Under 40s, our next leaders
Where else can a former Marine, college football player, sheepherder, alligator hunter, and professional chef come together and share a commonality?
The answer, of course, is Professional Remodeler’s 40 Under 40 program.
Every year, the Professional Remodeler editorial staff selects 40 remodeling industry professionals under the age of 40 to be inducted into our 40 Under 40 franchise. The process begins early in the year when we send out a call for entries. Potential candidates are nominated by a co-worker, peer, or even client. There are also a handful of 40 Under 40 candidates that filled out and submitted their own entries to Professional Remodeler.
In 2013, Professional Remodeler sifted through more than 100 nominations representing all segments of the remodeling industry.
The final selection comprises the top 40 professionals under the age of 40 based on demonstrated success in their industry, an active role and commitment to furthering the industry, and volunteer, association, and board membership that enhances the remodeling industry.
A few highlights from this year’s class:
- Average age: 34.3 years
- Most popular job title: President
- Total number of volunteer projects championed: 50+
- Total number of industry-related awards won: 75+
- Total number of board and association designations: 60+
Because this is only the third time Professional Remodeler has named a 40 Under 40 class, it’s difficult to predict how the careers of many of these professionals will turn out. Could we end up having a future U.S. President in our 40 Under 40 class? This was the case in 1993 when Crain’s Chicago Business included a 32-year-old community organizer named Barack Obama as one of its 40 Under 40 honorees.
We may not necessarily find the country’s next president, but we do look for the remodeling professionals that are going to spearhead the industry for the next 10, 20, even 30 years.
Identifying the next generation of leaders is critical because some remodelers have a deep concern about the future of the industry. Very often, I hear the question, “Where are we going to find out next generation of remodeling business owners?” or “Who is going to lead this industry when I retire?” There is even more concern about where the industry is going to find the next generation of laborers.
This month’s Remodeler’s Exchange features two representatives from our 40 Under 40 Class of 2013, Benton Rooks and Scott Brown. Our moderator, Tom Swartz, an industry veteran of 40+ years discusses the aging labor force and a number of topics relative to professionals under the age of 40. Rooks and Brown offer their unique perspectives on labor-related issues, and, more importantly, they offer critical advice to the younger entrepreneur looking to get into the remodeling industry.
Professional Remodeler’s 40 Under 40 franchise continues to gain momentum every year as we profile our next generation of leaders. If you have someone you’d like to nominate for our 2014 class, feel free to contact me. The 2014 nominations will be available on our website shortly after the New Year. PR