CHOOSING YOUR CONTRACTOR

FOR THE NOVICE HOMEOWNERS

HOW TO FIND AN HONEST, EXPERIENCED CONTRACTOR

You are a fairly “new homeowner” who has finally unpacked what seems like a hundred boxes, rearranged the furniture ten times, and have begun considering how you want to really make this your home; the place where you are most comfortable.

In the past few months you have thought, now is the time to put together your vision for your home and find a contractor who can help you.

When it comes to your home remodeling project the first concern is choosing the best contractor who can meet and/or exceed your expectations. Your priorities should be they have the following qualities:

INTERGRITY      EXPERIENCE    EXPERTISE

Here is a great tip that came from one of my favorite contractors; Marc Shaw, Pro356 LLC located in Oakton, VA:

Before you ask friends and family or business associates who they have used, a very good tool to have on hand is pictures in an organized album or notebook that represents the visions you personally have for your project.

Always make room in your notebook for editing and adding new information! Your ideas and your budget may change and you want to keep pertinent information current. 

YOUR VISIONS AND IDEAS

Start saving concept photos of what you want in your remodeling job. How do you perceive the finished project? Be it a remodel of a room or an addition to expand your current home, take your time to decide prior to presenting your ideas and vision for your builder/contractor.

Whether your project is a remodel of a guest room or a complete redesign of your kitchen, having your visual notebook helps tremendously! 

Search for the style, materials, plumbing fixtures, lighting, paint colors, etc. that both of you like.

Either find them online and print after saving them to a folder on your cell or laptop. Or, buy some of the great publications of homes and some remodeling publications, snip out your favorites and add to your vision book. Collect color samples from your local building supply store. Always, more is better than a few as, along the way, you will most likely change your mind! (There will be a lot of mind-changing.)

YOUR INITIAL MEETING

When you have your first, in-person meeting with your builder you will want to have these concept ideas with you to lay out on the table for him to view and discuss with you, offering his thoughts on how to improve upon your choices.

REVEWS AND RECCOMENDATIONS

Online reviews can only give somewhat limited information, but it is a good idea to check them. Also take the time to search on the Better Business Bureau website for your contractor’s business name.

Talking to someone who has worked with your prospective contractor can offer you a better perspective of the quality of the builder. Be sure to ask the person who is giving you the referral if the contractor is punctual and dependable! Obviously essential!!

Don’t be afraid to ask builders for references. Those who are honest and you believe have been worth the time and effort you have dedicated in choosing him, should be happy to provide references for you. Also, ask to see his builders/contractors license to make sure he is licensed in your state.

When you first contact him, references should be the second or third question you ask him if he states he has the expertise you seek.  “Can you give me a minimum of three references of clients who you have worked with or currently work with?”

BE PREPARED, STRESS AHEAD

A home remodeling project can be intimidating, anxiety ridden and expensive. It is wise to look at every angle and not rush into any decision and to not let the stress effect your relationship with your partner. It can and often does happen. Just “keep your eye on the ball”!

An experienced, well-seasoned contractor also knows how to create a contingency plan for unexpected expenses. Be prepared, as it usually happens. Trust that is expected and no fault of the builder nor you.

Material prices increase, change orders with adjustments in the actual construction/design plan and even changes in your choice of lighting or hardware.

If you do not sense he is the right person, continue your search. There are some excellent builders out there. When you have the contractor with integrity, he will be someone you come to know, like, and trust.

PLANNING AHEAD

Many builders are planning large projects three to six months in advance. Keep this in mind when you are planning when you want to begin.  If you can be a bit  flexible on your schedule it could be much easier to engage the contractor you have decided you definitely want. 

Having a definite plan of a timeline will alleviate a lot of your stress too. And, be prepared; as previously mentioned, there WILL be stressful moments in any remodeling job.

Just be sure to communicate any concerns or questions you may have as soon as they arise.

You can easily anticipate there will certainly be some  vision changes as you collaborate during your meetings with your contractor regarding the project. 

With that in mind just be fully prepared in your first meetings. Make sure you and your spouse put in writing, everything regarding your vision and expected financial commitment.

Creating a list of what you both agree are the essential things you “need to have” and a list of the things you think would be “nice to have”. This will definitely assist you in deciding the financial aspect of this project.

Last, but definitely not least, be sure to ENJOY this entire experience. Laugh at the little mistakes, add written notes in your notebook of the funny moments that occurred. If you have chosen the best contractor it will be one of your best experiences. Especially when you finally sit back and feel a great sense of pride and gratitude that all worked out well in the end.

Brick Colonial House Entrance

 

 

 

 

1940s Brick Colonial Front Entrance 

 

Pro356, LLC had the pleasure to replace an old concrete entrance porch with this new front entrance for this classic 1940’s two-story brick house. A style of homes very typical of Arlington, VA.

This porch is a referral project from a local deck builder Steadfast Construction who specializes in building decks. It’s been a pleasure doing business with them and we appreciate the referral.

Steadfast Construction will soon replace the concrete walkway with brick pavers which will compliment the structure of the home and the new entrance.

The Project Process

Removal of old brick steps.

Building the stringers for the new steps.

 

Framing of porch floor and the finished stringers in preparation for the Trex to be laid down.

Trex is a great product for many outdoor applications and the Trex deck boards are made of 95% recycled materials which are easily cleaned with soap and water.

 Also, Trex doesn’t fade or discolor over time due to the elements of weather and use. As we know, wood decking often requires annual maintenance; sanding, replacing boards and staining. Termites cannot eat away at Trex!

The Finished Project

The homeowner is extremely pleased with the beautiful new entrance Pro 356, LLC created for them.

White PVC boards were used in constructing the new replacement columns and trim, as well as the stair risers and skirts, conforming to the architecture of the 1940s. 

The railing was fabricated by Chesapeake Ironworks. The crisp, simple lines of the railing enhances the columns and trim. 

 

 

 

 

Pro356, LLC

Marc Shaw, Owner/Craftsman

  703/776-0924

LivePro356@gmail.com

LivePro356

Located in Oakton, VA

Carport Conversion

 

 

 

 

 

Pro356, LLC

Marc Shaw Owner/Craftsman

This Pro356 project is located in Falls Church, VA.

At Pro356 we love the projects that help recreate new space for ease of access and a new use for the homeowners. Either constructing new spaces or reinventing the old, limited space. So often it’s the smaller things that can make the difference! 

We take a great deal of pride in, and thoroughly enjoy, making life simpler and often newer for the home where children are growing, or the home where an empty nester is dreaming of reinventing the play room.  Perhaps it is the perfect size for an elegant office/library combination, a Yoga studio, or the art studio that was always in the “some day” stage!

A room for a collection of unique, cherished items that can be displayed? 

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!

The project below is a great example of the younger growing family in need of more functional space.

Carport-to-bonus room-to-garage Conversion

One of Marc Shaw’s business associates, who is also a contractor, referred Pro356 to a great family with young children. Mom and Dad were in need of a professional who could convert a bonus room/storage room into a one-car garage that could be utilized as storage space. 

Originally the bonus room was a carport, but as that family grew, the need for more space became essential and they converted the carport to a storage room.

When a new family purchased the home, the storage room became a bonus room for the small children to play with and store their many toys. Turn around again and the toddler toys have become trikes, beginner’s 2-wheel bikes, roller blades, skate boards and children’s scooters, helmets and backpacks, a jogging stroller and maybe even a set of golf clubs.

Within hours Pro356 began making a place for the new garage door!

Having an electric garage door for parents to easily access the family’s bikes and sporting equipment makes it far more efficient than going through the house with bikes and other kid’s sporting equipment. 

Finished product as viewed from interior of a great well-lit garage!

This view inside the garage which now offers easy access to bikes, scooters and various toys! When it’s time to put the bikes and toys inside, the children can easily help Mom and Dad. 

View from inside the new garage to driveway.

Pro356 replaced the side garage egress door with a new steel fire-rated door and trim and installed the garage door key pad for ease of access.

If you are in need of some revisions on your home please give Pro356 a call! We will meet with you with the confidence that we can make the changes you are seeking. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please check out our website listed below, under our email address. There you will see the many projects we have done in the past as well as reviews and the history of Marc Shaw’s 30+ years in the design/build industry.

 

 

 

Pro356, LLC

Marc Shaw Owner/Craftsman

703/776-0924

LivePro356@gmail.com

LivePro356

Located in Oakton, VA

 

Entertainment Table

 

 

 

 

 

The Entertainment Room

Today I am proud to be sharing with you another project by the team of Pro356 LLC and Baylor Atelier Design Studio. This beautiful entertainment table was was designed by Vincent Baylor of Baylor Atelier and built by Marc Shaw of Pro356 for the entertainment room at a custom executive home in Arlington, VA.

This is the same home where the custom wine rack was installed in the dining room and the custom banquette installed in the golf simulator room. If you did not get the opportunity to view these amazing projects, pop back to my previous articles posted under Design/Build, Projects News. Take a look. The wine rack, the custom banquette and now this custom entertainment table are products of the team of Vincent Baylor and Marc Shaw. 

The Porcelain and Walnut Entertainment Table 

This unique custom porcelain table with the accent of a walnut end is designed by Vincent Baylor and built by Marc Shaw. 

The table is 10 ft. long X 40 in. wide X 3 ft. tall.

A solid, classy table for entertaining friends and family with puzzle making and board games and perhaps some good, old, animated poker games!

IT BEGAN AT BAYLOR ATELIER

Designer Vincent Baylor presented his concept of the custom table base to craftsman Marc Shaw. The rendering is of the actual base with the feature of the walnut end. This is the structure which will hold the porcelain features of the entertainment table. It takes a gifted designer such as Vincent to visualize this table and his commitment to the type and class of materials used. He is always confident Marc would know precisely the materials needed to build the table.

AT THE PRO356 WORKSHOP

Knowing how heavy the slabs of porcelain would be, Marc began with the first piece of plywood for the waterfall portion of the table which is largest width table leg. Many are familiar with the waterfall feature on the newer kitchen countertops, but applying that feature to a table gives it a dramatic, unique look requiring a great solid frame. 

The two slots are for the brace (beam) which will be covered by the porcelain.

The second piece of plywood attached enhances the support of the first of the waterfall end. The depth of the slot provides a good view of the much-needed thickness to carry the weight of the porcelain.

View of how the waterfall end wooden support beam was added to support the heavy porcelain top and end. The table top is constructed of three pieces of 3/4 inch plywood staggered in key spots to support the table length. This table is one that will not be frequently moved!

Close-up of beam support. The two parts of the table (top and legs) interlock for strength.

Table structure with the supporting beam and suspended end piece that will support the walnut piece, enriching the porcelain that will wrap the table. As you notice the leg (with the temporary clamps for adhesive drying) is not as wide as the waterfall end leg.

With the frame completed by Pro356, Marc delivered it to the Arlington residence. In order to transport the table Marc had to disassemble it into three pieces and reassemble the table on site at the house.

Some days later, when the custom pieces of porcelain, each being one inch thick, were completed, the company delivered them and installed the eight feet of porcelain on the table top and then wrapping the waterfall leg and other leg with the heavy porcelain. Marc then added the two feet of the walnut feature at the end, (as seen in following images) abutting the porcelain on the end of the table.

Due to the stone texture of the floor, Marc needed to add some shims which were trimmed so as not to be visible but made the table level. The extremely durable table frame was then ready for delivery of the porcelain pieces which were cut with a CNC (computer numerical control) router at Classic Granite and Marble of Jessup, Maryland.

Classic Granite & Marble

The drawings were submitted to and accepted by Classic Granite & Marble according to the renderings submitted by Vincent of Baylor Atelier. Renderings were then created on an app on the CNC stone router machine and the process of creating custom porcelain began.

Porcelain tiles are man-made, manufactured to a high specification. Compared to natural stone tiles, these tiles are consistent, extremely durable, and designed to imitate the natural stone. It helps achieve a natural stone look with the durability of porcelain….AND create a very heavy table!

Close view of porcelain wrapped around wooden frame leg. 

The closer view of porcelain top with walnut enhanced end. 

 

THE UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT TABLE

If You Can Dream It, We Can Make It Happen

Great, inspiring minds, Marc Shaw and Vincent Baylor. Between them  are many years of experience in construction, remodeling and interior design of homes throughout Virginia. 

Often when Vincent has the need for a unique, custom piece of furniture he turns to Marc to bring the project to fruition. Together these gentlemen create outstanding pieces. Talented, gifted gentlemen!

Marc Shaw, Craftsman/Owner of Pro356 LLC

703/776-0924

LivePro356@gmail.com

LivePro356

Located in Oakton, VA

Vincent Baylor, Interior Designer/Owner of Baylor Atelier 

Based in Washington, DC

Baylor Atelier

 hello@bayloratlier.com

 

The Coffered Ceiling

The following project is one which my son, Marc Shaw created as Owner/Craftsman of Pro356 LLC of Oakton, VA . The project is in a beautiful, expansive executive home located in McLean, VA.

Please read through the entire article as there are some rather interesting facts about coffered ceilings!

Pro356 LLC

Another fabulous custom project created by Pro356 LLC

THE COFFERED CEILING

This fabulous, eye-catching coffered ceiling was created for an executive style home in McLean, Virginia that was built by Joy Design & Build which is based in McLean, VA.

At the onset of construction the homeowner engaged the services of the interior designers Ceila Welch and Vincent Baylor of Ceila Welch Interiors (CWI) to create many custom areas of his home.

Marc Shaw was already onsite, since the foundation was dug, as the (then) Project Manager for Joy Design & Build. Ceila felt the ceiling would require an experienced, knowledgeable craftsman to work with the architectural shop drawings in creating and installing such an extensive, engineered structure. She consulted with Marc (now owner of Pro356) who assured her that he, personally, would build and install the coffered ceiling.

Extensive hours of creating each specific piece of the ceiling structure, when laid out prior to installation, resembled a huge jigsaw puzzle! Vincent Baylor of CWI often worked with Marc during construction of the coffered ceiling and many other areas in this beautiful, large executive style home.

As the results confirm, Marc Shaw does possess the talent of a custom craftsman with many years of building large custom executive homes. Talent he earned from many years of custom design of homes and custom furniture.

Marc Shaw, Craftsman/Owner of Pro356 LLC

703/776-0924

LivePro356@gmail.com

LivePro356

Located in Oakton, VA

 

Please visit Marc’s website for views of many more projects

Pro356 has created. 

  Custom Features & Furnishings/Home Services/Consulting/Cabinetry

Pro356 LLC

As you notice, this coffered ceiling is not painted white, but rather darker color with the stained beams adding a piece of architectural art to this beautiful room and enhancing the natural light. Finished with simple, but beautiful pendant lights.

When considering a coffered ceiling, you want your ceiling height to be 9 to 10 feet or higher. Otherwise, the ceiling could make your room feel smaller, as if the beams are too close to the top of your head!

If your ceilings are lower, there are many other architectural options to bring some eye-appealing character to your room. Simply ask Marc Shaw of Pro356.

Coffered ceilings are built of a series of rectangular, square, or octagonal grids in three-dimension, recessed panels. The word coffer actually means indentation. The decorative 3D grid is deeply set into the design.

Originally, coffered ceilings were created to reduce the volume and weight of stone ceilings in ancient Rome.

The coffered ceiling creates a sense of dimensionality in a space as well as absorb sounds, while helping to separate and divide areas and improve acoustics in your home theatre or music room. On the practical side they cover up structural elements often found in ceilings, such as pipes or beams that cannot be removed.

When you choose to finish your room with the striking coffered ceiling there are actually many styles to choose from, depending on the finish selections you make and how the choices compliment the rest of the home or office.

IN GRATITUDE

If you can dream it, we can make it happen! 

 THANK YOU!

A craftsman has many opportunities to work with talented professional interior designers. They are one of the keys in bringing the homeowner’s vision to reality. It is the craftsman’s job to build that vision working in concert with the designers concepts. Respecting one another’s specific talents is what brings the vision to fruition. Marc has been fortunate to work with many gifted interior designers throughout his career.

This beautiful executive home is one example of the level of respect and collaboration between the craftsman and the great interior design team, as well as the builder, architects and all the great tradesmen that work tirelessly to give the homeowners an amazing house to call home..

It is with gratitude that Pro356 wishes to thank Ceila Welch, owner of Ceilia Welch Interiors and Vincent Baylor now owner of his own design studio Interiors by Baylor Atelier. Please visit their websites to view their talents.

  Ceila Welch of Ceila Welch Interiors

Ceila Welch Interiors

Vincent Baylor of Interiors by Baylor Atelier

Baylor Atelier Studios

 

 

      

 

Take a Seat

 

 

 

 

The Golf Simulator Room

Today I am proud to be sharing with you another project by the team of Pro356 LLC and Baylor Atelier Design Studio. This beautiful banquette was was designed by Vincent Baylor of Baylor Atelier and built by Marc Shaw of Pro356 for the golf simulator room at a custom executive home in Arlington, VA.

This is the same home where the custom wine rack was installed in the dining room. If you did not get the opportunity to view the amazing wine rack, pop back to my previous article posted under Design/Build, Projects News. Take a look. Both the wine rack and this custom banquette were products of the team of Vincent Baylor and Marc Shaw. 

This handsome, custom banquette is built on a walnut base which supports the grey upholstered seating with the lighter grey upholstered top, finished off with an upholstered faux leather walnut colored backrest. Perfection!

Measuring nine feet long, four feet deep and three feet tall, the height is similar to that of a barstool. Those friends awaiting their turn at teeing off at the simulator have ample room to take a seat in cozy setting against the wall. 

Perhaps soon, we shall see a couple of tall cocktail tables to add to the banquette for some drinks and nosh. 

Banquettes are great for maximizing seating capacity. 

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Designer Vincent Baylor presented his concept of a custom seating to craftsman Marc Shaw. This rendering is the actual backrest and seat of the banquette that are to be upholstered which will rest upon the walnut base as shown.

With Vincent’s design in hand, Marc created the base, seating and backrest, then handed it off to the upholstering crew.

To quote Marc, “Vincent creates designs of custom and often unique projects for his clients and I figure out how to build them.” 

THE BASE

The beginnings of the very solid walnut base which supports the large banquette.

Each walnut strip is cut to fit the curved ends and sides of the base. 

Beginning of the top of the base which the actual seat will set upon.

Corner angles of the base.

Weighing nearly 200 pounds and with its’ many curves, it required three men to move the base and deliver it to the house where it awaited the delivery of the actual seat and backrest of the banquette from the upholstery company.

THE SEAT CONSTRUCTION

Framework of seat.

The seat was heavy also, but not quite as heavy as the base.  The upholsterer arrived at Marc’s shop with two of his crew to pick up the parts. They brought it to their shop and upholstered the seat and the backrest. 

THE BACKREST

 The eleven inch tall and nearly nine foot long backrest is made from three pieces 1/4 inch birch plywood, which is pliable, with the three pieces affixed together with glue then clamped to dry for two days.

The backrest ready for the upholstery company to pick it up for the next step of covering it with walnut colored faux leather.


THE FINISHED PRODUCT

If You Can Dream It, We Can Make It Happen

When completed, the upholstery company delivered the parts to the job site. The following day Marc installed them in the entertainment room.

A perfect size banquette with room for the guests who patiently await their turn at the golf simulator.

Great, inspiring minds, Marc Shaw and Vincent Baylor. Between them  are many years of experience in construction, remodeling and interior design of homes throughout Virginia. 

Often when Vincent has the need for a unique, custom piece of furniture he turns to Marc to bring the project to fruition. Together these gentlemen create outstanding pieces. Talented, gifted gentlemen!

Marc Shaw, Craftsman/Owner of Pro356 LLC

703/776-0924

LivePro356@gmail.com

LivePro356

Located in Oakton, VA

Vincent Baylor, Interior Designer/Owner of Baylor Atelier 

Based in Washington, DC

Baylor Atelier

 hello@bayloratlier.com

 

Wall of Wine Rack

For all the Wine Lovers

The Distinctive Wine Rack

Today I am presenting another custom project by the team of Pro356 LLC and Baylor Atelier Design Studios. This beautiful wine wall display was recently installed for an executive home in Arlington, VA.  

I personally refer to it as the Great-Wall-of-Wine .

Located in the dining room on the main floor, to the right of the foyer,  it is easily in view of those who enter the home.

 

Designed by Baylor Atelier, this wine rack will hold the vast display of the homeowner’s wine selections.

 

Construction of Wine Rack

 

The Wine Wall Panels

The following images are from step one, during the fabrication of this unique wine wall in the Pro356 workshop, to installation in the home.

At the Pro356 workshop, each panel was constructed of three-quarter inch plywood.

A sheet of 16 gauge cold-rolled steel is glued to the plywood.

A metallic paint was applied to each panel.

The Wine Wall Pegs

 

All 216 holes, three panels, 72 holes each panel, with a total of 216 holes, were drilled by Marc Shaw with a power drill in the Pro356 workshop!

The wine pegs for the three panels were purchased from Richelieu Hardware online, one of the many wine peg distributors that are available.

The Finishing Touch

For the finishing touch, the panels were edged with walnut wood which was then beveled slightly on the edge to give it the appearance of a floating panel.

This wine rack is one of many projects which Pro356 LLC and by Baylor Atelier Studios are collaborating on for the executive home in  Arlington, VA.

 

The Artists’ Work

 

Great, inspiring minds, Marc Shaw and Vincent Baylor, with many years of experience in construction, remodeling and interior design of homes throughout Virginia, together these gentlemen create outstanding custom pieces whenever they have the opportunity to be on same job site.

 

 

Marc Shaw, Craftsman/Owner of Pro356 LLC

703/776-0924

LivePro356@gmail.com

LivePro356

Located in Oakton, VA

Vincent Baylor, Interior Designer/Owner of Baylor Atelier Design Studios

Based in Washington, DC

Baylor Atelier Studios

 hello@bayloratlier.com

If You Can Dream It

If You Can Dream It, We Can Make It Happen

Designer Furniture 

At PRO356, our vision is to create the special, custom piece that is functional as well as a piece of art.

 

We  achieve this by having our clients tell us their concept of how this will be utilized and what materials they prefer to have in their home or office. We are committed to delivering quality service to our clients. 

Custom Cabinetry 

Our Pro356 team is comprised of highly skilled craftsmen and consultants with extensive experience in various industries.

Custom cabinetry for your specific needs, be it a home library or home  office. Or, your office at your place of business. Each, a place where you would pride yourself in entertaining your guests and business associates.

 

Accent Wall

 Our approach at Pro356 is highly customizable to meet the unique needs of each client.

An accent wall in your master suite or a welcoming guest room enhances any style home. Accent walls upgrade the look of any room, including a dining room, large kitchen, or any room you wish to magnify your personal style. The choices are unlimited.

Connect with Pro356 at link below!

Pro356

 

Contractors Sell Sheet

Small Construction Businesses

I am a Freelance Content Writer and Web Content Consultant who has worked in the design/build industry. I am familiar with many of the challenges you face.

I would like the opportunity to help you spread the word about your business by creating a one page introduction for you to use with digital and conventional mailings. It will be similar to this first page of my introduction to you. A brief paragraph of the services you offer and all your contact information along with key pictures of some of your favorite projects.

If you’re a small construction company with two or three great people working on your crew, how to market your craft may be the furthest thing from your mind!

You’re busy running to the lumber yard, estimating jobs, rushing off to the site, meeting that new client, and closing everything up at day’s end. Maybe once in a while you thought about marketing, but told yourself, “I swing a hammer! I can frame up a house, shingle a roof, install windows & doors, build a garage, an addition and a great deck, but what do I know about marketing?”

 I know about marketing!

“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”  St. Francis of Assissi

As much as you enjoy building, I enjoy helping small businesses get a leg up in the industry! Many of the most gifted craftsmen are in a small business atmosphere. They love it! But, now and then, have dry periods thinking “no one is building ANYTHING!” We both know that’s not true!

There’s always someone who needs a reliable, reputable small businessman. A proud owner who will show up when he says he will be there, without the client having to leave messages with four different gatekeepers before reaching the builder! YOU need to let people know YOU are out there!

 

I can present your contractor business in a simple format that anyone, with two minutes free, can read!

“When a work lifts your spirits and inspires bold and noble thoughts in you, do not look for any other standard to judge by: the work is good, the product of a master craftsman.” Jean de la Bruyer

 It could be you already have a website that you or someone created for you but you find you don’t have half an hour each night to update it. If you are not pushing your information out there, your next potential client will find someone who is easy to locate. That’s why I always believe in a printed mailer someone can literally hold in their hand. Whereas, using the internet people often forget on which site they found the information. You know it’s true as it probably happens to you at times.

 I remind all my clients to try to keep in mind there still IS an entire generation out there who do NOT depend on their mobile phone or laptop to find a skilled, reputable service provider. What alternative is left? There is no longer a phone book to look at.

 Addressing an envelope and putting in your printed, professional introduction piece would take all of 4 minutes! Do it while you’re watching the Celtics game!

You can obviously use a PDF formatted introduction digitally by dropping it in your social network groups and attach it to a personal email if your prefer. And, you will be able to print it to use as a postal mailer.  YES, mailers do still work!

Get The New Clients

I’d like to create a great intro piece for you that will always be in your hands. Keep them in your truck and hand them out to people you see or give one to your current client asking them to share it with a friend. Give some to your spouse to have in their automobile. They can hand them to friends and associates as they go about their day.

CONTACT ME: bfe1948@yahoo.com    508/209-3561

And to put your mind at ease, yes, you can use it digitally by dropping your PDF document in your social network sites and emails.  And, you will be able to print it to use as a postal mailer. If you don’t have a high quality printer at home you can save the PDF to a thumb drive and take it to a local Staples or they can also print it from you own email. They will print you high-quality copies. (I’ve done that numerous times) A very versatile tool for your company. 

Let me repeat: mailers DO STILL WORK!

A TIP I WAS GIVEN YEARS AGO: When sending something in the mail that you want to be sure the recipient opens, ALWAYS hand write their name and address. AND, be sure to put your return address up in the left corner. Digitally printed labels are very often a dead giveaway that an advertisement or invoice is inside the envelope!

If you still use business cards always put TWO in with the mailer. I know many of you do everything via your cell phone and did away with your business cards. NOT a good idea.

I actually wrote an article about business cards you can find on my website under ARTICLES.     

An essential tool every businessperson should still use: the small business card you can throw in your pocket!

NOTE: A week after you send out your mailer you can call the potential client to ask them if they received it and if they have any questions that you can answer. People do still want that personal connection from someone they plan to do business with.

If you find the mailer works for you and you want to share your latest projects in the same format, you can just call me and send along pictures and description of the awesome bathroom or kitchen you just finished remodeling or the new deck you added to the homeowners house they just purchased!

Together we can create another informative PDF for your small business. Call me for an estimate: 508/209-3561 of updating your sell sheet every month.

Keep in mind you will have this in a tech form that you can download to your clients and you can print copies to send in the actual postal service or to keep handy in your truck to give to potential clients you meet picking up your coffee every morning.