- Award category: Small and Smart
- Speciality: Kitchen & bath remodeling
- 14 years in business
- 2010 volume: $.500472 million
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Staff: 2 office, field
Credit: Neil Brooks Photography
Anthony Slabaugh has spent the last few years creating systems and training manuals for sales, estimating/design, and production. “The manuals are in life cycles with workflows and a teachable format,” he says, noting that his goal is to divest himself of the many hats he wears.
His brother-in-law is moving from project to production manager; a carpenter is moving into the project manager position. Slabaugh also hopes a new salesperson will cut the 80% of his time he spends on sales. “I am creating more overhead," Slabaugh says, "so the first step is to delegate and get someone who produces their own income.”
The company increased its marketing budget during the recession — targeting a small city with magazine advertisements, new-homeowner welcome basket inserts, festival booths, and e-newsletters. The approach paid off with a good 2010 leading to a strong start in 2011. In fact, in the first three weeks of this year Slabaugh sold 25% of his 2010 volume.
BEST PRACTICES
—Anthony Slabaugh Remodeling & Design is a dealer for a semi-custom cabinet line and works directly with a custom cabinet maker and a refacing company. This cuts down on miscommunication through dealers.
—The company offers a five-year warranty but will return anytime during the life of the project for small repairs and adjustments.