Georgia remodeler transitions to DreamMaker franchise to better serve clients

Eric Anderson, along with his father, David, and sister, Leesa, has been in the home remodeling business for more than a decade with his company Anderson Homes. When he wanted to take the business to the next level, he joined DreamMaker for its proven systems and a Code of Values™ that aligned with the way he lives his life. Eric has transitioned Anderson Homes into a DreamMaker franchise, serving eastern Georgia from their office in Swainsboro.

Left to right: David, Leesa and Eric Anderson of DreamMaker East Georgia.

How long have you been a DreamMaker franchise?

We signed the franchise papers around the end of April. We’re now operating as DreamMaker, though we’re still in the process of implementing some of the systems into our business.

My dad works full-time with me and my sister does our bookkeeping and some secretarial work. She has a full-time job of her own but she is able to take some time out from that to help with the business as well. We’re all part of it, and we really enjoy working as a family. It brings us together, and we all have a common goal to make this thing succeed, satisfy our clients and honor the Lord.

What are some of the changes you’ve made in transitioning from an independent business to a DreamMaker franchise?

We already did bathroom and kitchen remodeling, so it’s not all new, but the way we do things is different. There’s definitely a learning curve, but it’s well worth it.

The DreamMaker team has helped during the transition. It’s not a plug-and-play system; there’s obviously a lot of work that we have to put in ourselves, but we’ve really benefitted from our weekly calls with our franchise coach. He ran a DreamMaker franchise for 14 years, so he knows the ropes, and he’s been a wealth of wisdom.

They’ve also helped on the marketing end of things. I really have enjoyed being able to focus on operating the business.

How did you first hear about DreamMaker?

The first time I heard of DreamMaker was in a trade magazine. They were highlighting a new showroom in one of the DreamMaker franchises. I went to the website and learned a little bit more about them, but I didn’t do anything about it at the time. More than a year later, we were looking to move forward with our business and trying to focus more on bathrooms and kitchens. I rediscovered DreamMaker, and that’s when I started getting really interested in what they had to offer.

What ultimately helped you decide to open a DreamMaker franchise?

To a large degree, it was the similarities between my beliefs and my code of values and their Code of Values™. That’s what made me comfortable about connecting with the company.

The systematic approach to running the business was attractive to me as well. I knew that the way I was running my business, it was all dependent on me, what I knew and what was in my head. There was no reason to believe that would change unless I implemented systems that other people could be taught so I wouldn’t always be wearing all the hats. I had messed around with some marketing and read a few books about sales training, but DreamMaker already had the whole package. Time is valuable, and now I don’t have to spend it trying to reinvent the wheel. In the end, I’ll come out far better off because of the investment I made in DreamMaker.

How do the DreamMaker systems create value for your clients?

The systematic approach makes it a much smoother process. They can feel comfortable that there’s a system in place, and we’re not just making it up as we go along. I think that’s a real benefit to clients. The system also helps prevent the normal delays that can be a regular part of a remodeling job. The client’s whole experience is a better, more professional experience than what I was able to offer before. We were doing a good job with that already, but there’s a lot that we’ve learned that will make it even better for the client.

Do you think being part of a DreamMaker franchise will allow you to grow your business beyond where you could on your own?

Yes, I do. As we expand in our sales and are able to add more people on, it’s going to allow us to expand the business and manage more jobs and more clients at one time because of the systems we have. It won’t be overnight, but it’s definitely a good infrastructure to build on.

DreamMaker’s systems are helping Anderson improve the level of service he provides to clients.

What have you liked most about your clients and the work you do for them?

We really enhance our clients’ homes and their lives. We get feedback that the bathroom is now a pleasure to use, or the client says, “This kitchen works so much better, I couldn’t believe I could ever have a kitchen like this.” That transformation really affects their daily lives, and they enjoy it and appreciate it. It’s very gratifying.

What is it about the DreamMaker Code of Values® that appeals to you?

I can really tell that the leadership in DreamMaker and the other franchisees I spoke to believe and live the Code of Values™. It’s more than just a way to impress the clients. It’s the way that I’ve always lived as well. When you know that someone’s motives and foundation are based on those kinds of values, then you know that you can trust the person. You can tell that they’re not just out to sell franchises and make money. It’s the same thing when we’re dealing with our clients. Of course we’ve got to make a living, but we really do care about the person; we care about their home, we care about honesty, integrity and professionalism. It really gave me confidence and trust in DreamMaker.

What advice would you give to somebody who is starting up with DreamMaker or considering starting a DreamMaker franchise?

If you’re the kind of person who likes to learn and is open to new ideas, then you would benefit greatly from DreamMaker. If you’re not that kind of person, you’re going to have trouble because you will be challenged in your way of doing things. You’ll have to be willing to trust that the system works when you put it into practice.

Some people might go into this thinking, “This is great, all the work’s done for me and I just plug in the system and it goes,” but it’s not like that. It takes a lot of work, so if a person thinks it’s the silver bullet that’s going to solve all the issues in their business, they will be disappointed. If they see it as a roadmap to get from where they are to where they want to be with a lot of support, then I think they’ll be satisfied. The franchise coach can give you great ideas, but ultimately, it’s up to you to put them into practice. It’s a way for me to be held accountable. I appreciate that. Otherwise, it’s easy to slip back into what is comfortable or convenient, and then you never make progress and never change.

Own a DreamMaker remodeling franchise

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchisees focus on kitchen and bath remodeling and are able to tap into systems and expertise to provide a full range of interior remodeling services, which enhances their ability to generate repeat business and word-of-mouth. To learn more about our business, fill out a form to download our free franchise report and start a conversation. We look forward to hearing from you!