Today we’d like to introduce you to Norm Bennett.
Hi Norm, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been self-employed as a general contractor since the 1990’s, and always had a strong interest in fairness to the consumer – which in my particular situation – has been the “homeowner”. Helping the homeowner understand the remodeling process has always been my focus; one homeowner at a time.
Something changed about six months ago when a client contacted me for help with their project. They had received an estimate from a local Design-Build firm to remodel their master bath. The estimate was $100-$125,000. We were both shocked.
Never in my wildest imagination had those kinds of numbers seemed possible – for a bathroom remodel. I helped that homeowner complete their project for around $60,000.
This occurrence caused me to transition my consulting business to a nationwide online service that could help anyone-anywhere with their remodeling project. It also inspired me to write the book, “The Frugal Homeowner’s Guide to Remodeling – Even Without a General Contractor”. (Available on Amazon; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZ1L68RZ )
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a general contractor – or any type of small business owner – has its share of challenges. Starting with nothing, hiring employees, buying the necessary equipment, paying your taxes – again – with no money, is a daunting task. It takes many years of learning from your mistakes before you become a stable, knowledgeable business owner.
2009 was a rough year. I had several properties that lost half their value due to the real estate crash. That took some major down-sizing to survive.
In 2016, I was asked to help with a company start-up; Promise HomeWorks. We remodeled homes for the handicapped and the elderly. I started it in my garage and grew the company to 2.5 million in annual sales before the business was sold to a nationwide organization.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the past ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to go “behind the scenes” in the remodeling industry; as a business owner and consultant. This allowed me to witness and understand the profit-margins, pricing structures, sales tactics and general business philosophies of nationwide remodeling organizations, mid-sized Design-Build firms, and of course, the general contractor.
I firmly believe that homeowners need someone with a great deal of industry knowledge on their side – before they pick up the phone and start calling contractors for estimates. I’ve created my website and written the book, “The Frugal Homeowner’s Guide to Remodeling” just for that reason.
I’m here to help homeowners any way I can; with just a phone call for support, or to help them review contractor estimates, or help them manage their entire remodeling project.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Business;
A myriad of industry publications, which kept me up-to-date on new products and methodologies.
Personal;
Anyone who has transitioned from one aspect of life to another, (changed who they were), has struggled and suffered. Personally, I’ve received the most benefit from reading books about transformation; Brian Weiss, Robert Monroe, Eckhart Tolle, Donald Walsch, and others.
Also of great benefit – for me – was reading the classics. It’s humbling to read works like; Moby Dick, A Light in August, or anything by Dickens. Also Carson McCullers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.NormBennettConsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normbennettconsulting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NormBennettConsulting
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norm-bennett-consulting-715b0a206/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@normbennettconsulting
