// BLOG
My take on the 2010 International Builder Show
February 15, 2010
I always enjoy the trade show portion of the International Builders, but to me much of the insight comes from attending the educational seminars. I was able to attend several seminars this year. I was even able to purchase the ones I didn’t attend and catch them later.
The outlook of most builders and developers was not the most upbeat, but was not as bleak as many felt it would be. In listening to other builders and developers from around the country, I gained a good perspective. Some have been hit much harder than our area, while other have fared better than us. The most common sentiment among manufacturers, suppliers, builders, and financiers was: “We’ll figure a way through this economic downturn, and emerge a better person/company because of it”.
Interestingly enough though, there was a common thread among almost all we encountered. Throughout the week there were very few supporters of the way our national leaders have handled the nation’s budget and uncontrolled spending in this economic downturn. Among many participating in round table discussion groups, it was unanimous that we cannot run our companies on a negative budget We felt strongly that our leaders should look at curbing and controlling spending just as we do when times are tough. This would strengthen the economy, thus bringing back the need for our services and products. We agreed that it is a tough season for our national leaders, but good leaders will do what is best in the long haul- not just what’s best for them today. Most felt we need a leadership change.
Another lesser known fact among many at our table, was that we as Americans are not increasing in population as fast as we have in the past. We have eliminated many of our present and future homebuyers. Our economy and our upcoming homebuyers would have increased by 37 million since 1973, if 37 million babies had not been aborted after Roe V Wade. This conversation started as a sensitive issue, but many soon realized the economic effect this has had on our country- producing lesser consumers and lesser homebuyers. And that number continues to grow, as a projected 1.4 million more abortions will be performed this year. Those aborted since 1973 would be prime consumers and buyers for us today. I myself think the abortion issue is a moral travesty, but we are where we are in part today, because we as the “baby boomer” generation produced the “baby doomer” generations.
We all realized out of a somewhat simple housing discussion how our lives, our workforce, our consumers, our families are all the less because of that fact. After this discussion it became apparent to most at this table why the complexion of our workforce has changed so much in the past few years. The Hispanic population has taken the place of the workforce we eliminated. They are slowly turning into homebuyers, but at a much slower pace.
Regardless of political and/or religious views, these are facts and they represent part of why we are where we are in this economy. Let’s help make a change in our industry and in America’s future. Think about who you support to represent you and lead our country and industry in the future. Change can help rebuild our industry, and keep it strong in the future. Let’s really get “GREEN” as individuals and save our future; save our children.
“Keep building families to keep building homes!”
This to me was be biggest take away from the International Builders Show.
Thankfulness in a Struggling Economy
October 2, 2009
The last two years have been a particularly tough time for the Home building industry. However, in our toughest hour we sometimes become much more appreciative of what business we do have; and we become more attentive to our customer’s needs. So first of all we our thankful for what we have.
Our company, P.L. Lyons, Inc. survived the late 70’s and early 80’s despite the hyperinflation, high interest rates and savings and loan scandal. We did this by getting involved in remodeling along with our custom home construction. We also developed a new marketing strategy using detailed cost estimates instead of “guestimates”. We tailored this estimating system to work for each individual project. That tool along with our quality construction, and team of subcontractors helped carry us through the tough times of the 70’s and 80’s while setting us up for growth in the last two decades. So secondly, we are thankful that we survived and thrived in the past.
Often extreme circumstances require being leading edge in your tools, techniques and your marketing strategy. Like any industry, the home building business has rapidly changed in the past ten years. If we didn’t change with it, we were left behind. One of the biggest changes has been the oncoming of the Internet along with websites and social media marketing. As many larger home building firms have developed in our area, the smaller custom home builder has had to find a way to compete with their prices and mass production. Larger firms realized quickly that websites and Internet marketing could scale their sales and production. Smaller builders did not recognize the need as quickly, and have had to play catch up.
Our son in law joined our firm for a period of time a few years back. He helped us realize the need to change directions and embrace the power of the Internet. He modernized our estimating system and pushed us to get a web presence. In this past year he has us blogging, twittering and connecting with prospective customers online through the many social media tools available today. These tools are no longer on a “maybe list” they are on a “required list”. Many people use the Internet as their only means of checking out a prospective builder. People are looking to get information quickly to help them make decisions. Although the conversations still end up at the meeting room table or the coffee shop, they start online. These tools have helped bootstrap our marketing in this recession. Thirdly, we are thankful that we listened and we adapted.
Many of the most successful people in business have spent time in the wilderness only to emerge into great opportunity. Lastly, we are thankful for all the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy in the USA; and for an organization like the HBAL which is our voice of support during tough times.
Perry Lyons on the Louisville Housing Market
April 14, 2009
Download the Housing Report Mentioned in the Video!
Recent Custom Kitchen Remodel Anchorage, KY
April 3, 2009
Here are some pictures of a custom kitchen remodel we recently finished for a family in Anchorage. It’s always great to build a home for a customer and then years later assist them with a custom remodel.
If you’d like to schedule a personal tour of this high end custom kitchen remodel, please contact us at 244-0114 or email us at perry@pllyons.com .
Look for a video tour coming soon!
