A Note from the VP, Jim Greatorex: December 2022

Published in Home Modifications on December 28, 2022

There is no other time of the year that matches the emotional roller coaster that December and year-end bring. On the business side of things, we negotiate the following:

• Finishing the year strong and closing as much business as possible
• Budgeting and planning for 2023 
• Acknowledging employees, customers, and associates with holiday greetings
• Coordinating services for customers who want them finished before the big holiday
• Dealing with staff vacations 

Then we have the personal side of December:

• Shopping 
• Christmas get-togethers with friends and family
• Decorating inside and out

This has been an amazing year for our industry, and with all the craziness all around, let’s take a moment and reflect with your staff on all the great things your business accomplished this year. Acknowledge the wins, big and small, and the staff that made them happen. Be proud of your accomplishments and all the meaningful work you did for your customers. While we had challenges, many of our member companies experienced a big growth year. The turning point has come, and as long as the economy turns out the way we hope, we could see another double-digit growth year in 2023.

At this time of year, it’s also important to remember that while most find this to be the “best time of the year,” there are many in which this time of year is very tough. Whether they have financial troubles, or maybe have a loved one who has passed, we never know what type of burden an employee, customer, or relative may be experiencing. It’s always a good idea to have your antennas up and be quick to show some empathy and positivity for someone who may be going through a rough patch.   

Introducing the Pollock Residential Elevator Company: Pollock is a “new-to-the-U.S.” manufacturer of residential home elevators. From Northern Ireland, Pollock brings years of manufacturing experience with their market-leading shaftless design.

Benefits to include: 

• Three sizes, including one designed to accommodate most wheelchairs
• Quick install compared to competitors
• Price competitive
• Quiet ride
• Fire protection
• Battery back up
• Unmatched technology 

On January 12 at 10 a.m. CT, we will host a webinar with Pollock Sales Executives Gary and Dylan McConville, where they will preview the product, describe installation, and direct members as to how they can either add this to their product portfolio of home elevator options or be trained to become a dealer. The product is not yet certified for sale in all states, but Pollock has been working with many state elevator licensing officials to get certifications needed. They exceed most of the qualifications required. 

Register for the webinar here.

We will be looking for members after the webinar that have interest in seeing the product to do a fly-in for a preview and sales training install overview. Pollock sends a product engineer to your market for the first install to oversee it and train.

Installer Training Back at Access to Independence: If you have installers that need hands-on training, we will be hosting Installer Training at Access to Independence the week of April 17, 2023. We are finalizing the schedule and will announce a complete agenda in January. Stay tuned!

2023 Schedule: We are also finalizing our complete schedule of events for 2023 and will have them posted on our events calendar on our website. We have several new webinars, unique smaller events, and the date and venue for our next Building Opportunities Summit coming soon, so stay tuned.

We will be introducing new products and services at the beginning of 2023, so watch your email for more details.  

We are honored to have top notch, passionate members who perform great work in the markets they serve. From all of us here at VGM, we wish all our members a joyous holiday season and prosperous new year.

Cheers!

Jim Greatorex