Michael R. Morris
Editor in ChiefI've received more than a few e-mails from remodelers who sent us Remodeler of the Year entries asking how we select the winner. Their question was whether small- or medium-size companies could compete for the award against larger companies.
The answer is yes. We base our selection on which company we feel has done the best job of improving its business practices in the most areas. It doesn't matter which areas, necessarily, and volume has nothing to do with it.
So the fact that McLean, Va.-based BOWA Builders, this year's winner, generates almost $38 million in annual revenue doesn't mean that a company that does $5 million a year can't be our 2007 Remodeler of the Year. I'll take this a step further and point out that one key factor in our selection process is how much value we can provide others by writing about the processes and practices of the winner in Professional Remodeler.
When you take a look at BOWA on page 16, you'll find many systems and business concepts that could be implemented in your company, regardless of size. In fact, BOWA was once a small remodeling company. But instead of standing pat at any particular stage of growth, it continued to tweak its processes and rewrite its business plan, sometimes taking concepts from peers and altering them to the firm's needs.
That attitude of continual improvement is why BOWA was our choice for 2006 Remodeler of the Year.
How Sweet It Is!It gives me great pleasure to welcome Senior Editor Jonathan Sweet to our editorial staff at Professional Remodeler. Some of you may know Jonathan from his time spent with another remodeling industry trade publication. Most recently, he was editor of Concrete Contractor magazine.
Speaking of additions, we've added a number of industry leaders to our Editorial Advisory Board over the past few months, including NAHB Remodelors Council Chair Vince Butler and Executive Director Therese Crahan; and NARI past president Paul Winans and Executive Vice President/COO Mary Busey Harris. Their expertise and experience are a welcome addition to our editorial team. Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that another of our board members, and a great friend, Mike Nagel, will become Remodelors Council Chair in 2007. Congratulations, Mike!
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