Thomas Weiher, CR, CKBR
President
Carmel Builders Inc.
N85 W16100 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Industry: Residential remodeling
Education: University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Family: Wife, Barbara, is vice president of company; oldest son, Louis, is vice president and heir apparent; and other family members are sons Ben and Joe, daughters Mary and Christina and grandchildren Zachary and Reilly
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“We increased our sales staff and carefully cut expenses.”
What’s new at your company?
“We became an allied partner with Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program. Consequently, we’ve seen our revenues increase significantly from energy saving home improvements.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“Yes, we want to revamp our production system and hire a full-time production manager.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Shifting from recession mode to expansion mode.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Today’s emphasis is on green building products and practices and on universal design.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“Yes, to quote Lou Holtz: ‘Do the right thing.'”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“Michael Gerber, the E-Myth guru.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“When I just started my business, my banker told me, ‘No matter how much you grow, no matter how complex things become – know your costs.’ I’ve never forgotten that advice.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“To get me out of the house for a surprise birthday party, my business colleague told me he had set up an appointment at a restaurant with a customer planning a huge remodel. We waited and waited until the customer (really my wife) called and said he got tied up. I was so disappointed by the no-show, that when I got home, even with everyone yelling ‘Surprise,’ it took me all night to realize I had been set up!”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“Fishing, camping, traveling and spending time with my grandchildren and family.”
