April 14, 2014 | 0 comments

I graduated from Sonoma State Universityin 1976 with a degree in psychology and a minor in English, intending to go on to law school. While I was in college, I worked as a carpenter to earn the money necessary to continue my education. After being accepted at a law school in Boston, I was about to move to the East Coast when I realized I was enjoying my life as a carpenter too much to leave. I decided to get my contractor’s license instead and stay in California. I never looked back—and I never regretted that decision.

April 07, 2014 | 9 comments