In the fast-paced, competitive world of home improvement and remodeling, contractors often feel they must navigate their challenges alone. But the truth is, the most successful contractors and remodelers know they don’t have to reinvent the wheel. They leverage the power of networking and benchmarking with non-competing peers across the country.
This approach not only helps them stay ahead of industry trends but also provides invaluable insights into proven strategies for growth, efficiency, and profitability. Recognizing this critical need, Certified Contractors Network (CCN) has been at the forefront of fostering these connections for years, creating opportunities for contractors to collaborate and thrive. If you are an owner reading this article, make it a priority to find regular networking and benchmarking opportunities for you and your team. It will make everyone on your team better.
The Case for Networking and Benchmarking
- Broader Perspective, Better Solutions
Every contractor faces challenges—whether it’s finding skilled labor, generating more leads, managing cash flow, or improving customer satisfaction. Networking with non-competing contractors across the country exposes you to diverse strategies and solutions that have been tested in different markets. These interactions spark new ideas and approaches you might never consider on your own.
For example, a contractor in California might share their method for reducing job site inefficiencies, which could be applied by a contractor in Florida to similar effect. The beauty of networking with non-competing peers is that you can exchange ideas freely, without worrying about protecting trade secrets. - The Benefits of a Quasi Board of Advisors
Imagine having access to a group of experienced professionals who understand the nuances of your industry and can provide honest feedback and advice. By networking regularly with peers, you essentially create a “quasi board of advisors”—a group of trusted individuals who can help you analyze problems, set goals, and hold you accountable for achieving them. We have had great success facilitating these groups for CCN members.
This setup is invaluable for business owners who often lack a sounding board for critical decisions. Whether it’s evaluating a new marketing strategy or planning for a major equipment purchase, having a group of peers to consult ensures you’re making informed choices. - Benchmarking: Measuring Success Against the Best
Benchmarking is the practice of comparing your business performance metrics against those of other successful companies. This goes beyond financial metrics; it includes systems and processes in every area of your company, customer experience, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Networking with contractors in different regions allows you to access valuable benchmarking data. Are your marketing costs in line with industry standards? How does your gross profit margin stack up? What’s the average project completion time for top-performing contractors? With these insights, you can identify gaps in your business and focus on improving the areas that will have the greatest impact.
Our leadership team at CCN has long recognized the importance of collaboration, sharing and benchmarking for home improvement contractors and remodelers. To address this need, CCN provides comprehensive programming designed to foster connections, share best practices, and elevate the industry as a whole. It is important for you to find non-competing and like-minded contractors to help you raise the bar on your performance. As an example, here some of the programs CCN offers to our members to ensure that they will only learn from our training, but also from each other.
- Conferences That Inspire and Educate
CCN hosts three conferences annually, bringing contractors together from across the U.S. for in-depth learning and networking. We learned quickly that these three annual conferences are more than just opportunities to listen to speakers—they’re also a platform to build relationships with peers from across the country. Contractors exchange ideas, share their successes and failures, and leave with actionable takeaways to implement in their businesses.
Whether it’s learning cutting-edge marketing techniques or improving operational efficiency, these conferences are a cornerstone of CCN’s mission to empower contractors. - Owners Mastermind Virtual Meetings
For business owners, the journey can be isolating. That’s why CCN offers twice-monthly Owners Mastermind virtual meetings, creating a consistent opportunity to connect with a small group of other business owners and leaders in the industry. These small group sessions are designed for problem-solving, sharing insights, and offering mutual support. Participants act as each other’s advisors, helping tackle real-time challenges and driving each other toward success. - Specialized Virtual Roundtable Sessions
CCN recognizes that success in contracting is a team effort, and not just about owners. That’s why we regularly host virtual roundtable sessions for every major role within a company: sales reps, sales managers, production managers, marketing managers, owners, financial managers, and business operations managers.
These sessions provide a safe space for professionals on your team to discuss their unique challenges, exchange ideas, and learn best practices from their peers. For example, a production manager might learn about a new scheduling software that improves efficiency, a sales rep could pick up strategies for closing more deals, and a marketing manager can learn strategies for generating more leads.
By fostering collaboration across all roles, you will go a long way in ensuring that your business is optimized for success.
The ROI of Networking and Benchmarking
Investing in networking and benchmarking opportunities pays off in measurable ways. Contractors who regularly engage with their peers often see improvements in key metrics like revenue, gross margins, and employee retention. Just as importantly, they gain the confidence and clarity needed to make strategic decisions that propel their businesses forward.
Here are a few ways contractors benefit directly:
- Improved Processes: Access to proven systems and strategies eliminates costly trial and error.
- Stronger Teams: Insights from peers can lead to better hiring, training, and team management practices.
- Increased Profitability: Learning from other successful contractors helps identify areas where profitability can be increased.
Conclusion: Don’t Go It Alone
Running a home improvement or remodeling business is no small feat, but you don’t have to do it alone. By networking with non-competing contractors and benchmarking your performance, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, support, and inspiration.
Certified Contractors Network (CCN) has been a leader in fostering these connections, providing contractors with the tools, programming, and community they need to succeed. From conferences and virtual mastermind sessions to specialized roundtables for every role in your business, CCN offers a comprehensive ecosystem for growth through sharing.
As you prepare for 2025, make regular and active networking and benchmarking a priority for your business. It will make a significant positive impact on your business.
Gary A. Cohen is 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.
