The Builder's Guide to Running a Successful Construction ... (ISBN 1561583278)

Useful, but limited in scope:
The information presented here is very useful IF you want to run a *small* construction company, specializing in single-family remodeling projects, just as the author has done. Unfortunately, that wasn't what I was looking for. If you need information on how to branch out into other types of projects -- commercial or industrial -- or how to expand your business, you'd better get a different book. If you want to keep your company small and focused, however, this book would be a good place to start.

Outstanding:
Gerstel's book is full of insightful information that an up-and-coming contractor can use. His candid reveiw of his own pitfalls and successes along with pointers on how to avoid common headaches prooved a valuable tool for our company. We have grown to over a million dollars in volume a year and are still growing strong. We continue to adapt using many of Gerstel's suggestions. Definitely a good source of information for any new contractor.

Builder's Guide to Running a Successful Construction Company:
Very helpful and good book, for any small building contractor. I am building contractor my self for 8 years now and I found that info in this book is still very helpful and absolutely necessary for anybody who wishes to start his or her own construction company. I will definitely recommend it to anyone. Down to earth and very useful. Thank you David.

Advice from the Author:
I do like this book, but I am prejudice. I wrote it. I want you to know that it is out of date. It was written roughly twelve years ago when, among other things, computers were hardly in use in construction company offices. If you are seeking a book to help you organize your own company, I strongly urge you to buy the updated version of my book -- titled Running a Successful Construction Company as opposed to The Builder's Guide to Running a Successful Construction Company, the title of the old version. You will find the new version much more useful. Good luck!

Wish I had had it sooner:
I found this book in the course of starting up a small landscaping business, after I had the client from hell. If I had read Gerstel's passages on qualifying projects and clients, I would have saved myself from six months of trauma and near-bankruptcy. I have benefitted greatly from Gerstel's step-by-step, commonsense advice. My little business is now profitable and pleasurable.