November Remodeler of the Month: Diverse Background Leads to Success

Sometimes you never know where life will take you. That’s the case for Melissa Irons, CAPS, CGR, CGP, of Irons Brothers Construction, Inc. in Shoreline, Wash. Even though she started her career as an operating room nurse, she eventually found her way into the remodeling sector.

“My background as an operating room registered nurse and nurse manager…was useful in creating employee systems and policies to continue the growth of the business from a contractor to a design/build firm,” she said.

Her diverse and successful background is just one of the many reasons that led Irons to becoming NAHB’s November Remodeler of the Month.

Irons is also very involved with both the remodelers council at her local home builders association, the MBA of King & Snohomish Counties, as well as NAHB Remodelers.

“For me, being a part of our national association of remodelers means that I am involved with an elite group of business owners dedicated to our industry, homeowners and employees,” said Irons.

“We are a collective power of members nationally who can affect the residential remodeling community for the better through our professionalism and involvement.”

Irons also explained that the remodeling industry has changed a lot since joining the company in 2008, most specifically with technology. This year, they rolled out a cloud-based client management program and time clock system. This system allows them to decrease paper, hold project managers accountable with time using GPS technology and real-time reporting, as well as contract management and better organization of lead referrals.

When asked about the most unusual project she’s seen over the years, Irons mentioned “a third-story addition with an elevator that was inspired by our client’s bulldog, Rocky. Rocky needs the help of an elevator now, and his parents are planning to use it for their future needs.”

Read the full Q&A in Qualified Remodeler magazine for more details about Irons’ tenure in the remodeling industry.

Know a professional remodeler who takes remodeling to the next level? Nominate him or her for NAHB Remodeler of the Month.