CGR: Say it Loud, Say it Proud
The 2004 CGR Designee of the Year Uses Innovative Ways to Promote his CGR Designation

It is more than just a certificate. Obtaining your CGR designation is a great achievement in your career, it shows you are a dedicated professional.

So how do you let consumers and business partners know that you are a CGR?

The 2004 CGR Designee of the Year promotes his CGR designation everywhere and to everyone possible. Michael Strong, CGR, CAPS, of Brothers Strong in Houston, has become a tireless advocate of the importance of having the CGR designation. He was one of the first remodelers to include the CGR on virtually every piece of marketing material his company produces such as: business cards, truck signs, yard signs, the Web site, brochures, home show handouts, and client packages presented to new prospects and noted in the first category of  their “Scope of Work.” Plus, he hangs his framed certificate proudly in his office conference room for all clients to see.

Where is your certificate? Do you include the CGR logo on all of your marketing materials?

In the very first section of Brothers Strong estimate proposals, a client will see that Michael is a CGR. He believes in showing his clients that his CGR status is important to him and that having the CGR designation is a “threshold of minimum competency for the safety and security of their home and family.” When he turns in a remodeling proposal he offers to pay the client $100 if they can show that any of the other companies bidding the project are CGRs. This encourages clients to seek out other CGRs. By doing this, Michael has created another opportunity to explain what CGR stands for and that it is a nationally recognized credential.

Michael takes it one step further and promotes his CGR designation to his vendors, too. He believes that by promoting his CGR to his vendors serves three purposes:

1. Vendors know about the CGR credential, and contractors who have their CGR are more professional.
2. He receives referrals from vendors who are impressed by the professional image the CGR designation creates. 
3. He has been able to get discounts from vendors by proving he is an established professional in Houston.

Michael also works tirelessly to educate the public (not just potential clients) about the virtues of hiring a CGR. He has taught courses on how to find a reputable remodeler at Rice University’s Continuing Education Program; holds seminars at all six home shows in Houston; writes articles for the Houston Chronicle about hiring reputable contractors by looking for the CGR moniker; and teaches about CGRs at popular year-round public education programs.

In addition to his public promotions of the CGR, Michael has written countless national and local articles on the virtues of obtaining a designation for professionals. Michael takes pride in his designation and uses every opportunity to talk to people about what it means in the industry and to home owners. How do you promote your designation?

Call for Nominees for the Designee of the Year Program

 The NAHB University of Housing is now accepting nominations for the 2005 Designee of the Year for the CGA, CGB, CGR, CAPS and GMB programs. Nomination forms are available on the NAHB web site www.nahb.org/designations. Completed nominations must be received by the NAHB University of Housing Joint Venture Department no latter than Sept. 1, 2005. If you have any questions about this program or the nomination process, contact the Professional Designation Help Line 800-368-5242 x8154, or by email at ProfessionalDesignations@nahb.com.

Winners will be selected by the respective Board of Governors at the Fall Board of Directors meeting and will receive the award at the Graduation Reception at the 2006 International Builders' Show in Orlando. [ return to top ]