I got a mailer today pushing the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation. I’ve looked at this before briefly but never took the first step.
I’m trying to sharpen my long term outlook for our company. The whole “working on your business rather than working in it”. I don’t think the CGR has a widespread recognition by potential customers, but I hope it will be another thing to throw in to the first meeting with a client showing them how you’re different that the norm.
Is anyone out there certified? If so, would you do it over again?
I did a search and, for the most part, there was just one thread speaking to the benefits. Most were in favor of it, but it didn’t seem like there were a lot of first-hand perspectives.
Also, are there any alternative certifications that are decent to pursue?
Replies
Hi Jon,
I am not a CGR but have other certifications but honestly, I don't know if they help much anymore. I don't want to seem too negative or speak against any organization but to the average homeowner who is innundated with "memberships, societys, associations, etc" its just another logo on your business card.
Its like I have two certifications I can put behind my name (CBO, CFM) but in reality to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, that doesn't mean much except I sat through some classes and paid some money and time. Thats why I don't have them on my card. Besides, I always thought MD and PhD were the only folks who got to do that.
I believe these used to be really vital and useful but now there are so many of them that the acronyms get melted together and its confusing to folks.
I would likely lean to more local groups if any exist in your area as folks might recoginze the name better.
As always, just my two cents.
Mike
Its like I have two certifications I can put behind my name (CBO, CFM) but in reality to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, that doesn't mean much except I sat through some classes and paid some money and time. Thats why I don't have them on my card. Besides, I always thought MD and PhD were the only folks who got to do that.
I've considered getting certified by NKBA...but nothing to date. I wonder if I would actually learn something that would be beneficial?
It's sometimes amusing to me when I see un-recognizable certification initials on someone's card. I've played with the idea of putting this on mine:
Peter Rawlings SOPE, LMN
Seat Of Pants Engineer, Letters Mean Nothing
I wonder if anyone would ask about it? :-)
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Jon,
I have the CGB and am working towards my GMB. I don't take the classes for the designation but for me. I've been working on my GMB for a few years just because I haven't seen classes that interest me locally. The classes I have taken have been very beneficial. Next month I signed up for a 2 day green building seminar. I think there is always something new in this business to learn. The day that I think I know it all I may as well hang up my hat and give up. But if having those initials on a business card (which I don't) helps me to sway a potential customer in my direction by showing that I am a professional, then so be it.
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
My wife and I had the CAPS certification. If the other certification/ education programs are anything like it, I would recomend against it.
Overpriced window dressing for your business card.
Mike
I agree with John Lazaro that its about working on life time learning, not about impressing the prospective customers.
I just completed my CGB (certified graduate builder) and some of the classes were lame and some were worthwhile. The initial test that you take to determine where you are weak and need classes was in many ways as educational as some of the classes as it really pointed out to me what my weaknesses were.
I took the two day Tom Stephanie designed green building class at last years Green Building show in St Louis and there were two guys teaching in two rooms side by side and my buddy that was in the other room got much more info and understanding than the guys in my room were the guy was basically reading someone else's power point show. If you get a good teacher the class will be great, if not your wasting your time.
Over all the experience was very good and I'll go for my CAPS (certified aging in place specialist) next year.
Once you get your certificate I don't see any point in paying the dues to keep it active. I may even pass on the graduation ceremony in Orlando at the IBS since there is a fee for getting your diploma, just give me the training and let me know I passed the test and I'm happy. Some guys like to have lots of plaques on the wall, I'd rather have thank you letters from happy customers.
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"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."
Jon,
I have the CAPS certification. Your question, was it worth it, could be answered yes and no.
I have not gotten a single job specifically from the designation, and I have yet to run into any customer who knows what it is. they do seem moderately interested when tell them about it. That is the "no" reason for it.
The Yes reason is a little more vague and personal. During the classes I met and talked with a number of very successful contractors. So for me there was a lot of learning that came from the discussions during and after the classes, but not because of the structure of the classes. In one of the classses I sat next to a remodeler who was in Remodelings "Big 50" in the '90s.
One of the things I came to realize is that anybody who is successful in this business has struggled at times, (some had gone out of business for a time, or bankrupt), even though it may seem like smooth sailing now. that realization made the time and money worth it to me. for me the opportunity to network with people who cared enough to put effort into their business was the real value.
Bowz