Flashings

Ready to hire?

With the devastation of the economy, jobs have been scarce. However, as the economy slowly recovers, it may be time to start hiring again. If you are wondering whether you are able to begin the hiring process, examine the following factors:

• If many people on your staff are complaining about workplace conditions, it is likely they are becoming burned out and could use some help. Their burnout could cause health problems and absences, which is another sign telling you more workers are needed.
  
  
• If you have a lot of temporary workers and a large chunk of payroll goes to these workers, it would be wise to hire some permanent workers.
  
  
• If your staff has been working hard and you still can't meet deadlines, this probably is a sign you need more help.
  
  
• If you constantly are asking your employees to work overtime, you may want to consider some new hires before you lose the employees you already have.

Source: Adapted from When is it time to hire more employees? as cited in The Motivational Manager, November 2003 issue.

The importance of loyalty

Often, you are aware your customers patronize your competition. But there are ways to ensure your customers will come back and your business will continue to succeed. Consider the following:

• Be sure you and your customers are on the same wavelength when it comes to how you view your values. Having a strong relationship with customers can lead to more mutual reciprocation in the employee-customer relationship.
  
  
• Always be honest with customers. This is crucial to building trust and a long-term relationship.
  
  
• Simplicity is key. If you send customers through a rigamarole of obstacles, they may feel it would be too much hassle to return. Efficiency is the way to go.
  
  
• Treat your customers as you want to be treated when you go to buy something. Addressing their needs will help you understand what they want from you.

Source: Adapted from The loyalty test for customers and employees as cited in Sales Management Report, sample issue.

Safety DVD wins film festival award

In April, the DVD "Race to Be Safe" won the Gold Award in the Safety/First Aid category of Film/DVD/Television and Cable Production at the WorldFest International Film Festival in Houston. The DVD was co-sponsored by GAF Materials Corp., Wayne, N.J.; C.A.R.E. (the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence); NRCA; and the Indy Racing League.

The DVD was created to generate an interest in safety, as well as help slow insurance cost increases that result from roofing-related injuries or accidents. The DVD combines the thrilling aspects of car racing with the serious elements of safety. Call the GAF Certified Contractor Hotline at (888) 532-5767 to order a copy of the DVD.

Learn to resolve conflicts

Have you ever started a conversation with an employee that ended in a screaming match? Conflict often arises, causing hostility when discussions and disagreements occur in the workplace. However, there are ways to debate without making an enemy, which follow:

• If you feel as if you are getting too worked up, take a deep breath and refocus on the actual matter at hand. Make sure you stick to the important subject instead of making petty or antagonistic comments.
  
  
• Make sure you listen to what the person is saying. This shows respect for the person and keeps the discussion calm.
  
  
• You know what you want, so make sure you determine what the other person wants. There could be a way for both of you to get what you want.
  
  
• If you and your opponent believe your needs are important, be willing to find a compromise that is fair for both of you.

Source: Adapted from Resolving everyday conflicts sooner as cited in The Motivational Manager, October 2003 issue.

Changes occur at generalRoofing Services

generalRoofing Services Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has sold controlling interest to Republic Financial Corp., an investment company in Aurora, Colo. Republic Financial purchased generalRoofing Services' $46 million senior debt facility and committed $25 million in debtor-in-possession financing.

In addition, generalRoofing Services filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in Dallas. Bart Roggensack Jr. has been named generalRoofing Services' chief executive officer. Roggensack, who served as a company director, retired as Denver-based Johns Manville's Roofing Systems Group's vice president and general manager in December 2002.

"This transaction provides generalRoofing Services with an opportunity to restructure and become more efficient," Roggensack says. "The filing will enable us to continue to operate the business while we develop a realistic capital structure and business organization under which generalRoofing Services can become a profitable business."

Daily operations will continue at generalRoofing Services while the company examines how it conducts business. Roggensack reports the company performs duplicate functions in almost all areas of operation. He says this has been "confusing for customers and costly for the company."

generalRoofing Services employs about 2,400 people in 36 operating locations and six service centers.