PRIME: Changing your Workweek

Our PRIME advisory panel includes some of the remodeling industry’s leading professionals. This month we asked, “is there anything you would like to change about your workweek?”

Solid workweek, weekends off

At age 63, I am starting to think about retiring, so that would be the change I am considering. My goal is to stay involved with the business, but turn over the day-to-day management. I generally work about 10 hours a day and take the weekends off. I usually get out of the office a bit early on Friday.
Tom Kelly, President
Neil Kelly Inc., Portland, OR

Work on the business, not in the business

My workweek is a little different from most CEOs of home remodeling companies, in that I am based approximately 2,300 miles from my corporate headquarters. This gives me an advantage and a unique prospective of my company. It is amazing how clear issues become when viewed from so far away. I tend to work on my business instead of in my business. While I see the benefits of this, I do at times miss not being where the “action” is.
Nick Cogliani, CEO
NEWPRO, Woburn, MA

Learn to manage with less time and effort

Like many in remodeling, I once ran a 70-to-80 hour workweek. At this stage in my life, I have transitioned to the point that I now actively engage in the operations about 15 to 20 hours per week. I have learned to manage with less time and effort. I have good people who can make decisions and see that things run smoothly—not that I have abandoned the organization. I still keep a close watch on things, but I do what I enjoy. I like to ride along with my project managers to check on the progress of a job. I spend time getting to know my team. I drop in at the design center and speak to clients. I love to watch a contract being signed. I continue to put polishing touches on the company.
Gary Marrokal, President
Marrokal Design & Remodeling, San Diego, CA

Professional service, client relationship

For at least the last 15 years, we have maintained the policy that we meet potential clients Monday- Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Although we do have Saturday hours when our design center is open, we try to reserve those for design review appointments with existing clients in the design process. The thought is that we offer a professional service just like any lawyer or doctor or other professional. This alone sets us apart from most contractors in our area and lays the groundwork for a professional working relationship between our clients and us.
Bill Simone, President
Custom Design & Construction, El Segundo, CA

Is there anything you would like to change about your workweek?