NAHB Honors Stephen Gidley as the 2015 CGR of the Year Stephen C. Gidley, CAPS, CGB, CGP, CGR, GMB an awardwinning builder and remodeler in Fairfield County, Conn., has been named the 2015 Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders. We asked Stephen his thoughts on this prestigious award. On January 18th, 2016 I received the prestigious NAHB 2015 CGR Designee of the year award in Las Vegas, Nevada at the international Builders show (IBS). In 1993 I achieved my Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR designation from the Hartford, Connecticut Chapter of the NAHB. Since then I have achieved graduate certification in the Certified Aging In Place (CAPS), Certified Green Professional (CGP) and in the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB), and in 1999 I achieved Graduate Master Builder (GMB) all within the past (23) years. The significance of these professional certifications and designations lies in the important fact that they distinguish us from our competition. In other words, Classroom education can be put into practical application in the field. This ability gives the holder of the designations a distinct advantage in the fiercely competitive home improvement and remodeling industry; by creating a better brand name and educating prospective clients to the benefits of hiring a Certified Remodeler to alter or remodel their homes. Through education and hands on experience we employ the best industry practices and implement the best building science technologies which are learned in the classroom. The end result is a superior Construction project and very satisfied client. In conclusion, I strongly recommend all remodelers who already differentiate themselves as members of the HBRA further elevate their professional identity through taking courses offered by the NAHB itself (www.nahb.org/education) or the local chapter. By doing this sales will increase, businesses will grow and the overall good reputation of the building and remodeling industry will be elevated. February 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 7
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