Just how important is a strong culture of safety?
Featured Companies | Who Wrote the Forewards?
CONTRACTORS: Doing it Right Not Just Getting It Done answers that question with real life examples of companies that have seen outstanding results in one of the toughest markets around. The importance of building and maintaining a strong culture is the key for the longevity and success of businesses.
This book looks at elements of culture and branding as they relate specifically to the American construction industry. The companies reveal how their cultures began, have grown and changed and where they are going in the future. Challenges they have faced and are facing are also discussed. Interestingly, being a company that does the right thing is often a challenge itself!
Companies featured in the book include: Capizzi Home Improvement, Carnemark Systems + Design, Harrell Remodelling,Lakeside Exteriors, Marrokal Design & Remodeling, Out of the Woods Construction & Cabinetry, Inc., Stebnitz Builders, Riggs Construction, and The Klein Companies.
"Contractors: Doing it Right Not Just Getting It Done is a quick read full of insights from Mel DePaoli's in-depth research of 30 construction companies. What perfect timing for this book to appear as this industry starts to recover from the deepest recession since the 1930's. Companies profiled in the book reinforce the premise that culture makes a huge difference in their ability to succeed. Case studies suggest practical ways companies have implemented change, empowered employees (members of their "tribe") and built loyalty with their clients.
A favorite feature - the last chapter lists the key points from all previous chapters. I'm buying this book for all my clients in the construction industry!" Mary Kay Beeby of MK Consulting in Seattle, WA.
“I really like the 'If You Don’t Read Anything Else' section and have asked my assistant to keep a copy of it on her desk to refer back to regularly. It is very accurate and to the point.” Gary Marrokal of Marrokal Design & Remodeling in San Diago, CA.
"We have spent a considerable amount of time and resources ensuring that our business systems support a memorable experience for our clients. Our work with the book gave us insight in to things we had done very well to this point and reinforced our efforts for continual improvement." Chris Stebnitz of Stebnitz Builders, Inc. in Delavan, WI.
"Excellent book on how important a strong corporate culture is in "driving" your brand or the on-going perception of value of your company. Building and maintaining a strong culture is key for longevity and success of your business, especially during tough economic times." Michele Powell, Marketing & Business Development in Bothell, WA.
"As a Contractor, this information is imperative to have in your tool box!" Patty Kreamer of Kreamer Connect in Pittsburgh, PA.
"I love that Mel positioned herself not as the 'know it all' but as a professional who learned from the experience and is willing to pass on that knowledge. The book is a very ease read. It is easy to comprehend her points and move through the book–this is really important to me as I will stop reading if I find the writer is getting bogged down with a lot of the intricate detail (Gotta keep moving--like a shark). This book is a MUST for contractors, those in the construction industry, or professionals who work with contractors." David L. Holzer of Holzer Financial in Pittsburgh, PA.
Who Wrote the Forewards?
Iris Harrell never dreamed she would found a hugely successful design + build remodeling company. She never even suspected she might be handy around the house. It was her life partner, Ann Benson, who introduced her to her true talent and passion. "Ann presented me with an electric drill to hang pots and pans in our home in Dallas," Iris beams. In 1985, Iris decided to do the unexpected, opening her own remodeling business in California. Iris' values and ethics have translated into a highly respected, award-winning design + build remodeling company. Iris has taught design and remodeling courses at the community college level throughout the Bay Area. She is a regularly invited speaker at national conventions, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) conventions, where she encourages other remodeling contractors to hire women into non-traditional jobs.
“If I had been given this book to read and study when I started my remodeling business, I would be even further along in my business development. Allow this book to be your coach while building your business and learn to 'do it right--not just get it done'!” Iris Harrell of Harrell Remodeling in Mountain View, CA.
Steve Klein has been involved in residential, commercial, and development construction for his entire adult life. He takes a hands-on approach to design, planning, and ensuring each project is done right. Whether you wish to build in the $100, 000's or millions, you are important to Steve.
When he is not working with clients or running his companies, he is very involved with his family's activities. He also takes time to write articles for national building publications and speak at industry conventions and symposiums on such topics as quality systems and processes, customer service, and marketing. He is actively involved in the communities he builds in.
Mr. Thomas Capizzi, Jr. is President of Capizzi Home Improvement, a home improvement company on Cape Cod, MA that has been in business since 1976. Mr. Capizzi has built the business into the area’s leading home improvement company, which is currently thriving under his leadership, along with a team of professionals, and dominating the local market in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Mr. Capizzi has been awarded numerous awards in various sales contests, Most Valuable Player in 2000, Best Boss in 2006 and 2008, as well as Company of the Year in 2006, both on a national and regional level by Certified Contractors Network. Mr. Capizzi has been featured in numerous magazines for his expertise in construction remodeling and was awarded as one of the "Top 50 Remodeling Companies" from Remodeling Magazine in 1993. His company has made the "Largest 500 Remodeling Companies" list for the past 12 years in Qualified Remodeling Magazine. Mr. Capizzi is frequently a teacher and speaker, training contractors around the country on sales and financial management, as well as business strategies to be successful in today’s construction industry.