Calling The Chicago Boys

[gburnet]

If you haven't already done so, please give a view to the "We're All In This Together" thread I started.

In conjunction with the points I hit in that thread re. business strategies, I'd also like to gauge the interest of those of you in this general are regarding setting up a peer group. Here's what I'm thinking...

We could set up a group of those here, along with select subs/suppliers/vendors from each member. The purpose of this group would be to exchange ideas & information, possibly through monthly or quarterly meetings, maybe over lunch or dinner. There would also be ample networking opportunities, of course.

I just came up with this idea today. As a result, I haven't had time to think all the details out yet, but I'd also like the input of the potential members of this group so that we're all in agreement on how to do this. If there's interest, I'd also like to offer up hosting the first meeting, hopefully to take place by the end of the year.

[Ed Michnick]

Greg,

Sounds like an interesting idea. I don't have anything to add at this point, Let's see what kind of interest the other guys in the area have.

[Bill Lacey]

So where's my lunch/dinner?








(just kidding)

[Toolwhore]

Greg,

That would make you a construction community organizer. Is this some sort of Illinois tradition? Promising lunches and dinners? Those type of tactics sound familiar. Are you thinking of making a run for the Whitehouse in a few years. And don't worry about having to buy any lunches/dinners, as you don't really need to keep any promises like that after you get elected. :)

[gburnet]

Good to see this post drew you out of the shadows, Tom. Where ya been hiding? A band of Festooligans weren't holding you captive, were they? Did you drink the green Koolaid?

[Chuck Kiser]

Greg,

Setup a date for a morning (breakfast / coffee) meeting and lets see who can make it. You have to start somewhere.

[Alex_Saloutos]

The local peer group is a great idea.

The NAHB has a wonderful and very worthwhile program for remodelers like this, too:

http://www.nahb.org/page.aspx/category/sectionID=607

I've heard nothing but good things about the program. I would strongly encourage you to get involved. It is often one of the first things my clients do after we do an assessment of their business.

You'll get brutally honest, constructive and highly valuable feedback on your operation. It is open book so you really know what the real deal is. The fellowship is great, too.

Alex

[Toolwhore]

Howdy Greg,

No green Koolaid here, and the Festooligans will never take me alive! ;)
I just took a little break. I got really fed up with all the election BS, 24 hrs a day, everywhere you looked, and then coming here and seeing 90% of the same. Thank God it's over, and things are getting back to normal. (Almost, I see there's still a few holdouts that can't let it go.)
Anyways, it sounds like you have a great idea, and if anybody can pull it off, I'd put my money on you. A little bit of real "Change and Hope" could only be a good thing. Good luck with it.
Tell Sue I said hello. Later,

[mcbridecarpenter]

Hi Greg--this sounds like a great idea, count me in and thanks for suggesting it. This sort of thing has crossed my mind at times and I'd be interested to see what comes of it. All best, Nate

[tjbnwi]

Greg,

I'm in, just may not make the first gathering.

Depends on how quickly this happens.

Tj

[Scrapr]

How much "street" money you passing out?

I might move to Chi town

[Burchie]

I'm in...but right now I'm a "Maui Boy" I'm not looking forward to leaving the sunny 85 degrees here to return home to Chicago....

[gburnet]

Okay, how about we meet a week from this Saturday, the 13th? I'm thinking a breakfast meeting, maybe around 8 or 9am? I know we have folks here scattered throughout the metro area, so let's pick a central location to meet, & one that's readily accessible from one or more major x-ways. My suggestions are:

Oak Park/Forest Park
West Loop/Near North Side
Oak Brook/Lombard

You guys pick the location &, if possible, suggest a good breakfast spot in that location. I'll cover the tab, up to the first 10 people, or $100. So while there may be no such thing as a free lunch, there is free breakfast in this case. ;o)

[Ed Michnick]

I'm for the Oakbrook/Lombard area. 9 a.m. would work for me.

[gburnet]

I'm for the Oakbrook/Lombard area. 9 a.m. would work for me.

Oakbrook area it is @ 9a.m. Anyone know of a decent breakfast joint out there?