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Neil & Joel Visit Daniels Design & Remodeling

Neil — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:52:42 +0000

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We recently got back from Fairfax Station, Virginia where we visitedDaniels Design & Remodeling. Here we are with the owner, Ted Daniels. We have known Ted for about five years since we both joined Remodelers Advantage.

Remodelers Advantage is a peer review group we are members of. Every six months we get together with ten other remodeling companies from around the country and evaluate their business. This month we all descended on Ted’s company outside of Washington, DC. We spent two days getting to know his employees, his systems and his family. On our third day we gave Ted advice on how to improve his operations. For our part we take home valuable knowledge not only from Ted, but from the other companies in attendance. We do nothing but eat, drink and sleep remodeling for three days.

We found some great new ideas on marketing as well as a fresh new energy to get back to work. We also learned about some new products being used in other parts of the country. The West coast always seems to lead the way on new technology. In the Midwest we tend to let them be the guinea pigs and learn from their mistakes. There are definitely some new and exciting ideas making their way here soon.

Even though we where in our nation’s capital we didn’t get to see the sites. Unless you count this view from Reagan International Airport!

The tall skinny white object in the background is the Washington Monument. Underneath is the barely discernible Lincoln Memorial. So much for sightseeing! We need to get back home to Illinois and building things.

Fox Valley Wildlife Center Dinner Auction

Neil — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:02:10 +0000

Saturday, February 7th, Jennine & Neil attended the Fox Valley Wildlife Center’s Fundraising dinner and silent auction. The dinner was in Geneva and was held to raise funds for the center in Elburn. The center takes care of injured and orphaned wildlife in and around the Fox Valley area.

The Great Horned Owl pictured here was found injured and brought to the center where they cared for it and returned it to the wild.

Jennine is actively involved with the center (she is a past president of the organization) and we attend the dinner each year. This year Crimson donated a Chimenea outdoor fireplace that was auctioned Saturday night. It’s a great organization of dedicated volunteers that care for more than 1300 animals each year.

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Learn more about the Fox Valley Wildlife Center.

Neil & Joel Reach the Summit

Neil — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:06:22 +0000

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Joel & I just returned from Park City, Utah where we attended a meeting of Remodeler’s Advantage. RA is group of like-minded remodeling companies from all over the country that come together twice a year to learn, share ideas and improve their businesses.

While in Park City, Joel & I were determined to reach the summit of Bald Mountain (9,400 feet). Each evening after our meetings where over for the day we spent an hour or so before dark attempting to hike up to the top. Finally on the last day we got the timing right and we made it to the top before the sun set! Our friend Mike DuKate, ofDuKate Fine Remodeling in Indiana, came with and took this picture.

Being completely out of shape I didn’t think I would make it. There were a couple of times I thought Joel and Mike would have to carry me. But I eventually made it and got to share in the spectacular view from the top. Then I had to get back down. Thankfully, that part is much easier!