My Designation Puts Me Ahead of the Competition
By Stephen C. Spurrell, CGR, CAPS Potential clients looking over my business card often ask me what the CGR designation after my name stands for. Their first response is a beaming smile from me because I know that I am about to set myself apart from any other contractors that may be in line to win their confidence and the contract. I begin by explaining that CGR stands for Certified Graduate Remodelor™, and that I am one of only a handful of contractors in Connecticut and fewer than 1,000 in the country who have completed industry-specific classroom training offered by NAHB. The look of relief on their faces generally tells me I’ve got the job. The CGR designation is especially important for me because I work in an area of educated consumers. They appreciate and acknowledge a remodeler that strives to be more educated than the competition. Every NAHB class I have taken has made my business better in some measurable way. In addition, networking with those in similar businesses around the country has been an extreme pleasure and has increased my circle of friends dramatically. Education should be looked upon as an investment. I can undoubtedly say that both the short-and long-term rewards are huge. The educational opportunities offered by NAHB have been a boon to me personally and to my business. For more information about NAHB’s designation programs, visit www.nahb.org/designations. Stephen C. Spurrell, CGR, CAPS, is president of Neighborhood Builders, Inc. in Guilford, CT. For more information, contact Spurrell via e-mail. | 
