How do we get our company considered early on for large commercial and residential building projects?

Consider joining a group of property managers for commercial real estate such as BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Assoc.)

We are on several general contractors bid lists and when they have a commercial job they will send us information to bid on the project.  As far a residential jobs, we are partners with several restoration and HVAC companies and they refer people to us and our company is on Facebook, Google, LinkedIn and Yelp.  

First step is to get the products you are installing specified by architects and consultants. That would be the job of the manufacturer’s representative.

It all starts at the design phase.

Good luck!

Where are you located?

 referrals, response & reputation 

There are a couple of places that I think help to get the recognition that you are looking for. One is membership in trade associations where builders and general contractors are members. Also, participating in the trade shows which these people attend looking for new products and services

It is a good idea introduce your product to the architect /designer community as well. they are very influential regarding what is specified for buildings. 

For new subdivisions, there are usually show homes which is also an opportunity to show off your product. You should approach the builder/developer as soon as you see the earth work starting to happen.

Based on your location in the northeast, there should be plenty of demand for the goods and services you can provide.  Per your experience in your community, the key players often have multiple properties that are either new builds or are renovations.  Keep your ear to the ground and, as allowed, check with code enforcement and zoning personnel to learn where these opportunities in your township and county are occurring.

You must get in early.  Make it a point to visit (personally ) architects that you know who do the blueprint work for the projects that you are interested in.  That way you start to develop a relationship with their firm.  Then when they get the job of designing the next building ( project ) you will have an inside track to have them spec your awnings etc. for the project.

I used to do this years ago when I did acoustical ceilings commercially.  Get in with the designers and you will have the upper hand ahead of the herd bidding the job  after the fact.

Be careful, as commercial construction is way more cutthroat than residential.

My experience is that it is all about relationships...that can take a while and then it takes a commitment to maintain those relationships.

Figure out who it is you want to work with...who are the builders, designers who have the jobs you want?  Do what you can to get face time with them to start building relationships.   Once you have a relationship keep it up to maintain that relationship...AND when you get a job do your work well and provide great service,,,it you do, make sure they recognize it....and understand that it is not your judgment of great service that matters here but theirs!  Ask them what they want most from you...what is their biggest challenge in hiring/buying what you provide...and then solve that problem for them.

In the new world you may want to talk to a good web designer and ask if they can get you into jobs early...but for me it is making people know me and want me.

Good Luck

Those items are usually speced by the architect. Best to send architects your information so they can spec your line of products.