Designer
Normandy Remodeling, Hinsdale, Ill.
Age 36
2015 Revenue: $24 million
Best practice: During the recession, Leslie developed a quick reference guide that broke out a variety of different products and features. The idea was to accommodate homeowners who wanted to spend less. Today, the guide allows her to easily price a tile backsplash versus a 4-inch granite option or a recirculating hood rather than one that ducts to the exterior. “As designers, we often overdo it,” she says. “Some people just want a nice new kitchen without a lot of bells and whistles.” Once she gets a sense of a client’s budget, Leslie will sometimes create a “good,” “better,” “best” scenario where she mixes and matches various options. Since joining Normandy Remodeling in 2009, her sales numbers have steadily climbed. From just over $500,000 her first year, Leslie now regularly brings in more than $1.5 million in revenue.
Read more about the 2016 Professional Remodeler 40 Under 40 awardees.
What Leslie dreamed up as a recession-inspired strategy, continues to be a handy business tool.
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