As a business owner, doing all the behind-the-scenes things is often so time-consuming that I honestly “Don’t get out much.” It took a friendly reminder, and now I have a scheduled tour de force every Wednesday with my Construction Manager. We ride around and look at all our projects, talk about how to make the job more rewarding and fun, and talk about capability and capacity—all the things that make for an enjoyable couple of hours.

Levco’s Tour De Force

Tour De Force

Many albums by the greats, including Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins, have tracks that reflect this all-encompassing vibe of getting out and about. This is how I see it: my opportunity to check out our impressive performance and recognize the achievements that have been accomplished or managed with great skill.

• I get results through others.
• Being decoupled from my tools is frightening.
• Being connected to the projects is exhilarating.
• I get to do Improv in a way that fills me up.

On a good week, I see all the projects; on a bad one, due to time constraints, I may only see 2. Overall, I am consistently amazed at the quality of workmanship we deliver to our clients.

Who Does the Work?

In my mind, I depend on my employees. I fondly refer to them as “The ferries and elves to get the work done.” These are often the unsung heroes of the story. I get to compose the plan and the specifications, then set these fantastic people up for success. Their job is to create a better living environment in people’s homes, which is incredible. I create the expectation, and they make it happen. The giant circle involves all the materials and the sub-trade partners contributing their specialties.

Paul Tillotson

In a Jazz Analogy, It’s All About The Improv

The inspiration comes from a client’s need to make improvements or corrections because the house just isn’t big enough or the space is not organized in a way that works (typically discovered during years of frustration or a new familial situation). I document existing conditions using some fascinating technology and listen intently. Then, as the vision begins to form, I use drafting software to work it over in one of the most intimate collaborative ways. I weave a beat into the project. Then, others insert a melody, overtones, pace, cadence, etc. By picking the finish materials and color combinations.

As the audience, I listen and watch with a critical eye and ear. As the critic, I reflect at intervals by watching and asking questions to ensure the music is understood; I applaud and congratulate the players, giving thanks and appreciation for their unique contributions and encouraging them along the way. By participating in this cycle of creativity, we produce repeated excellence. Paul Tillotson got it. He and I had a connection that went beyond the music. We spoke about the similarities in our private times together.

The Key To Me is Feeling The Groove

I see things the way I see them and try to articulate what I see. There is an App for that. I was introduced to it by a blind friend who took a photo of me from across the room, and the darn App described it like a pro to her in words. As I share my guided tour, I learn, pick up on things that might not have been caught, and get to praise and share some wisdom. The frequency of visits has made it not such a big thing anymore. We keep the beat going as we make progress. Beginning, middle, end. Then comes the applause and a wishful dream of an encore down the road.

Beauty Is A Gig Over Gig Thing

The magic happens project after project. Year after year, we come together to explore the possibilities, add new instruments, change the venue each time, and search for that feeling when everything comes together in a way that makes each project unique. Sure, the recipe changes, and we take a piece of an old project and weave it in, or we grab an image of something new and weave that in, too. Remodeling is my Jazz, and it never gets old. Who wouldn’t want to have the home they love remodeled?

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261

If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.