Michael Stone's Quick Tips for Contractors

• Never cut prices to get a job
• Don't do cost plus or time and materials unless it is service work
• Give away one business card each day to someone you don't know
• Return all phone calls the same day (or early the next day)
• Get written quotes on all items over $300 from subcontractors and suppliers
• Have a good advertising program in place
• Get outside help if you are in the red - the sooner the better

Michael Stone's Credentials

Practical Experience
Starting as a "gopher" in his father's construction company Michael moved up to wiring houses, installing heating systems, earning his Oregon and Washington plumbing supervisors license, and working in a variety of other building trades.

He was the National Association of Home Builders National Remodeler of the Month in February 1983.  Michael does fee arbitration and expert witness, and serves as a business coach and consultant for construction companies throughout the U.S and Canada.

Education
Michael is a graduate of Eastern Oregon University, with emphasis on Construction Business Management and Computer Science.

Published Author and Software Developer
His experience and education is the basis of his expertise in business management and developing both computer-assisted estimating systems and contract writing software programs for the construction industry.
 
Michael wrote the book, Markup and Profit; A Contractor's Guide, published by Craftsman Book Co. This best selling business management book is focused on the subject of overhead and profit margins for the residential and light commercial construction industry.  The book is considered an industry standard and is used by construction associations and educational providers in many states to teach the fundamentals of overhead and profit margins, and business management to general and specialty contractors of all types.

Michael's latest book, Profitable Sales, A Contractors Guide was released in May of 2007.  Michael has written articles for and/or has been featured in over twenty different national magazines and trade publications.

Michael has also produced the Markup and Profit DVD and the Profitable Sales DVD Seminar Series.

International Communicator
Michael is a frequent speaker at national, regional and state conventions on construction business management, estimating, sales and the use of computers in remodeling and new construction. Since 1980, he has conducted one and two-day seminars for over 18,000 contractors and governmental agencies in over 195 major US and Canadian cities.

You can reach Michael at www.MarkupandProfit.com