“I have a question for you.”
The time was 2022 and the place, a crowded cocktail reception. The questioner was Brian Gottlieb, an industry superstar known for building—and then selling—a highly successful group of home improvement companies.
“Sure. What’s up?”
His answer not only surprised me, it launched a two-year professional journey for us both, a journey that proved to be of incalculable value.
Brian wanted to write a book on leadership and was looking for an editor to partner with him. I immediately jumped at the opportunity.
Initially drawn by my passion for writing and editing, as well as my deep respect for Brian, I soon discovered an unexpected, yet profound, benefit.
Working closely on this project with such a great leader was like taking a masterclass on how to build an aligned team.
Throughout the book, titled Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams, Brian seamlessly weaves in examples of exemplary (and not so exemplary) leadership practices. Suddenly I was spotting these qualities everywhere—from an everyday encounter with a Starbucks barista to parenting my three-year-old son.
The book makes it easy to adopt Brian’s principles without even consciously trying, they are that powerful and effective.
The first half of Beyond the Hammer is written like a novel. It’s the story of a troubled remodeling company run by a man named George Warren and the firm’s eventual savior, Marty Gold. George’s employees are quitting and the ones who stay take no ownership of their work. Leads are down, as are close rates and profitability. Some things are increasing though: slippage, percentage of bad reviews, and jobs coming in over budget.
George is desperate, and for the first time seriously considers closing his third-generation, family-owned company. Enter Marty, an experienced business leader who throws George a lifeline when he needs it most. With Marty’s mentorship, George grows to understand the ways that effective leadership drive team alignment which in turn drives results across the business.
But how exactly is that supposed to work? What concrete actions should a leader take to build a high-performing team?
The second half of Beyond the Hammer takes a deeper dive into the principles that Marty shares. It’s highly actionable and relevant to businesses of any size.
Both George’s story and the explanation that follows are full of pure gold for leaders and managers alike. This is especially important in remodeling since much of the time the roles of leader and manager are both filled by the same person wearing different hats on any given day.
Beyond the Hammer is scheduled for a September release, but you can preorder it now on Amazon. This book provides a new mindset as well as clear practices to implement it. Enjoy!
Add new comment
Related Stories
Use Customer Profiles To Tailor Your Remodeling Marketing
Why a leading design-build company creates different marketing strategies for groups with similar mindsets
Utah Tops for Home Improvement Loans, But Not Spending
Where the most home improvement loans are being secured and where the most money is being borrowed
NAHB Addresses Potential Fallout From Expiring Tax Breaks
What to expect if tax breaks included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are allowed to expire at the end of 2025
True Value Files for Bankruptcy, Agrees to Sale
The 75-year-old hardware wholesaler said store operations will be unaffected as it proceeds with sale to Do It Best
10 Top-Notch Training Tips for Remodelers
Industry advisor Mark Richardson suggests using these guidelines to create a stronger performing, better aligned team
Remodeling Market Sentiment Slightly Down in Q3
NAHB report shows remodelers remain optimistic even though the overall RMI edged down for the third consecutive quarter
Leading a New ESOP-Run Remodeling Company
LEFF Design Build President Candice Rania shares the experience of transitioning into an ESOP
Seeing More Interest From Young Tradespeople? Thank Social Media
A new survey from tech firm Thumbtack revealed that social media is influencing Gen Z to become the “Toolbelt Generation”
Two Big Names in Home Improvement Announce New Locations
Power Home Remodeling and Re-Bath make moves on opposite coasts
Curbio to Pay $7.5 Million and Change its Business Practices
The remodeler, who specializes in pre-sale renovations, admits no wrongdoing in the settlement