The recent commotion in our economy is presenting many of us with challenges we haven't faced.

An article recently published by Eastern Mass NARI in the monthly newletter sent to all members about The Contractor Coaching Partnership. 

Yesterday the the financial world and economy took a big hit. On top of recent oil, gas, electric and cost of living increases it is hard to escape the negativity all around us. On www.ContractorTalk.com I see many comments from contractors regarding the difficulties of securing any business. Many are saying they are just hanging on. Most have never experienced a downturn in residential work like we saw in the early nineties. Work has been so plentiful up until a couple of years ago. Just returning the phone call or showing up on time with a smile and clean truck ,you were hired.

Last week I attended the Remodeling Show in Baltimore hosted by Remodeling Magazine, NAHB, NARI and Hanley Wood. The show was well attended by hundreds of contractors from all over the country in spite of a tight economy.

In May my firm, The Contractor Coaching Partnership, joined The Eastern Mass NARI chapter to network with professional contractors. My goal is to help the chapter grow its contractor membership using effective best practice networking strategies. Over the summer, I have been exposing this great organization to contractors, sub-contractors, and companies who provide services to the residential construction industry. On September 10th, I was joined by several clients and guests at the monthly NARI dinner. The theme for the night was to recognize the contractors who earned their NARI certifications.

On September 10th, Eastern Mass NARI held their monthly meeting at the Natick Crown Plaza. The night was dedicated to recognizing residential contractors and their carpenters who successfully completed NARI sponsored education courses. The designations were for Certified Lead Carpenter, Certified Remodeler, Certified Kitchen and Bath, and Certified Green Builder courses. Many of the companies recognized are very active in the NARI organization. These companies know that it is important to educate and train their people. NARI is one of the premier contractor associations in the nation that is committed to providing education and training for contractors. Any contractor who is serious about being a professional and making money in residential contracting should consider joining NARI. I was there with several guests and they commented on how professional the contractor members were. (stay tuned for future post of details on my guests who attended)

Our first joint seminar hosted by Joe Holm of Sandler Sales Training in Marlboro and Mark Paskell of The Contractor Coaching Partnership, on 8/28/08, was well attended by 12 companies.

A few months ago I joined the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. This is a great organization for residential contractors servicing the home owner construction market. They provide many innovative training programs to support the professional contractor. NARI teaches best practices and helps contractors make money based on proven processes. 

You are a legitimate and honest contractor who follows the rules. You carry the right insurance, you are licensed, you pay your employees legally, you hire legal citizens, you pull permits, you stand behind your work, you pay your taxes and your bills, you are part of a contractor organization and you are active in the community. All evidence points to the fact that you are a quality residential construction company.

On 8/28/08 The Contractor Coaching Partnership and Sandler Training are hosting a complimentary seminar specifically designed for contractors. The seminar will be held from 3:30-5:30 PM at the Sandler Training facility on route 20 in Marlboro. The program is for remodelers, kitchen and bath companies, custom home builders, handyman, roofers, siding contractors, painters, landscapers, electricians, plumbers and small trades who service the residential home owner construction market. Sandler Trainer Joe Holm will share his cutting edge approach to blending Sandler principles with best practice systems for residential contractors.