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Young Ones to Watch: Blair McDaniel
Blair McDaniel is improving the business behind construction one building at a time.
Construction runs through Blair McDaniel’s blood. Long before he founded Alair, one of the world’s fastest growing construction management networks, McDaniel spent evenings and weekends working on construction sites in high school, which led him to pursue a degree in real estate appraisal. After graduating from The University of British Columbia, McDaniel accepted a commercial construction opportunity that sent him to the far Western edges of Canada. Though he enjoyed spending his days on construction sites, he continued to pursue his true passion: improving the business behind construction.
Drawing on his experience in risk assessment, mitigation and high stakes construction McDaniel opened Alair Homes in late 2007, while he was still in his mid-20’s. Despite a slowing economy and his young age in the industry, he was confident that his business would thrive. And, it has—faster than he could have ever imagined. Alair’s network of experienced contractors has now completed over 1,800 premier custom home and renovation contractor projects in Canada and the U.S. using the brand’s unique Client Control™ approach. Through this system, Alair shares every aspect of its projects with customers, keeping them informed and in control throughout the entire building process. As the only builder in North America that performs all custom home projects exclusively using the Client Control™ method, value and quality have driven rapid success. Canadian provincial territories are now sold out, and the brand is rapidly expanding in the U.S., adding units in Arizona, Washington, Indiana, and Ohio during the last six months.
Why do you love franchising?
I love franchising because we are making people's dreams of independence come true and making a massive difference for families that we care a lot about. I love that it’s a life changing industry.
What is the top challenge facing young people in franchising?
If you’re driven, there really aren't challenges for young people in franchising. And, I’d argue there are actually a lot of advantages to being young. I'd much rather be 24 in this business than 64!
What is your dream position/goal?
We are aiming high. We will be the worlds largest premium custom contracting business, and we’re working hard to get there each and every day.
To connect with Blair McDaniel on LinkedIn, click here.
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About the Author
Nick Powills
FollowNick Powills, CFE, founded No Limit Agency in 2008 and serves as Chief Brand Strategist for the Chicago-based firm. No Limit is a full-service communications agency that establishes and elevates brands by bridging Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing, Advertising, Digital, and a lot of creativity, to best strategize well-rounded and successful campaigns for 50+ global franchise brands. By presenting visionary ideas and building real relationships, No Limit is able to create effective media branding strategies to help companies grow. Nick currently leads a staff of writers, media strategists, designers, social media experts and digital producers in an office think-tank where brands are humanized for strong, compelling media stories. Prior to starting No Limit at the age of 27, Nick spent four years working at a franchise PR agency where he mastered the art of building rapport with media outlets and creating newsworthy pitches for earned media placements. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Drake University in Iowa.
