Are you interested in a career in residential remodeling sales but don’t know how to get started?
The growth of the remodeling and home building industries through the past 8-10 years, in Central Ohio, has created a need for not only labor from workers who are in the skilled trades but also for sales professionals to meet with potential clients and educate them on home remodeling costs, timelines, and more.
At The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio, we use a team approach for collaboration to create the scope and plan to meet our client’s needs. Through the process of working together, the Project Developer, Designer, Estimator, Design Consultant and Project Manager ensure the client is getting a great experience along with a project that meets their needs.
What does a Project Developer do?
The simple answer is sales! The Project Developer (PD) is the initial face of The Cleary Company. Their job is to support clients through the home remodeling process. They must continually communicate with our clients throughout all phases of their project.
Think of them as the quarterback of the client’s project. At many high-end remodeling companies, like The Cleary Company, Project Developers have design or estimating backgrounds, and some have both! Project Developer Jayde Boyd, she earned a BFA in Interior Architecture & Design from Ohio University and spent several years in bathroom and kitchen sales before joining our Team in 2019 in the Project Developer role.
Duties for a Project Developer/Salesperson vary from company to company but at The Cleary Company our PDs:
- Engage with clients throughout their project, start to finish.
- Create space plans and designs that address clients’ needs.
- Collaborate with our Design & Project Consultants on the planning of projects.
- Create budgets and scopes of work for their projects.
- Coordinate all pre-construction project meetings.
- Write & present contracts.
Meet Our Project Developers
Laura Watson, UDCP – 30+ years industry experience – 2009 Joined TCC – BA Interior Design @ University of Charleston
Jen Sommers, CR – 10+ years industry experience – 2017 Joined TCC – BS Interior Design @ The Ohio State University
Jayde Boyd – 7+ years industry experience – 2019 Joined TCC – BFA Interior Architecture @ Ohio University
Katie Florjancic, UDCP – 9+ years industry experience – 2020 Joined TCC – BFA Interior Architecture & Design @ Ohio University
Coury Sicker, UDCP – 5+ years industry experience – 2020 Joined TCC – BS Business Management @ Baldwin Wallace University
Emily Perebzak – 1+ years industry experience – 2022 Joined TCC – BFA Interior Architecture & Design @ Ohio University
Project Developer Q&A – Jayde – Jen – Coury
How did you get your start in remodeling?
Jayde – I grew up in the construction world thru my family’s concrete business and was always curious about building and creating spaces from a really young age. After college, I worked for a “big box” retailer designing & selling kitchens and bathrooms. Wanting to challenge myself further, I started looking for a position with a full-service remodeling firm and found a home at TCC.
Jen – I owned my own design business for several years and also worked for a small remodeling company doing sales, estimating and project management. I came to TCC as a Design Coordinator and then moved into an Estimator position. In 2020 when the Home Services division was created George & Aaron gave me the opportunity to create and lead this Team.
Coury – Prior to joining TCC, I owned a design & remodel company in Cleveland, Ohio. My experience includes work on both residential and commercial projects for interior design, space planning and renovation. I have also worked as a successful real estate professional.
How would you describe your role as a PD?
Jayde – I ensure the project our client has been dreaming about is brought to life through our Design-Build Team. I really listen to their wants and needs, getting all of the ideas on paper and creating a plan that gives them the best experience for their project.
Jen – A Home Services project is slightly different than a Design-Build one described above. Basically, I’m a Project Developer, Designer and Estimator tasked with doing it all – from creating the scope of work to the design to creating the budget. Our clients have one point of contact from conception to completion.
Coury – Working primarily with our bathroom renovation clients, I guide them through the design and selection process for their bathroom remodeling needs. It’s all about upgrading our clients’ lives through smart design. It’s the best part of my job.
What 3 things do you try to teach clients during the development of their project?
Jayde:
- How a home’s floorplan can function better by adjusting the flow of the space.
- Communicating what is (or not) possible in the vision for their home.
- Why sometimes pricing can sometimes vary even after we’ve secured bids and quotes.
Jen:
- Setting expectations early and often.
- Schedule and pricing are not guaranteed, but we always do our best to be on time & on budget.
- Communication during development and into construction is important.
Coury:
- Understanding their problems with their existing bathrooms helps us create a design & scope of work to improve their home life.
- Communication is key.
- Decisiveness can move the process along.
Just for Fun!
Describe your favorite TCC project.
Jayde – It’s tough picking just one! I’d say any project where the client is willing to trust us and their decisions to make bold material selections. Whenever a client adds a lot of their personality to a project it’s fun!
Jen – My favorite projects are ones with big transformations and satisfied clients at the end of the project. Kitchen or basement updates or adding a bar to existing spaces.
Coury – When our client is happy, and we have changed their home life for the better. My renovation and design superpower? “Completely reimagining a space within the same footprint.” And this just happens to pair perfectly with bath2BATH’s mission!
Do you see a future for yourself as a Project Developer? Working with The Cleary Company can lead you on that path. Read our blog to learn why a career in remodeling at The Cleary Company is a top choice for industry professionals. If you are ready to begin or continue your career in the remodeling industry, visit the Careers page on our website and contact us today!