August 2018
I
the REPORT
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR Sometimes ‘Savings’ Don’t Real ly Save You Anything
the cost ends up equaling what we can offer on crate fees and delivery. For example, if you make a $5,000 purchase and get 11 percent back, you’re “saving” $550. Well, what they don’t tell you is that it costs $300 per crate to deliver to your house. On top of that, if there’s an error, you’re going to wait at least two weeks to receive replacement pieces. At Central Michigan Roofing, we have free delivery for any purchase over $3,500, and we don’t charge a crate fee. If we make a mistake on our product, we can have trim to your site in the next 24–48 hours. I had a letter written to me by a contractor. He explains how the homeowner he was working with purchased from a big box store because there was a couple of hundred dollars difference between them and us. Well, what the homeowner ended up saving in the short term ended up costing him in the long run. I worked with this contractor on two separate occasions throughout the project, correcting mistakes. It ended up being a nightmare for both the homeowner and the contractor.
There’s a growing epidemic in my business that I feel is really important to address. Every so often, we get a customer looking for help after going to a big box store. They purchased a roofing kit spur of the moment based on the glitz and the glamour of the presentation — perhaps there may have even been a rebate involved. The purchaser then took the kit home only to find out there were missing pieces or had the wrong trim, and they’ve worked themselves into a disaster. In a frantic rush, the big box customer and homeowner searched for metal roofing manufacturer, and they find us. Often they come into the shop at a loss and ask us to help fix the project. Well, what started as every so often turned into once a month. Now it seems like it’s happening a lot. We have people coming into our shop asking for help after being let down by a big box store. The biggest crime in this situation is that all of the hassles could’ve been prevented had they just come to us in the first place. And it would’ve been just as cost effective. It’s unfortunate that big box customers are swindled by special pricing “deals.” Even if you do get an 11 percent rebate at a big box store,
issue. It’s happening a lot, and it costs good people money. Our team can create completely custom pieces, deliver them, and make sure all parties are satisfied on time. We’re right in the heart of prime installation season, and I’d love to see the people of our community taken care of. If you know of any contractors purchasing steel or metal or if you have a friend or family member considering a big box store, send them to us first. We can guarantee a faster turnaround time and a high-quality product that is manufactured by experts.
The story that’s outlined in this customer’s letter is not an outlying
– Emanuel Herschberger
Did you know? August has the highest percentage of births.
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A HELPING HAND Why Business Leaders Need to Ask for Help
You’re actively reaching out to experts, learning how other people solve problems, and broadening the awareness of your name and brand at the same time. If you struggle to ask others for help when you need it, start by changing your mindset. You don’t have to do it all; you’re just one person, and sometimes one person needs to delegate tasks to others to get more done. Asking for help is also easier when you know what you want to ask for. If you are overwhelmed by a big project, take a moment to write down your goals for that project, along with a list of action steps and resources needed to get there. Then think about who you can reach out to in order to tackle these steps. If you’re still uncomfortable with asking for help, make a point of helping others when you can. Being helpful changes the way you perceive receiving help and builds a positive reputation with others. When you are viewed as being helpful, other people want to help you in return. Asking for help means admitting you can’t do it all alone. But why should you have to? Doing it all alone can be pretty lonely, and asking for help means you have a team to support you wherever you go.
“Can you give me a hand?”
Asking for help is a simple request. Most people do it every day, whether they’re getting a second opinion on a paint color or asking a stranger to hold
the elevator. Asking for help is important; the ability to work as a team is one of mankind’s greatest strengths. But if the act of asking for help is so essential in our lives, why do entrepreneurs have such a hard time with it? This struggle often comes from pride, the idea that if you admit you can’t do it all, then you can’t do anything. But this mindset often leads to ruin. In a survey by 99 Design, most entrepreneurs claimed the worst mistake they ever made wasn’t a poor financial decision or bad planning — it was simply not asking for help early in their careers. Having to ask for help isn’t a sign that you’re unable to achieve what you set out to do. In fact, when you ask for help in business, you may find you’re able to achieve more . This is because asking for help is a form of networking.
CONCEALED VS. EXPOSED TRIM PIECES One of Many Products at Central Michigan Roofing
Exposed-Fastener Panel Trim
Not a lot of people know about our trim pieces and what we have to offer, so we wanted to take some time and explain our services and products. Trim pieces are a pivotal part of what we do. All of our trim products are manufactured and produced in house and completely customized to your specifications. Here’s an overview of two popular metal roofing panels and what makes them unique.
With exposed-fastener panels and trim, the screws that fasten seams to the roof are visible. The aesthetic is different, and so is the functionality. Exposed-fastener roofing is used for applications such as chicken coops, barns, as well as residential applications because it is economical and easier for a DIY install. That means the trim pieces that go with an exposed-fastener roof are generally going to be more cost-effective as well.
Concealed-Fastener Panel Trim
Concealed-fastener trim is designed to cover up any screws that secure the metal panels to your roof. Each roll-formed seam is screwed to the roof at specific intervals, and the trim cleverly hides each screw. The result is a clean look that appears as if it was dropped on the roof with ease. It usually is also a gauge or two thicker and makes for one of the better roofs out there.
Choosing the right trim and metal panels is pivotal when looking to get the most out of your metal roofing. Give us a call today so we can walk you through each product and explain the
best solution to your roofing needs. Our team will customize each part of your project so you reap the benefits of metal roofing through each season.
Central Michigan Roofing | (269) 758-3330 2
Did you know? 85 percent of plant life is found in the ocean.
ARE YOU CONSTANTLY BURIED IN WORK? Tr y the 4 Quadrants of Time Management
Not only will you be able to accomplish more, but you’ll also see a rapid decrease in stress.
Have you ever found your work day to be in constant survival mode — you put one fire out, only to have three more pop up? It can be exhausting to constantly have problems arise that require immediate attention. The toll it takes can lead to burnout and turn work into a burden. But there is a way to prevent those fires from ever burning in the first place. As demands continue to increase for the common laborer, the necessity for proper time management becomes an undeniable reality. Stephen Covey, best-selling author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” noticed this and developed what he calls “The 4 Quadrants of Time Management.”
An important differentiation to make is what constitutes a priority. It’s not uncommon for many employees to think they are working in quadrant one, but actually be in quadrant three. Priorities are direct requirements that are needed to accomplish a certain task. If you’re incessantly buried in work, try actively seeking ways to navigate your work day into quadrant two. Working ahead and setting up effective systems and models could be the key to accomplishing more in less time.
• 1 URGENT
• NOT URGENT 2 •
The quadrants are divided in order of priority. In a perfect world, you want to try and work in quadrant two as much as possible. By investing in prevention and working ahead with proper planning, your productivity can skyrocket.
Planning
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Proactive tasks
Requires immediate attention
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Problems that have to be solved
Prevention
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Long-term goal setting
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Deadlines
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Relationship building
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Major issues
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Learning
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Putting out fires
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4
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Interruptions
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Certain emails
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Games
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Social media
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Certain phone calls
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Certain meetings
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Busy work
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Time wasters
Balsamic Pork Chops
Have a Laugh
Inspired by paleoleap.com
Ingredients • 4 boneless pork chops • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 3 tablespoons raw honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced Directions 1. Heat oven to 400 F.
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2. Generously season pork chops with salt and pepper. 3. In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme. 4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 5–6 minutes. 5. On high heat in an oven-safe saute pan or skillet, sear the pork chops for 1–2 minutes on each side. 6. Brush chops with half of glaze and transfer to oven. 7. Roast 6–8 minutes. 8. Remove from oven and brush with another coat of glaze. Let cool 5–10 minutes and serve.
What did the pirate say when he turned 80? Aye Matey!
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
I
Inside This Issue
Have Challenges With a Big Box Store? You’re Not Alone
Why Is It Hard to Ask for Help?
Do You Know Your Trim Pieces?
Stephen Covey’s 4 Quadrants of Time Management
Get Decades out of Your Cast-Iron Skillet
HOW TO CLEAN AND PRESERVE YOUR CAST-IRON SKILLET
If any food particles remain, it’s time to break out the salt. Once the skillet is cool, add about a tablespoon of coarse salt and one tablespoon of water. With
Cast-iron skillets have been utilized almost religiously for a long time, but they became especially popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In some families, a cast- iron skillet is passed down from parents to children to grandchildren — and for good reason: When properly cared for, a good cast-iron skillet can last for generations. There’s nothing quite like a classic breakfast of bacon and eggs right out of the iron skillet. The problem is, once breakfast is over, you’re left with grease and other stuck-on food. But if you follow these steps, you’ll be left with a cast- iron skillet that’s good as new and ready for its next use. The best way to clean cast iron is to use heat. If you’ve let the skillet cool after cooking, start by heating it back up until you get a touch of smoke coming off the grease or stuck-on food. As the skillet heats up, turn on the tap and let it run as hot as possible. (Warning: Never run cold water over hot iron. You’ll crack the metal and ruin the skillet.) Rinse the hot skillet under the hot water. There will be a lot of steam, so be sure to lean back a little! Then, using a wood or silicone spatula (never metal — this will scratch the iron), remove all excess grease and food particles. They should come off like a breeze.
a soft sponge, scrub away the leftover debris. Once the remaining particles are gone, rinse and dry thoroughly. To make sure your skillet is completely dry, set it back on a hot burner for a few minutes so that all leftover water drops evaporate.
To maintain the nonstick surface of the skillet, you’ll need to complete a few more steps. Remove it from heat and use a lint-free rag to gently rub a tablespoon of vegetable oil (coconut and peanut oil work too) into the surface of the skillet. Cover all parts of the skillet, including the bottom and handle, with a thin layer of oil, and when you see that dull shine, it’s good to go! Every time you use your cast-iron skillet, follow these steps. It may sound like a bit of extra work, but your skillet will reward you with decades of delicious meals!
Central Michigan Roofing | (269) 758-3330 4
Did you hear about the fires that broke out in the circus? They were intense!
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