You have to love them both! And both could even play a role in your project in an important way.

Family and friends are definitely valuable, and their talents, skills, and expertise should not be arbitrarily underestimated or offended in order to achieve more formal business affiliations. The most important thing is to keep both factions in perspective.

There are many options available when it comes to design services. Risks exist between the differences between taking a hobby approach, the ability to repair, and the professional insight and experience required that is critical to overall project detail management and success.

It’s a good idea to do your research before deciding whether to hire Aunt Esther for your business office or the handyman down the street to remodel the house. Both may have the best of intentions, a creative flare, and even an abundance of practical skills. However, every project has specific challenges that require different insights, experiences and a functioning, up-to-date knowledge of the relevant resources.

Methods, materials, equipment, regulations, permits, new environmental standards, ADA requirements and myriad other factors are always in flux in engineering and design. Errors or violations can be very expensive and paralyze a project in the middle of a step.

Remember, when things get tricky, we all glove over the family and are very concerned about feelings and personal relationships. On the other hand, professional relationships are anchored by clarifying documentation that covers functional issues including problems – that’s good business!

Let’s take a close look at the pitfalls and the positive potential of getting Aunt Esther or the craftsman to participate in your project.

The first, best dynamic is aunt and good Joe’s desire to learn something. The second is your design professional’s willingness to guide, supervise, and teach less experienced people – if the client wants them to be involved.

It is important that you discuss this matter with your professional team in advance. It almost goes without saying that blinding your professionals is not good for your project. You need to know if your professionals are ready to take on the role of a mentor, teacher, or overseer for amateurs. Some are wild; Some are not. It’s not even about money; It’s about the ability of your professionals to do the job the way you want it to. If you expect them to wear too many hats or put off your personal relationships contrary to their good judgment, they may not want the job.

However, if your potential professional is intrigued by the prospect of involving Aunt Esther and / or the craftsman in the process, then clear guidelines, regulations, limits and “rules” need to be included in your documentation. It is important to clarify who will be responsible for any liability that arises from amateurs taking initiative that backfires.

It’s delicate at best. In the worst case, it’s risky and expensive. So, think carefully about the formal management of your loved ones on personal terms and the wisdom to associate them with your large business or residential projects.

Aunt Esther and the handyman didn’t fall out of the nest yesterday morning! So you probably know your own limits. It’s up to you too that they don’t feel obliged to move towards something that stretches them just because they don’t want to let you down.

Keeping such decisions reasonable is a one-way street. It requires clear communication, common sense, consideration, and mutual respect.

Robert Boccabella, BFA, has been a principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella offers Designing to Fit the Vision © in cooperation with writingservice@earthlink.net. To contact him, call 707-263-7073; Email at rb@BusinessDesignServices.com or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Facebook at Business Design Services.

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We are excited to open the first Spotlight member of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Our spotlights will feature Honored Chamber Members across Lake County illustrating the spirit and community commitment that make Lake County Strong. This month’s main focus is on Performance Mechanical in Clearlake. Performance Mechanical has been a trusted provider of heating and air conditioning services since its inception in 2007.

We spoke to owner Phil Harris about his journey as community leader, elected to Clearlake City Council in 2016, about his dreams and expectations as owner of one of Lake County’s most successful businesses. Phil and his wife, Angie, have spent 25 years together and look forward to spending time with their 2 daughters as they continue to play an active role in many civic activities.

WHY ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER?

We have a responsibility to the community to support each other. It is important to support not just the Chamber of Commerce but all community organizations. By offering support, be it in fees, service, or volunteering, you are contributing to their continued growth and service to everyone in the county. I would love to see more of the two chambers work together, like they did when we recently requested a double tape cut in our new office.

WHAT’S AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS THAT MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW?

There are many Performance Mechanical services out there that would surprise you. In addition to the obvious heating and air conditioning, we are also your source for improving your indoor air quality. Whether you’re replacing your filters or installing a UV air purification system, energy recovery fans or a humidifier, we can help reduce the contaminants that lead to health problems like asthma and allergies. Sewer cleaning, chimney cleaning, and even partnering with a local solar company are services you can find at Performance Mechanical.

DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS?

Be recognized in your community. Be noticed and seen as a company that is involved and working to be the best. Never miss out on achieving a 100% satisfaction rating with your customers. We take great pride in our reviews on social media websites. Not just the reviews themselves, but everyone who took the time to review our service means a lot to me and my team. I will add that I welcome all entrepreneurs who start contacting me and I will provide advice, guidance and encouragement as they start their new business.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME IN THE AREA?

As I mentioned before, giving something back is very important to me. I love to be an active member of the Clearlake community, but if you ask me where I want to spend my time outside of work, it’s with my family. In building a successful business, it’s important to remember that your family must come first.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR COMPANY?

Interesting question because we’re starting something we haven’t done in the past few years. We have started taking projects in remote areas. Our focus has always been and will be in Lake County, but it’s new and exciting for us to take on projects outside of the county as we continue to grow. We are also working on new licenses and certifications that will allow us to branch out into other areas later. I’m curious to see where Performance Mechanical is headed.

DO YOU HAVE UPCOMING EVENTS OR OTHER INFORMATION TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY?

I look forward to being part of the St. Judes Research Radiothon at the local state stations on March 14th and 15th. 105.9 KQPM and 107.1 KUKI. Wonderful organization that does a great job for children in need. Of course, you will also see how me and the team across the county take part in the county and support it, as we like to do.

ANY SUBWORD YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY?

Our employees are the most important capital of this company. The daily interactions that each of our great team members have with our customers is the magic that makes Performance Mechanical shine. I am deeply grateful for the time, energy, and commitment they show in serving Lake County’s needs.

I want to recognize our loyal customers who make everything we do possible. This loyalty and confidence in our ability to provide the best possible service enables us to move forward and become a company that all of Lake County can be proud of.

Performance Mechanical is located at 14729 Lakeshore Dr in Clearlake, CA. They can be contacted at 707-995-0500 or on their website www.performancemechanicalonline.com

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