As the owner and founder of Professional Home Improvements in Nashville, JJ Morris is carrying on a family legacy. “My dad owned his own company with the same name when I was a little kid, and I remember going with him on the weekends while I was in school and in the summer,” he says. “I was always the one holding a ladder for him, handing him screws, and helping out. That’s how I got started.”
After working for others in the construction industry for 20 years, JJ founded his own company three years ago. He decided to use the name Professional Home Improvements in order to honor his father, Jerry, who passed away five years ago. “It doesn't really tell what we do necessarily, but it has sentimental value to me.”
Although the original company focused only on new and replacement windows, JJ expanded his offerings to include roofing and siding. “Those three just seem to go hand in hand, especially windows and siding,” he says. “They might call me out for one, but then have issues with the others too.”
While customers may not need all three services immediately, they appreciate the option to call him back in the future. They already know they can trust him and his team to get the job done right and that he will be accessible.
“One thing I want to change about this industry is its bad reputation for getting back to people, and so I always try to answer a call,” says JJ. “If I can't answer immediately, I’ll respond shortly. It’s all about communication, and it's not that difficult.”
Communication also includes keeping clients informed. “I keep my customers involved in the process,” he says. “For instance, if it's a window, I make sure that they know the steps we take once the order is placed. I also give them a tentative date for scheduling.”
JJ is happy to help with colors and designs as well. “I have a really good design eye, so I’m able to direct them with what would look best for their home. We did siding on a house last week that was this really ugly bird egg blue, and the owners never liked it. After the job was finished, they told me that they loved their home now. That’s what makes what we do so worthwhile.”
He also believes that the warranty he provides is another thing that sets Professional Home Improvements apart. Most of the high-quality brands he uses, such as Pella and Andersen, offer lifetime warranties on their windows, but he also provides a lifetime warranty on the installation. “I want customers to trust me and understand that I’m not just going to take their money, do the job, and walk away. I'm committed if there is ever an issue.”
JJ also wants to stress that he doesn’t base costs on where people live. “Brentwood and Franklin are two of the wealthiest cities in the state, and people have this fear that when they give me their address, I’m going to charge more. I’m not the cheapest or the most expensive, but whether you're super wealthy or you're barely getting by, my pricing structure is the same. I believe in treating people fairly.”
While he’s busy running the business and handling all sales, he also spends a lot of time on job sites. “I'm always there when a job starts, and I'm there periodically throughout the job, because I want to make sure my guys know exactly what we're doing and that they have the materials and anything else they may need,” says JJ.
His experienced contractors clearly understand what’s expected of them. “I make sure they know how I want it done,” he says. “We're not going to cut corners. We're going to do it the right way, whatever that takes.”
JJ cannot stand a messy job site and believes it’s disrespectful to the homeowner. It’s also a safety issue. If nails or other debris are left around at the end of the day, they can be a threat to children and pets. “I'm very picky, and I find that my guys are getting pickier too and catching things before I do. I know that I've got the right guys and that they’re doing good work.”
While he says replacing windows, siding, and roofing is not always as exciting as redoing a new kitchen or bathroom, he knows that when people call, they really need him. “No one really wants to call me, but I love being able to help when they do, and it's really exciting to see someone's home take shape.”
JJ hopes that in the near future, his son, Bennett, a college sophomore, will be working alongside him and one day take over to continue the legacy of Professional Home Improvements.
PHINashville.com
“I'm always there when a job starts, and I'm there periodically throughout the job, because I want to make sure my guys know exactly what we're doing and that they have the materials and anything else they may need.”