Written By BAM’s 2011 President Todd Bjerstedt, McDonald Remodeling.

If you’re here, it’s safe to assume you’re committed to the building industry. Many of us have lost much the past few years. Some have literally lost everything. Yet here we are. Makes you wonder why doesn’t it? Well, I have some theories. Some are here to network; some to learn. Others are here to promote their business and sell product. But given that the construction industry isn’t as lucrative as it used to be, I believe most of us are here for two main reasons.

Camaraderie
How many times have we heard a football player say the reason for their last season or two is not the money – it’s the locker room? My wife, Denise has asked me why I don’t do more with my friends. Fact is I spend time with my friends every day. It just so happens a high percentage of my friends are in the construction industry. Nobody understands, accepts, encourages or challenges me more than the friends I’ve made the past 25 years in the construction industry. The simple fact is if we are to stay in this industry, we need each other.

You Care
The second reason I believe you’re here is because you care. You care about your family and your livelihood. You care about what happens to your friends in the industry. You care about what happens to the construction industry because it is noble and worth preserving and protecting. Most of you care about your customers and the millions of Americans who still believe home ownership is the foundation of the American Dream.

Because I believe you care and want to succeed I would like to challenge you with five thoughts as we enter 2011.

1. Don’t assume things will return to “normal”
What we experienced a few years ago was not normal. Waiting, wishing or assuming that things will return to the way it was is not healthy. Tom Brokaw made an interesting observation in his documentary The Greatest Generation, stating that after World War II America had no competition. In the years following the war we built 80% of the world’s automobiles, the average American income doubled pre-to-post ware, making the average American income 15 times more than the rest of the world. No wonder we prospered!

In today’s worldwide economy, America faces competition unlike any time in history. We cannot afford to make the mistake of assuming the “good, old days” will return simply because history repeats itself. Richard Nixon said, “Nostalgia is not a crime as long as people don’t act on it.” It’s time to move on in our thinking.

2. Do your homework
The most intellectually enlightening time in my career was in 2007. I spent the year working for a company that does market research for the residential construction industry. Part of my duties included physically driving through 100’s of neighborhoods counting the inventory of lots, homes under construction, model and spec homes and researching plat approvals at county recorder offices in the 13-county area. I was dumbfounded at the excess inventory in the marketplace. Even more astounding was how much information is available to help anyone in the construction business know their client, what they need, and how much they’ll spend to get it. So challenge number two is: do your homework and discipline yourself to plan your business activities around facts not habits.

3. Stay engaged in your builders association
I can’t tell you how many people I meet in the construction industry have no idea what is going on in the world of politics and building codes and how it affects them. Some are aware of what’s happening but believe nothing can be done about issues like warranty law or mandatory sprinkler systems. That’s just not true! BAM has become a force at the capitol and we need to keep it that way. I often say, “If we’re not at the table we are on the menu,” and it’s true! (This is one historical pattern that does repeat itself). Remember those who make the decisions impacting your business rarely know as much as you do, so when we lobby, we educate. We absolutely need to stay at the table.

4. Think outside the box
The movie, The Patriot (2000), with Mel Gibson is a war-hero’s story in which he comes home to find former troops building him a new house. I noticed the structure looked similar to a modern-day construction site, but the movie was set in the late 1700’s. What product do you own that is still built the same way it was 220 years ago?

I am convinced we don’t build the way we do because of consumer preference. This may sound crazy, but I don’t recall any customers demanding I place 2×6 studs every 16 inches. But they have always demanded style, sustainability and above all, value. Are there better ways to meet the demands of future homeowners? I believe there are and only those of us that figure them out will be here in 10 years. Afraid of change? Better get over it! Big box stores and big companies will figure out a way to meet the demand if we don’t.

5. Don’t give up
Winston Churchill said, “The pessimist sees the difficulties associated with every opportunity and the optimist sees the opportunity with every difficulty.” Let’s face it. It can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we know it’s there. Industry experts tell us we are at or near the bottom, and I think that’s true. As a youngster, I recall jumping a little too far off the dock into the lake at my grandmother’s cabin. I struggled to get back and remember the sense of relief in feeling the bottom of the lake. It wasn’t solid, but it was there and I think that’s where our industry is now, beginning to feel the bottom. So, don’t give up!

Thank you to the Board of Directors for placing your trust in me, and this year’s executive committee, to lead in 2011. Most of all, thank you for approving a budget that allows us to keep this great organization moving forward. I anticipate great things!