Innovation Still Matters
What have you done this week to inspire your customers and employees to be excited about your products or services?
by Tim Fausch | February 26, 2010 | Comments (1)
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'Made In America' Designation Still Carries Weight For Many Americans
A Business Lesson from Braveheart, Al and Ellen
One of my favorite scenes from the 1995 film Braveheart takes place on the battlefield before the hand-to-hand combat takes place. In a rousing speech, Scotsman William Wallace challenges his troops to stay and fight. His words whip them into a frenzy.
by Tim Fausch | February 5, 2010 | Comments (4)
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A Global Warming Tax on Your Business?
If forced to take a side, I would join the ranks of global warming skeptics.
by Tim Fausch | December 11, 2009 | Comments (12)
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Five Reasons to Give Thanks
With 2009 ticking down, it would be so easy to reflect on the hardships our country has endured this year.
by Tim Fausch | November 25, 2009 | Comments (5)
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Marriott Bets $3 Billion on Indy Development
One of the benefits of my job is the ability to view construction projects in progress throughout the country. During a recent trip to Indianapolis, I took a few minutes to take in Marriott Place, a stunning downtown development slated for completion in February 2011.
by Tim Fausch | November 13, 2009 | Comments (3)
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True Grit: Remodeling Pros Share Survival Stories
The annual Remodeling Show took place in Indianapolis last week. I used the opportunity to poll contractors at the show, who were mostly from the Midwest.
by Tim Fausch | November 5, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Who Needs Social Media Anyways?!
Let’s break this down into a digestible format
for contractors and use these new tools to help increase sales.
by Elton Rivas | November 4, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Chick-fil-A Shines Brightly On a Rainy Day in Georgia
I fear we’ve lost our way. As businesspeople, we often react with such shocking shortsightedness that we fail to see into next year, maybe even into next week.
by Tim Fausch | October 14, 2009 | Comments (24)
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New YouTube Video Presents Stunning Facts on Social Media
Back in March, I blogged about a fascinating YouTube video called “Did You Know?” and received a lot of feedback from visitors. They said that the video helped them think about change and put it into perspective.
by Tim Fausch | October 5, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Water Heater Rebates & Tax Credits Explained
The
state-run refund programs funded by the stimulus act for Energy Star-rated
appliances, including water heaters, may not be available until after
Thanksgiving. Read more to find out which water heaters are eligible for this
rebate program, as well as federal tax credits.
by Kelly Faloon | September 29, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Eight Inspiring Business Tips
Today, I am encouraged and inspired. I am turning a deaf ear to the naysayers and a blind eye to the imagery of negativity. I see unlimited business opportunities. I am planning to succeed.
by Tim Fausch | September 24, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Why You Need to Give a Twit About E-Media
In 2004, soon after delivering my daughter at Cedarville University in central Ohio, she told me about this interesting computer application called Facebook. It was a new way of interacting with other students on campus and other universities.
by Tim Fausch | September 11, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Sustainable Homes Of The Future…Built Today
Homes are being built around the country combining sustainability with modern
design and comfort.
by Kelly Faloon | September 2, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Let’s Knock Down 5 Million Crappy Houses
Last month, three single-family homes I pass while driving to work disappeared.
Poof.
by Tim Fausch | August 24, 2009 | Comments (13)
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Let’s Bring Families to Trade Shows
I was aghast the first time I visited the annual trade show known as the South Atlantic Well Water Drillers Jubilee in Myrtle Beach, S.C. When the doors to the expo hall opened, in poured hundreds of families.
by Tim Fausch | August 10, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Hanging by a Thread
I rarely look out my seventh-floor window, but a few weeks ago a dangling window washer grabbed my attention. This guy--let’s call him Wally--was cleaning windows on a building adjacent to the one that houses BNP Media’s offices.
by Tim Fausch | August 3, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Can “Junk Mail” Help Grow Your Business?
I miss “junk mail.” It’s true. Even though I sometimes complained when
digging out from a pile of mail, I actually enjoyed opening it.
by Tim Fausch | July 22, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Fortune Cookies Predict End to Recession, Housing Downturn
I’ve been saving fortunes from my Chinese dinners and I’m elated. Apparently, I’m in line for an incredible string of good luck. And my good fortune is your good fortune because we’re all in this downturn together.
by Tim Fausch | July 9, 2009 | Comments (1)
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The Quality Of Tap Water
NSF explains water quality reports.
by Kelly Faloon | July 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Darlington’s Cross Country Blog — June 25 (Final Day)
Read
here as Hank Darlington finishes his cross-country tour for a good cause.
by Hank Darlington | June 29, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Katrina Revisited
In September 2005, the world was mesmerized by the greatest natural disaster in the history of the U.S. Most of us were glued to our favorite cable channel or Web site, watching hurricane Katrina pound the Gulf Coast without mercy.
by Tim Fausch | June 22, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Darlington’s Cross Country Blog — May 20
Read
here as Hank Darlington blogs his way across the USA for a good cause.
by Hank Darlington | May 21, 2009 | Comments (0)
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I See Disaster in Your Future…and That’s a Good Thing
The word disaster conjures up many images.
by Tim Fausch | May 21, 2009 | Comments (4)
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Darlington’s Cross Country Blog — May 19
Read
here as Hank Darlington blogs his way across the USA for a good cause.
by Hank Darlington | May 20, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Darlington’s Cross Country Blog
Hank Darlington, showroom guru, is bicycling cross country to raise funds for The Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association's Memorial Scholarship Fund. Check out his coast-to-coast adventure-filled blog here!
by Hank Darlington | May 19, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Recession-Busting Strategies Part 4 – The Top Four Ways to Motivate Your Staff
Many construction-related business owners and managers are aggressively managing their operations. They are cutting expenses, finding new efficiencies and improving their marketing effectiveness.
by Tim Fausch | May 13, 2009 | Comments (0)
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10 Water Conservation Tips
National Drinking Water Week (May 3-9, 2009) is
coming to an end, but the preservation of our drinking water is a year-round
event.
by Kelly Faloon | May 8, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Adventures At K/BIS
Warm
Southern hospitality. Finger-licking ribs. Sweet tea. Hand shakes and hugs (in
spite of swine flu concerns). Intermittent rain storms suddenly interrupting sunny
high 60s temperatures. This was the 2009 version of the Kitchen/Bath Industry
Show held in Atlanta
May 1-3.
by Pat Lenius | May 5, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Recession-Busting Strategies - Part 3: Four Business Groups That Help Construction Pros Succeed
Despite the construction downturn, now might be the best time to join a professional association or organization. Doing so might provide you with marketing advantages that your competitors won’t have.
by Tim Fausch | May 5, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Recession-Busting Strategies for Construction Pros -Part 2: Your Top 10 Marketing Investments
Now is the perfect time to rebalance your marketing efforts.
by Tim Fausch | April 28, 2009 | Comments (5)
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After Earth Day: Eco-FriendlyTips For Home & Work
Some easy ways to save energy and water in our day-to-day lives.
by Kelly Faloon | April 23, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Green Jobs = Growth Or Status Quo?
There’s been a lot of talk about President
Obama’s renewable energy initiatives and how many jobs will be created in the
new green culture.
by Kelly Faloon | April 17, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Recession-Busting Strategies for Construction Pros - Part I: Four Ways Your Competitors Out-Promote You
Many of your competitors will survive this recession, but only a handful will grow stronger. How in the world are they doing it?
by Tim Fausch | April 16, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Is Green Building A Risky Business?
It's time for contractors and other building
professionals to take a step back and look at the liability question of going
green.
by Kelly Faloon | April 7, 2009 | Comments (0)
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How’s Your Project Pipeline?
Walking through downtown Nashville last week, I heard a country singer lamenting that he lost his girlfriend, his pickup truck and his construction business. OK, that last one was actually his hound dog, but it won’t be long before we hear songs about the heartbreak of losing construction work.
by Tim Fausch | April 7, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Sustainability In Chicago, Part 2
Solar
Verde Estates is being marketed as a planned community of 20 zero-energy
“green” homes on the southeast side of Chicago.
by Kelly Faloon | March 24, 2009 | Comments (0)
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YouTube Video: Stunning Thoughts On The Pace of Change
I recently received a link to a YouTube video called “Did You Know?” It is fascinating look at the pace of change, including business and employment trends.
by Tim Fausch | March 20, 2009 | Comments (4)
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Sustainability In Chicago, Part 1
Touring Chicago's "greenest home."
by Kelly Faloon | March 17, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Desperate Times Call For…Simple Measures?
I’m amazed at how fast the decline of the U.S. economy has impacted our lifestyles. We are buying far fewer goods and services that we now consider luxuries, and we are slowing the pace of our lives in the process.
by Tim Fausch | March 4, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Five Tactics Your Competitors Are Using to Survive the 'New Normal'
I live and work in the rather sickly Detroit metropolitan market. Every time I drive by a flooring store, granite shop, plumbing showroom or contractor’s truck, I wonder how they are doing. What steps have they taken to cut costs? How long can they keep going if conditions don’t improve?
by Tim Fausch | February 23, 2009 | Comments (14)
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Las Vegas Construction Meltdown
I had heard that Las
Vegas construction was in huge trouble. According to
the reports, the financial meltdown had broken the city’s back. The cranes were
idle, the jackhammers silent and the workers sent packing. Put a fork in all
those huge building projects--they're dead.
by Tim Fausch | February 11, 2009 | Comments (7)
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Practical – and Impractical – Aspects of French Bathroom Design
The French arrangement of placing the toilet in a separate room from the rest of
the bathroom fixtures makes sense to me, for the most part.
by Bob Miodonski | February 6, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Turnout and Innovation Light at IBS
Attendance at this year’s International Builders’ Show in
Las Vegas was off by more than a third from the 2008 IBS, where turnout was
nothing to write home about.
by Bob Miodonski | January 29, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Are My Bad Weather Blues Good News For You?
I’ve cleared my driveway for the 200th time this winter (OK,
it just seems like 200 times) only to have it recovered with a fresh blanket of
snow before I drive away.
by Tim Fausch | January 29, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Are Obama Fans Too Optimistic?
Regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum, you
are likely looking forward to a change in Washington. If you are a business
owner or manager, you are especially excited by the prospects of a new cadre of
leaders generating optimism among consumers.
by Tim Fausch | January 21, 2009 | Comments (6)
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Only Great Products Will Sustain the Green Movement
For the last few years, anything green has received
incredible attention. The high price of oil, the threat of global warming, and
a strong economy have caused us to view the world through green-tinted glasses.
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel like I am drowning in a sea of
green.
by Tim Fausch | January 16, 2009 | Comments (6)
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I’m Dreaming of These Holiday Mergers
The recent spate of mergers caused me to wonder why we--the
valued customers of these companies--were not consulted about their unions. I know
we could pick better partners.
by Tim Fausch | December 23, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Toothless Smiles
The construction market stinks. The stock market brings
constant pain. The financial bailouts grow more insane by the day.
Manufacturers are struggling. Nonprofits are laying off staff. Retailers are
filing for bankruptcy.
by Tim Fausch | December 16, 2008 | Comments (3)
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Let’s Profit From People’s Pain
Now that Thanksgiving is over, we have a few weeks before
the Christmas spirit peaks and we have to be nice to people. Now is the perfect
time to take advantage of people and make some easy money for your company.
by Tim Fausch | December 4, 2008 | Comments (3)
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Bathroom Made Anew (Part 5): A Done Deal!!
The final three days of the project bring lots of anxiety--but the final result proves well worth the wait!
by Jim Camillo | November 25, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Bathroom Made Anew (Part 4): Countdown To Completion
When I last wrote you, there were a few bumps that had to be
smoothed out to keep my bathroom remodeling project moving along to a timely
completion. These bumps had prevented the project from being done in just one
week, so at the close of week one, much remained to be done — by both the
contractor and myself.
by Jim Camillo | November 20, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Housing Mess = Pent-Up Demand For Your Services
Earlier this week the U.S. Commerce Department released
October stats indicating that new home and apartment construction have dropped
to an annual rate of 791,000 units, a 4.5% decrease from September.
by Tim Fausch | November 19, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Bathroom Made Anew (Part 3): Some Bumps In The Room
I arrived home those two nights full of
excitement at seeing the beautiful tile floor come together like a giant jigsaw
puzzle
by Jim Camillo | November 12, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Eat or Be Eaten
I love nature shows, especially those that
demonstrate ferocity in the animal kingdom. Last night I caught a segment where
an imposing monitor lizard went looking for lunch in a badger’s den, only to
end up becoming lunch for the badger.
by Tim Fausch | November 7, 2008 | Comments (3)
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Bathroom Made Anew (Part 2): Removing The Past
Well,
installation week arrived and so did the work crew — mostly one worker but
sometimes two. Their goal on Day 1 was simple: get out the old stuff to
make room for the new...
by Jim Camillo | November 5, 2008 | Comments (0)
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California Dreaming … or Nightmare?
When I took my first trip to California in 1982, the state’s sunny skies,
palm trees and ocean views entranced me. With the Mamas and the Papas’
“California Dreaming” playing in my head, I understood why people were moving
there in droves.
by Tim Fausch | October 31, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Finding Hidden Treasure
Who wouldn’t love to discover hidden treasure?
Wouldn’t it be great to stumble across a priceless painting at a garage sale or
find a rare historical document in your attic?
by Tim Fausch | October 24, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Green Gold
It’s been fascinating watching the world turn green, i.e. “environmentally sensitive.” Because BNP Media has published Environmental Design + Construction magazine since 1997, we’ve been able to watch the recent “green rush” from a position of insight.
by Tim Fausch | October 17, 2008 | Comments (7)
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That Will Be $49 for Parts and $99 for Fuel
Fuel prices are adding to the pressure on construction pros.
by Tim Fausch | October 9, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Bathroom Made Anew: Doing The Groundwork
What is the threshold that tells you that it’s time to replace your shower?
by Jim Camillo | October 9, 2008 | Comments (0)
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I've Got the Bailout Blues
Bailout or keep bailing?
by Tim Fausch | October 3, 2008 | Comments (1)
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Outdated, Worn Products Thwart Green Efforts
Hotels need to install and maintain properly designed and
manufactured lavatory equipment if they are serious about saving water.
by Bob Miodonski | October 3, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Houston, We Have Big Problems
Many in Texas are returning to homes that look like this tornado-ravaged home in Florida.
by Tim Fausch | September 23, 2008 | Comments (1)
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No Time to Play Possum
Don't be wild-eyed from this week's wild ride on Wall Street.
by Tim Fausch | September 19, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Celebrating Sept. 12; The Future of Trade Shows
September 11 was a somber day for me. From the moment I turned on my car radio in the morning until I went to sleep, words and images kept flooding my mind.
by Tim Fausch | September 12, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Adventures In Construction: Trends From The Trenches
See what readers said about their 2008 losses and their 2009 forecasts.
by Tim Fausch | September 5, 2008 | Comments (1)
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Trends From The Trenches
In just a few months we’ve gone from feast to famine…from too much business to “where is the business?”…from fat and happy to hungry and stunned.
by Tim Fausch | August 28, 2008 | Comments (4)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 53: Tile and Cabinets Add Finishing Touches
Contractor Al installs backsplash tile and cabinet trim, while Tim celebrates his craftmanship.
May 7, 2008 | Comments (0)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 42: The Wonders of Water
Tim marvels at today's water efficiency vs. ancient times.
April 28, 2008 | Comments (0)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 38: Design Pro to the Rescue
Finding a Bath & Kitchen PRO with an eye for design and detail keeps Tim from disaster.
April 24, 2008 | Comments (1)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 36: Rock On!
Five weeks into his kitchen remodel, Tim has some sweet surfaces to admire.
April 23, 2008 | Comments (0)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 31: Granite Day or Not?
More than a month into the project, Tim experiences a granite setback.
April 18, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Kelly’s K/BIS Blog — The Final Day
Observations from the last day of K/BIS
2008.
by Kelly Faloon | April 15, 2008 | Comments (1)
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Kelly’s K/BIS Blog — Day 2
Kelly talks about more products from K/BIS
2008.
by Kelly Faloon | April 15, 2008 | Comments (0)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 26 - Stainless Rules
Tim learns that he can have any appliance color he wants, as long as it's stainless.
April 12, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Kelly Faloon’s K/BIS Blog — Day 1
Highlights from the first day of K/BIS 2008
in Chicago, by Plumbing & Mechanical's Managing Editor Kelly
Faloon.
by Kelly Faloon | April 11, 2008 | Comments (2)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 21: The Bad and Ugly
Halfway into his six-week remodel, Tim explores the less glamorous aspects of the project.
April 8, 2008 | Comments (1)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 16: Granite Selection Tons of Fun
My Kitchen Remodel Day 11
Day 11 update. Thanks to our tile contractor, the floor looks great and the grout matches. But contractor Greg Fiscelli, right, says the tile business in Michigan is getting brutal.
March 29, 2008 | Comments (0)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 6 - Tile!
See the first glimpse of Tim's new tile floor on Day 6 of his kitchen remodeling project.
March 25, 2008 | Comments (2)
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My Kitchen Remodel Day 3
Day 3 of his kitchen remodeling finds Tim Fausch still chipper. So why the funky showerhead photo instead of a kitchen photo?
March 21, 2008 | Comments (0)
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My Kitchen Remodeling Project Day 2
Find out what the B&K PROS did to put homeowner Tim Fausch in such a good mood on Day 2 of his kitchen remodeling.
March 20, 2008 | Comments (0)
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My Kitchen Remodeling Project
Join non-handyman Tim Fausch as he endures a 6-week kitchen remodeling project. Fortunately, he has hired B&K PROS to handle the job.
March 19, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Builders’ Show Down But Not Out
From what you read and hear in the media, you
may think that all the homebuilders left in this country would fill a modest
ranch-style house. That’s not the case, however, and the International
Builders’ Show went on as scheduled Feb. 13-16 in Orlando.
by Bob Miodonski | February 18, 2008 | Comments (1)
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Why B&K PRO Went to Vegas
You might wonder why we would distribute the first-ever print issues of Bath & Kitchen Pro at the Surfaces Show. After all, isn’t Surfaces that enormous floorcovering show in Las Vegas that attracts about 40,000 contractors, distributors, designers, and manufacturers?
February 6, 2008 | Comments (0)
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The Blog We Call "Bath & Kitchen Prose"
With all the words written and spoken about bathrooms and kitchens these days, the staff of B&K Pro finds that we have more to write about. We’ll do that in our Bath & Kitchen Prose blog. We look forward to giving you our opinions and insights on trends, ideas and problems that you may be facing in your bath-and-kitchen jobs. We’ll also be reporting to you from major shows in our industry and passing along the thoughts of manufacturers of bath-and-kitchen products.
January 30, 2008 | Comments (0)
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