The Chattanooga, Tennessee Remodelers Council was honored with a visit by the current chairman of the National Association of Home Builders’ NAHB Remodelers Chairman, Bob Peterson. Bob has been touring many of the local Remodeler Councils in the US this year. And he brought with him an inspiring message.
Before I recount his report, let me tell you a little about the man. Bob Peterson, who has more remodeling awards and designations than Dale Earnhardt has Nascar championships, grew up in a small farm town in Colorado. Like many of us, he wore a nail belt for many years and worked his way to the top. Unlike some of us, he has really made his mark in the remodeling world. And so, he not only talks a good game, he walks the walk every day. And it shows!
Bob was named Remodeler of the year by the NAHB in 2007. Besides being the NAHB Remodelers Chairman, he has been chairman of his local Remodelers Council as well as President of his association. He runs a multi-million dollar remodeling business which also builds custom homes. He is an expert networker, marketer and businessman, and everyone was anxious to learn more about him, his success and the remodeling business.
Bob spoke at length on the benefits of belonging to the Homebuilders Association, and that membership alone was not enough. His involvement in the local, and later, the national meetings, have had a considerable influence on his current success. He encouraged everyone, both builder members and associates, to join committees, attend all of the meetings, and get acquainted with new people at each meeting. Bob did not mince words, as he told those present that their membership would do very little for them if they didn’t get involved in the association.
Besides networking, Bob spoke about how the NAHB legislation continually works for its members. He broached the subject of OSHA and the dreaded RRP Rule, that is costing consumers more on each job. He discussed marketing, and how to use the awards and designations that you’ve earned. And finally he closed with a testimonial of how superb customer service can bring you untold amount of business – not to shy away from warranty work, but embrace it and use it to your advantage.
In summary, Bob Peterson left everyone with several challenges: be a faithful member of the NAHB and realize what it has and will do for you, network with others, understand and follow the rules whether we like them or not, and to continue to learn more about the wonderful world of remodeling business.
