CG Report - 03/08/2006 (Plain Text Version)

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Alan Hanbury, Jr., CGR, CAPS
Chair

In this issue:
An Invitation to Make More Money as a Remodeler
Dan Bawden, CGR, GMB, CAPS was Named 2005 CGR of the Year
Professional Designations Offer Industry Pros the Competitive Edge
New Master Level CGR Designation
50 Ways to Market Your Designation
Understanding Business Growth Plateaus…and Beyond
Develop Your Marketing Plan
Going Green? Start with Home Performance Contracting
From Your Peers
The National Remodelor™ of the Month Program Receives a 2006 Facelift!
10 Best Practices of the Remodelor™ of the Year
Success Step by Step
Designation Upkeep: Amnesty Year 2006
May Is Remodeling Month
CGR Spotlight
Upcoming Class Schedule
Thank You to Our Strategic Partners
2006 CGR Board of Governors
Can You Find Yourself in the Directory?

Dan Bawden, CGR, GMB, CAPS was Named 2005 CGR of the Year

Dan Bawden , CGR, CAPS, of Legal Eagle Contracting Co. in Houston, Texas was selected as the 2005 National Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) of the Year by NAHB.

“With hundreds of thousands of remodeling contractors in the United States, less than 2000 have completed or are in the process of completing the coursework to earn their CGRs,” said NAHB Remodelors™ Council Chairman, Vince Butler, CGR, CAPS, GMB. “Bawden represents the elite of this elite group of professionals.”

The CGR of the Year is designed to honor those remodelers who best exemplify the mission of the program, which is to better serve the public through integrity, competency, and being the best investment resource for the home improvement dollar.

“We have always touted that our most important product is not just our technical expertise, but rather our customer service,” said Bawden. “To be recognized for service excellence means a great deal to everyone within the company who is part of making that happen.”

“It is the core branding of my company and a key part of its image. I put the logo on every single thing that has my company name on it. Why? Because it works.”

Dan Bawden CGR, GMB, CAPS
Legal Eagle Contractors, Co. Houston,Texas

"I wear my CGR designation in my sleeve — and everywhere else I can,” Bawden continued. “It is the core branding of my company and a key part of its image. I put the logo on every single thing that has my company name on it. Why? Because it works.”

One of Bawden’s innovative business practices includes a “Ten Question Contractor Screening Test” on his website which is made a part of his sales packet. This suggests that the home owner specifically ask all contractors if they are a CGR. He was one of the first CGRs to include the designation on virtually every piece of marketing material his company produces.

Bawden also provides each client with a second business card (proudly spelling out his designations) that is magnetized for refrigerators. mHe has worked with Channel 2 News’ “Akins Army” to help people in crisis or with special needs. He makes sure that when he is identified his CGR designation is mentioned. When interviewed for other media he asks for the same.

Bawden helped to establish the PREP assessment test which streamlines the process for contractors to obtain their certification by identifying their strengths and weaknesses resulting in a curriculum that is more appropriately suited to their specific educational needs.

During his tenure as president of the Greater Houston Builders Association he started “CGR College.” He worked with NAHB to start teaching the CGR courses in Houston at the local level.

The pride Bawden has for his CGR designation shows in his and his company’s attitude and performance every day. Bawden is proud to be a CGR and look for opportunities to express that pride.