Well, just had lunch with one of the top executives from James Hardie at a local BBQ joint here in the SouthEnd. I always like taking visitors to the local bars and eateries. Give them a taste of the neighbor flavor, sights and sounds.
But this was not your ordinary lunch on Friday afternoon. No, far from your blue plate special.
It is not every day that you have the top executive from a billion dollar corporation at your lunch table at Mac's Speed Shop. And, I was going to make sure I made the most out of this opportunity. This is a chance that most people wait 10-15 years for and I had 45 minutes, uninterrupted, with the decision maker at one of world's top brands.
We were brought together because we share a vision. A glimpse into the Charlotte housing market,
specifically the remodeling and renovation industry and the current condition of the average home in our region.
It is always exciting when you can "be on the same page" with today's decision makers. With someone who can make a difference and is willing to take the initiative to create and launch a marketing program that could change our industry. Good stuff.
So, what is our vision. It is simple. Reach 10,000 homeowners in the Charlotte market. Literally, contact ten thousand homeowners with an important message from James Hardie and our friends here at SouthEnd.
Now is time to replace the siding on your house.
A grassroots campaign targeting 30-50 neighborhoods in the greater Charlotte area.
There are so many homes between Lake Norman and Rock Hill that need residing. So many houses that need to replace the exterior siding. Houses built from the 80's through the earlier part of this decade.
James Hardie has the name and the top brand in residential siding. SouthEnd has 12 crews that have completed over 1,200 siding projects here in Charlotte over the past year and has a great reputation in our community. A great marriage that we want to finalize soon!
Our goal is to bring the best siding product to 10,000 homeowners and let them see the benefits to residing.
The fact reamins that only re-siding your home with fiber cement gives you the best return on your investment, 5 years in a row.* Go with James Hardie.
Good lunch with a great man representing a wonderful brand. Doesn't get any better than that, does it?
*Quality Remodeler
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Catching up with Micah
I was in the warehouse this morning looking for a 4" X 4" post to replace my mailbox. Someone clipped my mailbox a couple of nights ago and broke the post in half. I keep looking for neighbors who have recent car damage, but no suspects yet.
While looking through our lumber, I ran into Micah Tolles, Project Manager here at SouthEnd. Although we work together, I have not seen him over the past three days. He and his wife have twin boys that are four years old, so I know his life can be hectic.
"Hey buddy, what is going on," I yelled across the warehouse. "Man, I have been everywhere this week, Everywhere," replied Micah.
So, I ask the obvious, where is everywhere?
Turns out Micah has been traveling between Lake Norman to Rock Hill, SC looking at a number of projects that homeowners are considering for spring renovations to their homes.
"I see so many homeowners that have decided to invest in a home remodeling project, people are staying put," noted the construction management gradute from WCU. "Folks are building decks, knocking out walls, residing their houses, building outdoor living areas and sunrooms. Families want to renovate their homes and recreate a new home with these projects."
He reminded me that most homeowners are ready to make the investment as activity has picked up over the past two weeks.
For the first time in over a year, customers have two or three projects that they are considering for their homes. Even some homeowners that are looking at projects for homes that are much newer, less than 5-6 years old, are calling.
Spring, eternal spring.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
While looking through our lumber, I ran into Micah Tolles, Project Manager here at SouthEnd. Although we work together, I have not seen him over the past three days. He and his wife have twin boys that are four years old, so I know his life can be hectic.
"Hey buddy, what is going on," I yelled across the warehouse. "Man, I have been everywhere this week, Everywhere," replied Micah.
So, I ask the obvious, where is everywhere?
Turns out Micah has been traveling between Lake Norman to Rock Hill, SC looking at a number of projects that homeowners are considering for spring renovations to their homes.
"I see so many homeowners that have decided to invest in a home remodeling project, people are staying put," noted the construction management gradute from WCU. "Folks are building decks, knocking out walls, residing their houses, building outdoor living areas and sunrooms. Families want to renovate their homes and recreate a new home with these projects."
He reminded me that most homeowners are ready to make the investment as activity has picked up over the past two weeks.
For the first time in over a year, customers have two or three projects that they are considering for their homes. Even some homeowners that are looking at projects for homes that are much newer, less than 5-6 years old, are calling.
Spring, eternal spring.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Friday, March 12, 2010
75 million homes
As a remodeling contractor here in the Charlotte, NC market, we closely follow the highly anticipated Home Star program that has been proposed to stimulate the ecomony as well as promote energy-efficiency upgrades to American homes.
This program is designed to provide homeowners incentives for retrofitting their homes.
There are hundreds of contractors from Seattle to Charlotte that are anxious to get this program pushed through the Senate and get approval here in 2010.
Folks, I do not see this happening within the next 9 months and that is shame. Part of the snag is there are so many contractors that need to be trained in EPA's lead paint rule.
And, let's face it, the Senate will not move quickly on approval. Not going to happen.
It is estimated that over 230,000 remodelers must be trained to ensure compliance with the rule. Only 14,000 have been certified to date. Our class is in two weeks, but you can see that it will be nearly impossible to certify nearly a quarter of a million contractors before the April 22 deadline.
Roughly 79 million homes constructed before 1978 are subject to Lead Renovation, Repair and Repainting rule. That's right, nearly one-third of our homes need to be retrofitted by certified EPA remodelers.
79 million. That is a staggering number of houses that need renovation and improvements to become energy-efficient. Staggering number.
Once Americans become more aware of this program, you can anticipate homeowners will rush to call contractors to perform these efficiency upgrades.
Please make sure you contact a properly trained and qualified contractor.
Most of this information was provided by NAHB Remodelers.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
This program is designed to provide homeowners incentives for retrofitting their homes.
There are hundreds of contractors from Seattle to Charlotte that are anxious to get this program pushed through the Senate and get approval here in 2010.
Folks, I do not see this happening within the next 9 months and that is shame. Part of the snag is there are so many contractors that need to be trained in EPA's lead paint rule.
And, let's face it, the Senate will not move quickly on approval. Not going to happen.
It is estimated that over 230,000 remodelers must be trained to ensure compliance with the rule. Only 14,000 have been certified to date. Our class is in two weeks, but you can see that it will be nearly impossible to certify nearly a quarter of a million contractors before the April 22 deadline.
Roughly 79 million homes constructed before 1978 are subject to Lead Renovation, Repair and Repainting rule. That's right, nearly one-third of our homes need to be retrofitted by certified EPA remodelers.
79 million. That is a staggering number of houses that need renovation and improvements to become energy-efficient. Staggering number.
Once Americans become more aware of this program, you can anticipate homeowners will rush to call contractors to perform these efficiency upgrades.
Please make sure you contact a properly trained and qualified contractor.
Most of this information was provided by NAHB Remodelers.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Monday, March 1, 2010
SouthEnd on display at the 50th anniversary of Charlotte's Southern Spring Show
SouthEnd Home Improvement has designed and built a special display for the Southern Spring Show which opens this Wednesday, March 3 at The Park in Charlotte, NC.
Over 40,000 visitors are expecetd for the annual event from Wednesday through Sunday, March 7th.
"We are excited about this year's show," stated SouthEnd's President, Jamie Oliver. "Our booth will feature some products that will appeal to homeowners looking for ideas on home remodleing projects and we can showcase our talent as one of Charlotte's top-rated contractors."
SouthEnd Home Improvement provides quality workmanship and expertise to help homeowners add value to their homes through remodeling, renovations and additions. We specialize in roofing, windows, siding, gutters, decks, porches, sunrooms and more!
This year's Southern Spring Show will be the largest show expected for this region. Visitors can talk with professionals from more than 400 companies showcasing: the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath, building and home improvement, outdoor living, green living, the green market, decorative arts and crafts, and wineries. Taste, travel and shop the marketplace at your own pace and with your own unique spring plans in mind.
But, best of all, meet the professionals who can help you with information and advice to create your own dream spaces inside and outside your home.
Drop by the SouthEnd Home Improvement booth #1133 and say hello. Also, don't forget to register for a free in-home consultation and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Over 40,000 visitors are expecetd for the annual event from Wednesday through Sunday, March 7th.
"We are excited about this year's show," stated SouthEnd's President, Jamie Oliver. "Our booth will feature some products that will appeal to homeowners looking for ideas on home remodleing projects and we can showcase our talent as one of Charlotte's top-rated contractors."
SouthEnd Home Improvement provides quality workmanship and expertise to help homeowners add value to their homes through remodeling, renovations and additions. We specialize in roofing, windows, siding, gutters, decks, porches, sunrooms and more!
This year's Southern Spring Show will be the largest show expected for this region. Visitors can talk with professionals from more than 400 companies showcasing: the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath, building and home improvement, outdoor living, green living, the green market, decorative arts and crafts, and wineries. Taste, travel and shop the marketplace at your own pace and with your own unique spring plans in mind.
But, best of all, meet the professionals who can help you with information and advice to create your own dream spaces inside and outside your home.
Drop by the SouthEnd Home Improvement booth #1133 and say hello. Also, don't forget to register for a free in-home consultation and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
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