Hard Work Pays Off for Kentucky Remodeler

Starting a business in the middle of the Great Recession requires a great deal of determination and hard work. That was the case for Nick Keitz, CAPS, CGR, a remodeler and owner of Keitz Construction, LLC, in Lexington, Ky. And it’s just one of the reasons why he was named NAHB’s August Remodeler of the Month.

“In 2008 when the country was in an economic downturn, my employer informed us that cuts and layoffs may be in the future,” said Keitz. “It was then that I met with him and expressed interest in starting my own company. I had already planned to do so one day, and this was the push that I needed to chase my dreams as a business owner. Thankfully, [my company] survived, and we’re grateful that we’ve been able to grow to where we are today.”

Even before starting his own company, Keitz saw the importance of becoming involved with the BIA of Greater Louisville and its remodelers council. He says the lessons he learned from his fellow members and the connections he made through the council helped his business become established and thrive.

“Staying involved keeps me in tune with changes in our industry and serves as a community of knowledge in which I can both learn from others and contribute my expertise,” Keitz said.

However, like many other business owners, Keitz acknowledges there are several challenges he faces, namely: managing client expectations and finding qualified labor.

Yet despite those headwinds, his client base and referral network are one of his greatest successes. He says referrals are his No. 1 source of leads, a testament to his dedication and quality work.

“This has always been an industry where you get back what you put in,” Keitz said. “We all know in this business that running the projects is easy. It’s managing the money that makes you successful.”

In a recent Q&A for Qualified Remodeler, Ketiz goes into more detail about the power of networking and value of his BIA membership. Read the full article here.

Know a professional remodeler who takes remodeling to the next level? Nominate him or her for NAHB Remodeler of the Month.

*Note: All Articles are Redistributed from NAHBnow.com*