"Construction Ahead retains satisfied clients for life"

Certifications: NAHB Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist, NARI Certified Lead Carpenter, and NARI Certified Remodeler

Contruction Ahead has won the GuildQuality Guildmaster Award several years in a row. Read about it here:

http://www.guildquality.com/guildmaster/Construction-Ahead/m320/

Guildmaster Award Winner 2007 Guildmaster With Highest Distinction
2008 Guildmaster With Highest Distinction
2009 Guildmaster With Highest Distinction
2010 Guildmaster With Distinction
2011 Guildmaster With Distinction
2012 Guildmaster With Distinction

Affiliations GuildQuality
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
National Association of Home Builders
National Kitchen and Bath Association
NAHB - Certified Aging In-Place Specialist
2008 CotY Awards
2007 CotY Award
2006 CotY Award
NARI Certified Remodeler
NARI Green Certified Professional (GCP)
2010 Regional CotY Award Winner

Guildmaster Q&A

Company History

Shortly before Construction Ahead opened, while driving down 285 in Atlanta, Austin was pondering the "right" name for his company. As he approached his exit, Austin encountered a road sign that read "Construction Ahead." He had found his company name!

Early on, Austin's vision was to build a company that provided each client with a high quality of work and an enjoyable experience, a philosophy that continues today. Then the sole employee of Construction Ahead, Austin set out to master each trade in the residential construction industry while creating lasting relationships with his clients. He worked as a handyman, on decks, trim work, framing - whatever the market required. Austin expanded the company in 1995 and implemented the Lead Carpenter System in which each lead is a skilled carpenter, trained to be proficient in managing a remodeling project and possessing strong customer management skills. While the structure has a longer training cycle, it turns out some of the best professionals in the industry. The structure continues to work well for Construction Ahead.

Scope of Work

From the beginning, our objective was to be focused on customer satisfaction. We can accommodate projects from $25,000 to over one million. Construction Ahead is unique in that we utilize the Lead Carpenter system, which is structured to develop and train employees in both carpentry and management. The system affords every employee an opportunity to be hands on, capable of interacting with the client and able to manage the complexity of the job. We work on a variety of projects with a wide degree of complexity.

Typical Workload

Our workload has remained at a steady 40+ hours per week while running 3 to 6 jobs at any given time, 20+ in a given year. We are currently working with six field employees and track carefully so that we know when at add head count. Out typical wait time is 3 months from initial contact to start date.

Team Makeup

I am 100% engaged in the sales, design and estimating process. Our support team consists of a full time administrator, a part time accountant, a production manager and three lead carpenters. It is important to note that we consider our subcontractors part of the "team". We have built long-term relationships with each of them, many whom we have worked with for over 10 years. They have grown with us, are extremely reliable and can be great referral sources.

Personal

I am a Georgia Native, born and raised in the Dunwoody area. I now live in Sandy Springs with my wife and two sons. We are fortunate to live in a house that I custom built in 2005. I am an avid outdoorsman with a variety of pastimes: skiing, hunting, and boating. I am also pursuing a black belt in Karate. I graduated from University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture.

How do you earn such high praise from your customers?

Construction Ahead maintains a close-knit team of employees and subs who are some of the best professionals in the industry. Each demonstrate a commitment to the industry and enjoy working (and sometimes playing) together. Construction Ahead's motto, as indicated in the mission statement below, says it all.

The philosophy grew out of never wanting to let a client down. While reality can sometimes be sobering, the company and its employees truly believe the experience should be as good as the finished product. When you set appropriate expectations that can be achieved you have satisfied clients who feel they have received a high level of service as well as fine craftsmanship.

Client Profile

Discerning clients who are informed about the process of remodeling and its complexity. People who value timeliness over cost, have high expectations, and are willing to pay for the level of service an experienced professional remodeler offers. Our clients see us as partners working with them to bring their remodeling ideas and concepts to reality.

Approach to Working With Clients

As the owner, I am involved in the process from beginning to end. I make myself accessible to the client throughout the process. I strive to set realistic expectations that can be achieved with a high level of success. We also do not take every client that calls. We work with clients that meet our profile, which creates a win/win for all involved. It also allows for a high referral rate and satisfaction rate.

Ongoing Staff Training and Development

It is no accident that I am chairperson of the education committee at NARI Atlanta. I value education and personal improvement. CAH mandates (and pays for) outside quarterly training and development in addition we hold bi monthly in house training programs that focus on various trade specific areas as well as personal development.

Motivating Employees

I am a firm believer in personal incentives and team building. I host frequent outings and local gatherings including BBQ's and fishing trips. I believe in focusing on both quality of work and "quality of life." As mentioned, we have a close-knit staff that enjoys our company culture. I strive to provide regular recognition of a job well done. Finally, we have a structured incentive program.

Why are you a builder/remodeler?

I have always been a jack-of-all-trades and enjoy working with my hands as well as creating community. Remodeling seemed to be a natural fit.

What should clients bring to the table?

A great question, one that can mean success or failure of any job. Customers must bring open, clear communication to the table and have an idea of their overall goal. With our help, they identify what they want and need and select materials and finishes in a timely manner. In addition, our clients commit to regular meetings to monitor renovations. We facilitate the customer expectations process from the initial meeting where we cover both expectations as well as customer responsibilities.

How do you market your company?

Over 80% of our work comes from referrals and past clients. CAH communicates with that community quarterly via a newsletter, which keeps us in touch with our clientele. A great example of how this works is that we recently "re-visited" a customer that we had originally bid several years ago. They are just now ready to start the project and contacted us because of our consistent communication. There is a lot of competition out there, and keeping your name out there is as important as keeping a good reputation. You need both.

What are some challenges facing your business right now?

Obviously, cost control is an issue in every industry as well as a tight market for qualified workers. CAH works hard at hiring and keeping the best, most qualified in the field. Until 2009, the industry will remain unregulated, making homeowners more susceptible to unqualified contractors. CAH has stressed its relationship with some of the top subcontractors, NARI, and Guild Quality to help differentiate itself the average contractor. Other challenges would be managing growth while continuing to provide the outstanding service our clients have come to expect. It can get hectic here, but sticking to our mission and our business plan, we always work through the tough days.

What's next for your company

I am thinking about adding a handy man division - the need is clearly out there as we get calls from our past clients looking for help, and I would like to help them. Regardless, we will take the company to the next level as indicated in our business plan.