I went to the Shriners Home Show in Wilmington this past weekend and saw a well attended trade show. I was suprised to hear so many people were asking about large remodel jobs like kitchens, in law suites, baths, and finished basements. In light of the current conditions, one would think that nothing is happening. However, if you were at the trade show and invested in a booth it was obvious that there is interest in remodeling.

I commend the companies who are investing in marketing their firms and doing what is necessary to keep things going. I here many complaining that nothing is happening in the remodeling industry. Bitching and moaning is not going to make the phone ring or bring work in the door. True it is tougher however keeping a negative attitude will only attract more negatives. I was glad to see many trade show exhibitors holding a positive attitude. One trade show exhibitor said he decided to do the show because other means of advertising were not sufficient to generate the leads needed. Another said if they (homeowners) won't come to you then you have to go to them. Yet another said we have to go back to the basics and adapt to a changing marketplace. Trade shows are a great place to meet my future customers.

Another exhibitor explained his view on doing home shows as follows; "if you want to get the fish to feed the family then you need to fish where the fish are!"

And this brilliant insight came from a contractor. Who said contractors weren't smart?

Mark