What's in a Name

As the old Shakespearean quote goes, "What's in a Name?". Corporations pay millions upon millions for the naming rights on professional sports stadiums, buildings, amphitheaters, etc. Here's a couple of new ones. DreamWorks Animation recently paid an undisclosed amount to Zoo Atlanta for the naming rights for their youngest panda bear. No, I'm not kidding. Also, the City of Chicago has plans to sell the naming rights to the city's bus routes and train routes. Wow! Obviously, a lot goes into a name.

I remember when I was a young boy, probably 5 or 6 years old, my sister and I had a disagreement over a wooden toy box. I said it was mine and she insisted it was hers. So what's a little boy to do? I'll tell you. Take a permanent black marker and write your name (to the best of you ability) right on the side. FYI, that toy box now resides in my 5 year old's bedroom. Again, a lot goes into a name.

Nearly 9 years ago, when I first had the idea to start my own custom home building business, one of the first items on my list of things to complete was to finalize a company name. I knew the name of my company would stick with me forever. My first thought was to name it something catchy and trendy. Then I thought about the obvious...Quality Builders, Inc., Carolina Builders, Inc., etc. Then I began to think about my name and what it meant to me personally. I thought about my last name and how much it meant to me and my family, my uncles, aunts, and cousins. And then I thought about my full name...Brad D. Cummings...and the obvious meaning that it has to me personally. I knew that if I attached my name to my product, it better be among the very best products capable of being produced. I knew that it would place a lot of pressure on me, but I knew that it was the right thing to do. From the very beginning, I have always been proud to place my job signs in front of my projects and to attach my name to my work.

So, "What's in a Name"? For me it's simple. It's pride, reputation, it's family.

Another New Year

I love to reflect. I enjoy looking back, evaluating, appreciating, remember. On December 31st 2009, I wrote about the interesting year that had just past. Not knowing what adventures 2010 may hold, I remained optimistic, hopeful, and most importantly faithful. We did not know for certain what the home building landscape would look like, but we know it had to be better than 2009, right? As I look back at 2010 (now 34 days into 2011, I should have written this a few weeks ago) I realize it had much in common with 2009. Business was comparatively slow, yet it had some great moments. We received our Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation, our first designation from the National Association of Home Builders. Something we are very proud to hold. Speaking of proud, we also won two...yes TWO... North Carolina Home Builders Association STARS Awards. Now that was quite an evening. Entering into the categories for Best Single Family Home below $250,000.00 and between $250,000 and $500,000.00 we were pleased two win BOTH! It was a privilege and an honor to be recognized as one of the best among our peers. So while 2010 had it's challenges, as every year shall have, there were certainly experiences that were great, and it is those experiences that will motivate us during 2011.