7 in '07 Profiles
We're proud to profile members who have conducted outstanding membership recruitment as part of the 7 in '07 campaign. Learn a little more about the members who have recruited seven or more new members this year.
Rob Hajek, CGR, CAPS
President and Co-owner, Home Repair Team, Inc.
North Liberty, Iowa
Business size and focus: 17-person, full-service home remodeling firm founded in 1998.
What he does: “Having started out doing all the work myself, now most of my time is spent in sales, scheduling, and purchasing. I’m also involved in the home building association, at the local, state and national levels.”
Most rewarding project: Bathroom remodeling project for an elderly man living alone. “When we were done, my customer was in tears, and said, ‘You don’t understand how it makes me feel to be able to use the bathroom without needing someone to help me.’ It really hit home with me, and I’ll never forget it.”
His advice to others: “We struggled for some years to find the right people in the field. I have great guys now, and our productivity is better than ever. We started doing more work on the front end — doing drug testing, physicals, background checks, aptitude testing … and also developed more consistent training.”
NAHB member recruitment secret: “I’m in my truck a lot, driving around between projects, so I just got on the phone and starting calling. It was fairly easy to get people to join.”
Pat Mahoney, CGR, CAPS
Owner, Remodeling Consultants, Inc.
Germantown, Tenn.
Business focus: Large volume residential construction and remodeling firm, founded in 1974.
What drives him: “I enjoy working with homeowners, and building their trust. There’s always a need for someone in this business who follows the Golden Rule.”
Pet peeve: “I hate hearing the word ‘problem’ on my worksites; ‘opportunity’ is much better. Whether you’re the owner or a worker, take 100% of the responsibility.”
Favorite resource: “Take advantage of the NAHB Remodelers website. There are so many useful case studies of what remodelers did in specific situations. I’ve even printed out pages and ideas about challenges I don’t have now, but might in the future.”
Tips for success: “Surround yourself with outstanding people by joining organizations, and you’re bound to pick up new skills and contacts. Every builder or tradesman encounters adversity — but the best ones just keep on plugging. Their enthusiasm is contagious.”
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