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Author name: Mark

Scaling and Marketing a Successful Remodeling Business
Growth Ideas

Building Success & Systems: Growing Tony Geisel Construction from the Ground Up

Building Success & Systems: Growing Tony Geisel Construction from the Ground Up Tony Giesel Construction grew from a small operation to a successful remodeling company using Remodeling Business Strategies. Tony initially aimed to keep the business small but soon realized the importance of hiring the right people. Today, his team includes four full-time staff and up to 25 subcontractors. By applying these business strategies, Tony scaled effectively, building a reliable and capable team. These remodeling business techniques helped him navigate growth while ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark talks with Tony Giesel, founder of Tony Giesel Construction, about growing his business from a small operation into a thriving remodeling company. By using effective Remodeling Business Strategies, Tony expanded his team, realizing the importance of hiring the right people. Tony started his business in 2009 with the intention of keeping it small, but quickly understood how crucial it was to scale up. Today, his team includes four full-time staff and up to 25 subcontractors, which has been key to his success. “You can get to a million or two, but you miss the systems and processes needed to scale to five million.” — Tony Giesel Tony credits much of his business growth to TV advertising, which took his Gutter Dome sales from a mere $8,500 annually to over $100,000. Despite the importance of marketing, Tony also emphasizes the power of referrals and word-of-mouth in building a strong brand. As he looks toward retirement in five years, Tony plans to focus more on traveling and voluntary service while ensuring the business continues to grow with the right people and processes in place. Topics Transcript Topics Discussed Building a Strong Team Tony discusses how hiring the right people, like his sons, and relying on subcontractors is key to growing a successful remodeling business. The Power of TV Advertising Learn how Tony’s company used TV ads to boost sales from $8,500 to over $100,000 annually in Gutter Dome products. The Value of Professionalism in Homebuilding Tony emphasizes why clients should hire experienced professionals rather than attempt DIY projects, focusing on quality and avoiding costly mistakes. Managing Unexpected Costs Tony shares how being flexible with pricing and budgeting for unknowns has helped him succeed in the unpredictable world of remodeling. Grant Cardone’s Influence Tony explains how Grant Cardone’s teachings on business growth and scaling have inspired him to focus on processes for expansion and long-term sustainability. Lessons in Scaling Tony offers advice on avoiding growing pains, emphasizing the importance of building systems and processes before scaling your business. Work-Life Balance & Hobbies Tony talks about his plans for retirement, which include traveling and volunteering, while still staying busy and connected to the industry. Audio Transcription Mark LamberthHello, and welcome to another episode of The Contractor Grow Show. My name is Mark, I’m your host, and today I have the pleasure of talking with Tony Geel at Tony Geel Construction over in Wichita. Tony, thanks for being here with us today. Tony GieselThanks for inviting me. Mark LamberthVery cool. So Tony, I saw you guys have got a lot of interesting stuff going on. You guys do home remodeling as well as outdoor structures. Maybe you could tell me a little bit about the history of the business and what you guys are up to today. Tony GieselI started my own business in September of 2009, and with the idea that I was going to just have all subtrades and no employees and within a few months I hired my first one. And since then we’ve hired two more. We’re still doing a lot of subtrades, trying to manage them, but still doing some of the finer work ourselves, especially the more detailed work. That’s a little bit where we shine is the detailed part of our business of for sure, the trim work and things like that deck building and some of that just the care that our team takes to put things together. Mark LamberthOkay, fantastic. So you’ve got four people on the team right now, and then how many subs do you tend to deal with? Tony GieselAnywhere from about 20 to 25. Mark LamberthOkay, great. And is it mostly remodels or you guys do some house building as well? Tony GieselWe do house building, but dollar wise, of course, the last one I built was a 1.8 million, something like that. Home. We have one, a new slash remodel, it’s an older home that we’re adding onto that’s an $800,000 project and we have a new one we’re working on that’s total. When the job is completed, it’ll be about 1.6, so that’s this year. And we have some window replacement jobs to do that. Each one is probably about $20,000. We got a bathroom remodel that’s 50,000. We have a kitchen remodel that’s over a hundred to start here after the first of the year. Mark LamberthAmazing. And it looks like, I mean, you guys have done great work in the marketplace. I see a lot of great reviews and a lot of great content on your website. I mean, does the business grow mostly by referrals to get these big jobs or do you guys do some outreach as well? And how are you able to get really in Wichita? It sounds like big, big projects. Tony GieselTV advertisement is a lot. That plays a pretty good part. It’s still a lot of referrals in some ways. Maybe our brand has been built and yet, I don’t know if it’s ever fully built, but one of the last jobs we did, I asked him where they heard about us from and they told us that a real estate agent, and I’d never met the lady. She told him, she said, if you want a good home built, you need to call Tony. Mark LamberthThat is awesome. Tony GieselGot to make you feel great. Yeah, Mark LamberthFantastic. And then I noticed that

Alfred Navarro on Building a Referral-Based Remodeling Business
Business Strategy, Growth Ideas, Marketing Tips

Building with Heart: How Alfred Navarro’s Referral-Driven Company Thrives Through Relationships

Building with Heart: How Alfred Navarro’s Referral-Driven Company Thrives Through Relationships New Contractor Marketing strategies have played a significant role in helping Alfred Navarro’s business thrive. In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Alfred discusses his 33 years of experience in high-end residential remodeling. His business has primarily grown through referrals, building strong relationships with clients and subcontractors. Alfred’s dedication to customer service includes going the extra mile, even visiting past projects years later to offer assistance, fostering long-term trust with clients. He takes pride in offering exceptional customer service, even going as far as visiting past projects years later to provide assistance, whether or not his team was responsible for the issue. The approach to digital contractor marketing helps in building long-term trust and solidifying a loyal client base. “I’ve been very fortunate that I haven’t had to struggle to get projects, but it’s always in the back of my mind. I know it’s hard for some people to get projects, but the wheels just keep turning.” – Alfred Navarro Alfred’s commitment to quality is reflected in his approach to custom fabrication. From matching molding to crafting bespoke steel structures for modern renovations, he ensures every detail is perfect. Though his company only employs a small core team, Alfred has maintained a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere, bolstered by his longstanding relationships with subcontractors. This dynamic allows him to manage multiple projects without sacrificing quality. Despite his success, Alfred acknowledges the challenge of work-life balance, but through hobbies like tennis and travel, he finds ways to recharge while continuing to serve his loyal clients. His journey exemplifies how fostering relationships and providing high-touch service can lead to sustained success in the remodeling industry. Looking to elevate your business and stay ahead in construction? Join the Los Angeles Builders Association for networking, resources, and industry advocacy. Gain insights, connect with key players, and support growth in the LA real estate market. Topics Transcript Topics Discussed The Importance of Referrals in the Remodeling IndustryAlfred highlights how word-of-mouth and referrals have been the backbone of his business, with long-term relationships playing a key role in generating repeat and new projects. Navigating High-End Residential ProjectsAlfred shares insights into working on high-end homes, detailing his expertise in custom fabrication, restoration, and attention to detail in complex remodeling projects. Managing Subcontractors for Consistency and QualityWith a small core team, Alfred maintains strong relationships with trusted subcontractors, ensuring smooth project execution and high-quality results. Building a Family-Like Work CultureDespite a small in-house team, Alfred fosters a tight-knit culture with subcontractors, focusing on communication, loyalty, and mutual respect. The Role of Licenses and Certifications in Contractor SuccessAlfred discusses the benefits of obtaining additional licenses and certifications over the years, ensuring smoother operations and compliance in complex projects. Balancing Work and Life as a ContractorAlfred provides insight into how he manages his work-life balance, discussing hobbies like tennis and travel while running a successful contracting business. Dealing with the Challenges of Custom FabricationAlfred talks about the complexities of custom work, especially when replicating unique architectural elements, and the importance of craftsmanship in high-end remodels. Audio Transcription Mark Lamberth:Hello, and welcome to another episode of The Contractor Grow Show. My name is Mark, I’m your host, and today I have the pleasure of speaking with Alfred Navarro, Navarro Construction in Pasadena, California. Alfred, thanks for being with us today. Alfred Navarro:Thanks for having me. Mark Lamberth:Yeah, fantastic. So Alfred, maybe you could just tell us a little bit about the history of the business and where you guys are at today. Alfred Navarro: Sure. So I’ve been doing this about 33 years. Started really young. It was supposedly the easy road. So I got a job working in a house, kind of finishing a house for some people and working there full time, and they kind of planted the seed of, “Hey, have you thought about starting your own business?” I was like, no. So they started referring me to their friends, and eventually, I started contracting. And that was about 33 years ago. So we’ve been doing pretty well. I mean, we’ve, sorry. Sure, no problem. Not much being in front of the camera. So no, we’ve been going strong. We do mostly high-end residential. We started kind of in the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills area, moved to Pasadena in ’99, then decided I didn’t really want to drive all the way over there and to work. New Contractor Marketing has played a significant role in attracting more clients. Through New Contractor Marketing, we’ve expanded our network and enhanced our visibility in a competitive market. Alfred Navarro:So I had some great clients and some great connections, and so they started kind of digging into Pasadena and it took me a few years. And mainly all my projects are within 10 miles of my house. Oh man, I love it. And I see my customers in the grocery store and it’s everyone’s happy, which is good. We are a referral based business. I mean, I have a website, I’m on LinkedIn and stuff like that, but we really don’t advertise intentionally because we don’t do huge volume. I’m not bidding 10 jobs a month like some contractors. And I like the higher percentage of, because it takes, I have my own way to bid. It might not be the best or most efficient way, but it’s very accurate for us and helps us control and not lose money. But it’s worked. We’ve rolled through the house crisis and all that and kept going, so we’re Mark Lamberth:Fantastic. Sure. No, no problem. So man, I saw you looks like, did you come from a long line of family builders? I mean, is that kind of what your family’s been doing? Want to know how Tony Giesel grew his small business into a thriving remodeling company? Tune in as he explains how hiring the right people helped expand his team to four full-time staff and 25 subcontractors. Alfred Navarro:So yeah, my

Patella Flooring podcast: Legacy and Growth with Anthony Patella
Growth Ideas

Legacy & Growth: The Patella Flooring Story of Family, Commercial Success, and Smart Scaling

Legacy & Growth: The Patella Flooring Story of Family, Commercial Success, and Smart Scaling Patella Flooring, a family-run business based in Youngstown, Ohio, has been serving the community since the 1950s, evolving from a residential outfit to a powerhouse in commercial flooring marketing. Founded by Anthony Patella’s grandfather, the company is now in its third generation, with Anthony and his cousins running daily operations. Over the years, Patella Flooring has expanded its reach, now serving clients across Ohio and Pennsylvania, particularly in education, which remains their largest sector. Commercial flooring marketing has played a key role in their growth. “We try to take a more natural or holistic approach to growth—safe and steady, not growth at all costs.” – Anthony Patella Despite their long history, the company has managed to adapt to changing times. They’ve grown steadily, doubling in size over the past decade, largely driven by word of mouth and referrals. Anthony mentions that while 75% of their work is competitive bid-based, they’ve cultivated a few long-term clients that trust them for “no-bid” projects. As a union shop, the company faces the challenge of maintaining a stable and reliable workforce, particularly in an era where skilled labor is in short supply. Despite these challenges, Anthony emphasizes the importance of treating employees with respect and rewarding performance. Looking ahead, Patella Flooring is not aggressively pursuing growth but will continue to focus on stabilizing its current operations before considering expansion. Want to connect with other professionals and grow your remodeling business? Join top industry associations to learn, network, and thrive—start here. Topics Transcript Topics Discussed The Evolution of Patella Flooring: From a small residential operation in the 1950s to a prominent commercial flooring contractor, Patella Flooring has successfully navigated multiple generations and industry shifts. Family Dynamics in Business: With a third-generation leadership team, Patella Flooring thrives on the synergy between family members, including Anthony, his brother, and his cousin, who handle day-to-day operations. Geographical Expansion: Initially focused on the Youngstown area, Patella Flooring now services clients across Ohio and Pennsylvania, with plans to further solidify their regional presence. The Role of Word of Mouth and Referrals: The company has cultivated a strong reputation through word-of-mouth, which has helped them attract new commercial clients, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sector Specialization: While Patella Flooring handles a wide range of commercial projects, education has remained their strongest sector, contributing 15-30% of annual revenue. Navigating Competitive Bidding: 75% of the company’s work comes from competitive bids, requiring a fine balance between cost and quality to win projects without jeopardizing profitability. The Union Shop Structure and Labor Challenges: As a union shop, Patella Flooring faces unique challenges and benefits in managing labor, balancing in-house installers with subcontractors for larger projects. Audio Transcription Mark Lamberth:Hello and welcome to another episode of the Contractor Grow Show. My name is Mark, I’m your host, and today I have a great guest. It’s Anthony Patella at Patella Flooring in Youngstown, Ohio. Anthony, thanks for being with us today. Anthony Patella:Great to be here. Thanks for having me. Mark Lamberth:Fantastic. So man, I’ve done a lot of research here with the team and we looked at the history of the business. It seems like it’s a long interesting history, kind of multi-generational, would love to hear about history of the business and then where you guys are at today, what you guys are up to. Anthony Patella:So my grandfather started the company way back in the 1950s, long before I was even born, and it didn’t even have the same name. It was called Standard Floor Covering, and they were mainly a residential outfit. It was just him and a partner just doing houses like kitchens and bedrooms and some small commercial stuff for a local developer here in Youngstown. They kind of floundered, they were doing okay just getting by. And then in the eighties, my dad, who also has the same name, Anthony, he was actually a chemical engineer out in New Jersey and completely hated it. Decided to move home and get into the family business. At that time, a little bit of debt on the company and he had to actually take his wedding money to pay off the existing debt, buy out my grandfather’s partner. And then it became my grandpa and my dad changed the name to Patella Carpet, slowly got out of debt doing a little more residential. And over the years my uncle also got involved. So we have a lot of family players, but over the past 30 some years we’ve kind of morphed into full-blown commercial flooring contractor and commercial flooring marketing has played a significant role in that transformation, and the residential business has been left behind, but we’ve kind of morphed from really small residential outfit to a pretty big commercial player. We’ve incorporated commercial flooring marketing as a major part of our business strategy to reach new clients. Mark Lamberth:Interesting. Wow. So is your dad still involved in the business and your uncle as well? Anthony Patella:Yeah, we’re kind of in a transition phase. They’re still involved with some daily operations, bigger picture stuff, but we’re kind of onto the third generation. There’s me, my brother, and my cousin who kind of run 90% of the day to day. Mark Lamberth:And you guys are in three states, right? Anthony Patella:Yeah, so we’re strategically located, so Youngstown for people that aren’t familiar right on the eastern border with Pennsylvania. So it’s like I could drive 15 minutes from our office here and be in Pennsylvania. So we get access to kind of that western Pennsylvania market. Obviously the Youngstown market, we travel up to Cleveland as well. We’re kind of strategically located between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Those are the main two states. I know before I was involved, they would mess around with some jobs down in West Virginia, but recently it’s mainly just been Ohio and Pennsylvania due to our strategic location. We’ve also

21 irrefutable laws of Leadership
Business Strategy, Marketing Tips

Growth Mindset: *Leadership* – What is it, and can it be learned?

Growth Mindset: *Leadership* – What is it, and can it be learned? In this interview, Hans Frees, founder of Outdoor Excapes, shares the journey of scaling a landscape architecture business, which has transformed from a small landscaping operation to a high-end outdoor construction business. For over 25 years, the company has focused on adding architectural elements like pools and outdoor kitchens to landscaping, distinguishing itself in the industry. The company’s success is rooted in a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and a strong focus on client satisfaction, which has led to an impressive track record of organic, glowing reviews. Hans Frees Scaled his Landscape Architecture Business with Peer Groups & Customer Service “It’s amazing what happens when you give people that opportunity, give ’em that chance, and things soar.” – Hans Frees Hans discusses the challenge of finding and retaining skilled employees in an industry struggling with workforce shortages. Outdoor Excapes’ approach is to nurture its team by aligning their professional and personal goals, ensuring growth opportunities and a solid company culture. As for business growth, the company has primarily relied on repeat business and referrals, with future plans to ramp up marketing efforts. A key to their success has been maintaining close client relationships long after the project ends, handling issues, and providing referrals. Hans also highlights the importance of work-life balance, which he’s achieved by trusting his team and learning to delegate. His involvement in peer groups and mentorship also plays a vital role in both his personal and professional growth. Connect with Outdoor Excapes Website: OutdoorExcapes.com Instagram: @outdoorexcapes Are you a landscape architect looking to grow your own peer group and business? We always recommend joining the top associations in your industry as a way to grow and learn. You can do that here. Topics Transcript Topics Discussed Outdoor Excapes’ Evolution Outdoor Excapes started as a small landscaping business and evolved into a specialized outdoor builder offering services like pools, porches, and outdoor kitchens, focusing on architectural elements. Employee Retention and Growth The company prioritizes employee development by aligning personal and professional goals, fostering growth, and offering opportunities beyond just compensation, creating a strong, loyal team. Business Growth Through Referrals Outdoor Excapes thrives on repeat and referral clients, with plans to expand branding and marketing, especially through social media, while continuing to enhance relationships with long-term clients. Maintaining Exceptional Client Relationships The company’s commitment to client satisfaction goes beyond project completion, with a focus on long-term service and attention to detail, ensuring organic positive reviews and ongoing trust. Project Management Process Their approach includes detailed project management, where each client is given direct access to a project manager for consistent updates and communication throughout the phases of the project. Importance of Work-Life Balance Hans discusses the evolution of his work-life balance, learning to delegate and trust a team of experts, which allows him to enjoy personal time with his family while maintaining a successful business. Mentorship and Peer Groups Hans values mentorship and peer groups, drawing inspiration from successful business owners and constantly seeking advice from those in the field to improve both business and personal life. Audio Transcription Mark Lamberth: Hello and welcome to another episode of The Contractor Grow Show. My name is Mark. I’m your host, and today I have the joy of interviewing Hans Frees at Outdoor Escapes in Long Lakes Minnesota. Hans, thank you for being with us today. Hans Frees: Thanks, mark. Thanks for having me. Appreciate it. Mark Lamberth: Yeah, so I’ve taken a look at your stuff and I get to talk to a lot of smart people on this podcast and something that has been great to see. I mean, we’ve looked all over done a lot of research. One thing that I just want to say is you guys get it. I love your offering. It’s exciting what you guys have got going on, the representation of your work. So maybe you could tell us a bit about the business. Hans Frees: Yeah, no, I appreciate the kind words. I mean, to be honest with you, what we’ve got online right now, we think it’s outdated, needs to be updated. So we’re in the process of doing that. But outdoor escapes started until 25 some years ago. I was like any kid growing up, looking for a job, needing some money. My father was a CPA, so he did fine, but there were no handouts in our household, so he had to earn, it kind of grew up mowing lawns, doing some small work around the yard, the neighborhood, family, friends, and student turn into customers. And over the years it developed into kind of a niche of more construction based. What I’ll say is taking two dimensional landscaping to more three-dimensional by adding in architectural elements as far as pools, porches, pool houses, outdoor kitchens. So today what outdoor escapes is 20 something years later is more of a outdoor builder. We’re a licensed general contractor in our markets, so technically we could pull permits to build homes, et cetera, but that’s not really our avenue. We have a lot of trade alliances with builders, remodelers we work with, and a lot of direct consumer relationships. But yeah, outdoor building is kind of our niche. Mark Lamberth: Okay, great. And I just wanted to read kind of the description of which you guys are up to. Outdoor scapes, landscape design, build firm, focusing on combining the trades to create exceptional outdoor spaces from a simple perennial garden to an elaborate backyard retreat. Outdoor scapes is committed to providing our clients with inspired design, respectful and dedicated craftsmanship, uncompromising service. You guys have got a lot of great reviews and on your website there’s a lot of beautiful work. In fact, I want to just quickly open up my screen here and show some of what you guys are up to. So if you happen to be seeing this on YouTube, this is the portfolio of outdoor

contractor scaled with community & peer group
Business Strategy, Growth Ideas, Team Retention

Scaling a Landscape Architecture Business: The Power of Peer Groups & Incredible Customer Service

Scaling a Landscape Architecture Business: The Power of Peer Groups & Incredible Customer Service In this interview, Hans Frees, founder of Outdoor Excapes, shares the journey of his company, which has transformed from a small landscaping operation to a high-end outdoor construction business. For over 25 years, the company has focused on adding architectural elements like pools and outdoor kitchens to landscaping, distinguishing itself in the industry. The company’s success is rooted in a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and a strong focus on client satisfaction, which has led to an impressive track record of organic, glowing reviews. Hans Frees Scaled his Landscape Architecture Business with Peer Groups & Customer Service “It’s amazing what happens when you give people that opportunity, give ’em that chance, and things soar.” – Hans Frees Hans discusses the challenge of finding and retaining skilled employees in an industry struggling with workforce shortages. Outdoor Excapes’ approach is to nurture its team by aligning their professional and personal goals, ensuring growth opportunities and a solid company culture. As for business growth, the company has primarily relied on repeat business and referrals, with future plans to ramp up marketing efforts. A key to their success has been maintaining close client relationships long after the project ends, handling issues, and providing referrals. Hans also highlights the importance of work-life balance, which he’s achieved by trusting his team and learning to delegate. His involvement in peer groups and mentorship also plays a vital role in both his personal and professional growth. Connect with Outdoor Excapes Website: OutdoorExcapes.com Instagram: @outdoorexcapes Topics Transcript Topics Discussed Outdoor Excapes’ Evolution Outdoor Excapes started as a small landscaping business and evolved into a specialized outdoor builder offering services like pools, porches, and outdoor kitchens, focusing on architectural elements. Employee Retention and Growth The company prioritizes employee development by aligning personal and professional goals, fostering growth, and offering opportunities beyond just compensation, creating a strong, loyal team. Business Growth Through Referrals Outdoor Excapes thrives on repeat and referral clients, with plans to expand branding and marketing, especially through social media, while continuing to enhance relationships with long-term clients. Maintaining Exceptional Client Relationships The company’s commitment to client satisfaction goes beyond project completion, with a focus on long-term service and attention to detail, ensuring organic positive reviews and ongoing trust. Project Management Process Their approach includes detailed project management, where each client is given direct access to a project manager for consistent updates and communication throughout the phases of the project. Importance of Work-Life Balance Hans discusses the evolution of his work-life balance, learning to delegate and trust a team of experts, which allows him to enjoy personal time with his family while maintaining a successful business. Mentorship and Peer Groups Hans values mentorship and peer groups, drawing inspiration from successful business owners and constantly seeking advice from those in the field to improve both business and personal life. Audio Transcription Mark Lamberth: Hello and welcome to another episode of The Contractor Grow Show. My name is Mark. I’m your host, and today I have the joy of interviewing Hans Frees at Outdoor Escapes in Long Lakes Minnesota. Hans, thank you for being with us today. Hans Frees: Thanks, mark. Thanks for having me. Appreciate it. Mark Lamberth: Yeah, so I’ve taken a look at your stuff and I get to talk to a lot of smart people on this podcast and something that has been great to see. I mean, we’ve looked all over done a lot of research. One thing that I just want to say is you guys get it. I love your offering. It’s exciting what you guys have got going on, the representation of your work. So maybe you could tell us a bit about the business. Hans Frees: Yeah, no, I appreciate the kind words. I mean, to be honest with you, what we’ve got online right now, we think it’s outdated, needs to be updated. So we’re in the process of doing that. But outdoor escapes started until 25 some years ago. I was like any kid growing up, looking for a job, needing some money. My father was a CPA, so he did fine, but there were no handouts in our household, so he had to earn, it kind of grew up mowing lawns, doing some small work around the yard, the neighborhood, family, friends, and student turn into customers. And over the years it developed into kind of a niche of more construction based. What I’ll say is taking two dimensional landscaping to more three-dimensional by adding in architectural elements as far as pools, porches, pool houses, outdoor kitchens. So today what outdoor escapes is 20 something years later is more of a outdoor builder. We’re a licensed general contractor in our markets, so technically we could pull permits to build homes, et cetera, but that’s not really our avenue. We have a lot of trade alliances with builders, remodelers we work with, and a lot of direct consumer relationships. But yeah, outdoor building is kind of our niche. Mark Lamberth: Okay, great. And I just wanted to read kind of the description of which you guys are up to. Outdoor scapes, landscape design, build firm, focusing on combining the trades to create exceptional outdoor spaces from a simple perennial garden to an elaborate backyard retreat. Outdoor scapes is committed to providing our clients with inspired design, respectful and dedicated craftsmanship, uncompromising service. You guys have got a lot of great reviews and on your website there’s a lot of beautiful work. In fact, I want to just quickly open up my screen here and show some of what you guys are up to. So if you happen to be seeing this on YouTube, this is the portfolio of outdoor escapes and you see just absolutely gorgeous work, beautiful photography, just high-end outdoor spaces that you guys create. So that is amazing to see. Contractors and landscape these days sort of struggle with finding, recruiting, hiring, and

remodeler marketing steps podcast image
Business Strategy, Growth Ideas, Marketing Tips

Remodeler Marketing – the Steps to Grow your Remodeling Company

Remodeler Marketing – the Steps to Grow your Remodeling Company In this episode of the Contractor Grow Show, Mark discusses the importance of digital marketing for remodelers, particularly focusing on how they can improve their online presence to drive more business. He shares insights into the struggles that contractors, especially kitchen and bathroom remodelers, face with online marketing, often because they aren’t naturally inclined to embrace technology. Mark, who has a background in remodeling, understands these challenges firsthand and emphasizes that online marketing is essential to staying competitive. Remodeler Marketing Steps to Grow your Business & Revenue “Less than 10% of contractors have their online marketing handled, and that’s why it’s so critical for remodelers to get it right in today’s digital age.” – Mark Lamberth He offers practical advice on key areas like website optimization, mobile responsiveness, and conversion strategies that can help remodelers grow. He also highlights the need for a solid online review system and the power of local SEO, urging businesses to claim and optimize their Google Business Profile. Additionally, Mark points out that paid online advertising, especially Google Local Service Ads, can provide high-conversion leads. To further help, Mark provides a free downloadable checklist on his website for remodelers to guide them through improving their digital marketing efforts. By focusing on these areas, remodelers can not only increase their online visibility but also position themselves for long-term growth, with the potential for business acquisitions down the line. Topics Transcript Topics Discussed Remodeler Marketing StrugglesContractors often struggle with digital marketing because it’s not their primary focus and isn’t closely related to their trade. Website Conversion OptimizationA remodeler’s website should be optimized for conversion by including easy-to-find contact info, compelling calls to action, and authentic visuals. Mobile OptimizationWith the majority of website traffic coming from mobile devices, having a fast-loading, mobile-friendly site is critical for attracting leads. Google Business Profile and Local SEOTo appear in local searches and Google’s “map pack,” remodelers need to claim and optimize their Google Business Profile and maintain consistent online directory listings. The Power of Paid AdsPaid ads like Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) and retargeting ads are crucial for capturing high-quality leads and staying in front of potential customers who haven’t converted yet. SEO Fundamentals for RemodelersTo rank higher in search engines, remodelers must implement solid SEO practices like using relevant keywords in titles and creating service-specific landing pages. The Importance of Customer ReviewsBuilding a steady stream of customer reviews and responding to them promptly on platforms like Google can significantly improve visibility and trustworthiness. Audio Transcription Hello and welcome to the Contractor Grow Show. My name is Mark, I’m your host, and in today’s episode I want to talk about remodeler marketing. So if you are a kitchen remodeler, a bathroom remodeler, a whole house remodeler, if you do appliance installations or if you’re in one of this trades kind of closely related to that, then this video is for you. Now, we’re going to go over some interesting stuff here. I’m excited to show you some stuff that I’ve got. I’ve got a checklist I want to show you. It’s actually free on our website, and our website is science.com. It’s R-O-K-K-E-T, rokketscience.com. And you can find this at go.rokketscience.com/checklist. And I’ll show you how to get there here in a minute. But I want to talk about first what I see out in the marketplace. I talk with contractors every day, remodelers, and we spend a lot of time talking with remodelers, going over their websites, helping figure out how they can grow. We spend a lot of time with folks on this podcast that you may have heard. I’d love if you would subscribe to the podcast so you can hear more of that. Put a lot of love and work into that. But we talk with remodelers every day and what I have seen, I’ve really kind of racked my brain to understand why all across the field of remodeling, kitchen, bathroom remodeling contractors, I’ve seen that they really struggle with their online marketing. And I would dare say more so even than in some other fields. I mean, we’ve talked in the past, we’ve worked with CPAs and accountants, we’ve worked with software companies. I mean, we’ve kind of done the whole gamut of this digital marketing thing, and we’ve now are working exclusively with remodeling kitchen and bathroom remodelers. But I’ve really wondered why is it that contractors seem to struggle with this online marketing piece? And I mean, it makes sense to me, right? You probably got into this field because you love to be outside because you love to go build and work with your hands and online website, web traffic, Google ads, all that stuff is the last thing that you want to think about. And I totally get it. I used to be a remodeler myself. I’ve actually built many houses, did more additions than that, all kinds of remodeling projects, restorations back in Oregon where I used to live. So when I was in that space and when I was remodeling houses, I mean, this was a long time ago now, but really kind of before the internet, but I mean computers were the last thing that I wanted to think about. I was kind of rebelled against them. I hated the idea of sitting in a computer and dealing with learning how to get online rankings or to set up Google ads or to create a YouTube video. That stuff would drive me crazy. And I had about seven, eight years in the trades, pretty heavy. Had a few other careers between then and now. But actually what I found is that this marketing industry that I’m in, I love it because we’re able to add rocket fuel to an already great company. We say that we don’t make the company great, they’re already great. We just add fuel to what they’re doing. And so we got

The Contractor Grow Show Podcast Thumbnail for Episode about: Contractor Marketing Ideas for 2025
Growth Ideas, Marketing Tips

Contractor Marketing Ideas for 2025

Contractor Marketing Ideas for 2025 In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark Lamberth discusses essential marketing strategies for contractors in 2025. He highlights the importance of having a solid growth plan to ensure business expansion outside of referrals, which, while valuable, have their limits. Mark emphasizes the need to target new customers through web traffic, SEO, paid search, and social media to generate leads and maintain growth. Key Topic: Respond to Your Leads Immediately A major struggle for contractors, according to Mark, lies in their websites and lead-response times. He compares a poorly designed website to a dirty work truck—it’s a bad first impression that can harm sales. He also underscores the importance of responding to leads immediately—within five minutes if possible. Failing to answer calls promptly can result in lost trust and missed opportunities, as potential clients will quickly turn to competitors. Mark wraps up by stressing that contractors must focus on maximizing their marketing spend by generating traffic, prioritizing leads effectively, and setting up processes that ensure quick follow-ups. With the right approach to these areas, contractors could see a 15-20% increase in revenue. We recommend joining your local and national associations. This is a great place to network and continue your business education. Here’s a good one to join: https://www.agc.org/ Want to hear our fist episode? Listen here. “Answering the phone immediately can increase your conversion rate by 3-8%, simply by showing professionalism and commitment to the customer.”- Mark Lamberth Topics Transcript Topics Discussed The Importance of a Growth Plan for Contractors: Contractors need a clear growth plan for 2025 to avoid stagnation and ensure sustainable expansion outside of referrals. Transitioning from Referrals to New Customer Acquisition: Relying on referrals alone limits growth, so contractors must target strangers in the marketplace to expand their customer base. The Website’s Role in Converting Sales: A contractor’s website should reflect the quality of their work, as a poorly designed site can cost them sales. Speed of Lead Response: Responding to leads within minutes rather than hours is crucial to building trust and avoiding lost opportunities to competitors. Traffic Generation Beyond Referrals: SEO, paid ads, and other marketing efforts are necessary for contractors to attract new clients and generate traffic to their websites. The Impact of Answering the Phone everytime: Answering the phone promptly not only builds trust but can increase conversion rates by showing professionalism and commitment. Prioritizing and Segregating Leads: Contractors should prioritize high-value leads and customize their responses based on the project’s scope to ensure they’re chasing the right opportunities. Audio Transcription Mark Lamberth: Hello and welcome to another episode of the Contractor Grow Show, put on by my company Rokket Science. My name is Mark, and I am your host. In this episode, I want to talk about contractor marketing ideas for 2025. So here we’re in December of 2024, and it’s a great time to be planning this month, next month for how much growth your contracting business is going to have in the next year. So if you’re a kitchen or bath remodeler, a sub, or a roofer, or anybody in the trades, it’s a good time to plan for the next year. And I just want to say that if you don’t have a plan for growth, there’s a great chance it’s not really going to happen as much as you want and as well as you want. Okay? I mean, we grow our businesses by referrals. We can only kind of max out our referral base only so much. Mark Lamberth: Our referral base gives us a lot of business, but it’s limited. And if we want to grow the business, we really need to plan ultimately to sell to strangers. We need to go out into the marketplace and find people that are looking for your contracting business but have never heard of you before. And as I’ve said some other episodes, when you go out to the marketplace and start working with strangers, there’s some promise and opportunity, but there’s also a problem with that. When you have built a business by referrals, it’s easy to close. You have all of that trust kind of built into the process. And when you go out into the marketplace and start dealing with web traffic, folks that find you on Google, SEO or paid search or YouTube, Facebook, when you go out and advertise to get new business, it’s a whole different ball game. Mark Lamberth: I mean, the folks that you’re talking to, they have no loyalty. They may be price shopping at some level, it’s going to be more difficult to close those people. You’re going to have to have a process for selling them. You’re going to have a lot of folks that you may win the bid, you may have the best bid or quote for them, but then you’re dealing with just the inertia of someone not moving ahead with getting a huge kitchen remodel or a new home or a new roofing job. The biggest competitor that we have in sales is actually not our competition. It’s doing nothing at all, right? And if you’ve been in sales for a while, you know that. So today I want to talk about really the three areas that I see contractors struggle with the most. And we’re a digital marketing agency here. We’re rocket science.com. We work specifically with remodelers, and we have seen over the last many years that contractors typically struggle with three main issues. One is that their website is subpar. So you go out to your job sites with nice clean trucks. You wouldn’t go out there with them covered in mud. You wouldn’t go out with a damaged truck that had just been in an accident. It would create a bad impression for those prospects or for your clients. Mark Lamberth: But your website does look like a wreck truck in most cases. I mean, I’m talking like 80% of the great

The Contractor Grow Show Podcast Thumbnail for Episode about: The importance of trust
Business Strategy, Team Retention

The Importance of Trust: How Ali Moghaddam Cultivated Loyalty Among Subcontractors and Clients

The Importance of Trust: How Ali Moghaddam Cultivated Loyalty Among Subcontractors and Clients In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark Lamberth sits down with Ali Moghaddam, the founder of Almo Construction, a premier custom home builder in the Bay Area. Ali’s journey from a handyman in the late ’90s to constructing stunning, high-end luxury homes is nothing short of inspiring. He shares how his passion for building, frugality, and focus on customer satisfaction helped him build a successful business with zero advertising—relying solely on word-of-mouth and organic growth. From overcoming language barriers to building relationships with subcontractors, Ali offers invaluable insights into what it takes to scale a construction business. The Importance of Trust when Growing a Sustainable Business “What turns me on the most about what I do is it really boils down to creative problem solving.” – Ali Moghaddam He dives deep into his business philosophy: keep overhead low, prioritize client happiness, and grow with the right partners. He also reveals the lessons he’s learned from his unique background, including growing up surrounded by construction in Iran and his commitment to continuous learning. Whether you’re a contractor trying to scale your business, or simply interested in how to build a strong foundation for success, this episode is filled with actionable advice. Ali’s story proves that with passion, persistence, and the right mindset, anyone can achieve success—no matter where they start. **Key Topics:** – From handyman to luxury home builder – The power of word-of-mouth marketing – Scaling a construction business without big overhead – Building long-term relationships with subcontractors – Overcoming cultural and language barriers in business – Managing client expectations and delivering exceptional results **Find Ali Moghaddam and Almo Construction:** Website: https://www.almoconstruction.com/ – Instagram: @AlmoConstruction – Office Phone: (650) 610-9300 If you’re looking to take your construction business to the next level, or if you’re dreaming of your own custom home project, Ali’s insights are a must-listen! Remember, joining associations and coaching groups accelerate you growth. Consider signing up for your local Builders Association for education and insightes. Topics Transcript Topics Discussed Website Conversion Optimization: Ensuring your website has key features like easy navigation, authentic images, and calls-to-action that convert visitors into leads. The Power of Google Ads: Leveraging Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) to get guaranteed placement and high-quality leads for your remodeling business. Maximizing Mobile Optimization: A mobile-friendly website is essential for remodeling businesses, as most customers now browse and contact businesses through their phones. Optimizing for Google Maps & Local SEO: Properly optimizing your Google Business Profile and creating local pages on your website to rank higher in local searches and maps. Online Reviews & Reputation Management: Actively seeking and responding to online reviews, as they significantly impact your business’s credibility and ranking. Retargeting Unconverted Leads: Using retargeting strategies like display ads and video campaigns to re-engage visitors who didn’t convert on their first visit. Consistent Content Creation: Publishing unique and relevant content across service pages and Google Business Profile to stay competitive and rank higher on search engines. Audio Transcription Mark Lamberth: Hello and welcome to another episode of the Contractor Grow Show. My name is Mark, and today I have the pleasure of interviewing an interesting guest, Ali Moghaddam, originally from Iran that now builds stunning custom homes in the Bay Area. I’ve seen some photos, they’re incredible. Ali, thank you for being on the show today. Ali Moghaddam: Of course, thank you for having me. Mark Lamberth: You’re welcome. It’s exciting to hear your story. So I mean, Haley talked to you a little bit about your journey and I think that you’ve got some great stuff to share with our audience. Maybe before we get into that, maybe you could tell us just a little bit about Almo Construction, the history of the business, and where you guys are at today. Sure. Ali Moghaddam: I started doing the construction business since 1999 as a handyman, and then I started growing and thinking about the beer company and then I was thinking about to name my company, how should I name my company, the Almo Construction. It came out from my first name and my last name, two letter of my first name and two letter of my last name. Mark Lamberth: I got it. If you like this podcast and are learning a ton about growing your remodeling business, then you should check out some of our other Contractor Grow Show Guests. Ali Moghaddam: And then in 2005 I started, my company was grown and my client had so much love me, they pushed me to go get my license. I was doing their small jobs and then I was really into construction and I love what I’m doing and I see this is, that’s it. I’m going to do only construction, nothing else. And then I got my license, I study, and then I got my license on 2005. And then I saw the business, the first job I’ve done, I thought about it, forget about any profit, I just want to make this guy happy. And when I finished that job, they started advertising for me and then the word of mouth, it become my best tools for the advertising. And then since 2005 as a licensed contractor, the Alamo Construction Incorporated born on 2005 and then since then we are busy and then we are doing nothing but the best for our clients. Want all our best tips for Contractor Marketing in 2025? We give it all away on our webinar. Mark Lamberth: Man, I heard that. I actually want to share my screen here really quickly, Ali, because I want to show the level of quality of what you guys are doing. So you see here, you guys can see my screen. If you’re online, look at these houses that Ali’s building, right? So I mean these are named houses. These are just high end in the Bay Area. Absolutely gorgeous. So Ali,

Podcast Episode thumb about Contractor Growth Tips
Industry Trends, Specialization

The Art of Painting & Business Growth with Andy Moya of Moya Painting

The Art of Painting & Business Growth with Andy Moya of Moya Painting In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark Lamberth sits down with Andy Moya, who shares some great contractor growth tips. Andy’s the owner of Moya Painting and Decorating in Sacramento, he shares the story of his growing painting business, which has roots in his father’s 30 years of industry experience. Together, Mark and Andy dive into the details of how Andy transitioned from working with his dad to building his own company, focusing on both residential and commercial painting projects. Andy offers valuable insights on what it takes to grow a business, from navigating the challenges of pricing and quoting to finding the right team and maintaining quality. He also shares his approach to marketing, emphasizing the power of word-of-mouth referrals, building strong relationships with contractors, and networking with others in the industry. With a focus on craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Andy has built a reputation for delivering high-quality work with a personal touch. The Art of Painting & Business Growth “Quality craftsmanship and clear communication are the foundation of everything we do.” – Andy Moya Beyond the day-to-day operations, Andy discusses strategies for scaling the business—how he balances residential projects that require more detailed craftsmanship with commercial jobs that offer faster turnaround times. He also talks about the importance of certifications, insurance, and gaining specialized licenses to tap into higher-end and more profitable work. Whether you’re an established contractor looking to scale or just starting out in the painting business, Andy’s journey offers inspiration and practical advice for overcoming common hurdles and building a sustainable business. If you’re looking for tips on how to grow your business through smart pricing, strong customer relationships, and a focused business strategy, this episode is packed with takeaways you won’t want to miss. Connect with Moya Painting and Decorating: Website: https://www.MoyaPaintingAndDecorating.com/ Instagram @MoyaPainting Listen in as Andy shares the secrets to his success, many contractor growth tips, and how he’s positioning his company for continued growth in Sacramento’s competitive painting market. Topics Transcript Topics Discussed Family Legacy in Painting: Andy Moya discusses how his father’s 30 years of experience inspired him to start Moya Painting and Decorating. Building the Right Team: The company values recruiting workers who align with their mindset for long-term success. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: A significant portion of their business growth comes from personal connections and referrals. Balancing Residential and Commercial Work: Andy shares insights on how they manage the profitability and challenges of both sectors. Sales Process Transparency: Detailed quotes and client walkthroughs are pivotal to their customer service approach. Overcoming Payment Challenges: Establishing trust with clients and refining payment policies ensures smooth transactions. Strategic Growth Plans: Andy outlines the steps he’s taking, including licensing and certifications, to expand into high-quality, profitable jobs. Want to learn more from The Contractor Grow Show? We’ve had incredible guests so far, with many more on the way! Watch those Podcasts here: Aaron gives us an inside look at his business, sharing how his early experience remodeling investment properties fueled the rapid growth of Luria Construction. Don explores how social media and word-of-mouth marketing have driven their growth, along with the importance of building lasting relationships in their community. Audio Transcription Mark Lamberth: Hello and welcome to another episode of the Contractor Grow Show. This is Mark, and today I have the pleasure of talking with Andy Moya at Moya Painting and Decorating in Sacramento. Hey, Andy, thanks for being on the show today. Andy Moya: Thank you guys. Mark Lamberth: Yeah, fantastic. So I saw that you guys have been in business just a few years, looks like things are going great though. Maybe you could tell us a little bit about the business, the history of it, how you got into it, and where you guys are at right now. Andy Moya: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, so the roots of our company have been with my dad. I mean, he started painting about a little bit over 30 years ago, and he’s always been in the industry. He’s been with one company for almost those 30 years, and so I got into that business with my dad because of all the experience he had. And so yeah, he’s known so much about the industry and I was able to work with him on the weekends and all that stuff. I actually got to go to college, played collegiate, collegiate soccer, and then when it was time to kind of hang up the boots, I decided to go into an industry where I might have an advantage and an edge. And so yeah, I kind of got into this business knowing that I was going to have the productivity side. I was really confident with that, and it’s just about now growing a business and kind of doing it our own. Mark Lamberth: I love it. Does your dad work with you at all or does he have a totally owned company? Andy Moya: No, no. He’s a partner with us and yeah, we work with him and we’ve been slowly been able to, I always relate everything to sports and for me it’s been a slow process to recruit the right prospects and sometimes some people come and go, but we want to fit people that fit our mindset, so yeah, Mark Lamberth: I love it. How many people do you have on your team right now? Andy Moya: Right now we have six people. Six workers? Mark Lamberth: Okay. Yeah. Okay, fantastic. And do you guys ever kind of scale up and down at all? Do you have any kind subs that come along or kind of temporary crew? Andy Moya: Yeah, yeah. I think what I’ve known to do is network with a lot of people, so sometimes when some big things come up, we can also get workers, but also just being in the industry, knowing a lot of people in our family that

The Contractor Grow Show Podcast Thumbnail for Episode about: Overcoming Challenges in Remodeling
Business Strategy

How One Remodel Led to a Thriving Construction Company: Aaron Lewis and The Luria Story

How One Remodel Led to a Thriving Construction Company: Aaron Lewis and The Luria Story In this episode of The Contractor Grow Show, Mark Lamberth sits down with Aaron Lewis, to chat about common challenges for Remodeling Contractors. Aaron is the founder of Luria Construction, a full-service custom builder and remodeler based in Bel Air, Texas. Aaron shares his fascinating journey from a corporate career to starting his own construction company in 2013, driven by a passion for building and a desire for financial independence. Aaron takes us behind the scenes of his business, revealing how his early experience remodeling investment properties led to the rapid growth of Luria Construction. He discusses how his background in real estate and corporate roles, combined with his love for construction, shaped his approach to running a business with a strong focus on client relationships, quality, and ROI. In this episode, you’ll learn how Aaron applies his MBA and corporate analytics skills to streamline quoting, job costing, and project analysis. He also shares his philosophy on honest communication with clients, prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term profits. From managing a lean team to navigating the complexities of the luxury construction market, Aaron offers valuable insights for contractors looking to grow their business while maintaining integrity. Aaron Lewis Discusses Challenges for Remodeling Contractors Whether you’re a contractor or just interested in the behind-the-scenes of a thriving construction business, Aaron’s story is a must-listen for anyone looking to balance passion, strategy, and success in the world of construction. Key Topics: – Transitioning from corporate life to construction – Starting and scaling a custom construction company – Balancing client needs with business profitability – Using analytics and Excel for job costing and project analysis – Managing subcontractors and maintaining high standards – The impact of the economy on luxury construction projects – Common Challenges for Remodeling Contractors Tune in for an inspiring conversation about turning passion into a thriving business and mastering the craft of construction with Aaron Lewis of Luria Construction! You can reach Aaron at: LuriaConstruction.com Instagram: @LuriaConstruction “Money’s no object just because you’re successful. It’s just how it is.” – Aaron Lewis Topics Transcript Topics Discussed Target Demographics for Remodeling Contractors: Aaron discusses the importance of understanding who you’re serving in the remodeling industry to tailor services effectively. The Impact of Interest Rates on Home Renovations: Rising interest rates have depleted cash reserves for homeowners, delaying planned remodeling projects. Cash Reserves Post-COVID: Many homeowners drained savings during the housing boom, making it hard to afford major remodels in the short term. Challenges in the Real Estate Market: Aaron recalls how inflated home prices and appraisal issues have hindered many homeowners from moving forward with renovations. Growth Strategy for Luria Construction: Aaron talks about plans for growing the business, aiming for a $10 million revenue target within five years. Family and Legacy in Business: The conversation turns personal as Aaron envisions passing down his company to his future children, emphasizing the value of legacy. Challenges and Opportunities in the Remodeling Industry: With the market softening, contractors face challenges but also see new opportunities for growth and expansion. Curious to learn more from The Contractor Grow Show? We’ve featured amazing guests so far, and there are plenty more to come! Check out those podcasts here: Don shares how FM Constructors excels in commercial tenant finish-outs, highlighting the differences between commercial and residential construction, the value of community ties, and the role of personal values in their success. Andrew discusses his journey from Chicago to Calabasas, growing his business, and tackling the challenges of creating advanced systems for high-net-worth clients. Audio Transcription Mark Lamberth: Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Contractor Grow Show. This is Mark, and today I have the pleasure of speaking with Aaron Lewis: from Luria Construction in Bel Air, Texas. Aaron, thanks for being with us today. Aaron Lewis: Hey, Mark, thanks for having me on. It’s an honor. Mark Lamberth: Fantastic. So yeah, we looked at what you guys are up to, but maybe you could tell us maybe the history of the business and what you guys are up to now. Aaron Lewis: Yeah, so Luria has been around since about 2013. Construction was always something I felt drawn to since really, probably since I was in high school, and I was always mesmerized by it. My first job, well, I worked through high school and everything, but right when I got out of high school, I worked for an electrical contractor and we were installing underground all the main feads from the pole into the various schools around Houston, also known as HISD, but construction was more looked at as an interest or a hobby, not really something I could lay my head down on. Construction science was kind of a new major they were starting to offer in colleges. This is around 2003, so I’m dating myself here a little bit. Are you ready to give SEO and PPC a try for your remodeling business? Let’s Chat. Aaron Lewis: So I went off to college, did the whole college thing. My family was always supportive. My mom was a long time realtor here in Houston, hot top producer, so I’d always see a lot of her clients working with various different investors and so forth and them doing projects, and I always would see things they would do and be like, that’s not right, and I would get in and get involved and try to remedy that. I speak fluent Spanish, so I was always able to communicate. I learned a lot from working with the labor around Houston, so bountiful. Aaron Lewis: So I worked in real estate with my mom a little bit when I got out of college. And then I did the corporate thing. I worked in corporate for a long time. I worked from back in the days of Continental Airlines all the way into selling oil and gas software and then working

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