Dear Readers,
If you haven’t started, now is a good time to set the wheels in motion. It’s only a hunch, but I believe we are all in for a healthier year ahead business-wise.
With interest rates at an all-time low and the value of the dollar in a state of flux, it’s my suspicion that consumer spending is about to improve. And with it will come, once again, the expectation that an investment in one’s property will cause appreciation.
For everyone in the construction industry that has survived this turbulent economic downturn, operating on life support has become somewhat normal. That’s not a bad state of existence, because we have all learned valuable lessons, but I believe it is critically important that each of us start planning for a new season of growth. This means that in order to answer pent-up demand from consumers, your company needs to make sure it has the necessary human and material resources close at hand. When the dam breaks, you not only need to concern yourself with achieving the highest level of customer service and quality workmanship, you also need to have a plan in place for how your company is going to compete and win out over other building and finishing options people have traditionally used.
At Concrete Decor we believe that decorative concrete is fast establishing a permanent place in the construction and renovation markets and will continue to enjoy increasing acceptance and utilization as these markets rebound. That’s one of the reasons we have implemented a complete redesign of Concrete Decor that will be unveiled this coming January. While a few might be disappointed at first, we believe this industry will quickly embrace our changes as Concrete Decor sets its sights on the road ahead.
Folks — I would like to encourage you to do as we’ve done. This industry has way too much going for it for me to ever think it could let us down. You are part of a community that embraces education, communication and the highest level of innovation. Keeping yourself and your staff closely tied to these values will only ensure your company’s success as well as that of this industry.
FYI: This January, Concrete Decor will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Plan to celebrate this momentous occasion with us in Nashville at the 2011 Concrete Decor Show & Spring Training. Set your company apart from the competition by joining us there, and the industry will set itself apart from its competition as well.
Sincerely, Bent Mikkelsen, Publisher
