President’s Message
THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WE BUILD
by Tim Burch, Jr., CR

January 2008

As we charge down the field of a challenging, unpredictable new year, there is one thing that NARI METRO DC members and their clients can be absolutely certain of. 

And that is, the most important things we build are not made of brick or mortar, not wood or glass. 

This year, our designs will garner awards and win our customers’ hearts.  This year, our superior workmanship will make our customers proud and their neighbors green with envy.  And our ethics and high standards of conduct will achieve not merely customer satisfaction in 2008, but customer delight.

But none of that will happen unless we focus on the most important things we build and recommit ourselves to them. 

What are the most important things we build?  Quality relationships.

Before a spade hits the earth on a job site, the top-flight remodeling experts of NARI METRO DC first build quality relationships with our suppliers, distributors, subcontractors and other professionals, and with our own teams.  Above all, we build and strengthen quality relationships with our customers.

This year, we may face unique market challenges, challenges none of us can accurately forecast.  As those challenges arise, let’s resolve to treat them as opportunities to heighten the quality of our relationships.   When those market challenges hit, let’s embrace our clients’ concerns and make them our own.  This year, let’s make communication just as vital as the construction effort itself. 

After all, building quality relationships is the service hallmark for the nearly-500 members of NARI METRO DC – the national capital area’s premier remodeling association.  We are not just passionate about remodeling.  We are passionate about building relationships of trust and integrity with our clients. 

Commitment to our customers gave rise to NARI METRO DC’s exceptional success in contractor certification.  Our customers don’t guess at a  contractor’s qualification, because NARI has already tested the contractor.  To certify with us, remodelers face rigorous testing and in-depth review of their knowledge and experience in business management, technical skills and standards of ethical conduct.

Our prestigious professional certifications assure our customers outstanding service by Remodelers, Lead Carpenters, Kitchen and Bath Remodelers and Remodeling Specialists and Associates – all certified by NARI METRO DC.  We even offer the qualification of Certified Green Remodeler. 

Our rigorous standards have led directly to customer delight.  When people are happy with a product, the word gets out.   For years now, news of that customer delight has propelled non-certified contractors to work toward and win the coveted NARI certifications.  That’s the reason NARI METRO DC has more Certified Members than any other NARI chapter in the United States:  success breeds success.  

If you are a remodeling contractor who wants to prove to customers that you have what it takes, join the one professional organization in this industry that can make it happen for you.  We will mentor you, test you, support you, hold you to the highest standards, and empower you to take your business to the next level.  Join us today.

And if you are a consumer who is thinking about a remodeling project, rely on NARI METRO DC – the area’s premier professional association for the remodeling industry.

Get to know us today, because we are committed to getting to know you.

Remember, before the foundation is poured, before the first spade hits the earth, we must first work on the most important things we build:  quality relationships.