Charlotte Observer article on 6/12

[Spike!]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/201...-recovery.html

[David Meiland]

From what I've read, Charlotte had a huge amount growth based on banking / mortgage money, which stopped very quickly when the RE bubble popped.

[Alex_Saloutos]

Something to keep in mind, that 36% decline in employment and wages is for all sectors of construction. Residential construction, based on permits for single and multi-family, is off 77% in Charlotte from the peak, which is not untypical nationally. Houston, which is one of the best, if not best performing large market for residential construction, is off 62% from the peak. Accept, adapt and move on.

[kreg McMahon]

yes it is way down, but people are still spending money and having things done around there house. yes it is tough, but you have to work harder at marketing yourself. Since the first of the year that I have been working in atlanta and marking my self, I have done about 20 gran of work, along with another 25 gran or so in charlotte also. and still getting calls to do stuff.

you must get your mind back in gear and get your share of work and not sit around and think the world is doomed. if you think it is doomed it is, if you think the world is great it is. the choice is yours.

[Andrew R.]

You're right Kreg, marketing is critical. I have always specialized in additions and not many want to add on. There just isn't much reason to add on to a sinking equity. Most of my clients seem to be out of touch with the economy, civil servants, inheritance receivers and aging in place jobs. The in law suite will most likely be my mainstay for the next few years.

[Spike!]

Well....Let's take a look at this marketing. Kreg, you market and sell the hell out of yourself and you've managed according to your last post about $45k in work between several ATL and CLT jobs. You have a van with lettering, newspaper ads, flyers, home shows, Youtube videos, website, etc..

I on the other hand have done just about $40k on only two cabinet jobs with zero marketing YTD.

The gripe I have with Charlotte is the incredible cheapness of the majority of potential customers here. It is unlike anywhere I've witnessed, and here is the kicker....I noticed this long before any economic downturn hit here.


In closing, I'm neutral on marketing. My best friend in western NY spends zero, doesn't even have a business card and remains busy to this day with 14 employees building and remodeling. I believe it greatly depends on exactly where you are, and your reputation. These two factors must go hand in hand today because I have a great reputation but have only landed a few jobs this year in dead Charlotte.

[David Meiland]

You're right Kreg, marketing is critical. I have always specialized in additions and not many want to add on. There just isn't much reason to add on to a sinking equity. Most of my clients seem to be out of touch with the economy, civil servants, inheritance receivers and aging in place jobs. The in law suite will most likely be my mainstay for the next few years.

Maybe there's a similar market for small additions so the kids can move back in with mom and dad.