Dave Gray
Time Flies: It’s been seven years and counting for Renovation Contractor magazine
Renovation ContractorI have to admit I did a bit of a double take when I saw the line describing our kitchens and bathrooms product feature as our “7th annual.” Has it really been that long?!? Yes, yes it has. We were on a slightly different publishing schedule when we launched, but the first issue of Renovation Contractor came in in May/June 2011.
I hope you had a nice Easter holiday. Just before the break we wrapped up our April/May issue. That should be landing in mailboxes in the next week or two.
I have to admit I did a bit of a double take when I saw the line describing our kitchens and bathrooms product feature as our “7th annual.” Has it really been that long?!? Yes, yes it has. We were on a slightly different publishing schedule when we launched, but the first issue of Renovation Contractor came in in May/June 2011.
Since then, we’ve covered hundreds of topics in the 40-plus issues we’ve produced. In addition to multi-part packages like the K&B content in the April/May 2018 issue, we’ve always strived to have a mix of informative stories ranging from reviews of the latest tools and products we use on the job, to hot-button industry issues such as the difficulty in finding and retaining good help, and how to deal with legalized marijuana in the workplace.
We’ve also always had a heavy focus on business development, including the many industry experts who’ve shared their time and thoughts with us in our Build Your Business section. (Inside joke: Our short form term for referring to the section is “BYoB”!)
Some of the freelance contributors in our latest issue (Diane Peters, Frank Condron, and Jay Somerset) have been with us since the beginning, along with our managing editor, Allan Britnell. Our founding art director, Shawn Samson, moved on, but Darrell Leighton has more than ably filled his shoes for the past five years.
And, of course, we have to call out the incredible work of our back page illustrator, Brett Lamb. Since day one, he’s provided the brilliant cartoons that help illustrate the different contests we’ve run with reader tips. Shortly after launching we even held a contest to name our iconic contractor caricature: Russ T. Hinge! See below for his latest masterpiece.
It’s been incredible getting to meet readers from across the country, and have the chance to highlight some of the great work that you’re doing. Hopefully, we’ve also helped you get a bit better at it, and have a little extra money in your pocket at the end of the day.
They talk about a seven-year itch. But, if anything, I feel we’ve just scratched the surface of what we can and will do for our industry.
