CONTACT RICK:

     NARIGC's Business of the Month is a feature to help other NARIGC members get to know the contractors and suppliers in our organization, both on the professional and personal level.  In each article, we feature information about the company - where it is located, what products/ services it offers, etc.  We also feature the story of the faces that you will see at NARIGC events. 

     If you would like to be featured as a business of the month, please email Donna Dew.

     Rick Woodring, CR, CKBR, started his handyman business in 1994 after a 20 year career with Reynolds Metals as a construction auditor and cost accountant.  He does most of the work himself without employees, but uses licensed electricians and plumbers to do advanced work on large projects.

     Rick credits his reputation as being dependable and courteous with giving him the advantage to winning jobs.  He even carries a box of dog biscuits in his truck to charm dogs that are guarding his customers' homes.

     His niche is small household projects, mostly in the LaGrange and Western Springs area.  "People work long hours and can't always get around to the tasks which are driving them crazy," he said.  His idea customer is a family which wants to tweak their home to meet their personal preferences.  His jobs can range from changing a light fixture to finishing a basement.   Lately he has been doing more CAPS-related work and fixing up homes that are going on the market.

     All of Rick's work comes from referrals by his customers. "A good referral for me is a large family with lots of brothers, sisters and inlaws!"

     Rick has been married for 14 years to Carmen.  He has two adult children and two grandsons.  He enjoys sailing (especially in the British Virgin Islands), bowling and golf when his shoulders don't hurt too much.  He sings in the church choir with his wife and also serves on the property and capital expansion committees. He is an adult adviser for the church's high school youth group's annual spring work trip, which has taken him to Appalachia, Charleston, Biloxi and New Orleans to work on homes.  2011 will be his 14th work trip; this year the group will be building wheel chair ramps near Knoxville, TN.
     Rick joined NARI in 2001, primarily for the continuing education.  He earned his CR in 2002 and his CKBR in 2003.  He also earned the NAHB CAPS certificate in 2004.

     He attends most of the monthly NARIGC meetings.  "The programming is excellent and the membership is always eager to share their knowledge on solving problems," Rick said.  He feels that his business and practical knowledge have grown exponentially by joining NARI and attaining the CR and CKBR certifications.

     "I encourage every member to take advantage of the study programs which NARI offers."