The home improvement industry is facing a major challenge: skilled labor is disappearing faster than it can be replaced. More than 40% of current workers are expected to retire in the next five years. That’s over a million installers, roofers, and tradespeople leaving the field at a time when demand is as high as ever. […]
How Contractors Can Adapt to the Skilled Labor Shortage Read More »
AI is everywhere: writing legal briefs, generating ad campaigns, even helping diagnose medical conditions. In boardrooms and breakrooms alike, conversations about artificial intelligence are reshaping how we think about the future of work. But while AI dominates headlines about automation and disruption, a quieter story is unfolding. Skilled trades, especially in home improvement, aren’t just
Why the Trades Are Thriving in the Age of AI Read More »
On July 9th, 2025, Cilio hosted a focused training session titled “Managing by the Numbers”, led by Gary Cohen of Certified Contractors Network (CCN). The session was designed specifically for home installation business owners looking to take control of their operations and drive real profit. The training breaks down the key reasons why many home
Managing by the Numbers: The Smarter Way to Grow Your Home Installation Business Read More »
Over the past few years, big box retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Costco have quietly restructured the way they serve homeowners. One of the biggest shifts? A growing emphasis on Pro services and in-home installation programs. The average customer isn’t just buying products anymore. They’re buying convenience. And that means the real growth engine
The Rise of Pro Services at Big Box Stores: How Installers Can Capitalize Read More »
Big box installation programs demand more than just getting the job done. To stay in good standing with the retailer, you need to deliver a consistent, professional experience for every customer. For contractors working with Home Depot, that means paying close attention to your Voice of the Customer (VOC) scores. These scores are more than
How to Improve Your VOC Scores With Home Depot (And Why It Matters) Read More »
The first quarter of 2025 has presented a complex landscape for the home improvement industry. Major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware have reported mixed results, reflecting broader economic challenges such as tariff uncertainties, inflation, and shifting consumer behaviors. For home installation contractors and remodeling professionals, understanding these trends is crucial for navigating
What Q1 Earnings Reveal About the Year Ahead for Contractors Read More »
When you install products for big box retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Costco, you open the door to steady work and strong growth potential. But that opportunity comes with real expectations. These retailers track performance and compliance closely. If you don’t meet their standards, you could lose work or even be removed from their
Managing Performance and Compliance with Big Box Sales Channels Read More »
Quality window treatments are a choice your clients make and not a must-have like a roof or water heater. This means much of their decision is based on the experience YOU provide. Being professional, organized, and timely could mean the difference of sinking or swimming in this trade. Managing leads, custom measurements, follow-ups, scheduling installations,
The Major Challenges of Window Treatments and How Cilio Helps Read More »
If you run a busy installation business, you probably know the feeling. You’ve got jobs flying in from multiple channels, office staff working both in-house and in the field, and things mostly seem to be running fine. But you have that gut feeling: some people might not be pulling their weight. You don’t want to
How to Tell the Heroes from the Zeroes In Your Office Read More »
Running a fencing business isn’t easy. Managing leads, quote follow-up, scheduling jobs, staying on top of permits, and keeping everyone informed can be overwhelming, especially during busier seasons. As a fencing contractor, your success often comes down to how well you can juggle all the balls better than your competition. That’s where Cilio comes in.
The Major Challenges of Fencing and How Cilio Helps Read More »
