Author Archives: homesteadop

By: Stuart Jeffcoat—CEO, Burgard By now, we’ve all heard quite a bit about COVID-19 and have seen in real-time the economic consequences. Sadly, many small businesses have been shuttered, and, regardless of what Wall Street looks like, Main Street has suffered the most. Despite the immediate pain for some businesses caused by intermittent supply chain…

By: Todd Burgard—President, Burgard Name any industry, and you will find countless trade-specific associations available to folks within those professions. For us builders, contractors, and suppliers, it’s no different. You may have even considered joining one. In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the pros and cons of industry associations and, hopefully, help you decide whether…

By: Dan McHugh—Wolf Home Products One of the most important things anyone can do in a business relationship is manage expectations. Whether it’s buying a car, a pool, a deck, or a pencil, there is an expectation a consumer has for the product. In our industry, homeowners are doing more and more research on products…

By: Melanie Hess—content writer and marketing project manager at Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing. First, if you really want to use a particular project for marketing, consider hiring a professional. It will cost some money up front, but the photos you get will be well worth it. You can provide a list…

Over the years, our clients have asked us all kinds of questions. From simple product information and installation tips to complex problem-solving recommendations regarding design/plan/build. When addressing these concerns, our focus is always to add value to our customers and offer this advice to folks who may be trying to solve the same problems. In…

In the first quarter of 2021, we anticipate price increases from most manufacturers. We don’t have specific information to share right now, but we will send emails with details in the near future.  If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to our email list by calling us or signing up on our website. That’s the fastest…

Productivity expert David Allen wrote a book called “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.” Within it, Allen shares practical insight and tips that small-business owners and managers, including those in the building industry, can use to get things done more efficiently and cost-effectively. In our next several newsletters, we’ll break down Allen’s five-step…

Referrals from satisfied customers serve as a critical source of new business for contractors. Here are some tips for getting the most benefit from the referrals you’ve earned. Have a strategy. If you would like to do more of a specific type of project, work more in a particular geographic area, or have more customers…

If there’s one thing we can count on lately, it’s the unexpected. As contractors, you know this more than anyone! With the COVID-19 pandemic still looming, a presidential election fast approaching, and other issues at hand, here are some tips for helping your business survive and thrive during these times of increased uncertainty. Don’t take success…

Stephen Covey’s the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People® – Habit #7 In this issue of our newsletter, we finish our series on Stephen Covey’s seven habits with Habit #7: Sharpen the Saw®. At face value, this seems logical—after all, you can get more done with a sharp saw than a dull one. But that’s…