How I Built My Business: Hatfield Builders & Remodelers
- Year Founded: 2005
Number of Employees: 12
Website: www.hbdallas.com
Chad Hatfield
Q: Who started your company and if it was you, how did you get started?
I started the business. Hatfield Builders started out building new custom homes. While I was still doing real estate inspection and running Hatfield Builders, I would have real estate clients ask me about remodeling the homes they were purchasing. We found that we were a better fit for the remodeling market since we are such a service oriented business. Remodeling clients were more willing to pay for our expertise than new home buyers.
Q: What did you do before remodeling?
I worked for a multi-billion dollar commercial construction company, then did residential real estate inspections before forming Hatfield Builders.
Q: Is this your first business?
No, Hatfield Home Inspections was my real estate inspection company that I started before I formed Hatfield Builders.
Q: What was your biggest misconception about remodeling industry?
My biggest misconception was that all potential clients would appreciate the honest and consultative approach that Hatfield Builders has consistently provided since the founding of the company. I have found throughout the years that not everyone appreciates our approach.
Q: What steps did you take to get your business off the ground?
We began by working with people who wanted work done on their homes and received referrals from them because we did a good job with their projects. We had primarily a referral based business up until 5 years ago when we began a formal marketing plan.
Q: How have you used these components to “grow” your business?
We are continually trying to improve our processes. We feel that sustained growth, while maintaining positive client experiences is not possible without using all of the processes we have in place.
We have embraced and are using technology everyday to better set client expectations and provide better client experiences. We utilize online project management software to provide better communication among our employees and clients. We utilize design software to provide full color 3D renderings to our clients. Internally, we utilize a construction accounting system and online scheduling software to keep us running smoothly.
For the first 5 years of our business, our projects were 100% referral based. We wear that as a badge of honor not recognizing the importance of marketing and how a solid marketing plan will help us grow. We realized that we were limiting ourselves to a small group of potential clients. Today, we are have a formal and diverse marketing plan that brings leads and referrals to us from lots of different directions.
Both of these play a huge role in helping us grow our business everyday. We have seen branding work from people seeing our logo trucks or an employee wearing a jacket at church to jobsite signs. We are getting ourselves noticed and the public is recognizing our logo. Social media is huge, as friends of friends will see our blogs or postings and recommend us to others, though they may not have ever contacted us about working with them. We have pages and are active on all the major social media sites, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Houzz.
Q: How has the remodeling profession changed since you’ve been involved?
I have seen a steady increase in the shortage of qualified labor.
Q: What is the most unusual project your company has completed?
I would say we have 2 unusual projects we are completing!
Earlier in 2015, Hatfield Builders & Remodelers was hand-selected for the Model ReModel project by Professional Remodeler magazine. The Model Remodel is currently showcased on a dedicated website. The site features and follows a complex remodeling project built by our experienced professional firm: tearing a Dallas house down to the studs, rethinking virtually every room and doubling the square footage with two large additions. The Model ReModel is intended to be educational and help spread professionalism in the remodeling industry. Along the way, viewers can learn what makes a design great, how to select products and materials, best practices, and helpful tips and tricks to make their own projects successful. The coverage is following the actual timeline of the remodeling project and has run this summer and fall through the project completion, which is estimated for December. The Model ReModel site features weekly updates, videos and blogs from the Hatfield team, Erika Taylor (Chief of Content for Professional Remodeler), national sponsors and more. Distinguished sponsors of the project include Panasonic, Ply Gem, DuPont, Benjamin Moore paint and Surefire Social.
Go to: http://www.modelremodel2015.com/ to see what’s happening this week!
We have also recently completed and is an extremely high end master bathroom, master closet, laundry area, wine prep area and wine room.
Q: What’s the best career advice you’ve heard and what advice would your offer to those just starting out?
Business is all about people and who you know. Recognize the importance of each and every relationship that you have. From your prospects, clients, employees, trade partners, personal relationships, they all come into play everyday!
Q: What’s your most favorite mistake?
I like to recognize that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and utilize that knowledge that we can always chose to do things differently next time.
Q: What does being part of NARI mean to you?
It is important to me to be a part of an organization of people that carry like minded values and bring professionalism and education to our industry.
Q: What motivates you every day?
My wife, children, family and fantastic relationships that I have with my staff and clients motivate me everyday.
Chad Hatfield, CR, CKBR, is president of Hatfield Builders & Remodelers, an award winning Design Remodel firm serving Dallas, Richardson, Plano and the surrounding areas. The company has been a NARI member since 2008.
| 11/3/2015 12:00:00 AM |
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