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June/July 2001

For Wheeler Consulting, business is taking off!
By Susan Downing

Doing a material takeoff isn't rocket science, but finding a better way to do a takeoff did launch Wheeler Consulting.  Blake Wheeler's company has succeeded through a combination of innovative new methods to produce a material takeoff and an old-fashioned respect for its customers.

In 1993, Blake Wheeler was working for a residential building contractor in southern Maine and feeling frustrated with the length of time it took to get a material list from his local lumberyards.  Says Wheeler; "It was a major issue for us.  And I knew I could do something about it."

In late 1993, putting to use 20 years of experience in commercial and residential building and a thorough knowledge of estimating software, Blake formed Wheeler Consulting and spent the next two months creating a software database that would enable him to quickly produce an accurate and affordable material takeoff list.  And then he hit the road, knocking on doors - and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Wheeler Consulting provides material takeoff services to contractor-oriented lumberyards, contractors, architects and homeowners throughout the northeast from its office in Portland, Maine.  Blake, his wife Susan (whose background is in real estate development and residential appraising) and their team of full- and part-time estimators produce material lists using the very latest in computer technology, including digitizing.  These tools help to ensure the accuracy of quantities and the production of an intelligent, legible and timely material takeoff.

Although first conceived as a very local business, it quickly became clear that demand for Wheeler Consulting's services was not a local phenomenon.  Moving from picking up and dropping off plans, Wheeler  instituted the use of the now famous "Blue Tubes" in which most of his work has arrived - via Priority Mail - ever since.  Word of mouth has been the largest contributor to the company's growth.  As Blake points out, "Lumber professionals are a  tightly-knit community - as people change jobs they tell their new employers about us and our service; when they meet, they share information." 

Wheeler attributes his success to two things - hard work, and a "keep it simple" philosophy based on what he calls the "three pillars" of the business:  accuracy, turnaround, and pricing.  Wheeler's estimators undergo a stringent training program to ensure that a consistently accurate product is going out the door.  Blake points out "Our first customer eight years ago is still a customer."  Wheeler Consulting's 2-3 day turnarounds are clearly stated and adhered to.  And the pricing is set at a simple, stated cost for residential projects - unlike the square-foot based costs of his competitors, which Blake contends can leave customers wondering how much they will be charged.

"As your readers know" says Wheeler, "every house requires a material takeoff, and it is a thorny problem for lumberyards."  He points out that he has customers who send him one plan a year, and others who send twenty a month.  He serves as a "safety valve" during busy times for yards with in-house estimating capabilities, and provides all the takeoffs for other yards.  Through the years, he's seen customers disappear when they employ someone to do takeoffs in-house and then reappear at varying levels as time goes on.  Some managers maintain that their salespeople's time is best spent selling, and the cost of sending plans to Wheeler Consulting is more than made up for by their increased productivity.  "It's a balancing act for lumberyards - they're all trying to do what seems best for them at any particular time" admits Wheeler, who says he takes satisfaction in remaining available and flexible for all of his customers.  He offers:  "Don't be afraid to call us if we haven't heard from you in awhile - we're still here and ready to help."

Looking ahead, Wheeler Consulting is moving toward expansion beyond the northeast with the help of its newest staff member.  Mike Connors has recently joined the firm, and with his research and technology background is identifying and analyzing emerging technology that will keep the company ahead of the curve.  Mike is also targeting areas across the country where expansion is likely to succeed.

Blake is excited to have (at long last) joined his many customers and friends as a member of the NRLA, and warns "If you're not my customer yet, I'll see you at the buffet table at the next meeting!"