Remodeling with Purpose
Remodeler Spotlight
Mark Galey is the owner of Master Home Remodelers based in Atlanta.
Mark Galey, owner of Master Home Remodelers, has come a long way since his pre-teen years when his stepfather counted on him as a right-hand roofing helper. This early work experience, followed by various construction jobs, sealed his fate in working with houses.
“I made a conscious decision to work in real estate, wherever that took me,” he says.
Since launching his remodeling business in 1990, Mark has attracted national attention as the winner of multiple contractor awards and with a client list that includes the likes of hip-hop artist Ne-Yo.
His raison d’être, though, is to use his abilities to better the world around him.
Giving Back
Mark is not one to waste time or resources. He takes a green approach to remodeling and when not working with customers, learning new skills, or strategizing to grow his business, he can be found donating his building expertise or materials to charities like Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing, which provides housing services to those in need. Additionally, he volunteers as vice president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Atlanta chapter. In 2019, he will become its president.
Mark increased the floor space in this bathroom by 10 percent by downsizing a double stud wall and using a non traditional 19.25” vanity.
“Many people have different ways in which they are helping society,” he says. “Mine just happens to revolve around real estate.”
His environmentally-conscious and community-driven approaches to business have familial roots. Growing up, his parents, who lived through the Great Depression, taught him to eliminate waste by “scrapping, scraping, and repurposing” everything from clothing to furnishings. They also volunteered together on a regular basis. Today, these values are ingrained in his personality and his business.
Growth Mindset
Beyond giving back, Mark is dedicated to continuous business improvement. At 6 a.m. every morning, he wakes up to read case studies and stories about spurring company growth, building sellable companies and transition planning for retirement. His reading list is fittingly related to his 2018 mantra, “Know Your Numbers.” Everyday, a phone alert reminds him to maintain an intimate knowledge of his business’ cash flow, profit and loss, and other financial figures.
Mark renovated this master bath in a mid-century modern style home to maximize functionality and aesthetics while maintaining the original personality.
“There are so many demands on one’s time,” he says. “How else will we know our numbers unless we take the time to?”
Mark is also focused on continuing education through certification. In fact, his 2019 mantra is “Get Certified.” He is already EarthCraft Certified, Solatube Certified, and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), among other credentials. In 2019, he aims to receive a new certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) to his list of credentials.
“As they say, ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’” says Mark. “We are always improving. It’s fun, rewarding and a lot of work.”
This process of continuous improvement has influenced his approach to remodeling, adding that his EarthCraft certification helps him stand out to environmentally-conscious clients.
“The demand for eco-friendly practices has grown in recent decades,” he notes. “Environmentalism is not a trend. It’s here to stay.”
Similarly, as an Aging-in-Place Specialist, Mark has become more conscious of how seemingly small decisions have a significant impact on a client’s experience within the home – whether they are aging, living with disabilities, cohabiting with pets or raising children.
The final result of Mark’s renovation is two centuries beautifully merged to complement the appeal and honor the signatures of both.
Going Behind the Scenes
Mark will be one of the thousands of industry leaders attending the DOMOTEX USA Show Feb. 28 – March 2, 2019 in Atlanta. As someone who makes every moment count, Mark looks forward to experiencing all that DOMOTEX USA has to offer. He plans to take part in manufacturing tours, learn about new products and techniques, and network with other industry professionals.
“I want to understand how flooring is made,” he says. “Seeing the process is much easier to understand than hearing a salesperson describe it.”
Particularly, Mark will be focussed on learning about the environmental impacts of flooring manufacturing and how manufacturers are improving the durability of flooring products.
Join Mark at DOMOTEX USA – America’s Home for Flooring Feb. 28 – March 2, 2019! #whyidomotex #domotexusa2019