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THIS LABOR DAY, CONSIDER A CAREER IN THE REMODELING TRADES
August 20, 2009

Four Milwaukee/NARI Members Discuss Working in the Industry

Many in the current job market, those facing layoffs and unemployment or those just entering the workforce, wonder what they should do next.  This Labor Day, the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation, the educational and charitable arm of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), offers something to consider – a career in the trades.  Four members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors answered a multitude of questions on industry trends, who is suited to the industry, the education needed, scholarships, and more.

“It’s an exciting time to work in the remodeling industry,” said Greg Adamec of Milwaukee Millwork, president of the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation.

Rather than selling, some homeowners in today’s housing market are staying in their homes – and remodeling.  He’s seen firsthand that the future of remodeling is energy efficiency.  “The homeowner wants to take out the old drafty windows and replace them with energy efficient ones.  Formica countertops are being replaced with more eco-friendly ones like Vitrazzo,” he said.  “Consumers are asking for ways that they can reduce their carbon footprint, and remodeling is an eco-friendly – and economical – way.”

Director Ken Skowronski, CR, of KS Remodelers, Inc. in Franklin has owned his own remodeling company for 49 years.  He said, “It’s been wonderful, challenging, rewarding…”  But this is the third bad economy he’s had to work through.  “The economy dictates if people can change the home.  But people will always want to provide a comfortable living space for their family.”

Why did he choose the remodeling industry?  “I was always active with my hands, creating woodwork,” he said.  “Because of weather conditions, I was laid off in 1959.  So I went into business on my own.”

He does all types of work, and he likes it that way.  “I like to create things.  My job is always different.  Between residential, commercial, industrial, and government work, no two projects are ever the same.”

Director Gail Wuesthoff of Lakeside Stoneworks in Brown Deer said that she didn’t intentionally choose this industry – it sort of found her.  “From a prior job, I knew how to read blueprints and had outside sales and customer service experience.  That set of skills transitioned well into the construction industry,” she said.

What types of personalities are suited to this industry?  Wuesthoff believes that the abilities to problem-solve and listen are important.  “You really have to hear what the customer is trying to tell you,” she said, “even if they don’t know what it is that they want yet.”  She also thought that creativity would help.

Director Wendy Werner of Carpet Town in West Allis said that the people who prefer hands-on learning over book learning may be better suited to the industry.  “They love to be active and not sit behind a desk.  The remodeling industry offers them an array of excellent jobs that fit their personal strengths.”  Werner took over her father’s flooring business 13 years ago, when the flooring industry expanded and developed into “much more of a fashion industry.”

What kind of education is needed to break into the remodeling industry?  According to Wuesthoff, some positions involve getting an undergraduate degree, such as an architect or structural engineer.  “There are many tech schools that offer associate degrees in interior design, landscaping, or a degree or certificate in construction,” she said.  “These degrees open doors to so many good career opportunities.”

She feels it’s important to continue your education throughout your adult life.  “NARI offers many courses to keep current on the trends and issues in the industry, and offers many different certifications.”

Skowronski earned one such certification, Certified Remodeler (CR).   He spent more than four years in a trade school before graduating in carpentry and millwork.  He then became a certified carpenter through the state of Wisconsin, served an apprenticeship through the carpenters’ union, and worked for several employers before starting his own business.

“Today, education is the basis of everything,” he said. “Read, write, listen, converse, understanding diversity, don’t get confrontational, and be respectful and responsive, never demeaning.”  Especially if you start your own company, he suggested understanding public relations and bringing your philosophy down to your employees through example – how your treat your customers and how you run your company.

How can you get a scholarship?  According to Skowronski, the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation gives opportunities to individuals, helping them get started.  “Students need all the help they can get in today’s world,” he said.  “Things are tight.  Foundations help people when they need it.”

Scholarship criteria can be found on the Foundation’s Web site, www.milwaukeenari.org/nari-foundation.php.  Examples from the criteria include having a minimum 2.5 GPA, being enrolled full-time, and fitting the financial need as determined by the tech school.

“The Foundation offers mentoring, hands-on experience, and guidance in today’s world,” Skowronski said.  “It’s like a family, where you nurture the young adults – give assistance in a meaningful way.  When they accept help, they must follow through on their commitment; it’s their responsibility to follow through on what they want to do.”

Then, he said, they pass it on.  “They can be part of the Foundation in the future, making the decision to help others.”

As Foundation president, Adamec said he was pleased with the number of scholarships they can offer those students interested in the remodeling industry.  For those at the high school level, he suggested the Cooperative Education Program that is available through area high schools.  “This program provides hands-on training for high school students interested in the remodeling industry.  Students work alongside professionally trained and licensed carpenters, Remodelers, millwork companies, and so forth.”

Beyond scholarships, the Foundation also provided funds for the construction of the playhouses that are used at the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show each February – playhouses that were built by tech school students and raffled off.  “Our popular raffle brought in enough funds to provide additional tools and equipment to students at area technical schools,” he said.

“We offer support to students when they become student members of Milwaukee/NARI,” Wuesthoff said.  “In addition to helping students, the Foundation helps members of Milwaukee/NARI with scholarship money for the certification series.”

According to Werner, the Foundation actively promotes the trades to the public by educating them and creating awareness of the importance of finding the most professional workers in the remodeling industry.  “One way this is accomplished is through several fundraisers throughout the year,” she said.  Some fundraising events include the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation Golf Outing each July, the Milwaukee/NARI Holiday Party Silent Auction each December, and the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation Rummage Sale each April.

What is the best part about working in the remodeling industry?

“Meeting all different types of people and the challenges of working with them to create a space in their homes that reflects their dreams,” Wuesthoff said.

Werner said, “It’s the difference we can make in a home or commercial environment.  We often have the experience of getting to know the owners and working with them to create an atmosphere that improves their living and working spaces.”

Finally, Skowronski said, “You’re creating their dreams.  When it’s done, you can say, ‘Yes, I did that.’”

The goal of the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation is to promote public awareness of the home remodeling and improvement industry through educational programs and community activities, and raise funds to support scholarships and grants to help encourage and train young people and displaced workers interested in the professional remodeling industry.

To carry out its purpose, the Foundation expends funds for the refinement and/or expansion of existing NARI education programs, supports scholarships to assist professional training of individuals entering the home improvement and remodeling field, and embarks on activities judged necessary to insure an ample supply of professionally trained individuals.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry’s growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation’s largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI’s Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071 or visit the Council’s Web site at www.milwaukeenari.org.