Remodeling Mastery by Mark Richardson

No matter what stage you are at in life, there’s no harm in asking for advice and getting the right kind. Mark shares his top tips for getting the best advice and how to avoid the bad.

Are you fit to grow? What may seem like a simple question, is actually quite complex when you break it down. In this episode, Mark G. Richardson shares a few trends in the remodeling and home improvement industry that are affecting how efficient and successful businesses are able to grow. Then, Mark talks through the fundamental building blocks and 10 key questions you'll want to analyze within your own business to determine if you have the structure and processes it takes to sustain long-term growth. Enjoy!

As a business owner and a home improvement contractor, it's more important than ever before to be innovative. In this episode, Mark G. Richardson shares 10 ways how you think about innovation and get ahead of the competition.

In this episode Mark G. Richardson shares 5 factors that he refers to as “tail winds” that forecast success and profitable years for those in the remodeling industry. #1 - Home Appreciation continues to be strong. Of the top 25 markets in the U.S., 23 of them are continuing to appreciate. It was only just a few years ago that these same markets were all depreciating. A strong home appreciation gives homeowners the confidence to want to remodel and upgrade their homes. #2 - Interest Rates. The reality is that interest rates are still at historic lows. In the 80's, interest rates were 14 to 15%. Today, you see interest rates at 4 or 5%. Turn the clock back a few years,  and people would be amazed at the interest rates seen today. However, as interest rates inch higher, it creates a sense of urgency for the remodeling industry. Homeowners want to cash-in now and start their projects sooner rather than later. #3 - Unemployment. It's not a question of whether someone has a job or not right now, but their confidence of knowing they’ll have a job next year and after that. When they have that degree of confidence, they are far more willing to invest in their homes; knowing that they’ll be financially secure. #4 - Stock Market continues to be very strong. This is a great indication of overall wealth that homeowners can invest back into their homes. #5 - Housing Market. The ability to build new homes and the demand for new homes has created a gap that is pushing people to focus more on investing in their home, rather than selling and buying. What do these tail winds mean? These 5 factors combine to result in high consumer confidence. These tail winds likely have made your phones ring off the hook. But just because the phone rings, doesn’t necessarily translate into high sales. There are obstacles (cost increases, price increases, labor shortages, etc) that make it difficult on your business to make a profit. In order to find success, Mark encourages you to focus on how you can control the process and understand these tail winds. Ask yourself, “Am I seeing the results I have because of skill and expertise...or is it more of an effect from the remodeling industry today? Cautionary Tips These tail winds are out there and will energize your business. However, just as you're flying a plane or steering a boat, you need to pay close attention to the details in order to be successful and profitable. You need to: 1 - Make a plan and stick to it. Planning and being able to predict trends and changes is more important than ever before. 2 - Control your business. Everyone is strapped for time today, but you want to make sure you’re the one controlling your business and not the other way around. It’s about how you can become more proactive and less reactive to events, trends, and new technologies. 3 - Understand this is a time where hardwork pays off. If you put in the time and attention and really drill down into what success means to you, you’ll be rewarded.

In this episode, Mark G. Richardson breaks down what it means to be profitable and shares 10 ways to make your business more profitable.

Do you feel the need to be more organized and/or more productive? Perhaps you spend your day in a frenzy of activity and then at the end of the day, wonder why you haven't accomplished much? In this episode, Mark G. Richardson talks through 9 critical time management skills business owners will want to master in order to become more productive and efficient.

Raise your hand if you've ever sat through a meeting and wondered why you were even there? Today, more than ever before, time is one of a business owner's most valuable resources. A major component of managing your time efficiently is knowing how to host world-class meetings. In this episode, Mark G. Richardson outlines 5 steps to hosting a productive and efficient meeting.

Mistakes happen. Oftentimes, we learn and grow only after making a mistake. Having said that, there are some mistakes that are made through carelessness that can really hurt your business. In this episode, Mark G. Richardson shares the top 10 mistakes all business owners will want to avoid this year as they look to grow their businesses. Only through planning, can one achieve greatness.

What will your theme for 2018 be? Mark G. Richardson consults with a number of businesses in the home improvement industry and he's seen a few growth themes become more dominant than others over the years. Why is having a theme important you might ask? Establishing a theme for the year can help provide a consistent direction and can create alignment within your company. Take a listen as Mark breaks down 8 themes proven to guide your company's growth plans and what each one means: Theme #1 - Exceed expectations Theme #2 - Listen, learn and respond Theme #3 - Synergy (1+1=3) Theme #4 - People are your greatest asset Theme #5 - Failure is not an option Theme #6 - Aggressive but realistic Theme #7 - Growth creates opportunities for all Theme #8 - The future is now But that's not all! Once you've settled on your business's theme for the year, Mark goes a step further by outlining an easy 8-step process to help you successfully implement your theme throughout your company. Would you like direct feedback from Mark regarding your business theme? Send an email to mrichardson@mgrichardson.com and he'll gladly help you not only strategize but help you with communicating your unique theme to your company.

Welcome back, listeners! Today's episode is a critical one as you think about and strategize how you'll grow your business this year. Take a listen and hear from Mark G. Richardson - leading authority in the home remodeling industry - as he outlines the foundational principles (fitness factors) a business will need to sustain long-term growth.