Testimonials

"This was a great session for getting the trades to understand that the builder problems are not unique to a single trade and it was done without resorting to a witch-hunt. I wish all builders would take the time to foster better relationships with their trades. Unify International nailed this one!"

David Scott
Carpenter Contractors of America, Inc. - Sarasota, Florida

"It was a well planned session that moved right along which meant my time was not wasted. Standard Pacific Homes received a lot of good points for improving their trade relationships."

John Miller
Get Mr. Plumber - Sarasota, Florida

"This was a well structured and well organized session and provided a great way to meet people and form better job relationships. As a member of the trades I find it stressful when builders won’t listen to their trades. We’re there everyday and see the mistakes repeated over and over. It would pay for every builder to conduct these sessions and every trade needs to participate."

Russ Hollar
Jansen & Sons, A Masco Company - Venice, Florida

"Steve McGee’s opening presentation of the trends and happenings in the industry helps by substantiating other information we gather. The format of open, honest discussion amongst the trades should provide Standard Pacific Homes with useful information. Being given ample opportunity (up to three weeks) to thoroughly think about the answers to the survey questions allows the trades to make sure they are providing accurate information."

Brandon Larson
Timberlake Cabinet Company - Bradenton, Florida

"This was a very positive step by Standard Pacific Homes and showed that they are definitely interested in improving the business relationship they have with their trades. These sessions are also great networking opportunities and can help establish new business relationships."

Don Perfumo - Owner
Clean Sweep, LLC - Lake Mary, Florida

"I was glad to see that other companies aside from Rinker take an interest in improving the relationships they have with their business partners. The session was well organized and focused. A good atmosphere was maintained which allowed the group to stay on task. With our busy schedules it was important that we didn’t waste time."

Tawnya Bunce - Area Manager
Rinker Materials - Orlando, Florida

"The Focus Group session for Standard Pacific Homes was a great idea – very productive and time well spent. Normally I’m not a very vocal person but the session was comfortable enough for me to be open and honest in my comments. I wish other builders would take heed and make the effort to improve their business relationship with the trades."

Dan Franklin - Sales Representative
Solar-Tite, Inc - Casselberry, Florida

"The focus group was well organized and handled extremely well by Unify International. We were provided with a great opportunity to compare notes and get a better understanding of Standard Pacific Homes’ relationship with their vendors. I don’t know why other vendors didn’t take advantage of the opportunity."

Richard DelMastro - Sales Representative
Del-Air - Orlando, Florida

"Unify International clearly understands the ‘Hassle Factors’ when it comes to ‘Value Engineering’. Kurt, from Unify International, was invaluable with his depth of understanding of construction and the home building supply chain. He did an excellent job of maintaining discussions focused on seeking value while allowing conversations to occasionally stray to allow an element of brain storming into the process which provided the foundation for what turned out to be very interesting and productive face-to-face engagements with our trade partners. I think if the trades had more time to prep for this meeting we would have gotten even better information to help us with this project."

Ethan Parker - Operations Coordinator
Standard Pacific Homes, Denver

"I have to say it was a great experience in 'Value Engineering' and cost cutting. Kurt was masterful at addressing all of the issues and keeping everyone focused on the task at hand. I was involved at the beginning and my work with the roll-out was exciting. In seeing the potential dollar savings, I believe we can remain competitive in this market."

Jim Hill - Architecture Mgr.
Standard Pacific Homes, Denver

"We had to get a lot of things out on the table to make this work process work and we did. Scott has a talent for doing this. Our task team came up with a process that if all of us on the team and the company put in 100% we will make it work"

Buddy Tripp - Asst. Area Construction Manager
Standard Pacific Homes, Raleigh

"It was remarkable to me when it came to Scott. He knew how a major builder worked and what their processes were. This meant he knew what to ask us, so we could go in the right direction to quickly solve the problems."

Bryan Salter - Field Construction Manager
Standard Pacific Homes, Raleigh

"Scott and Max knew what needed to be done before we got started and they communicated that to us. By having our goals in mind, we could achieve them faster!"

Cynthia Jones - Purchasing Coordinator
Standard Pacific Homes, Charlotte Division

"The approach that Scott and Unify International use made it comfortable to share the true feelings about the current process with the company. As result the new process will save time and money for the company!"

Kellie Renzi - Purchasing Coordinator
Standard Pacific Homes, Raleigh

"Scott and his UI team were great to deal with and they made what we where doing fun, because what we were going to do is very large. One of the things I liked was when I would communicate with them they knew what I was trying to say and helped me with it. It was very obvious that their knowledge of the construction industry is vast!"

Kristina Hunt
Construction Coordinator

"We enjoyed working with Scott. He is a straight shooter. He gave us the news whether it was good or bad, so we could make a clear decision."

John DiAngelo
Deer Creek Elec.

"This seminar (BAS – Builder Audit Survey) really opens up the dialogue between builders and the trades. I wish all builders would use the BAS process, as it helps simplify the construction process."

Greg Watson - Interior Trim, Manager
Wright Building Specialty

"Steve McGee and Scott Waldrop of Unify International were both very engaging speakers and they have the industry specific background and information to make the presentation meaningful!"

Tim Reynolds - EVP
Welker Bros.

"Over all Steve McGee and Unify International did a great job of presenting the correct amount of information."

Catharine Boles - Director of Sales and Marketing
Old Country Roofing

"It’s a tribute to Standard Pacific Homes that they are willing to asking their trade contractor partners for assistance and input on solving the issues that can make both operations (builder & trade contractor) run more smoothly. Additionally, the presentation that Steve McGee gave was very professional and pertinent to the current market conditions."

Russ Miller - President
Phillips Tile

"Steve McGee and I where on the same page when it came to the need for our industry to get rid of unnecessary waste and gather information for continual process improvement. Unify International has a great way of showing how to reduce costs and make businesses better!!"

Leah Robison - Stair Estimator
Precision Industries

"Steve McGee has a lot of energy and made the presentation enjoyable and interesting! The topics were outlined and presented very well."

Michael Cobb - EVP
Cultured Marble Products

"The information that Steve McGee presented was very frank and to the point. I wasn't planning on staying for the Focus Group but, once I saw the first half of the presentation I decided to go to Focus Group as well and I am glad that I stayed."

Matt Thomas - Sales Rep
BRS "The Stair Company"

"If a trade contractor gets invited to a Unify International Benchmark Audit Survey, they should take the time and effort to attend!!!"

Steve Spint - Builder Sales
Doorway Manufacturing Company Inc.

"The global presentation from Steve McGee was awesome! It’s nice to see Standard Pacific looking for ways to improve and modify processes."

Steve Mueller
Mueller Lewis

"After Steve’s speech, it makes you want to work harder to come up with effective solutions for cost reduction, not price reduction. I know Stan Pac truly values our relationship and is looking at ways at controlling our costs, to bring Steve McGee here."

A.J. Harber - Sales Representative
Builders First Source

"I benefited from Steve’s seminar to know where we are right now as an industry, and what’s going on. It’s nice to see Standard Pacific is committed and involved."

David Hurley - President
Landmark Engineering & Surveying Corp.

"Getting the trades together is a great idea. It shows Standard Pacific Homes has the desire to work with the trades openly to resolve issues as we strive for perfection together."

Mike McAndrew - CEO
Andy Lewis HVAC

"By putting us in a circle in the focus group, UI team made us feel like it was very personal. Scott from UI helped keep all of us engaged by giving us things to think about."

Gary Rogers - President
GNK

"The information that Steve M. has is very useful for the large builder as well as the small builder and was easy to follow and understand."

Sonny Lazer - Quality Coach
David Weekly Homes

"Steve McGee has the right idea about all the trades being involved in the work of customer satisfaction. The trades need to also think of each other as customers which would provide each of us a competitive advantage and improve our bottomlines."

Chip Corlett
Corlett Landscaping

"I'm always looking to drive out inefficiencies. It's helpful when a speaker with Steve's backgroud substantiates the things we're doing. The real eye opener for me was Steve's suggestion that we look at the inefficiencies outside our control. We can all use help in identifying and fixing those areas."

Frank Vicino Jr
F. Vicino Drywall

"Steve was ahead of his time in quantifying the effectiveness of production in the home building industry. Now is the opportunity for the industry to meet Steve in the area of customer service. Capital Pacific proves their committment to quality by bringing in Unify International."

Rey Graf
Artistic Stairs

"By paying attention to the kind of material presented by Steve McGee of Unify International, we have learned to handle the highs and lows of the business by concentrating our focus on the work that produces the best profit margins – more homes doesn’t necessarily mean more profit."

Alejandro Almeida
Stock Components

"Steve McGee and Unify International understand the problems the trades have in working with most builders and it's great having them out there working on the issues. The biggest problem still remains communication and the fact that there are too many inexperienced Project Managers that the trades end up training. We at Symetrical Stair are wiling to work with Unify International in any way we can to develop a better working relationship with all the builders we contract with."

Ed Salaberrios
Symmetrical Stair

"Steve was clearly very experienced with in our industry and presented the information better then anyone you have seen in the home building business. We work very hard to be thorough and on target with the information presented as well as our questionnaires we use for follow up with the builder."

Davis Barnes
Barrett Barnes HVAC

"I have attended meetings with other builders in the past. Steve McGee and Unify International came in and did a great job for Standard Pacific. They are able to target specific and meaningful improvements to help us all be more competitive and profitable."

Sal Mazzarra
Security Works

"Steve McGee and Unify International have information that is helpful for builders and trade contractors who want to improve margins the right way in today’s tough market. Steve’s ability to get to meaningful specific improvements is excellent. We salute Standard Pacific for wanting to find ways to make the work relationship more efficient for us. This will help us all to be more competitive."

Kippen Lasswell
Ark Construction

"Steve McGee of Unify International was right on target with his timely information about today’s market. Steve and Unify International have the information to help builders and trade contractors work together in a changing market. This helps all to improve margins and be more competitive in today’s market."

James Elizondo
Metco Landscape

"Steve McGee and Unify International have the right view points for our industry. Steve strives to bring builders together with the trade contractors to gain meaningful and specific improvements for both parties. This allows the builder to work with the trades to help each other be more competitive."

Mike Newman
Capital Pacific Homes (Denver)

"Steve knows what it takes to bring greater efficiency to the industry. Of the dozens of seminars I have attended over the years, this was directly applicable to our field - not just some general ideas. It is truly amazing how much inefficiency gets covered up in good times (this industry as well as others). More difficult times should be catalysts to find the opportunities to improve efficiencies, and keep the discipline (of continuous improvement) going all the time."

Robert Sorensen
Eastbrook Homes

"It has been said that, 'the difference between those who truly succeed and those who just accept mediocrity, is that those who succeed are willing to do what others are not.
Many leaders are not willing to embrace new technology or systems because the change requires painful efforts and costs on their part and their organization.
We all are very busy in managing the priorities of our growing businesses, but if any of us are going to reach that upper quartile of success where only 3% - 5% of companies go from 'good to great', then it is incumbent upon the leadership to make change based on ‘fact based, data driven information'.
Creative Environments chose Unify International, the JRJC process and their Engineering Services to track data, which has ultimately assisted the leadership in making fact-based decisions to correct those areas which would provide the greatest return to the company’s bottom line.
Creative Environments recognized that our organization had many qualities which positioned us for 'greatness', but we needed to be strategic about which 'Improvement Goals' would have the greatest positive impact on our culture, our processes and ultimately a system that would 'increase our asset value and profitability' while being the 'most profitable trade for any General Contractor (home builder or commercial contractor) to work with'.
Steve McGee and his entire team at Unify International provided us with the tools, the system, the training and the hands-on guidance to achieve greatness! As a result, we’ve seen our efficiencies, our productivity and our net profit increase over the past 18 months, and we’ve outlined where we’ll see additional improvements that will increase our bottom line by 3 – 4% in the next 18 months."

John P. Waters - Chief Operating Officer
Creative Environments (landscaping)

"Unify International’s information regarding builder Trade Contractor relationships is, in my opinion, critical to our industry’s future."
"Unify International’s approach is a field-friendly, simple, step-by-step process that improves construction quality and reduces costs."

Tommy Thompson - President 1994
National Association of Home Builders

"UI Database provides an objective way to point out problems as well as a way to resolve issues by eliminating the root cause.
UI is very effective at holding both builders and us accountable toward learning and using the system to resolve problems and improve efficiencies for both. They are accessible to us and when we put process improvement on the backburner because we get 'too busy' they are extremely good at prodding us, driving the process, and helping facilitate the program for us."

Keith Earp - General Manager
Carpet Den Interiors (Nashville)

"The UI system allows us to point out problematic areas based on facts and data so that together, with Newmark Homes, we can resolve issues.
UI has been instrumental in guiding us through the process of learning how to resolve problems objectively. They are very good about holding us accountable yet making us feel like we are learning through their coaching."

Don Kirby - General Manager
Wholesale Building Materials (Nashville)

"You’re doing a superior job with your program. And we want you to know how much we appreciate your presentation, knowledge, passion and energy. The foundation you have helped lay will benefit us for years to come. Now the ball is in our court to keep the concept of ‘perpetual modification’ perpetual."

Sherman D. Harmer - Sr. Vice President
Michael R. Dunham - Vice President
California Pacific Homes of San Diego

"JRJC is an important tool for the improvement of processes by helping us to identify where gaps occur. JRJC gives us the ability to have a better understanding as to how each company affects each other. Yes, we need to get our job done but, we also need to understand and be considerate of how we affect others. JRJC helps us do that. JRJC offers any given corporation the prime opportunity to reinforce internally - their departments’ communications and relationships. Externally - their relationship with suppliers and customers. As a result, the corporation as a whole is able to gear their efforts towards a common goal.
Unify International has been instrumental in facilitating the training and the interaction necessary to implement this process. Their knowledge of process improvement techniques and construction along with their ability to communicate with us has been a key to teaching us how use the system."

Marco Valenzuela - General Manager
Mendoza Electric (Dallas)

"Unify International is very pleasant to work with! They understand both sides of the industry; the contractor's and the builder's and this allows them to facilitate the implementation of this process very effectively. As far as the UI System is concerned, we like the fact that the JRJC database and the Improvement Goal concept provides a way to open up the communication between the builder and the contractor to resolve common problems."

Roy Battle - Owner
Houk Air Conditioning (Dallas)

"I wanted to take the time to tell you that I really feel as though attending your seminar represents one of the best investments I have made for my company. It was extremely informative and most helpful."
"We were in the process of restructuring our business prior to attending your program. Many useful ideas and concepts that you illustrated, we are now implementing in our new management strategy."

Danny Otter - President
Otter Construction

"The system allows both builders and contractors to share information about the type of problems encountered in the field to work together toward a solution that is beneficial to both. It's nice to be able to pinpoint where the problems actually are. Although most have not been a surprise, there have been a few. Now we just need to have a more consistent way of following the IGs so that issues are actually being resolved.
UI’s ability to keep everyone on track during the meetings and not allowing us to go off in other tangents has been very helpful in keeping us focused on the process."

RaeLynn Hoemeke - Director of Operations
Sun Tile (Austin)

"Just a follow-up to our meeting: I can honestly say, “great job!” My members are turned on and this is truly something we haven’t experienced yet in our limited existence as an association.”
“When I see my guys “hang around” after a meeting and begin to think and implement a speaker’s ideas, I get excited. It means I did my job and can continue to do my job as long as I don’t lose momentum the speaker created."

Corrine A. Lamb - Executive Coordinator
Residential Production Council of RCEC

"Do I have good things to say about UI....abso-frigen-lutely
I would first like to start off by recognizing Steve McGee. He's been a true mentor for me and I have learned a ton from him. He's given me great advice that has helped me in my career with SC Design. He is a big part of my personal and professional success.
As far as Unify International the company, I've seen it go form a small-scale company with a true vision of real time measurement to a company that helps businesses recognize the importance of measurement and TCO. UI has something every company can benefit from. To sum it up, I can't imagine running a business without this program!"

Jason Pacheco - Operations Manager
SC Design, Inc. PHX

"I would like to take a minute to compliment the support staff that Steve McGee has assembled to help grow our company. As you know, we were not at all keen on having to implement another system that a builder wanted, to track other trades and our company. That was an uncomfortable feeling and we felt even dangerous to expose our shortcomings. We took a leap of faith to show our support of what the builder wanted and started the JRJC program.
Today, 2 years later, Unify International is one of the main tracking systems that our company forecasts business direction and supports our decision-making. We have grown in that time by almost $20,000,000.00. We are trending at almost $60,000,000.00 in sales and with documentation that is directly attributed to Unify International, we have experienced tremendous growth along with increased profitability. We could not have done this without the data that we received from the forms created. We can track anything easily.
Unify is one of the easiest tools to use that we have to measure people. As you have been privy to, the results speak for themselves. I recommend the program to any business that is looking to better manage growth and increase profitability. On top of this there is a tremendous return on asset value."

Dan Waters - President
Creative Environments

"Steve McGee has been instrumental in planning for our rapid growth. He has been a catalyst for us every step of the way."

Ira Norris - President
Inco Homes

"Unlike many sales consultants, Steve spends a great deal of time in the field, so he understands the unique challenges facing salespeople today. He rolls up his sleeves and works right along with the agents to develop effective solutions to their specific problems."

Rudy Svrcek - VP of Marketing/Sales Corporate Marketing Division
The Irvine Company

"Only the best consultants are invited to make presentations in our exclusive Executive Series seminars. Steve's solution-oriented, no-nonsense program got very high ratings from our attendees."

Richard O. Arkus - Executive Director
Pacific Coast Builders Conference

"Comments range from 'exciting' and 'entertaining' to 'outstanding,' and we have placed Steve McGee on our preferred consultants list for future staff training."

Kenneth Keeler - Vice President
IMCO Realty Services, Inc.

"Steve McGee provided precisely what we were looking for. He ignited our sales staff and gave them a great new 'never say never' attitude. This translated immediately into increased sales."

E. James Murar - Chairman of the Board
R.G.C. (RecreActions Group of Companies)

"Steve McGee's solutions are based in reality and they are immediately usable. He does his homework and provides troubleshooting that is specific to our industry."

Mike Gotfried - President
Artistic Shower Door & Mirror Co.

"Our people had fun at Steve's seminar. When you can laugh while learning, you learn more effectively."

Susan S. Dyer - Director of Residential Asset Management Irvine Pacific
A Division of The Irvine Company

"For several years now, Steve has been my sounding board for major corporate decisions. He keeps our management team on an even keel."

April Morris - President and CEO
Associated Engineers, Inc.

"Steve took the time to know our company and our sales staff before the seminar began. This resulted in a program that zeroed in on the specific areas we wished to address: changing market conditions and the transition away from builder incentives."

William E. Emery - Vice President/General Sales Manager
S&S Construction Co.
Shapell Industries, Inc.

"Practical knowledge and applications utilized in Steve's presentation cut through the typical 'seminar haze'. It's useable."

Joe Link
MarketWise

"With firsthand experience as a speaker, he knows the real problems and the 'common sense' approach to fix these problems."

Betty Lou Gleason
Thulman Eastern

"Very easy going and informative at the same time, seems to know what is going on throughout the country."

Owen L. Palmer, Jr.
Washington Homes

"The seminar forces you to look at measuring items you typically do not think about and expands your perception of the marketplace."

Shawn Fairburn
Wayne Homes

"Win -Win situation is end result... Very precise to problems of today...Great information...New insights."

Wayne Homes

"Ideas to more effectively and efficiently save on time and nonsense. Specific, practical ideas such as examples of what it costs in time and money for plans not having accurate measurements."

Kurt W. Schmadeke
Schmadeke Construction, Inc.

"As an architect it is an eye-opening experience to see the ramifications of mistakes that almost no one wants to admit to."

Gayll Worsley
Rast Architectural Studio

"Awakening me to the fact that the trade contractors are on the same team and their constant input can and will improve the daily management of the job and will save money."

Scott Kinter
Avalon Properties, Inc.

"Finally, someone who wants to evolve the building industry into a 'Professional' industry."

Patrick Williams
WCCV Floor Coverings

"You not only told what the problem was but also how to fix it! And, not in general terms, but specific! The other 12 seminars I attended could not get beyond theory."

Carol Schoniwitz
Miller & Smith

"Extremely inspirational and geared towards what we'll all be facing in years to come."

Chrissy Johnston
Parker Lancaster Corp.

"It provides a positive outlook for the future of construction."

Alan Ridd
UDC Homes

"Very informative; the examples Steve used really emphasized the points he made."

Cristy Williams
Seibert Builders

"Informative and easy to understand in our language made it easy to relate to our sub's problems."

Bill Diana
Executive Homes

"Innovative, leading edge ideas. The things we spoke about I can use immediately when I get back to work."

John Narcisian
TW Lewis Co.

"The economic and current event information that Steve provided was relevant to what steps we need to take for the future of our industry and its current status with regard to consumers."

Anonymous

"A quick, but effective mind motivating experience."

Rob Flitton
Holystone Development Corp.

"Gets to the source of the problem and solution."

William Greeley
Meadow Homes

"Steve had a firm grasp of problems, with solutions very fast to follow."

Mike Dockter
Premier Homes

"Great job of focusing on idea of creating a team to build the house as opposed to individuals building a house."

B. Tucker
Dimensions Diversified Inc.

"Friendly, Humorous, Knowledgeable."

Ken Maas
The Genesee Company

"Based upon real life situations."

Joe Harrington
Wonderland Custom Builders

"Have these more often so more subcontractors can attend."

Sunshine Master Builders

"Down to earth attitude - relates from the working man's point of view - knows his stuff from the ground up - great job with a sense of humor."

Pam Stephen
Crescent Homes

"Fast paced, easy to understand, layman ideas and terms that are 'real world' not someone's notions."

Tracy Collins
Crescent Homes

"Steve was very personable and everyone can relate to his approach."

Katrina Johnson
Rast Architectural Studio

"Very informative, excellent presentation."

Galehouse Construction Co.

"McGee is like a fine CD emerging from the pack of 8-track consultants."

Gary Probert - Vice President and Regional Manager
The Mitchell Company

"Takes a good look at both sides of problems facing builders and trades and some good ideas on solving them."

Jim Gorr
Carmel Homes

"Forms and mechanisms to quantify information. Written information for agendas to follow upon 'Partnering'. A medium for interaction between trade contractors on a professional level."

Bruce Daniel - Superintendent
Fairfield Homes

"Gives the type of information that allows one to see and understand how to improve efficiency and profits for all involved."

Tyler Bradley - Controller
Fairfield Homes

"The simplicity of the nuts and bolts: what's affected, how it works, improve costs and morale."

Scott Ochwat
Classic Custom Builders

"You offer a terrific service to people in the construction industry. From the standpoint of helping me start a real estate development business, I came to realize how much there is to learn and the many things I must be careful of as I start off on this new venture."

Wayne Thomas
Rogue River Development LLC

"I was very impressed with your presentation at the Eliant conference here in Orlando. Keep up the great work you are changing the industry."

John Keusch - Regional V.P. of Customer Care
Levitt and Sons