The Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO) launched in 2021 with six affiliates and nearly 800 members. Three years later, after some growing pains the association is reaching its stride with new offerings in the works.
Today, the organization says its focus is on long-term goals and vision.
Two affiliates—PRO New York and PRO Omaha—broke off independently within the first year of launch, according to PRO Inc. President Michael Sauri of TriVista USA Design + Build in Arlington, Va.
“We work hard to differentiate this organization—and [it’s] been through growing pains, as you would expect—and what our members really focus on is the opportunity to connect locally,” says Sauri. “That's really how business is done.”
The four current affiliates are PRO New England, PRO Metro DC, PRO Central Virginia, and PRO Greater Philadelphia. Sauri says each affiliate has seen strong growth numbers, and the total PRO membership is 587. And there are several other cities eyeing PRO affiliation within the coming year, according to Sauri and PRO Mid-Atlantic Executive Director Asif Choudhury.
A major goal for PRO today is a systemization of its processes to create a type of “affiliate in a box,” says Choudhury, who also is owner of business advisory firm Bahar Consulting. The purpose is to roll out a simple way for other areas to easily launch their own PRO affiliate, and Choudhury is focusing heavily on this goal.
“We're really excited about where it's going,” he says. “My job is to create the processes and infrastructure to allow for the growth long term and help build the brand and consumer awareness.”
More Opportunities for Education
Part of the organization’s long-term goals includes a national PRO conference. It would be an addition to PRO’s offerings, including the Remodeler of the Year Awards, which honors standout remodeling projects, and its Achievement Awards, which honors outstanding members across seven categories.
Local affiliates also host educational and networking events throughout the year, such as regular webinars, luncheons, happy hours, and in-person education. PRO Metro DC held PRO Day in October, a full day for product expo and industry speakers. PRO New England will host its Remodelers Conference + Expo in February 2025, plus an annual Women in Residential Remodeling Summit and a Youth Remodeling Career Day that brings together nearly 600 students exploring careers in construction. PRO New England also began a recent partnership with the Project Management Institute for Project Management Professional certifications, plus the association offers 10 other PRO certifications, such as Master Lead Carpenter, Master Remodeler, and Universal Designer.