Eddie is a 3d generation contractor, and has been involved in construction one way or another pretty much his whole life.
He remembers his grandpa going out and working hard every day. He made a huge impact on Eddie at a young age. His grandpa didn’t have much of an education, but he sure could work hard.
As Eddie remembers his grandpa’s life, he says that his life defined what the saying means: “Ambition trumps education every time.”
Now that Eddie and his wife Julie have their own remodeling firm, they focus on designing spaces that will serve the needs of the client not only now, but in the future as well.
Because Eddie has first hand experience of living in a wheelchair, he knows how important it is to design homes for ADA. Or as Eddie likes to say, for “universal design.”
“We like to make sure there is no buyer’s remorse when we are finished,” Eddie says.
And he goes on to give this advice, “When you design something, make sure you can source it, and get it efficiently. Sometimes designers will find something on Pinterest and then when the time comes to instal it, find out it is coming from overseas. That will set your project back, and you don’t want to do that.”
When asked what he wishes he knew back when he started… he said, “I wish I knew I didn’t have to accept every job and project that people wanted me to do.”
Eddie says that if you have a vision, you should put blinders on and go for it.
Some advice Eddie gives is:
- Don’t let others influence you negatively.
- Raise the bar.
- Be a professional.
- Build things correctly.
- Do it well.
We bring the knowledge of how things should be done, and the character and good will to not do the wrong things.
The best advice Eddie remembers being told is, “Everything you do, do it with integrity.”
As far as software goes, Eddie recommends:
- BuilderTrend
- Google Docs
- iPad pros w/ sharing apps
- Chief Architect
- Auto Cad
Eddie likes to subscribe to builder magazines and recommends:
- Remodeler
- Builder
- Fine Homebuilding
- Dwell
His advice to a young contractor is, “Take a good look at your immediate thing, but also think of what is coming next, and then after that. Don’t just focus on what is in front of you, but think of the whole picture, and how each piece fits in the puzzle.”
This was an awesome conversation!
Today’s Protractor Tip is given by Wade Paquin from @WKP_Construction In today’s tip Wade shares all about the importance of structuring your “Ideal Week.” It’s a great tip!
The book we recommend for you today is The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy.
Our featured Protractor Website today is Inspired Decks. They do great work and you can check out their website, or follow them on Instagram. Curt Kubiak is the owner, and they have a great company!
This is great episode, be sure and listen all the way through and BE INSPIRED!!!
Protractors – Making A Difference!