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JANUARY 2011 
In This Issue
CGR of the Year
Green Tip
Our Clients Say it Best
New Year's Resolutions
International Builders Show
2011 Accomplishments

   

Photo of the Month

 

Farmhouse Sink IBC  

We Help Improve Lives One Remodel at a Time

 More Photos

CGR of the Year
CGR Logo
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) named Joseph Irons "2010 Certified Graduate Remodeler of the Year". This national award was presented to Joseph during a formal awards reception at the International Builders Show in Orlando on January 11, 2011.

Among a group of his peers this award was given out at a reception during this year's International Builders Show. 

 

A Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) is a professional remodeler who performs quality work and has demonstrated their commitment to excellence and professionalism through industry training and education.

 

To earn a CGR designation a remodeler must meet nationally defined criteria for experience and adhere to prescribed business standards and engage in continuing education. If a remodeler has earned their CGR you can be confident that their work will be professional-caliber work. 


For more information about the Certified Graduate Remodeler designation visit

nahb.com

 

Look for more information next month on Joseph's award.

 

Green Tip

4 Ways to Go Green  

 

1) Buy recycled toilet paper - it helps save water, trees, oil, and landfill space, plus prevents pollution.

 

2) Fill your reusable water bottle - 8 out of 10 bottles end up in landfills annually, so take a sec to fill up.

 

3) Hit the sleep mode - your computer uses 90% less energy while in sleep mode, then while running. Save some energy and $ on your bill.

 

4) Cancel your catalogs - the average person uses 700 pounds of paper products a year. Save some trees. 

 

For more ideas visit the

Natural Resources Defense Council

Our Clients Say it Best

Just last week when Joseph was fueling our company's BioDiesel vehicle at the gas station he had a wonderful reminder of just how important a client's word of mouth referral is.  

 

As he was fueling the truck, a lady across the way pumping gas made eye contact with him and he gave a friendly smile. She kindly smiled back. As she was walking into the gas station she paused as if to say hello, but went right inside. On her way back to the car, she stopped and said,"hello. You're Joseph Irons aren't you?" He responded, "Why yes I am, it's nice to meet you." She then said, "We've never met, but I have heard so much about you, your company, and the good work you provide and how involved you are in the community."

 

Joseph said,

"Why thank you. How did you hear about us?"

 

The women replied,

"I ride the bus with one of your client's, Ms. Nelson, who raves about your company and the work you did on her home. We have become friends riding the same bus route to work. I'm so glad to know there are professional remodelers in my neighborhood."

  

This day Joseph received an important reminder and of course an amazing feeling too! Remember that wherever you may be, you are representing yourself and your business, even if it is at the gas station. You must be a professional at all times and be ready for the unexpected. Secondly, your client's are your best referral source. If you please them and complete quality and professional work, they will rave about you and your services to all their friends, and in this case even their acquaintances too!

 

See the links for more information on the services we provide and to see our testimonials

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Happy New Year
Winter Cottage
What was your New Year's Resolution?
Some of us participate in the resolution tradition, others think about resolutions, but may never act on them or put them into place. Did you vow to kick a habit or make a self improvement this year in an effort to make 2011 better than last year?
Here are some little known facts we found interesting about new year's day and resolutions.
With most countries on Earth using the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Day is often known as a the only global holiday. At the strike of midnight kisses are exchanged and champagne flutes cling as we toast in the new year and new beginning.
The tradition of New Years Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C.  Janus, a mythical king of early Rome is who the Romans named the first month of the year, January after. Janus had 2 faces, allowing him to look back on past events and forward to the future. He also was the ancient symbol for resolutions. Romans resolutions often included forgiveness from their enemies, paying off debts, and returning borrowed goods.

In the 21st century the resolutions have morphed into more creative ways to bring in the new you and new year.

The most common resolutions for 2011 are:

  • Lose Weight
  • Be Happy
  • Save Money
  • Fall in Love
  • Get a Job
  • Exercise More

    Exercise on Beach

  • Eat Healthier
  • Read More
  • Donate and Give More
  • Quit Smoking
  • Try Something New
  • Talk to distant relatives more often
  • Not talk on the cell phone while driving
  • Take more pictures
  • Run a marathon

Did you make a resolution this year?

Are you sticking with it?

 

One of out of three people have made resolutions this year.

 

A study by the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that 75% of people stick to their goals for a week, while only 46% are still on track six months later.

 

Men achieve their goals more often if they set small measurable ones and women achieve their resolutions 10% more often if they go public or have a friend help them out. 

Winter Town

We wish you a prosperous 2011!

  A Memorable International Builders' Show 

Last week Joseph attended the International Builders Show in Orlando, FL. This year more than 47,000 building industry professionals attended the show. He said it was a fantastic show! There were 1,137 exhibiting companies and 224 education sessions offered.

 

Joseph learned a lot and got the inside scoop on all of the latest new products and design trends. He noticed that the show was definitely smaller than in previous years, but still had a lot to offer remodelers and builders.

 

What did Joseph find most memorable at this year's IBS?

The U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon 

 

On display were 20 scale home models as part of IBS's Green Day, January 14th. The Solar Decathlon is an annual event that challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar powered houses. These are to be cost-effective, energy efficient, and attractive. Models of these homes were on display at the Show. The winner of the competition will be the team that blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

 

The goal of this program is to model the best in affordable energy-efficiency to the public. Past competitions have been held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in the Fall.

Joseph was overwhelmed by this phenomenal program and glad to have the opportunity to see these amazing model houses.

 

To learn more about the Solar Decathlon visit solardecathlon.gov
To learn more about NAHB's international Builder's Show visit buildershow.com
Irons Brothers Construction's
2011 Accomplishments

As another year passes by for the company, we look back on our accomplishments not only to celebrate the achievements, but to remind us of what we did for our clients, employees, and the community.

 2010 Irons Brothers Construction Rampathon Team

  • Became 5 Star Certified Envirostars Business
  • Attended Shoreline's Solar Fest
  • Joseph Irons was awarded 2010 BIAW Remodeler of the Year
  • Company was awarded the BIAW REX Award for details and finishes category
  • Hired our first female production craftsperson
  • Created and published Rampathon 2010 Video on YouTube and Facebook
  • Participated as a company team in MBCF's Painting a Better Tomorrow IBC Paints a Better Tomorrow
  • Became an EPA Lead Certified Renovation Firm
  • Taught our first consumer education classes on "How to Hire a Professional" and "Universal Design for All Ages"
  • Participated in the City of Shoreline's Earth Day Event
  • Remodeled a Home in Shoreline located on a certified wildlife habitat
  • 6 Staff achieved their EPA Lead Renovator certifications
  • Joseph Irons named 2010 GSBA Business Leader of the Year
  • Corporate Sponsor of the GSBA at the Bronze Level
  • Sponsor of GSBA's March Luncheon
  • Participated in our first Lake City Pioneer Days parade
  • Melissa Irons attended NAWIC Magic Camp for girls as a spokesperson and mentor
  • Joseph Irons taught his first NAHB CAPS I & II courses
  • Began monthly e-newsletter - limited to one email per month
  • Featured in article "On-Site All Right", Remodeling Magazine, May 2010
  •  Featured in article "Big Small Kitchens", Kitchen & Bath Design News, April 2010
  • Featured in article "Star Companies", Remodeling Magazine, January 2010
  •  Proud owners of our first hybrid vehicle
  • Created a system approach for on-site management of pre-1978 homes that fall under the Lead RRP Rule
  • Part of the judging committee for the MBA Pierce County REX awards
  • Joseph Irons elected to NAHBR CAPS Board of Governors
  • Joseph Irons elected to NAHBR Legislative and Regulatory Affairs committee
  • Maintained BBB A+ accreditation rating
  • Another year walking as a team in Seattle's AidsWalk

 IBC Aidswalk Team

To learn more about Irons Brothers Construction, click here 

Thank you for your continued business and support in 2010 and as we move forward into 2011.

 
Thank you for all your continued business, referrals, and support in 2010. As we move forward into 2011 I am looking forward to learning more about you and how we can help you achieve your remodeling dreams! We will continue to provide you with our monthly newsletter to keep you current on our company and healthy home tips.

Joseph Irons headshot

Looking forward to a great 2011,
 
Joseph Irons, CGR GMB CAPS CGP
President

Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.

2009 MBA & 2010 BIAW Remodeler of the Year