Clockwork Home Services, Inc.® recently hosted an event for contractors interested in growing their companies. The event, called “Focus on Your Future,” was held on May 7th in Dallas, TX. Nearly 100 contractors from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area gathered to listen to industry experts from around the country share their expertise.
The event was sponsored by many well-known industry names such as York and Arzel.
Jim Abrams, president of retail services and chief executive officer of Clockwork Home Services, started the day off by sharing his story from starting a residential HVAC company with just one technician, to becoming the owner of the largest independently owned service and replacement company in North America.
Abrams explained that the journey wasn’t easy, and there were many bumps in the road, but by making strategic business decisions along the way, he was able to overcome any challenge that he was met with. Abrams urged contractors to get ready for change.
“Change is certain. There will be different competition, different advertising, different ways of buying, different ways of selling, and different strategies," Abrams said.
Keresa Richardson, owner and president of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Dallas, TX, shared her success story, and provided advice on advertising. She said the number one reason contractors fail is because of advertising. The market is changing fast and the old ways of advertising, such as the Yellow Pages — are no longer getting results. With all the complex technology that’s advancing every day, contractors must have a smart advertising program available to them in order to get their names out to their market. Contractors walked away from the session with new ideas and proven strategies that they could apply immediately to their marketing programs.
Terry Barrett, general manager, AirNow, Millbrook, AL, explained to contractors how to “sell right”. His message was that companies don’t fail, people fail. Barrett focused on how recruitment, management, and training of employees are keys to the success of a business. He gave contractors many different training and recruiting tips and options to help them grow their businesses.
Rebecca Cassel, president of the client services group of Clockwork Home Services, focused on how to “buy right”. She outlined how big box retailers really have an advantage over the independent contractor. She further outlined how saving money on the items you purchase regularly for your business can increase your revenue almost as much as increase sales.
Terry Nicholson, group president of client services for Clockwork Home Services gave the final presentation. He shared his strategies with contractors of when it’s time to either acquire a new business, or when it’s a good time to sell your business. Nicholson detailed what the costs are of acquiring a competitor’s business and also gave contractors exit strategies. He warned the contractors “A business is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.”
At the start of each session prizes were given away in a random drawing. One contractor received a business software program valued at $10,000, and another contractor won $1000 credit towards their favorite parts store. Other prizes such as cash and tools were given out during the program.
The next "Focus on Your Future" event will take place in Baltimore on June 9th. For tickets or more information call 877/805-8697 or visit article.plumberswin.com.