Whether you use an in-house architect, outside source or home designer, there are benefits and problems. This month's discussion deals with the good, bad and ugly of those different options. Jud: We're talking about the pros and cons of using an in-house architect. Chris, do you have an in-house architect? Chris: No we don't — we're a design/build firm.

Abundance or Scarcity?
Have you ever been amazed by people who seem to accomplish so much in business yet still find time for family and give their time, talent and treasure to help others? These types of people have made such a positive impression in my life. I ask myself, "How do they do it with such confidence and at the same time be so genuine and caring?" You can just tell they are the real thing and...

Finding the Right Fit
Referrals are the bread and butter of the remodeling business, but not all referral leads are created equal. Whether a prospective client finds a contractor via a friend or a phone book, the remodeler has the responsibility of choosing projects that will fit the company's schedule and resources and be most profitable.

Escape the Bermuda Triangle
Have you ever experienced emotions running high or out of control in a family business meeting and wondered what happened? Many family businesses are run on an emotional family structure rather than an agreed-upon business structure. Read about best practices for leadership transitioning for family businesses.

Commercial Success
Case study examines the renovation of a restaurant that is housed in a 200-year-old building. he food at Fiorentino's outclassed the building the way grilled brie outclasses melted Velveeta. Rob and Rose Billas had opened the family-friendly Italian eatery in 1999, immediately after buying the 200-year-old building — once a restaurant, most recently a biker bar.

Breaking the Rules
Five remodelers tell how straying from the occasional rule of remodeling benefits their companies.

Student of Business and Life
The most successful people I know in business and life are continuously learning. As leaders, when any of us stops learning and growing, so will our business.

Aging in Place Opportunities
As America's population ages the opportunities for remodeling projects suited to their changing needs grows. Contributing Editor Tom Swartz asks two industry professionals their opinion on how to make the most of the growing market.

Business Results Study
Our fourth Business Results Study suggests that remodelers are modifying their strategies to combat costs and promote profits.

Small Jobs Vs. Large Jobs
Do you have to pick either small improvements or large projects? Can you do both? Tom Swartz asks remodelers Larry Murr and Scott Mosby how they balance their businesses.

Contract Checkup
Is yours in good shape?

Choose the Right Turf
Sales approaches differ between the home and the office.

The Power of Written Values
Everyone has values that they hold sacred to running a moral and ethical business. Why? They can be motivated by deep personal conviction. Others may look at values as a best business practice. Either way, if you put them in writing and integrate them into your company culture, they will produce tremendous results.

Culture of Success
Alure's emphasis on hiring quality employees allows for controlled, sustainable growth.

Compensation Strategies
Those who praised their company’s compensation plan wrote not of riches but of fair, perhaps above-average wages.

Building Community
Volunteering unites and inspires employees.

The Golden Rule
Achieving excellence in service and referrals requires a customer-first culture.

Secrets to Recruiting "A" Players
Hiring new employees is not the same as recruiting.

Employee Relations
Treat your people well and you'll experience less turnover.

Visionary Design
Beauty is in the eye of the homeowner. See what remodelers did to meet and exceed their clients' vision.

Building Business Equity
Creating value means measuring more than hard assets.

Why Are You in Business?
As leaders, are we clear about the reason why we are in business for ourselves? What is really driving us to push the envelope and grow to the next level?

Selling in the Showroom
With a walk-in showroom, we may not always have the advantage of qualifying prospects before meeting them.

Time Management
Meet work and personal goals by prioritizing and planning.