Where Do I Go From Here?
Message from the CGR Chair

Hi, I am Alan Hanbury, Jr., CGR, CAPS, and I am the 2005 Chair of your CGR Board of Governors. I have been a CGR since 1990 and proudly have #99 on my seal. I am heavily involved in teaching designation classes as well, so I have a fairly strong background and interest in the success of this program. Please don’t hesitate to forward your questions and comments about the program to Barb Drobins at bdrobins@nahb.com or me at aehjcgr@aol.com, your comments and concerns are always welcome.

In this edition of CGReport, I would like to address an issue that comes up often in conversations: Where do I go from here? Your CGR gives you a firm grip on sales, production, financial, estimating and other managerial aspects needed for running a successful company. The classes touch on all the basics of running a successful business. You spent time meeting and networking with your fellow classmates and started to appreciate the long-term value of expanding your interaction among your peers. Fellow students bring their real time and real life problems, solutions, product knowledge, software hints and how-to’s and a world of other experiences and information that make the classes more “relevant.”

So how do we keep it real after we leave the classroom? How do we continue to learn after the test? While we need to continue participating in educational programs and take University of Housing approved courses to keep our CGR; and we attend local seminars, trade shows and even online learning, there is one more avenue you should investigate to improve your business: the Remodelor 20 Club (R20) program.

The best way to build on your CGR designation is to join a networking group, specifically the R20 program, part of NAHB’s peer networking groups. These groups of up to 20 non-competing companies meet two times per year with financial books wide open. Members work with and on business plans, marketing ideas, staffing decisions and pricing models. Member businesses are inspected, dissected, problem areas detected, and usually positive results predicted, all by experts in their field.

The give and take both at the meetings and beyond would cost a ton of money if you had to pay for that advice. I am not saying it is free, but the meter isn’t turned on each time you chat with one of your fellow members. Most companies see dramatic increases in profitability at the margin and net profit levels, increased productivity of their staff and see improved and more focused marketing and sales efforts. Most find substantial ways to increase their compensation package as well. It is the best value for your money in a networking group bar none.

Three clubs are forming this very minute for meetings in Washington in early June. You can contact the program staff via email at 20clubs@nahb.com or e-mail the 20 Club Director, Recruiting and Membership Jeff Lambert at jlambert@nahb.com to request an application or to answer any questions about the program or the new clubs. Click here to checkout the 20 Club program on the NAHB Web site.

To join a club, you must be a member of NAHB and the Remodelors Council. R20 Club membership requires annual dues, sharing club meeting expenses, completion of annual financial forms in the appointed fashion, attendance at meetings, and a few other things on a short list.

So when you wonder where you go from here, think of the Remodelor 20 clubs as the next logical step.

Enjoy this edition and I will “talk” to you again this summer. Remember, if you are doing something with your CGR that would be of interest to your fellow designees, don’t hesitate to send it in to Barb so we can give you some free press.

Finally, keep up with your recerts and annual renewals; stay legit and keep your name on the web site where customers can find you!

Alan Hanbury Jr., CGR, CAPS
2005 Chairman, CGR Board of Governors [ return to top ]