The owner of Bartow Builders said this week his construction crews are still working a pretty consistent 45-hours a week. But, what Brandon Bartow says has changed from the COVID-19 pandemic is the volume of calls, especially with the cancellation of the normal Home-Shows in Manitowoc & Sheboygan.
During an interview with SeehaferNews.com, Bartow said the largest challenge at the beginning of the Safer at-Home order was navigating those customer relationships. Bartow explained, “Oftentimes people when they are making the largest investments in their lives, whether that is a large remodel or building a new home, they are going to want to make that decision face to face. They want to read body language from a builder or remodeler they want to work with. They want to make sure they feel trusting with the person they plan to work with.” But, having said that, Bartow says they’ve learned to use technology to their advantage, and have utilized Zoom and other video conferencing programs to provide the same personalized approach as the buyer remains comfortable in their own home. Bartow says he can see them using video-conferencing more often for future meetings or site visits.
Bartow explains with the phone ringing less in the office, now is actually a good time to schedule a project. The lakeshore area homebuilder also offered a bit of advice and/or hope in the midst of virus-related restrictions. He said, “You find what you focus on”, adding he emphasizes that phrase with his employees via zoom on a weekly basis.
