Many remodelers say that having an established business with a good reputation and a long list of past clients is helping them weather the economic downturn. However, Matt Wright established his company in Carmel, Ind., less than a year ago, and is doing well.
“My overhead is low, it’s just me," says the owner of The HomeWright. "I don’t need as much work as guys with five to 10 employees and designers on staff.”
Though he works alone, Wright has aligned himself with certain salespeople and subcontractors. For example, he works exclusively with a specific salesperson at his tile company who is great with design. “She helps me bring it together," he says. "I act as the quarterback, and the customer feels good about the decisions they are making.”
He asks subcontractors to send specific crews that are detail-oriented to his jobs. “It does not matter to me what rank you are in the company. If I find someone who takes pride in what they do, I hold on to them.”
Though Wright prefers larger remodeling jobs, he has had to cast a wider net and take on handyman and replacement work as well. He says that with higher utility prices, homeowners are looking into energy-efficient upgrades, and that “the 2009 federal tax credit has sparked some interest.”
Wright has three whole-house window replacements lined up for the next month. “It’s great money and quick work,” he says. Last year, the remodeler took on some window replacement work with condominium owners. During one of those jobs, he found rotting wood around a bay window, and since the condo association is responsible for exterior maintenance, he worked with the property manager to complete the job. That manager liked Wright’s work, and The HomeWright is now the company he goes to for any exterior maintenance for the 124-unit complex, including wood rot, painting, and trimwork.