Remodeling Show Regular :: an Interview with Chris Wright of WrightWorks
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One mainstay staple at the Remodeling Show (at least for me) has been Christopher Wright of Indianapolis-based Wrightworks. He is also a multiple award-winning, “designer-friendly” remodeler. A friend.
I initially met Chris through the circles of Remodel Crazy (a construction forum for pros and homeowners). His participation as a moderator for RC was one of the things we discussed briefly at last year’s show. And it’s funny . . . I happened to catch up with him this year in just about the same exact spot as last . . . at the NARI National booth. (That’s the National Association of the Remodeling Industry … and if you were wondering, the recommended pronunciation sounds like “hairy.” – I think.) He is president of the Indianapolis chapter.
Listen in (Here, Chris talks about the benefits of association as well as the power of networking. Note: This was our first experience with recording in a hall setting but still an outstanding interview):
I was fortunate enough (though it was early Thursday) to catch Chris’ presentation . . . “A Design/Build Twist: How to Find and Cultivate Relationships with Outside Design Firms” and imho — he crushed it.
A natural speaker Chris opened by talking about his sincere and humble passion for building things. But drawing on personal history both with FedEx and on his martial arts background, he talked of the common perceptions both sides face . . . how designers see contractors and how contractors see designers. But he says, and targeted to those of us sitting in the audience, “You must empty the cup.”
He talked of contractor/designer relationship as a long term relationship and ripe with opportunity. He talked of respecting each others efforts and leveraging reputation to create situations where all involved succeed. Like any relationship – you must, as he said, nurture it.
On the final day, and a just moments before we headed out, Barry & I caught up with Chris in the slightly quieter confines of “command central” — the press room space.
Listen in (Here, Chris shares his thoughts on the Show and talks about the value of meeting people … you know — in person):
Interview with Chris Wright
Please check Chris’ site at http://www.wrightworks.net << probably one of the more fluently designed small biz sites I’ve seen. He can be found on Twitter @ChrWright & on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/WrightWorks.
Thanks out to Barry for his audio efforts and to Chris for taking the time. I’m out on Chris’ million dollar secret . . . for remodeling (business) success. Shot from my belt buckle cam, enjoy. ~jb
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Wait, martial arts you say? So a guy who’s into fitness? I like him already. I think you should ask him to do kicks while talking for his next presentation. Chris, you sound like a cool guy. And you’re a friend of JB’s so that’s a bonus point. Now, hurry up and write a post for this site!
as sure as the sun rises . . . I write about someone I know and you comment… it’s like the match.com of blogging sites… or something. Thanks A!
Nice job JB, Chris has always been a positive force in the construction industry!
hey there — it’s the one and only Blogging Painter @ http://www.bloggingpainters.com … couldn’t agree more Chris. and he is always so willing to share what he has weened; makes an interviewer’s job easy *wink* if you know what I mean. Thank you for popping in and would love to see more of you *cough — guest post?*. cheers. ~jb
Thanks JB! Well umm, I don’t know if I have anything to say! 350 words by Friday ok? lol! For sure, let’s talk!
ha! no rush. been meaning to ask & I’ll hit you up. be in touch soon.
Great article written about a great person!!
I’ve had the privelege of learning a tremendous amount from Chris Wright both through his contributions to RemodelCrazy.com and personally through phone conversations we’ve had.
He truly is a genuine person who is willing to share all he has learned through the school of hard knocks.
I’d encourage anyone looking to better their remodeling company to follow Chris and his advice, whether it be through associations like NARI or joining RemodelCrazy.com
Thanks Darren 1. for popping in & 2. resounding that advice. I always knew that Chris had it pretty together, but seeing him present — he was a natural. Very sincere and it came thru. Plus he is a talker and just has a great story.
On a very minor side note — yours was officially the 2500th comment on our blog. Your prize is in the mail (not really), but I am really proud of that. And another thanks and great to hear from you. Cheers. ~jb
Great highlight on a well spoken and thoughtful remodeling pro. Getting to know Chris at the Show was a highlight for me as well. I have also grown to appreciate the significance of networking as Chris spoke about. Although fairly new as a networker among my peers, the doors of opportunity which have opened already have been unexpected and valuable.
Kudos to Barry for all the great audio interviews!
Well said Paul. I know for a fact my journey wouldn’t have been the same without you (& your bro) Networking! … Thanks for popping in and thanks for echoing our thoughts. ~jb