Benefits of Membership

Thank you for your interest in Olympia Master Builders and its Remodelors Council. I would like to introduce myself, Randy Foster of The Artisans Group. Acting as a past Chair of the Council, and a current leader within Olympia Master Builders, I have been asked to provide a bit of feedback regarding the benefits of membership in this organization. I can only speak on this topic by sharing some of my own experience.

The Artisans Group joined Olympia Master Builders and the Remodelors Council shortly after opening for business. I approached the organization as part of my search for a mentor that could advise me in my new endeavor. Some years later, I look around each meeting that I attend and find myself surrounded by mentors. By associating with the various members of Olympia Master Builders and the Remodelors Council, I have increased my ability to make decisions regarding the day to day operation of my business. I have received input regarding topics that include which subcontractors to hire, what sort of verbiage to place in my contracts, how best to compensate employees, what level of success I can expect from various sorts of advertising, and where to shop for liability insurance and professional services. This is just a brief sampling of the topics that can be explored with fellow members. Through the networking and the professional training opportunities available to members, any problem faced in operating my business has become easier to tackle.

Prior to founding The Artisans Group, it was my preference to remain relatively inactive in political matters. However, after several years as a business owner, I have come to realize that within my own neighborhood and larger community, there is a majority of well meaning and in well informed citizens that would put my company out of business if left to their own initiative. Many would do so believing that they were acting for the greater good of their community. I believe they simply see the world from a different point of view than that of a typical small business owner. Individual business owners really have little capacity to affect the will of a popular majority. Only by joining with others that share a common point of view can one have an impact.

It is not a question of whether or not to become involved in issues that affect your company and the families that it supports. Company owners ARE involved, by virtue of operating their business. While I personally don't aspire to become a lawyer, I recognize the need of my company to retain the services of lawyers and other professionals when dealing with the issues of regulation and governmental control. Participating in Olympia Master Builders is a great way to retain the services of an outstanding group of professionals - to the benefit of member companies. In my opinion, this also benefits the greater community that I live in.

This is an exciting time to become part of the Remodelors Council of the Olympia Master Builders. We have a growing group or members that are motivated to increase the value of participation for each member. Items of particular interest include:

• The Remodeling Council recently launched a new website
• The Olympia Master Builders and sponsoring member companies produce several marketing events each year. These include the Tour of Homes, the St. Martin's Home Show, the Living Green Expo, and various networking luncheons and other events
• Olympia Master Builders' Remodeling Referral Service is the oldest consumer service of its kind, and connects motivated homeowners with qualified Remodelors
• Professional educational programs available to members rival any in the nation
• Remodel Now magazine is produced by members twice each year. This publication is dedicated to covering the remodeling industry in our local market

Here is a hearty Welcome to Olympia Master Builders and the Remodelors Council!

Randy Foster
www.artisansgroup.com