The Successful Contractor

The Electric Doctor Gets Off of Life Support

It took Jeff Lanum a few rounds of hard knocks before he recognized that better training for his employees would be the difference between a failing electrical company and one that succeeds.

Safety Inspections Lead the Way to Profits

Lon Lockwood Electric is now on the right road to becoming a successful, long-term business, and one that allows Lon Lockwood the ultimate gift in life: having the ability to spend more time with his family and friends. And, having his name on the front of the building in Webster, N.Y., means something too. (Left) Lockwood holds a crocodile during a swamp tour on a recent vacation in New Orleans. Lockwood said ESI has paved the way for him to enjoy more time with his family and take more vacations.

by Tom Watts

What does a Mogul Aerialist Know About Electricity?

Murdy is a Level 3 professional ski instructor and a U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) mogul and aerialist coach, but his day job is as the president of Murdy Electric Co. Inc., in Oceanside, N.Y., where his company performs 80 percent residential and 20 percent commercial work.

by Tom Watts

Getting Out of the Truck, Training Boosts Business

Brett Hadley has come a long way in a short time. Beginning his business with two trucks and himself answering the phone, Hadley, 35, is now president of Master Electrical Service in Ogden, Utah, and employs an office manager and five electricians in the field, as well as a part-time payroll person.

by Tom Watts

Advice To Potential Franchisees

Before Paul Gavic signed on to The Benjamin Franklin Plumbing system, his company in Minneapolis had no identity. “I had been running around with unmarked white trucks because I could never find a logo or an identity I really liked,” he explained. “I didn’t want to put something like ‘Joe’s Plumbing’ on the side of the truck in big black letters. It had to be cool looking, it had to be something that would catch somebody’s eye. And that’s what I found at Ben Franklin — an identity.”

Hiring the Right Employee

Brian Leech believes that hiring is the most important part of running a successful business. Service Legends of Des Moines, Iowa receives about 100 applicants each month. For every 113 candidates that apply, the company hires one.

Taking Care of Customers

Asked what makes his company successful, Steve Andersen of Centennial Roofing points to the basics: customer service and quality workmanship. “It’s the whole package — the warranties, the customer experience,” he said. “It’s how we answer the phone, follow up, production — putting the roof on. We make it a pleasant experience from beginning to end.”