An article recently written by Victoria Downing and published in Remodeling Magazine.

Employee training is often neglected. But there’s a clear link between company profitability and business owners who invest in employee training. Remodelers don’t have to spend a lot to improve employee skills. Here are some resources.

• Industry publications: Have production team members subscribe. Each month ask one member to share ideas from an article. Randomly draw names, so everyone reads ahead and is prepared.
• Book clubs: Choose a book on customer service, communication, or dealing with difficult people. Read a chapter or two each week and discuss at your weekly meeting.
• Associations: An excellent spot for networking with other remodelers and learning from the speakers who present to these groups. Invite key managers to attend.
• Peer groups: Consider the insights your project manager would gain by meeting with PMs from non-competing companies. While this requires more investment, the return can be quick and impressive.
• Social media: For key managers who are tech-savvy, find special-interest groups that discuss issues important to you and your team. Ask and answer questions for the best results.
• Audio/video: YouTube has a fantastic array of short, well-done videos available on almost everything. View with your team to launch discussions about improving processes and procedures. 
• Blogs and newsletters by business experts: No matter what you wish to improve on, there is an expert sharing information on that topic. Ask key employees to seek one expert, subscribe to their newsletter or blog, and report their findings at company meetings.