By Irene Jones
By Irene Jones
Teamwork may seem like a given in the construction world, but Don Barber, owner of Classic Installation Company, has given teamwork a new emphasis. As a remodeling contractor, Don focuses on customer satisfaction and feels the best way to achieve that goal is to impact the client's time as little as possible when doing remodeling jobs. Don takes the entire Classic installation team to most remodeling projects and completes in two or three days what normally would take one or two men two or three weeks to finish.
"We have 300 to 400 customers a year and we always make the extra effort to super-satisfy people. Last year I felt we could do better on our jobs if we changed the time spent on every job. Construction often has a bad image because of the impact it makes on people's lives. So before we go in on a job we have everything planned out and try to complete the job in just a few days." explains. Don.
For example, on a recent job, 12 workers came in on a Monday and by Tuesday night they had moved doorways, changed cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom installed new countertops, and replaced the shower enclosure. "When we went in, the doors were made, the glass was cut, the cabinets were finished. We were organized and it made a difference." Don also feels there is confidence in numbers and not only is the construction crew more confident because the manager that sold the job is there to clarify questions, but the client is confident that the project will be done right.
"Communication is crucial, especially on a remodeling job," says Don. "Having our entire team there assures our customers that they are important and that the job will be just as planned ." He adds that there is still room for creativity as the jobs progress and if changes are needed they are able to work out the problems on the spot.
Based in Lompoc, Classic Installation Company has the advantage of its own on-site shops for millwork, doors, windows, cabinets and countertops. The company employees between 10 and 15 people, each with 10 to 15 years experience in construction. Don refers to the firm as a full-service remodeling company, able to handle any size job. "Our shops give us versatility and separates us from the competition. It gives us more control over our jobs, when they will be finished, and in customizing customers' needs. It helps us to keep our scheduling promises because we are able to make it ourselves. We don't have to order and wait for it to come." This ads to the team effort Don wants to project.
"Because we emphasize teamwork, each one of us does whatever it takes to get the job done," Don stresses. "If I have to take up a broom and help clean up, I'll do it, right along with the rest of them. Keep the customer satisfied -- that's my job. There is no 'lesser' job. All are important in accomplishing what we started to do."
Remodeling often requires people to block out months of their life and it puts a stress and strain on lifestyles and emotions. Don wants "to put people back into their life" in the shortest time possible. He also wants to leave each job with the client feeling positive and impressed with the work done. "We have high standards. Our intent is to show that we care and we have values and we try to pass these on to every customer. No matter how they treat us, we treat them with respect and we walk out the door leaving everything cleaner than we found it. We also keep our trucks clean and we dress neat and watch our conversation so we won't offend people when we're on the job. This includes not bringing radios or dogs to the jobs."
This respect carries over to the team as Don oversees the management of blending work and family responsibilities for all those that work for him. Don considers all the families of his employees as part of the Classic Installation team when it comes to working out schedules and jobs. "I give my employees the freedom they need to work and be with their families. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for people to support their families. Our focus is not in making money, it's building relationships. That's our mission statement." Don's own family includes his wife of 25 years, Barbara, and three sons, Brian, 22, an employee with the company for the past four years, Brandon, 12, and David, 4. "It's been a privilege to work with my son and see him gain trade skills," he adds. "I feel fortunate to have that opportunity."
Don opened Classic Installation Co., in 1993 after years of working in cabinetshops and as a foreman for a major construction company, as well as numerous other construction jobs. He was introduced to the trade during high school woodworking classes and has more than 20 years experience. He obtained his general contractor's license in 1993. Because of his high school experiences, Don is working to instigate training programs for high school students. "I want to bring more young people into the trades," he explains. "There is very little emphasis on the journeyman trades and I think these should be brought back." Don also thinks it's important to keep up on all the latest information and products and regularly attends seminars, conventions, and shows throughout California. While his focus is mainly remodeling, Don has not hesitated to become involved in new home development and sees that as a future avenue for expansion of his company.
"It takes time to build credibility and put together a team," adds Don. "Our employees put in a lot more than we ask for to make this the best company it can be. In this business things turn over very fast so we need credibility. What we've put together is working because we've been busy since the day we started." He hopes his concept of teamwork will eliminate remodeling nightmares for homeowners and clients and bring a new view of the building trade. Judging from the dozens of positive letters his company receives, apparently this is working. Such comments as :"On schedule with exceptional attention to detail," "Installed custom designed countertops and trim -- all in one day!" and "Pleased with the results and would highly recommend Classic Installation," fill the company brochures.
Because teamwork has been the emphasis of his company since its inception, Don has passed on that feeling to his employees, including his office production manager, Debbie Fettig. Sometimes referred to as the "backbone" of the business, Debbie has only good words to say about Classic Installation Co. "Our loyalty is well-rewarded and it has an atmosphere which allows us to be committed to our families, as well as our jobs, she explains." "We think of ourselves as problem solvers, not order takers, because people often don't have an idea of what they want, they just want something new or different or better. It's been fun to go in and start with their initial ideas and end up fulfilling their dreams. It's also one of the few places where honesty and integrity are top priorities."
Don feels that honesty, integrity and respect for others are the building blocks of his company and that his faith in God and the value system it has given him is the foundation for all his work. He maintains that it keeps him focused on what's really important in his work and his life. He also plans to make it a part of where he sees his company in the future. Given the positive feedback from both employees and clients, it's a future that will continue for generations.
Serving as president of the Santa Maria Valley Contractors' Association since last summer, Curt Bailey's motto is to "give back to the community so it may continue to afford us a better quality of life." He lives up to his motto and has worked with the SMVCA since he was elected to the board of directors in 1990.
Curt owns Curt J. Bailey Masonry, Inc., based in Grover Beach, CA. He established his business in 1983, moving to the South/Central Coast in 1988. "If you need a masonry contractor and you're concerned about the quality of workmanship for your residence or commercial project, we have the answers," Curt says
"Our expertise, competitive capabilities, and commitment to the craftsmanship of masonry has been recognized throughout the South/Central Coast for the past 10 years." Curt's company slogan sums up his attitude, not only for his work and his company, but for his work with the SMVCA as well: "Quality, Service & Dependability is not only our motto . . . it's our commitment."
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