Reporter's Notebook

Make it work

Confession: I have become addicted to the reality TV show, “Project Runway.” No matter how snarky the contestants get, I can’t tear away. The fashion designers’ adviser, Tim Gunn, often tells them to “Make it work” when they’re struggling with projects, and I love watching them figure out how to do that with limited resources.

Oddly enough, I thought of this yesterday while talking with Thor Hanson, the new vice president of customer service and marketing at Vancouver-based Hanson Construction and Restoration Co. Inc.

Just go with me on this.

Hanson Construction is in one of our nation’s most struggling industries right now, but its leaders are using careful strategies not just to survive, but to grow. They wrapped up 2008 with $3.2 million in revenue and growth of more than $1 million, said Thor Hanson. The company moved from about 4,300th in 2007 to 3,850th on August’s Inc. 5,000 Index and added six employees this winter.

Making it work for Hanson Construction means building one $2 million home each year and keeping busy with remodeling and restoration work. It means developing relationships with insurance companies for home restoration project leads. And it means that Thor Hanson joined his brother, Owner John Hanson, in late 2008 in a new position to move the company forward. He is involved with networking, lead generation and advertising, which cost money but are reaping rewards, he said.

“If business gets slow, you’ve got to go after it,” said Thor Hanson. “I’m always out talking to people to see if they need any work. … You can’t be afraid. You have to step up and say, ‘Let’s go get ’em.’”

--Charity Thompson can be reached at cthompson@vbjusa.com