WHAT THE BUILDING INDUSTRY MEANS TO AMERICA
Tight lending conditions and the prolonged housing slump do not make this the optimum time to try and sell a home. But with my wife in Rochester, Minnesota, self-actuating in her new job at the Mayo Clinic, our 53172 residence is on the market and generating buyer interest … though offers have yet to be forthcoming.
In anticipation of the sale, I have started the process of de-cluttering (with packing soon to follow). Going through my collection of business books and construction publications, I came across my January, 1962 issue of Practical Builder magazine.
The ads in the publication are priceless. “America is on the move!” they all seem to shout, “and there is more to come!”
Timeless Content and Advice
While the ads are priceless (did barefooted, barely-dressed, babushka-ed models hawking ranges, disposals, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and frost-proof “food-keepers” really generate brand loyalty and market share?), the editorial content is timeless. The cover story focused on What the Building Industry Means to America, with special reports on the economic impact of residential construction, planning and zoning issues, the need for builders to embrace new technologies, and roadblocks to the industry realizing its full potential.
The advice provided for builders interested in improving the building climates in their communities rings as true today as it did in 1962:
- Support your local, state, and national home building associations (HBAs)
- Serve on HBA committees
- Join community improvement groups
- Work with tech schools and colleges
- Work with municipal officials
- Communicate the value of a strong building industry to your past and present customers and state and community stakeholders
- Keep in touch with local utility and mortgage companies
- Keep your local media well informed
- Turn to your vendors and suppliers for help and support
- Challenge unfair and unreasonable building restrictions.
In the issue, President Kennedy said he realized “an active building industry is a vital force,” and linked the industry’s success to national objectives.
Other than our inaction, what keeps today’s leaders from realizing the same?
To comment on this post, click HERE and include the word “Vital” in your subject line.