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The question posed most frequently by prospective BRANNJ members is: “Why should I join this Association?” One of the most important answers we can provide involves the potential for business with your fellow members. In fact, the symbiotic relationship between builders and associates (and between associates alone, as well) is the model upon which our Association’s motto is based: It’s good business to do business with Association members.
BRANNJ Chairman of the Board Richie Wells is a third generation builder/remodeler. Since 1985, he has been the owner of Team Construction Corp., a successful and well-respected company based in Paramus, NJ. In addition to serving as Board Chairman this year, Wells is also the chairman of the Public Relations Committee (also serving on the state PR committee). He is active on BRANNJ’s Membership Committee and he is a State BPAC Trustee and State Director. Richie Wells understands the importance of an active membership. He first met Mike Asch, a kitchen cabinet supplier for over 25 years, at general membership meetings. It was when Asch joined the PR committee that Wells really took notice of him. “He has good insight regarding dealing with consumers,” says Wells of Asch. “From our interaction on the PR committee, our relationship evolved to Mike supplying kitchens for me.” According to Asch, this business relationship developed organically when Wells worked with him on a remodeling job that included a new kitchen. “I worked directly with his client to design and select the cabinet as well as the finish,” says Asch. “This job worked out very well.”
Richie Wells agrees, adding that Asch’s ability to help clients through the entire selection process to implementation was integral to the success of their relationship. “Mike is a pleasure to deal with, a true professional.” He adds: “He is very good dealing with clients.”
Mike Asch has been a member of BRANNJ for only three years, but he has already established himself as an active, dependable member. In addition to his work with public relations, Asch is very involved with the Associate Members Council which strives to help associates make the most of their membership. For his part, Asch sees the benefits of his membership. “Being a supplier to the trade, I find that working with an organization like BRANNJ allows me to network and work with those professionals with whom I like working and doing business.
As Chairman, Richie Wells advocates active involvement not only at meetings, but on committee level as well.
He cites the various advertising opportunities available (including commercials at GMMs, piggyback mailings, advertising in the directory, etc.) and encourages associates to utilize them often. (More information on advertising can be found on www.brannj.org or by calling the office at 201-843-6868.)
Wells describes a renewed emphasis on builders and remodelers dealing with associates. While that has always been the focus of membership, Wells says, “There is a new vitality... a younger, more engaged membership that has reawakened the call to deal with our associates.” He says it is up to the associates to answer that call. “Success will only come to you if you put yourself out there—if you can be found, you will benefit from this Association.” Mike Asch agrees, stating, “I do belong to other building organizations, but I find that the members of BRANNJ are professional and helpful with both new and veteran members.”
Developing mutually beneficial working relationships is one of the most important goals of membership. Through active participation, this goal can certainly be reached by all.