EnerBank Blog

As an experienced contractor, you may be at the point where you can do your sales pitch in your sleep. However, if offering payment options to all potential clients isn’t part of your routine, you may be leaving money and business on the table. Here are some of the reasons why you should always offer […]

We all get those direct mail pieces from various businesses — everything from landscaping to kitchen-and-bath remodels, to window-and-door specialists and even orthodontists and automobile sales. And some of those companies are wise enough to include a clear mention of their available financing. (Around here, we tend to notice when they don’t.) It makes sense […]

Why Manufacturers and Other Trade Organizations Should Choose to Partner with a Bank for Sponsored Payment Options Programs A white label loan program is a loan program operated by a finance partner, but with your company name and branding facing your dealers and their customers. It lets you, as the program sponsor, offer your dealer […]

Everyone deserves a second chance. Contractor Harry Finley, owner of Finley Air Masters, held his tablet as he stood in the overheated kitchen of his potential clients, looking back across the gray granite island at Jim and Marsha Granger. Summer had come early this year, just in time for the A/C unit of their 1999 […]

Provide an exceptional customer experience with a financing partner who understands your contractors and homeowner clients. The companies you partner with are essentially an extension of the customer experience for your contractors, and even for their customers. That impacts the public perception of your business. Your finance partner is no different — it’s important to […]

Consumers are an ever-changing bunch, so it’s always an exciting time when the tide turns in favor of your industry. And if you’re in the home improvement industry, we’ve got good news for you. Despite the recent changes in the economy related to COVID-19, home improvement spending is holding strong, and even on the rise […]

Research shows that when you combine an attractive choice of payment options with your own high quality home improvement products and services, your business can seriously grow. Financing helps you get more quality leads that lead to bigger jobs and happier customers. How to Get Jobs as a Contractor If you’re wondering how to get […]

Your customers come home to relax and unwind after a long day at work. Home is where they entertain friends, make memories as a family, and celebrate life’s simple pleasures. So when they need a contractor for home improvement, they’re going to take their time finding the perfect person to do the job right. Approval […]

When one of your dealers is closing a deal and the homeowner has opted for one of the loan options they’ve offered — whether it’s a same-as-cash loan or a low monthly payment option — the key is that the customer gets approved for the loan…or it can all fall apart. Approval rates for home […]

Looking for a transparent answer to the question, “Should you offer your home improvement customers an unbeatable choice of payment options?” …look no further than the home improvement professionals who work with EnerBank USA®. Not only do our payment options provide homeowners with choices that can help you close the deal, but you can close […]

If you’re a contractor looking to build your clientele, you’ll need an excellent reputation and a solid portfolio of quality work. But how do you build that reputation to begin with? Homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to home improvement, and you’re going to have to work hard to earn their trust. […]

As a home improvement contractor, you’re always looking for new ways to grow your business. You might feel like you’ve done everything under the sun to bring in more clients, and now you’re ready to offer financing to your customers. Smart move! By offering payment options to your contractor clients, you’ll see your business grow […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has really changed the way we do business, and the economy is taking a serious hit from the response to the situation. But as economies across the country begin to reopen, it’s time to figure out the best way to ramp up your home improvement business once again. Contractors like you are […]

When you’re a contractor seeking to grow your business, it’s important to do everything you can to incentivize your clients. You might pour money into advertising, create a referral program, or strive to deliver phenomenal customer service. But if you’re not offering same-as-cash financing, you’re missing out on a big opportunity for growth. When you […]

Jim Millfield, of Cool Village Air & Heat, hit a snag with one of his recent customers. Marsha Briggs chose to pay for an air conditioner unit and the accompanying installation project by selecting an eighteen-month payment option Jim had offered her. The problem came because the lender Jim worked with wasn’t really a lender […]

The home improvement professionals who work with EnerBank USA® are the best people to talk with about using a payment options program to grow your business. Take, for example, Charlie Marino of DiGiorgi. He says, “We definitely see a correlation between offering payment options and our sales volume as well as the size of the […]

As a contractor, it’s in your best interest to make it as easy as possible for your customers to get the home improvements of their dreams. Not everyone has tons of cash sitting around to pay for their home improvement projects upfront — in fact, the majority of Americans need to take out a loan […]

It’s wise during turbulent times to refocus your efforts to compete successfully and maintain, or improve, key dealer relationships in the marketplace. That’s not news. But how exactly should you go about it? Consider taking some time to get to know—or re-familiarize yourself with—your competition. The fact is that no business exists in a vacuum. […]

Gearing up after a disruptive crisis such as we have endured will be challenging. But history tells us that better times will come – they always do – and garnering the support to get those first quick wins out of the gate is vitally important. A trusted lender gives customers confidence Where can you turn […]

Leap contracting software now works hand-in-hand with EnerBank USA® payment options EnerBank is pleased to announce our strategic partnership with Leap, an industry-leading point-of-sale application. Leap digitizes all steps of the in-home sales process—estimating, financing, contracting and real-time communication—and now, EnerBank payment options.   Leap customers now have one seamless application to build estimates and […]

At EnerBank USA®, our contractors love singing the praises of working with us to grow their businesses the smart way. Take, for example, Greg Taylor of CertaPro. He says, “Offering EnerBank payment options to every single residential customer has made a huge difference in our sales because it makes the buying experience very easy for […]

Yours is a competitive marketplace — homeowners have plenty of choices for their home improvement needs, and any way you can set yourself apart can mean getting the edge in that crowded field — which can mean the difference between meeting your sales goals and falling short for the month. One important way you can […]

As the solar panel market matures and government incentives continue their gradual phase-out, manufacturers, distributors, and installers need to find new ways to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. The 30 percent federal tax credit started a step-down process on January 1, 2020, and over the next few years will eventually drop to zero. Now […]

  As leaders, we want the people who work for us to understand and share our vision, truly buy into the company mission, and be inspired to deliver a high standard of customer service. In the end, the employees themselves want that same feeling of cohesion and belonging to something bigger than themselves. A big […]

When it came time for a remodel job on my own home, I went with a general contractor who I’d used a few times before. This guy had always done fantastic work for me at a decent price, and he’d always finished his jobs on time. This time was no different in terms of the […]

Contractors who provide their customer with a choice of unbeatable payment options, such as a Same-As-Cash Loan, are utilizing an importanIncreased Competitive Advantage: t tool that’s proven to increase sales. And, payment options can also make contractors more attractive to homeowners who can start a project because they don’t have to worry about obtaining financing […]

Many marketing experts dedicate their lives to keeping up with the latest trends, allowing contractors to focus on more important things like increasing leads and boosting sales for their business. And, with access to nearly limitless information in our digital world, finding the most useful resources can be a challenge. To help, we’ve created a […]

In a recently published article on utahbusiness.com, EnerBank USA® President & Chief Executive Officer, Charlie Knadler shares what he’s learned about leading leaders during his time as CEO. He begins by explaining, “I have 300+ bosses. That might be surprising coming from a CEO, but it’s true. I work for the CFO of our parent […]

There are so many things that people can do to their homes. It’s no wonder that popular remodeling trends change from year to year. For a long time, in-home bars were popular—then vinyl siding, hardwood floors, and now granite. New changes are always on the horizon, but if you want a good return on your […]

About five years ago, EnerBank USA® established a relationship with Larry Williams, one of the principals in the Williams Leslie Group, to help us enhance our sales approach. As a result of ongoing “Leveraging Sales Leadership” training, the bank made an important shift in its sales approach. In a recently published article on salesandmarketing.com, John […]

Contractors know that growing their businesses can be challenging. And, they agree that it takes considerable effort to achieve their sales goals. But, with proper planning and a winning strategy, contractors can grow their businesses faster than ever! Here’s how! An independent study conducted within the home improvement industry found that contractors who offer a […]

In today’s competitive environment, it’s more important than ever for home improvement contractors to understanding the reasons driving homeowners’ decisions to improve their homes. Because whether they’ve just closed on a fixer-upper or are looking to update the house they’ve lived in for 20 years, there’s a good chance they’ve got plans to make home […]

According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, more than a third of homeowners who completed a home-improvement project within the last year regret not spending more on their project. This finding comes from the Regret Factor Study, led by Brenda Bryan, executive director of the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI). According to […]

EnerBank USA® is excited about the positive response it’s received to its new Triple Option Loan. The new loan is designed specifically for homeowners who are eligible for income tax incentives, rebates, or both associated with their solar projects. This new solar loan also provides homeowners the ultimate flexibility in choosing how they want to […]

Maintaining a strong, loyal workforce is critical to just about every business, and it’s easy to find reams of information about how to do it best. Since employees are among the highest of all expenses for a company, having to recruit continuously and train employees can run into the thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, […]

The results of HomeAdvisor’s 2018 True Cost Survey are in, and they’re anticipating another healthy year for home improvement projects and spending. And, interestingly, the millennial generation is becoming increasingly important in this sector of the economy. Not only did millennial homeowners complete the most home projects per household in the last 12 months, but […]

For many businesses, it’s not uncommon for their customers to underestimate the cost of quality improvements and other large purchases. This occurs across many industries, like real estate, automotive, home improvement, and home furnishing, to name several. Today, we’ll focus on the benefits of financing projects within the home improvement industry. Why offer financing? If […]

There are a lot of different loan types out there, so it’s easy for those outside the lending business to get confused. Even within the lending business, it’s easy to lose track of the assortment of different industry-specific loans. So, if you’re unfamiliar with “Same-As-Cash Loans,” or aren’t sure exactly what the term means, don’t […]

If you haven’t thought about jump-starting your business in the new year, you only have a few more week to get started! So, be sure to set aside time now to think and plan because as the famous adage often attributed to Benjamin Franklin goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” You may believe […]

The Great Recession changed the purchasing habits of individuals, and many tightened their wallets. However, for the home improvement industry, spending increased as more homeowners opted to stay in their current home and remodel, rather than move. For the home improvement contractor, this is good news. However, it’s still critical to have the right plan […]

Waterproofing a home isn’t something a homeowner generally considers until it’s too late. Major snow melts or big rainstorms result in water seeping through windows or holes in the walls, causing damage to carpets and furniture—with great potential for mold if it isn’t fixed quickly. The cost of fixing problems and then preventing future issues […]

The EnerBank USA® team exhibited at the Remodeling Show in Baltimore, Maryland, this year. We were able to learn more about the attendees and discuss how working with us to offer a choice of payment options to customers for their home improvement projects can significantly increase sales. We were also able to participate in a […]

EnerBank USA® is excited to announce our new, second-look YES Loan! With our new loan, we’ve streamlined our process to approve more of your less credit-worthy customers by bringing the underwriting and servicing of these loans in-house. So now, we can provide your customers with a seamless approval experience by offering the YES Loan counteroffer […]

The EnerBank USA® team had a wonderful time at the Solar Power International show in Anaheim, California. We met new friends, strengthened existing strategic partnerships, and discussed the benefits of working with us to finance solar projects. We are dedicated to supporting companies in the solar industry by helping them to grow their businesses and […]

We’ve grown accustomed to the erosion of integrity in our modern world. We are used to being on hold with customer support for what feels like hours, listening to repeated messages like, “Your call is important to us.” We’ve become so accustomed to products that fail to deliver, that at times we forget even to […]

Do you remember the very first car you owned—the one you purchased with your own money? Can you recall its make, model, and color? Did you clean it obsessively? Did you tell others they couldn’t eat in the car? Let’s compare these feelings to the last car you rented. Can you even remember your last […]

EnerBank USA® provides its contractor customers with many tools to grow their business. And, in this post, we are excited to highlight one of these valuable tools—Max Approval! How does Max Approval work? Max Approval works by allowing contractors to set a maximum loan amount for their business, also referred to as a “Max Approval […]

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already more than half-way through 2018. So, if you haven’t evaluated how your marketing efforts are contributing to your goals, now may be a good time! And, if your efforts still need a boost, you may want to try adding “experiential marketing” to your strategy. Because, according to an AdWeek1 article, […]

There’s an endless supply of change going on. It’s easy to get distracted if you’re not careful. Change that comes in the form of technology is especially distracting. The more we integrate it into our lives and jobs, the more we seem to want. The sad irony in our lives is the very thing we […]

The digital world has changed the face of consumerism for all buyers. If you’re continuing to leverage traditional, funnel-based marketing and sales methodologies alone, you may be experiencing diminishing returns from your efforts.   Even with compromised performance, many marketers double-down and think that repeating these same outbound strategies in a bigger way will produce […]

School’s out, the temperatures are beginning to rise, and summer is almost here. For a lot of people, that means vacation, trips to the beach, and lazy days by the pool.   But for business owners, it can also mean stress—in the form of a summer sales slump.   Some businesses heat up during the […]

With more than 3,700 award nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry, The American Business Awards® announced John Harris, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, as a GOLD STEVIE® WINNER for a Lifetime Achievement Award—Business Services Industries. Harris is a member of EnerBank’s executive management team playing a pivotal role […]

As mortgage rates rise, more homeowners are choosing to remain in their homes and renovate. So, as you consult with your customers on potential home improvement projects, and ways to help them maximize the value of one of their largest investments, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. They include:   1.      […]

An amazing sales pitch is critical when it comes to gaining market share for your business or generating interest in your product or service. And, laying a solid foundation before pitching the sales is also crucial. This can be accomplished by asking probing questions and listening to your customer’s needs before pitching anything—because a prematurely […]

During a presentation given at IBS/KBIS 2018, Senior Vice President of Operations, Blaine Bagley, talked about employee turnover and how EnerBank USA® approaches this critical topic. Blaine started by explaining that according to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, employers will need to spend the equivalent of six to nine months of […]

In 2017, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the productivity of the American labor market had declined. These results baffled experts who had predicted that technological advancement would inevitably make workers more productive. But, the reality appears to be that technology has the power to both improve and reduce productivity. In his book, Deep […]

There are many ways your business can gain a competitive edge that makes it stand out from the crowd. One simple and effective way to gain and keep customers—the implementation of an effective customer service model. Great customer service is at the heart of building a successful, long-term relationship with your customers. However, most of […]

In the home improvement industry, standing out from your competitors can be difficult. Many home improvement contractors try doing this by offering a variety of building materials or services and by posting positive customer reviews. While there’s no doubt these strategies are essential to business growth, contractors can do more to create a competitive advantage […]

How many referrals did your business generate last month? Most contractors already ask for referrals, but often it’s little more than a closing statement accompanied by a few extra business cards. Because of this approach, most referral programs are dead on arrival. But there’s good news—they don’t have to be. There’s a unique way to ask […]

We’re proud to announce that Utah Business Magazine recognized our John Harris during its annual Sales & Marketer of the Year (SAMY) awards banquet, as well as in the magazine’s February issue. John Harris, EnerBank’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, was honored for the measurable impact he’s had on our bottom line. As […]

The EnerBank team had a wonderful time at the KBIS show in Orlando this year. We met new friends, strengthened existing strategic partnerships, and discussed the benefits of working with us to finance home improvement projects. We are dedicated to working with home improvement contractors to grow their businesses by increasing leads, closing more sales, […]

With the late start to cold weather in many parts of the country this year, there’s still time to develop and implement a sound strategy for dealing with the typical slow-down in business that accompanies the change of seasons for home improvement contractors. Here are a few ideas to help see you through those lean […]

In the business world, there are those embracing the latest and greatest, and there are the dinosaurs. Guess which ones end up extinct? Bottom line, everything is changing, and if you’re not already doing business on a tablet or your mobile phone, you’re already behind the times. But it’s not too late to catch up! […]

If your close rate has been increasing, and your job sizes expanding…chances are you’ve discovered the benefits of offering your home improvement customers a choice of payment options throughout your sales process. But did you know that offering payment options can also help you gain referrals? Here’s how. Show and Tell One of the great […]

Contractors, if you’re not already offering payment options to every customer on every sale, the change in leaf color might indicate it’s also time for a change in your closing process. With some business naturally drying up as the season gets cooler and wetter, you can’t afford to settle for smaller sales or failure to […]

When selling HVAC products and services, few technicians and sales reps ask the right questions about financing, if they even ask it at all, according to a recent article in HVAC Insider by John Harris, EnerBank executive VP of sales and marketing. “Asking money-related questions in the right way is a skill that must be […]

At the Solar Power International conference in Las Vegas (Sept. 10-13), EnerBank made life easier for solar panel contractors trying to increase sales by helping homeowners finance their rooftop projects. At the conference, EnerBank introduced its 12 and 20-Year PowerLoan® with an optional re-amortization feature for Solar PV projects. Annual percentage rates (APRs) for 12-Year […]

If you asked people to dream up the ideal home improvement contractor, what do you think that would look like? Are you working to exemplify the qualities listed below? If so, you’re well on your way to converting more qualified leads into sales, and establishing a reputation for honest, quality work. If not, it’s not […]

Summer is an ideal time for homeowners to work on their dream projects. If you’re a remodeling contractor, that means it’s time to update your marketing game to bring in more business. An easy way to do this is by offering your prospective clients tips on how to get started. Coaching customers builds their trust […]

A belated congratulations to the 37 contractors named 2017 Contractors of the Year from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)! As co-sponsors of the awards with Home Depot, we were pleased to meet many of the recipients face-to-face in April at the NARI Spring Business Meeting in Arizona and learn more about the […]

You already know that offering a choice of payment options, garnering positive customer reviews, and establishing customer trust are all important for closing more sales and securing larger projects. But did you know that working with great subcontractors also impacts the way homeowners evaluate your business? Here’s what you need to know when working with […]

Remodeling your business strategy so you can generate solid leads is smart. Here are six powerful ways to balance traditional and new opportunities to boost your book of business and close more sales: 1. Offer a Choice of Payment Options Potential customers face two basic questions: “What do I want to do?” and “How am […]

American Banker Article Highlights Why EnerBank Built a Mobile Loan App to Enhance the Loan Application Process for Both Homeowners and Home Improvement Contractors. EnerBank recently launched a mobile loan app to provide more convenient and faster credit decisions for home improvement loans for both homeowners and home improvement contractors. The app is available for […]

Harvard University recently released its latest quarterly Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) report indicating “Strong and Stable” Growth in home renovation and repair spending in 2017. This continued economic strength in the industry provides an opportunity for contractors who provide a choice of payment options to all of their customers to see up to 30 […]

The EnerBank team had a great time exhibiting at the KBIS show in Orlando. We are passionate about helping home improvement contractors grow their businesses by increasing leads, closing more sales, and doing bigger projects.   We met a lot of contractors from around the country and enjoyed learning about their companies and discussing how […]

The good news: opportunity is up! The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University expects home improvement projects to increase by nearly 7% this year — a number similar to last year’s growth. The not-so-good news? Census reports indicate there are about 650,000 professional remodelers in the United States. With such a saturated market, […]

It seems there is never a shortage of homeowners looking to remodel or renovate. In fact, with the housing market recovering so well, home improvement projects and remodels will continue to increase in 2017. However, the home improvement contracting market is highly competitive, making it difficult and sometimes costly to secure valuable leads and new […]

Getting more leads is key to increasing sales and growing your business. And to do so successfully, requires a combination of digital and traditional forms of lead generation strategies. Incorporating these six steps into your current lead generation efforts can help you close more sales. 1. Offer Financing Options One of the biggest decisions potential […]

Home improvement contractors are always in search for ways to close more leads and secure larger projects. Sure, offering a variety of material options, garnering positive customer reviews, and establishing customer trust are all essential, but what else can contractors do to create a competitive edge in the eyes of homeowners? One way is to […]

EnerBank USA is launching a new mobile app  Today’s consumers are increasingly relying on mobile applications for their personal and business needs. And as a contractor, meeting the growing mobile demands of consumers is critical when it comes to increasing leads and closing more sales. That’s why we’re launching a highly secure mobile app, offering […]

Latest Harvard Report Shows Above-Average Gains to Continue in Home Renovation, Repair Spending In his response to Harvard University’s latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) report, EnerBank USA President & CEO Charles Knadler said contractors who provide a choice of payment options to all of their customers could see up to 30 percent growth in […]

A New Choice Available at this Year’s Remodeling Show to increase close rates up to 50% At this year’s Remodeling Show in Baltimore the EnerBank USA team was in attendance to announce the upcoming launch of our new mobile loan app. EnerBank now has A NEW CHOICE for customers to submit a loan application. It […]

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE How the world views your business is critical to its overall success. We live in a world where every business has an image, regardless of how large or small the marketing budget or how the brand has been promoted. The digital arena has created a space for […]

The home improvement market is booming! Homeowners are expected to spend more and more each year on home improvement projects and remodeling.  According to LIRA, the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, home improvement and repair expenses will reach an 8.0% increase by the start of 2017, well in excess of its 4.9% historical average. All […]

Consumers today do lots of research before they hire a home improvement contractor. The internet makes it easy for potential customers to know almost everything about you before they sign on the dotted line. They want to know about projects you did in the past. They read reviews about your company on websites like Angie’s […]

Offering a choice of payment options is key in distinguishing your business and customer experience. The days when customers paid with only cash and credit cards are long gone. Today’s most successful contractors provide their customers a choice. Offering Same-As-Cash financing and low monthly payment plans gives your customers freedom to spend and pay however […]

For most home improvement contractors, steady lead generation throughout the year is their top business challenge. Some NEED more quality leads. So what changes can you make right now that will bring significant new business your way? You might be surprised, but the top contractors in your industry would reply the same way–“offer a choice […]

Your contractor business could be at risk of being a victim of one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country: business identity theft. We’ve all heard of people’s stories about identity theft, but business identity theft is a threat that is serious and can cause devastating losses to businesses. Business identity theft occurs when someone […]

Curious about what the best salespeople do on a daily basis to keep their edge? Want to up your game? Read our Infographic below and discover how!   Want to Increase Your Close Rates by 25%? CLICK HERE to discover a tool that will help your team close more deals.

Do you know the difference between customer service and customer experience? As a home improvement contractor, understanding the difference is key as you try to grow your business in a world where customers have more opportunity to interact with your company than ever before. The best home improvement contractors are committed to providing outstanding customer service. The […]

Solar panel contractors now have another easy way to get their customers started with an installation project. We’re excited to announce that homeowners looking for payment options for their solar projects can now use the EnerBank USA Mobile Loan App to apply for Combo Loans! Using the option to apply for a Combo Loan in […]

We’re proud to announce that Utah Business Magazine recognized two of our executives during its 17th annual 30 Women to Watch awards banquet, as well as in the magazine’s May issue. Kristin Dittmer, EnerBank’s Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, and Dawn Cannon, EnerBank’s Executive Vice President of Bank Operations, were awarded for their […]

Last week EnerBank USA President and CEO, Charlie Knadler was featured on an episode of Designing Spaces, airing on Lifetime Television ®. Architect Alberto Remudo and Charlie shared tips with homeowners on how to plan a home improvement project, pick the right contractor and pay for the project. Check out the clip here: Educating homeowners […]

An upcoming episode of Designing Spaces, airing on Lifetime Television®, will feature EnerBank USA CEO Charlie Knadler highlighting how homeowners can finance their home improvement projects. The episode, which airs on the Lifetime Television network, is scheduled for Thursday, April 28th, with an encore presentation on Thursday, May 5th. The episode will air on both days […]

At last month’s ACCA/IE3 show in Charlotte the EnerBank USA team was in attendance helping contractors grow their business.  Those who came by our booth discovered how to increase their sales by increasing close rates up to 50% and growing average project size by 30% or more using our payment options program. During the show, contractors—large […]

Why You Shouldn’t Assume, and Other Ways to Empower Your Customers by Giving Them More Choice We’ve found that developing a culture of choice has grown not just our own business but also the operations and revenue for many others. Offering people choice puts them in the driver’s seat and creates empowered, happy customers. Here […]

Where do you think the home improvement and remodeling industry ranks in customer satisfaction? Your anecdotal evidence might unintentionally lead you to give a very favorable rating. “It can’t be that bad,” you say. However, customer satisfaction in this industry is astonishingly low, on par with car sales. Car sales! Generally speaking, customers are as […]

The EnerBank USA Team at KBIS 2016 in Las Vegas The EnerBank team had a great time exhibiting at last month’s KBIS show in Las Vegas. We are passionate about helping home improvement contractors increase leads, close more sales and grow their business. We met a lot of contractors from around the country and enjoyed […]

As you finalize your 2016 marketing plan, make sure that your digital marketing takes into account advances in technology. 1. Make it Mobile It’s no longer an option to have a mobile-friendly website. It’s mandatory.  After mobile traffic surpassed desktop internet traffic in 2015, Google got serious about mobile optimization. In fact, they are going […]

Although it seems like the world has forgotten about direct mail, it’s still an effective tool for certain industries to gain new customers. Contractors can benefit from direct mail efforts that reach older individuals who aren’t particularly active online. This is a great market for contractors because right now, older individuals are the ones with […]

Interested in learning more about closing the gap between your forecasted sales and goals? Check out EnerBank USA’s latest infographic!

Curious to know what the average U.S. home looks like? Take a look at EnerBank’s newest infographic that details what the average American home looks like by city/region.

It’s a mobile world, and with that in mind, you need to know how to best go about marketing in that medium. Learn more below!

There is a lot of good news right now for home improvement contractors. Contractors might have even more to be happy about next year if predictions about remodeling activity in 2016 hold true. According to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), annual spending on home improvements next year could increase 4 percent (and your […]

Interview with Larry Williams Sales tricks, techniques, and exercises are plentiful in the business world, but one training tool has been known as somewhat of a pariah among sales teams. “People don’t like to role play,” says Larry Williams, principal at the training firm Williams Leslie Group, who has almost 40 years of training and […]

The line between the way we dress for work and the way we dress at home is becoming more and more blurred. Are employers and employees becoming too casual for the workplace? Ask yourself this question: Would you trust the lawyer in a suit, or would you trust the lawyer in skinny jeans, tennis shoes […]

EnerBank USA has named Charlie Knadler, current Executive Vice President and CFO of the Bank, as President and CEO to replace Louise Kelly, who will retire at the end of the year. Knadler joined EnerBank in 2004 and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2010. He previously served as Senior […]

The spring and summer months provide remodeling contractors the opportunity to offer many home improvement projects, but the year does not end once the warmer weather is over. Despite declining temperatures and diminishing daylight, there are still numerous homeowners looking to improve their homes—and just in time for the holidays. What’s the bottom line? The […]

In order to successfully grow your business and achieve the sales revenue goals you have established, a sound marketing plan must be in place. Successful marketing plans can define the future of your business; the same can be said of poor marketing plans. Whether you are looking to implement a new marketing strategy or are […]

How to Sell to Millennials The way that you’ve been doing business is on the verge of one of the biggest changes you could ever imagine. Brace yourself. The millennials are coming, and now they’re the ones with the money. As you’ve probably already begun to notice, the baby boomer generation (those born between 1946 […]

A sample digital marketing plan In the last few years, marketing has shifted dramatically. In the past, print ads and billboards were once mainstays in a marketing plan. Today, blogs and social media have risen in importance. The web or digital marketing should unquestionably be one of the most important components of your marketing plan. […]

Nationwide spending on home improvements is reaching an all-time high, with more than $300 billion being spent by consumers so far in 2015. According to market research, 75 percent of all home improvement projects over $2,500 are financed in some way. The fact is, people are less willing to dip into savings to cover the […]

Let’s face it: even cash savvy homeowners often may not have all the money they need on hand for an unexpected repair or replacement like a new furnace. The same holds true for home remodeling projects. There are always the nice to haves that weren’t budgeted for or the unforeseen conditions that lurk behind walls, […]

No doubt your sales team has pursued traditional sales tactics in generating new leads for your business, but in a world where social media is increasingly becoming more popular, how can you cast a wider net or even target a more niche market? Social media has many benefits for all types of businesses, including home […]

In the era of online reviews, understanding when and where reviews appear has become a necessity for home improvement contractors to succeed online. With online review sites, review apps on every smartphone, and massive social media clout, consumers can confront your business from almost any angle. Monitoring what is being said about your business requires […]

Understanding your customers is essential to growing your business. Although many business owners think they understand who their customers are, many have misconceived ideas because of wrong or dated information. EnerBank USA set out to discover how much contractors actually knew about the people they work for (homeowners), and the results were surprising. Look over what […]

Take a look at EnerBank’s latest slideshare about the three ways the best contractors use social media to boost business. These simple steps can help you master your social media presence with ease. 

No ethical business owner would applaud the alleged efforts of the St. Louis Cardinals to hack into the private networks of the Houston Astros and steal information on its key players. But, by the same token, no sane business owner would ignore the competition without trying to find out everything he could—legally. The fact is, […]

According to the 2013 U.S. Census, 78.5% of households reported that they owned a desktop or laptop computer, and 73.4% of households reported having high speed internet. With this information, it makes sense why marketers might think it’s time to do away with direct mail marketing; however, it may not be time to discard this […]

Establishing an online social media presence for your business isn’t easy. It can be a real hassle creating your various profiles across multiple platforms and writing posts that actually garner qualified leads. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take some time to study and implement the following social media guidelines. By following these simple dos and don’ts […]

You might have the most knowledgeable, experienced and friendly service technicians around, but if they aren’t skilled at cross-selling and upselling, you are likely missing out on significant opportunities to grow your business. Your technicians should be your hidden sales force. The trouble is, many technicians don’t see themselves as salespeople, and they are not […]

American Banker has named EnerBank USA CEO Louise Kelly to its 2015 List of 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance. The publication honors executives in wealth management, investment banking, and other sectors outside of traditional retail and commercial banking annually, in addition to the Most Powerful Women in Banking and the 25 Women to Watch. […]

As seen in People Development Magazine.When someone asks if we can afford to be involved in our local community, I answer, “How can we afford not to?” While part of every bank charter is to give a percentage back to the community in financial education and other services, we find that we receive a lot […]

There’s a common goal found in every major, successful company: to be an authority in its respective field. If your business is not dedicated to becoming an authority in the home improvement industry,  then it’s unlikely to reach the next level of success and growth. But what does it mean to be an authority? What […]

Interested in learning more about what you need to do to get more online reviews? EnerBank tells you what you need to know! For more information about why online reviews are essential to your business succeeding, click here.

The term upsell has become a word that may allude to unscrupulous salespeople trying to boost their commission check without taking customers’ actual needs into account. Unfortunately, because of the practices of a few, upselling is no longer viewed favorably. But, when used with the proper motivation, upselling can be a technique that helps both […]

Ever wonder what the world’s most successful business leaders do differently than you? Is it their morning routine, how they prioritize the workday or the books they read at night? Our “Daily Habits of Successful Business Leaders” infographic says it might be all three. We researched what powerful businesspeople do each day before breakfast. We […]

If you find that your employees are treating their work like it’s just “another job,” you might be wondering how you can get them to care about the business as much as you do. The culture of ownership is a mindset that develops as employees feel empowered to do their work, where they accept responsibility […]

Creating a system for success within your sales department is essential to helping your company grow. But one quick trick won’t save a struggling sales team. A winning sales team is made up of more than superstar sellers. It’s a combination of many things, some of which include attentive management, well-built compensation structures and good […]

Everyone has the occasional bad day, but as a business owner, you don’t want that to cost you new customers. Your sales team is likely made up of wonderfully unique individuals, but it’s inappropriate for each to use his or her own sales process to demonstrate one’s individuality. In fact, the more synchronized your sales […]

When was the last time you thought about your customers’ experience from beginning to end? This is about more than the service you provide individual customers, but rather about putting yourself in the shoes of the people who engage with your product or service in order to make that experience better. This is oftentimes something […]

When was the last time you got a lead from Facebook or another social platform? Social media is a powerful tool that should not be overlooked when you’re trying to boost business. Whether you want to pick up seasonal customers or simply capture new leads, the vast network of social media websites that abound have […]

–Provo facility can accommodate up to 200 employees; expansion to continue excellent customer service to homeowners and home improvement contractors– EnerBank USA, a highly specialized FDIC-insured bank in the home improvement industry, today opened a new office in Provo, Utah, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Bank executives. U.S. Congressman Jason Chaffetz, local government […]

Summer is the time for vacations, pool parties and barbecues. Many, however, do not realize the opportunity summer brings when it comes to making changes to the home. Of course, there is spring for “spring cleaning,” and the breeze of fall makes it the best time for backyard cleanup, but what time of year is […]

Why You Should Pay Attention to Online Reviews: The digital age has changed a lot about how business is done. Payment methods are different, the way you market to customers has evolved, and how you maintain business has shifted. Some things, however, never change. Customer reviews and referrals still drive a lot of home improvement […]

Ever find yourself in a creative rut? EnerBank provides seven tips to get your creative juices flowing and your problem solving skills perfected. Learn more below! For more information about creative problems solving, check out In Praise of Quiet Time.

There was a time when print was the primary mode of advertising, but those days are quickly diminishing with the increasing popularity of digital publications. No longer do people pull out the phonebook and manually search for a business listing. Instead, a needed phone number is delivered to the palm of their hands with a […]

Contractors have a difficult job. They have technical and laborious projects to complete, staffs to manage and a reputation that is constantly under review. Managing one’s reputation, staying on top of current licensing and constantly delivering quality work is a lot to oversee, but contractors must find a way to consistently meet these high demands […]

Marketing versus sales can be one of the great business rivalries. The conflict that oftentimes exists between the two departments hurts the company more than it helps. Having marketing and sales teams at odds will only hinder growth, and it often springs from a lack of understanding of each other’s processes. By learning more about […]

Do you want more customers? Of course you do, but where do you begin? You likely wear many hats at your company and stay busy keeping existing customers happy and making sure every job is done right. However, very few home improvement contractors are successful without a steady stream of new customers. That’s where customer […]

It’s a different world for home improvement contractors than it used to be. Real estate shoppers and home improvement seekers no longer open the phone book and call the first service provider they find. Now, before you even hear from them, they’ve often done extensive research themselves from their own homes. This means that your […]

While summer is a great time to gain more customers, many home improvement contractors have to fight off a slump in new business as the summer wraps up and they head into fall. As the latter portion of summer approaches, you might start to find that your employees seem a little worn out. This is […]

Where does your pricing model fall—higher or lower than the national average? The answer can be found in the 2015 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com). Created yearly by REMODELING Magazine, in cooperation with the National Association of REALTORS® and REALTOR® Magazine, the report documents the average cost of a remodeling project in your area, giving […]

By now, it’s no secret that the companies who are most successful sell more. Today, John Harris, EVP of Sales and Marketing for EnerBank USA, talks with social selling pro Ken Krogue, President and cofounder of InsideSales.com, one of the nation’s leading experts on social selling and sales automation. Harris recently interviewed Krogue, named the […]

Great salespeople are born and made. Traits like assertiveness (the ability to be self-assured without being aggressive) and analytical skills (the ability to solve customer problems) tend to be genetic gifts. Optimism can be learned, according to some psychologists, though it’s far easier if you’re naturally confident and upbeat. But three other key sales characteristics—empathy, self-awareness and […]

Ever wonder what a day in the life of a successful business leader looks like? Find out more about some of those daily practices and rituals—you might even consider incorporating a few into your own regimen. CONCLUSION: We hope you can use this information to better assess how you can incorporate some of these practices into your […]

As a home improvement contractor, you are the expert when it comes to providing quality craftsmanship to your clients. But have you considered your next sale, and from where it will come? By taking the time now to maximize—or even implement—your marketing campaign, you can secure your future leads and help grow your business. Consider […]

Take a minute to answer these 8 questions and find out whether you really know what homeowners in the U.S. look like—you might be surprised by some of these statistics.

Finding a creative spark while doing laps I’m not a lone wolf—far from it. I constantly lean on my team for the results we need at the Bank. I try to hire very smart people, and work with great third-party companies, in order to glean the benefit of their thinking. But, as with all managers, […]

You’ve been there: being asked for a referral by a salesperson, and sometimes it’s uncomfortable. Despite the fact that several people immediately pop into your head, you don’t want to provide their names because it feels like you may be selling them out. You feel obligated to, however, because “this guy just did a great […]

Ask anyone who has worked in sales and they’ll tell you working with indecisive customers can be incredibly frustrating. Some customers may have a broad idea of what they want, but they cannot make definite decisions, while others may simply change their minds throughout the sales process. This inability to make concrete decisions is especially […]

Online advertising is as strong as ever. In the first quarter of 2015, internet advertising set another revenue record, bringing in over $13.3 billion, a sixteen percent raise over the same time last year. If companies aren’t taking their online presence seriously, they’re in real danger of getting left behind. For contractors, this is no […]

Learning to practice good body language can help increase your sales and grow your client base. You’ve probably heard that you have only seven seconds to make a first impression. Within that first moment, the person you’re meeting will make a solid decision about you—one that can be hard to change. Typically, this individual’s judgment […]

Grant Mazmanian, President of Pinnacle Group International, shares with us the secrets of hiring top performing salespeople for home improvement and remodeling contractors. After 25 years, he has refined this process into eight easy steps. (Want the Audio Recording? Request it here.) The most common issue that Grant is asked to address is why companies are struggling, […]

With summer in full swing, letting sales fall through the cracks should not be an option. The infographic below provides great tips on how home improvement contractors can get the most out of their sales efforts and close more jobs. If you want a deeper dive on these tips, read the article here. Click to […]

Kristin Dittmer has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Finance and Credit and former GE Capital Bank Models and Quantitative Risk Leader Robb Kerry has been added as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. Dittmer joined EnerBank in 2010 as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. Prior to joining EnerBank, she […]

Trying to rank No. 1 in search engine results for home improvement contractors can be frustrating and time-consuming. It seems as though Google constantly changes how it decides who to place at the top of the search results, and those with unlimited budgets always seem to win. When it comes to search results—paid or organic—there […]

Resale Value Potential Last year was a great year for the home improvement market. This year looks to be equally as promising as homeowners indicate that they will continue to undertake remodeling projects to make their homes better places to live. As you consult with your customers about potential projects, two factors can help make […]

As a home improvement contractor, you’re at the center of every project. For someone who wears so many hats, it’s crucial to have the necessary tools at your side each day to keep your projects and budgets on track as well as exceed your customers’ expectations. There is a mobile app for almost anything you […]

Navigating the ever-changing world of marketing can be a full-time job. Luckily, there are many experts who have dedicated their lives to keeping up with marketing trends so that you can focus on more important things like increasing leads and boosting sales. To help guide you to marketing success, we’ve found the best industry blogs […]

If you are anything like me, when considering a major purchase, you ask friends and family for a recommendation.  According to a 2013 study by Cisco, 49 percent of today’s buying decisions are still influenced by one’s closest circles.  Word of mouth can’t be underestimated. Yet, who consumers ask and how they ask has changed.  […]

CEO Louise Kelly presented on industrial bank sector at National Association of Industrial Bank Congressional Committee Staff Briefing on May 12th. Like many Industrial Banks, EnerBank USA fulfills a vital role in providing employment and economic growth through specialized lending products that benefit consumers and businesses, CEO Louise Kelly told staff members of the House […]

Did you know that home improvement contractors and the remodeling industry are responsible for an enormous number of consumer complaints—even more than used car salesmen and mortgage brokers? This presents a great opportunity for you! If vast numbers of contractors are getting customer service wrong, this means that those who excel at customer service have […]

Being profitable requires you to operate on more than just a gut feeling and what your bank statement tells you each week. Unfortunately many contractors of all sizes operate exactly that way and, while they think they are being extremely profitable and successful, many are barely surviving. Measuring the effectiveness of sales, marketing and operations […]

As the summer months approach, homeowners are thinking about improvements. But, how do you capitalize on this busy time of year? Marketing can be overwhelming and intimidating, but these simple tips can help you share your business with prospective customers, win the best referrals, and turn quality leads into lifelong clients. 1. Keep in Touch […]

EnerBank experienced record growth in 2014 and is hiring again. EnerBank USA, a leader in the financial services industry, is offering a variety of career opportunities. Employees receive excellent compensation, outstanding benefits and a rewarding and professional work environment. EnerBank annually participates in a many community  volunteer efforts as well as sponsoring a corporate entry […]

For a third year, Salt Lake City based employees of EnerBank USA have opened their hearts and wallets donating more than 100 gifts to The Christmas Box International’s (CBI) Project Elf Warehouse. Project Elf offers a fun and meaningful opportunity for groups and individuals to make a difference by fulfilling Christmas wishes for children at […]

With employees working from home, on the road, and in remote offices, the need for an easy-access central hub to store all your shared documents is increasingly important. Many companies use online storage solutions, managed through personal accounts. While free, these options create data risks as the content is not controlled by the company. Sales […]

We all want to improve the likliehood of our sales teams success with the best training possible. Contractors that invest in the ongoing development of their sales teams expertise see a significant return on investment. To help you get started or augment your sales training initiatives, we have compiled a list of five best-selling sales audio books. […]

Dawn Cannon, EnerBank Executive Vice President of Bank Operations, has accepted the nomination to serve on the People Helping People board, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cannon has a history with People Helping People, having served on the organization’s Employer Committee for the last few years.  She has worked for EnerBank USA for over […]

Always looking to squeeze more time out of the day? Keeping many plates spinning at the same time? With a contractors’ life in mind, we’ve scoured productivity tip lists, and curated the top dozen for your convenience. Are you looking for ways to continually be more productive? To help you  accomplish more during your any […]

Louise Kelly, the President and CEO of EnerBank USA will address attendees of the People Helping People Thanksgiving Social. The topic for her presentation is “Investing in Women Pays Dividends.” This will be an enlightening discussion on the value of investing in women, the need for women to invest in themselves and the importance of […]

EnerBank is currently hiring three full-time positions. The positions are: Contractor Support Representative. This position will provide inbound and outbound telephone support for home improvement contractors. Areas of service include: resolving contractor invoice issues, advising contractors of the next steps on particular applications, explaining processes and procedures of using our loan programs and more. Inbound […]

Give Your Job Search a Boost and Attend the MyWorkster Career Fair. EnerBank is currently hiring for positions in Contractor Support, Loan Processing, Collections and Customer Service. (Learn more about the positions here.) To give applicants and interested persons an opportunity to learn more about EnerBank and the open positions, we will be attending the […]

Email is a great tool used by marketing for generating leads and by sales for following up after presentations. Here are 7 tips for improving the effectiveness of both.   Two Tips For Sales Send a follow-up email right away. Most companies skip this step. This outreach can be personalized or you can use a […]

Whether you are an HVAC contractor, kitchen and bath remodeler, roofer, or any other type of home improvement contractor; the name of the game is finding prospects who are ready, willing to pull the trigger, and prepared to pay for the job. At EnerBank, some contractors tell us that their customers pay with cash. Those […]

The Utah Bankers Association has bestowed its highest honor, “The Distinguished Banker Award,” on Louise P. Kelly, President & CEO of EnerBank USA, in recognition of her active leadership in Utah’s and the nation’s banking industry and her exceptional community service. The presentation was made at the association’s annual convention. Louise P. Kelly is the founding executive […]

Our homes are important to all of us, but for different reasons. As the premier lender of Same-As-Cash, Reduced and Zero Interest loans for home improvement projects, we are constantly amazed at all the variations of personality people put into their home improvement projects. We want to know: which room in the house best describes […]