In our world of home improvement and remodeling, staying ahead requires more than just mastering the trade. Contractors and remodelers who aim for long-term success recognize the value of ongoing education, coaching, and networking. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by attending industry conferences and becoming part of a professional network. These experiences are not just beneficial—they are transformative, giving contractors the tools and support needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Why Industry Conferences Matter
Industry conferences serve as a concentrated dose of knowledge, innovation, and inspiration. These events bring together contractors, remodelers, and industry experts to exchange ideas, learn new strategies, and explore emerging trends. But what makes them so impactful?
1. Exposure to Cutting-Edge Strategies
The home improvement industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, tools, and customer expectations shaping how business is done. Conferences provide attendees with access to industry leaders who share insights into what’s working now. These experts discuss proven systems, sales techniques, marketing strategies, and operational improvements that can immediately impact a contractor’s bottom line.
As an example, at CCN conferences, home improvement contractors and remodelers hear from industry experts who are at the forefront of cutting-edge strategies, technologies and best practices in various areas within home improvement and remodeling companies. Continuous improvement is a must in today’s competitive environment and this type of lifelong learning will separate you from your competition.
2. Opportunities for Professional Growth
Contractors often find themselves caught up in the daily grind, leaving little time to focus on personal and professional development. Conferences serve as a designated space to step away, decompress, and invest in self-improvement. From workshops to keynote presentations to department specific breakout sessions, every session is an opportunity to learn something new and grow as a leader.
Find an organization that offers you a setting and opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur and business owner. Industry conferences provide home improvement contractors and remodelers with invaluable opportunities for professional growth. The real key, however, is finding an organization that not only offers expert insights from the stage but also fosters meaningful exchanges of ideas with non-competing, “best in class” contractors. At CCN, we take pride in delivering both at each of our three annual conferences, ensuring our members gain knowledge, collaboration, and inspiration to elevate their businesses.
3. Inspiration and Fresh Perspective
Running a contracting or remodeling business can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when facing challenges like high competition, fluctuating markets, insufficient inbound leads, or economic pressures. Top-notch conferences have a unique way of re-energizing attendees. Hearing success stories, discovering innovative solutions, and connecting with like-minded professionals can reignite a passion for the industry and inspire new ideas.
The Power of Networking
One of the most valuable aspects of attending conferences is the opportunity to connect with other contractors and remodelers. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s about building relationships that can positively impact your business.
1. Learning from the Best
When you surround yourself with successful contractors and remodelers, you gain access to their wealth of knowledge and experience. Networking with top performers allows you to learn their best practices, avoid their mistakes, and gain valuable insights that might take years to discover on your own.
2. Collaboration Opportunities
Joining a strong network opens the door to collaborative opportunities. As an example, in addition to 3 conferences per year, throughout the year at CCN home improvement contractors and remodelers participate in Owners Mastermind Groups and Departmental Roundtable Sessions. Contractors in different markets often share ideas and strategies that have worked for them, creating a collective environment where everyone benefits.
3. Accountability and Support
Being part of a network means you’re never alone in facing challenges. Whether you’re looking for advice on streamlining operations, managing customer expectations, or scaling your business, the support of a trusted network can make all the difference. It is fantastic to be part of a group of likeminded and forward-thinking contractors who learn and benefit from each other’s experiences, forging meaningful friendships along the way.
Real-World Examples of Conference and Networking Benefits
Many contractors who attend conferences for the first time leave feeling transformed. They gain insights that help them run more efficient businesses and connect with peers who understand their challenges. Here are some examples of what contractors have achieved by attending industry conferences and engaging with a professional network:
• Adopting Proven Systems: One contractor who regularly attended conferences learned how to implement a systemized approach to sales management. By applying the techniques shared by industry leaders, they significantly increased their close rates and streamlined their sales process.
• Overcoming Common Pain Points: Another contractor shared how connecting with peers at a conference helped them solve a production issue they had been struggling with for years. The shared knowledge and practical advice from others in the industry gave them the tools they needed to overcome the challenge.
• Revolutionizing Business Practices: A remodeling company owner discovered at a conference how to leverage data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve operational efficiency. By adopting these practices, they were able to scale their business and dramatically improve profitability.
These are not isolated stories—they are common experiences for contractors in the CCN network. Find a powerful network and engage. The ROI can be phenomenal.
Why Outside Training and Coaching Are Essential
No matter how experienced or skilled a contractor is, there’s always room to grow. One of the most significant advantages of attending conferences and joining a network is the access to outside training and coaching.
1. Gaining a Fresh Perspective
It’s easy to get stuck in the same routines or methods of doing business. Outside training provides a fresh perspective, offering innovative approaches to common challenges. Coaches and trainers can identify blind spots, offer actionable solutions, and help contractors see their businesses in a new light. At CCN, in addition to coaching and networking, we offer comprehensive courses for every department in your company, helping you and your team put proven systems and processes in place to scale your business and increase net profit margins.
2. Accountability for Growth
Having a trainer, coach, and network of like-minded contractors can provide the accountability needed to follow through on positive change. Whether it’s implementing a new process, launching a marketing initiative, or tackling financial reviews, accountability partners ensure that contractors stay on track toward their goals.
3. Accelerated Learning
Learning from others who have already achieved success can significantly shorten the learning curve. Instead of reinventing the wheel, contractors can adopt proven systems and processes that have been tested and refined by others. For example, at CCN, our trainers and coaches are all people who have already achieved great success and are passionate elevating other contractors in our industry.
4. Building Generational Wealth
Contractors who engage in continuous learning and professional development often find themselves not just growing their businesses but also building a legacy. With the right systems and strategies in place, they can create a business that generates generational wealth and provides financial stability for years to come. At CCN, we always stress to our members that as an owner, your goal should not be to give yourself a well-paying job, but to build generational wealth. This is because as an entrepreneur and business owner, you are taking on great risk and responsibility that should be rewarded appropriately.
The Takeaway
In an industry as competitive and challenging as home improvement and remodeling, contractors cannot afford to go it alone. Attending industry conferences and joining a professional network can provide the knowledge, support, and connections needed to take their businesses to the next level.
By investing in training, coaching, and networking opportunities, contractors gain more than just tools for success—they gain a community that inspires, supports, and uplifts them. Whether it’s learning from industry experts, connecting with peers, or adopting proven systems, these experiences create the foundation for long-term success.
If you’re a contractor looking to grow your business, improve your processes, and build a better future, there’s no better time to explore the power of conferences and networks. They may just be the key to unlocking your full potential.
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Gary A. Cohen is Executive Vice President of Certified Contractors Network (CCN) and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company. CCN is the leading comprehensive training, coaching, and networking membership organization in North America. Gary is also a 30-year veteran of the home improvement industry, spent 11 years at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland as a professor of business and served 4 years as associate dean of the business school. Gary has been a certified leadership coach for the past 18 years. Gary’s email address is: gary@contractors.net.
