On October 22, the Design Build Planners traveled to Baltimore to attend the Remodeling Show, the nation’s largest residential construction trade show.
Whether it’s in Baltimore, Chicago, or elsewhere, we always make the pilgrimage to the show to spend a few days meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. The show is also a fantastic opportunity to learn about new developments in the remodeling industry and pick up some tips to help us improve our business.
Plus, a few days away from the office and the day-to-day is always reflective and energizing.
About the 2014 Remodeling Show
This year’s event was a mega-show that included the Remodeling Show, Deck Expo, and JLC Live into one huge event. Held at the Baltimore Convention Center, there were hundreds of exhibitors, as well as live product demos, educational workshops, and networking events throughout the week.
In addition to the dozens of scheduled events, remodelers can also get a lot of value from meeting with other professionals for meals, coffees, and drinks. This is one of our favorite parts of the week, where we can relax with friends and learn about one another’s businesses.
We capped the week off on Thursday night with a dinner and awards ceremony overlooking the Inner Harbor and the city of Baltimore. We are delighted that one of the remodelers in our Preferred Remodelers Network, Avi Ribakovski of Pro Skill Construction in Tewksbury, NJ was named to Professional Remodeler’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2014. Avi is an exceptional craftsman and along with his partner, Ajay Gaglani, provides top notch design and remodeling services for his growing list of clients.
If you weren’t lucky enough to attend this year’s show, below are our top 5 takeaways.
Top 5 Takeaways from the 2014 Remodeling Show
The Remodeling Industry Is Alive and Well
We hear it from all over the country – more homeowners, especially baby boomers, are choosing to remain in their homes rather than move. This means that many of them have the financial means and the desire to improve and beautify their homes. Thus, remodeling seems to be on an upward trajectory for the next several years.
Learning About New Products Never Gets Old
Whether a new type of siding or a more efficient table saw, learning about new products is a great way to add value to your client projects and differentiate your business from others in your market. Sure, some things will always remain the same, but more efficient and more durable products are constantly being introduced to the market that can benefit your business. Read about 9 new products that were on display at this year’s Remodeling Show.
Tech Tools and Professional Services Can Improve Your Business and Your Life
We always learn about a new project management software, design product, sales or marketing strategy, or other type of program or service that can make our business more efficient. If providing top level service to your clients is important to you, especially if you intend to grow, these types of tools can help you leverage your resources and make your business more enjoyable to run. Sure, some of them may require a little investment of time, energy, and elbow grease, but they pay dividends in the long run.
Don’t Forget the Business of Remodeling
The business of remodeling is just as important as the design and construction. The most successful remodelers we know are sharp business men and women, who dedicate as much time to running their business as they do to ordering materials and managing projects. Successful remodelers are constantly assessing their business to determine what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve.
It Pays to Get Out of the Building
Silicon Valley Entrepreneur Steve Blank is famous for telling us to Get Out of the Building and engage with our market face to face. We couldn’t agree more. The tips, lessons, and insight that we pick up every year at the show enable us to serve our clients at a higher level and provide a better remodeling experience to our clients and partners. We encourage everyone to do the same.
Who Is the Remodeling Show For?
The show is ideal for designers and remodeling professionals looking to improve their business, whether that means increasing sales, focusing on higher end projects, making your business more efficient, or a combination of the three.
The 2015 Remodeling Show will take place September 30 – October 2 in Chicago.