Review from the Summit: S.F.I. Programs – – The Promise and the Problems (Part 3)

The final presenter on S.F.I. Programs at the Home Improvement Economic Summit was Rob Levin. Mr. Levin holds a degree in Accounting and a CPA certificate, and moved through public accounting to became the controller at a large wholesale building supply company. In 1982 he became part of a newly founded retail siding and window company (American Remodeling) which became a licensee for Sears under their SFI program. AMRE eventually became a public company with average annual volume ranging from $250 to $300 million with 65 offices. He is currently president of Statewide Remodeling of Grand Prairie, TX, which was established in 1994, and is today listed as the 24th largest company in Remodeling Magazine.

Mr. Levin’s extensive background in S.F.I. Programs made him an ideal choice to conclude this part of the program. A summary of his key points regarding S.F.I. included:

Positives:

  • Brings a good lead flow
  • National name gives credibility
  • Excellent financing options are frequently available
  • Can add income to your bottom line

Negatives:

  • You are creating your own competition
  • Seasonality of traffic
  • Higher marketing cost due to licensing fees
  • Cash flow difficulty at beginning
  • Cash flow can be slower
  • May affect core business

Steps for Success:

  • Start slowly
  • Keep the hours down
  • Understand the seasonality factor
  • Analyze S.F.I. business separate from core business
  • Assign separate salesmen when possible
  • Make one person responsible for in-store activities
  • Build relationship with the store manager

If you did not have the opportunity make sure to read the previous two posts on S.F.I. Programs. You will discover that all of the presenters shared many of the same key points. The key take-away was that S.F.I. programs can be effective if the right elements are in place; however, they are not for everyone.

The next topic I will review from the Summit will be how to get the most out of shows and events.

Your consultant introduced many thought-provoking, exciting concepts that were implemented and drove our net profit. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Dave Yoho Associates!

Mark Watson, Owner
Exterior Medics

I’ve had the privilege of using Dave Yoho Associates consulting services for the last three years. It’s by far the best single business decision I’ve made. Their structure, training, and business coaching are second to none.

Michael James, CEO
Classic Exteriors

I would like to thank Dave Yoho Associates for their consulting services. For me, the meaning of ‘value’ is getting more than what you paid for, and their services truly exemplify this.

Aaron Heth, Director of Sales
Freedom-Solar

I’ve been a client of Dave Yoho Associates since opening my business six years ago. In that time, their training program and sales methods have helped us build a successful organization. Their system is the best I’ve seen so far in any industry!

Ken Sherman, Owner
Brookstone Windows & Doors

It was an honor for us to have Dave Yoho Associates hold a sales meeting for our team. Everyone was enthralled by the powerful content that we are already implementing throughout our business.

Rick Otto, VP of Sales
Coach House Garages

Dave Yoho Associates are the leaders in business consulting and sales training for the industry. We utilized their services to grow from a small business to averaging over $10 million annually.

Wendy Patterson, Co-Owner
Patterson Homes & Construction

We found Dave Yoho Associates extremely professional and knowledgeable in evaluating our current business model and recommending specific solutions that will improve our efficiency and profit.

Wasyl Bodnar, President
Ventana Design, Sales, and Manufacturing

When it comes to consulting advice for the home improvement industry, Dave Yoho Associates has no equal. We have worked with them for over 15 years and we are ecstatic about the results!

Daniel Green, Sr. Vice President
Solarshield

Our remodeling business had annual sales of under $9 million when we became contract clients of Dave Yoho Associates. Due to their training and systems, our revenue soared – – we are headed for over $35 million this year.

Vince Nardo, President
Reborn Cabinets

We’ve used the consulting services of Dave Yoho Associates for several years now. Much of our success can be attributed to following their systematic teachings and practices.

Michael Hoy, President
Great Day Improvements

OUR PARTNERS

Get a FREE 30 Minute Consultation A FREE GIFT
Call Us Now