Wednesday, Feb. 13

8:00-9:30 a.m.   

West 304 A-D      

Cheap Tricks 2008: Simple Technology Solutions to Big Business Problems!                           

Joe Stoddard, Mountain Consulting Group, LLC

Great technology for builders doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. In this fast-paced session you'll learn about the latest software, hardware, web services and handheld devices that you can put to work right away. All new for 2008!

1:00-2:30 p.m.     

West 304 E-H    

Spanish In-A-Pinch: Use "EARS" & Cultural Slang to Hire & Retain Your Workforce        

Deby Jones, 2nd Language Success (Spanish In-A-Pinch)

Get the "Insider Scoop" on Spanish verbal and nonverbal communication. Builders, management and the like will learn the power of expectation, anticipation and regurgitation surveys to help hire and retain loyal workforce. Practical, powerful and fun!

Thursday, Feb. 14

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.     

South 310 A-D

Cover Your Assets with Contracts     

 Mike Holmes, Holmes Construction Co., Inc

No matter how large or experienced your company, you need to protect your professional and personal assets. This presentation will show you how through contracting formats and other business strategies to limit your exposure and risks.

1:00-2:30 p.m.     

West 307

Diversification & Leverage-Great Strategies for Tough Times

M M (Mike) Weiss, CGR, CGB, WeissRCMI

Small volume builders and remodelers are under pressure from slow markets. This session explores the principles of leverage and diversifying possibilities. Make yourself stronger with all the options. We'll discuss systems to maximize your strength and safety - a good session for staff members.

1:00-2:30 p.m.         

 West 314 

Achieving Accurate Numbers and Reliable Reports with QuickBooks 

Diane C.O. Gilson, CPA, CIA, Info Plus Accounting, PC

Avoid dangerous information and bad accounting data with month-end wrap-up controls for your accounting records, reports, and files. Learn how to help ensure that your financial information is useful, reliable, understandable, timely, and accurate.

3:30-5:00 p.m.          

West 311 E-H  

Loyalty Is Love: How to Hold Clients Close for Life

Beverly Koehn, Beverly Koehn & Assoc

Integrity, trust, and helping employees continually learn is how to keep customers' hearts engaged emotionally. This builds business that lasts. Loyalty is Love shares how to make this connection and use the payoff to feed the heart of every business.

3:30-5:00 p.m.          

West 314

Controlling Profits with QuickBooks: Tips, Techniques, & Opinions

Diane C.O. Gilson, CPA, CIA, Info Plus Accounting, PC

Get advice from the experts. This session will discuss: the pros and cons of in-house accounting; item list secrets; estimates and change orders as cost controls; speed, accuracy and control with purchase orders; time and labor burdens; promoting profits with variance reports; faster, bigger bank draws; and cleaner closings.

Friday, Feb. 15

8:00-9:30 a.m.          

South 320 E-H 

The Best Short, Complete Paper Trail  

M M (Mike) Weiss, CGR, CGB, WeissRCMI

Every business has documents - find out how to use the fewest number and still have what you need. This is the best roadmap for protecting your company and clients. Developed over years by a successful small contractor - build, develop, remodel.

8:00-9:30 a.m.          

West 304 E-H 

Remodeling Market  

Mike Nagel, CGR, CAPS, RemodelOne, Inc. 

Gopal Ahluwalia, NAHB Staff Vice President-Research 

Kermit Baker, Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies

Where is the remodeling market headed in 2008? This session will examine the categories, cost and volume of residential remodeling activity over the next year.

8:00-9:00 a.m.           

South 310 E-H 

Replacing the Seemingly Irreplaceable You   

Clay Nelson, Consulting Services Network

"Replace me? Impossible!" It often feels that way, but the only way you'll have the freedom to grow your business, retire or have a life is to replace yourself! Learn how to give up doing it all, build a team of leaders, and successfully move on to what's next.

3:30-5:00 p.m.          

South 310 E-H  

Accountability: The Key to your Building Company's Success     

Clay Nelson, Consulting Services Network

Accountability is a great tool for taking the guess work out of what is expected, who will do it, and by when. Come discover the power of accountability and the tools you need to achieve goals, communicate effectively, and keep your business operating smoothly!

Saturday, Feb. 16

8:00-9:30 a.m.          

West 307

The 10 Best Practices of NAHB Remodelers' Award Winners

Patrick O’Toole, Qualified Remodeler Magazine 

Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, ABD Ltd.

Honored as the industry's best during 2007, the teams behind NAHB's Remodeler of the Year and Remodeler of the Month Awards share 10 of the key best practices that helped put them on top.

For a printable flyer of these education sessions click here. Questions? Contact Abbey Cameron at acameron@nahb.com or 800-368-5242 x8217. [return to top]