Best Home Improvement Business Software to Leverage

Just a few years ago, it was common for contractors to run their businesses with a mobile phone, spiral notebooks, manila folders, and a bookkeeper to keep track of it all.

Those days are over.

Advancements in information technology are revolutionizing the way home improvement and construction industry firms are doing business. Today’s technology is allowing contracting firms of all sizes to increase their efficiency, reduce error rates, and improve profitability. Investing in the right construction management software allows businesses to become more competitive and serve their customers better. Businesses relying on outdated technology - or no technology at all - are increasingly being left behind. 

Today’s contractors are integrating many different categories of home improvement business software into their operations; Here are some of the most common in use today in the construction industry:

  • Remodeling Estimating Software
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
  • Interior Design Software
  • Landscaping Design Software

 

Some of these programs are free, others require you to pay for the full version, generally under the SaaS (software as a subscription) model. Naturally, the paid versions tend to offer broader and deeper functionality. Some of them are stand-alone packages, while others have bid management and accounting features and are designed to integrate with broader business management programs. Most are cloud-based and accessible on your mobile device. So you can use them on the road or on the job site.

This article will discuss some of the best and most popular estimating and construction management software programs for general contractors or residential remodelers under each of these categories. 

Construction Industry Remodeling Estimating Software

Remodeling estimating software helps home improvement contractors quickly assess the essential material and labor costs required for renovation and remodeling projects. These programs automate common calculations of the following elements:

  • Materials
  • Time estimates and labor
  • Square footage
  • Project scheduling, and more.

 

These construction management software products allow construction professionals and residential builders to quickly and easily create estimates and manage customers. The more sophisticated remodeling estimator programs are integrated with local suppliers, who regularly update pricing on the software platform, so you can get an accurate materials estimate without having to constantly contact suppliers and manually input that information into the program  – or worse, yet, into a spreadsheet!

Note that this function also allows users to compare the cost of materials from different suppliers. 

Why Use Estimator, Project Management, And Construction Management Software? 

Today’s crop of home estimator and construction software packages allows home improvement contractors to make more accurate bids than the traditional method of drawing estimates on paper or using a spreadsheet. Plus, it helps homeowners to make their renovation estimates and perform an accuracy check of bids on residential projects.

Examples of these remodeling estimating software include:

B2W Estimate Software

B2W Estimate Software is a heavy construction estimating software platform It was built with the latest SQL Server and .NET technologies. With B2Wm home improvement contractors can carry out their cost evaluations quickly and more accurately. In addition, the software is easy to use, whether as a new or an existing software user. 

B2W also creates a single database to track and manage costs, tasks, pay items, crews, and resources. This helps the estimators to manage their data easily and efficiently in one place, on all kinds of construction projects

Construction management software also enables contractors to make construction bids with speed and accuracy. 

One interesting feature: Furthermore, multiple contractors can collaborate, working on a bid at the same time. This is beneficial to larger businesses that need to integrate information from multiple disciplines or departments in one bid, or where contractors and subcontractors need to provide input into the proposal and get it out the door before the bid window closes or some other firm lands the business.  

ProEst

ProEst is another cloud-based construction estimating software with tons of advanced features and functionalities. Its features include - digital takeoffs, customized reporting, customer relationship management, estimating, and bid day analysis. 

Other highlighted features include:

  • Easy and fast cost estimating
  • Professional-looking, automatically-drafted construction proposals and reports
  • On-screen digital takeoffs, which makes labor, material, and tools cost analysis easier.
  • Built-in CRM
  • Subcontractor invitation-to-bid functionality
  • Document management
  • Integration with accounting
  • Mobile capabilities

Viewpoint ProContractor

Viewpoint ProContractor is a cloud-based software suitable for use as a desktop or mobile application. It is one of the best remodeling estimating software that allows its users to compute the labor costs, purchasing materials, and equipment. Also, it helps to generate payrolls and invoices. 

Viewpoint is an excellent software to handle construction jobs. For your estimations, project, business, data, financial and operations management, Viewpoint ProContractor is a perfect fit for your job.

ViewPoint has several packages that are optimized for certain types of contractors. For example, they have a specific program for HVAC and sheet metal contractors, plumbing and piping contractors, and specialty contractors.

Clear Estimates

Clear Estimates is a cloud- and web-based estimating software. Because it is less expensive ($59 per month) the full version is suitable even for small contractors and professional remodelers.

It’s affordable, easy-to-use, and comes with detailed templates for common home improvement projects, such as kitchen remodels, room and basement remodeling, and handyman services, to help even small contractors develop accurate bids without spending an inordinate amount of time on them. 

They also include functionality for specialty trades, such as HVAC, electrical, roofing, painting, and plumbing.

The software is linked to a RemodelMax database that provides regional price information from major suppliers, updated every three months, making it easy for the contractor to make an accurate estimate. 

Sage Contractor

Another widely used, cloud-based construction estimating program is Sage. This company makes a number of separate but integratable software packages spanning construction, estimation, project management, payroll, HR management, and more.

The Contractor suite It is a flexible software platform that allows contractors to make better estimates and manage their projects, documents, and services. 

Some of the key features you can enjoy using this software include - 

  • Digital takeoffs
  • Project management
  • Job costing
  • Contract calculation
  • Several unique cost databases

Sage Estimating features superior takeoff tools that make it possible to transfer 2D and 3D takeoff information into the solution quickly and efficiently. Integration with Sage 100 Contractor and Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate allows users to export budgets, purchase orders and subcontracts without the need for duplicate data entry. 

Pre-populated RSMeans cost databases offer everything from site work items to electrical components, and City Cost indexes.

UDA Technologies' ConstructionOnline Software

UDA Technologies’ ConstructionOnline construction management software was designed for homebuilders, remodelers, and real estate developers. It is a web-based platform that can also be used to manage projects and customers and schedule jobs. 

Thousands of buyers rely on UDA’s ConstructionOnline platform to find construction suppliers to complete their projects. ConstructionOnline provides a range of high-quality suppliers for buyers to choose from. 

Other essential features include:

  • Gantt chart styles scheduling, which allows users to convert tasks to groups easily. 
  • Photo management 
  • Cost management 
  • Project management 
  • Contract management 
  • Home configuration 
  • Password-protected online portal for clients
  • Orders processing 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Customer relationship software helps contractors to provide customer satisfaction. The best CRM software platforms help you access and manage customer data, handle your customers' tasks, and effectively manage your business. 

Some CRM programs are stand-alone programs. Others are designed to integrate with other functional areas, such as accounting, scheduling, project management, invitation-to-bid, and more. 

The overall trend has been for CRM programs to become more industry-specific and integrate a broader array of functions. So even if you’re currently using a legacy CRM platform, it might be worthwhile to explore more contractor-specific software options such as the ones listed below:

 

Builder Prime

Builder Prime software is specially designed for contractors and home improvement professionals. It’s a combined CRM, estimating, and production management application that offers tons of useful features and functions for contractors. 

In addition to contact management, it also integrates a flexible scheduler where you can add your appointments, to-do tasks, job descriptions, and delegated tasking for all your employees. 

Additionally, Builder Prime also helps you automatically generate a detailed, professional-looking proposal. The program also quickly generates custom client invoices and helps you track the payments. 

 

Buildertrend 

Buildertrend was designed to make construction businesses more accessible and better. Cloud-based software designed for remodelers, specialty contractors, commercial contractors, and home builders. 

The Buildertrend solution is loaded with useful features such as:

  • Pre-sale tools
  • Automated Customizable proposals 
  • Cost estimating tools
  • Digital signature functionality
  • Client relationship management 
  • Lead capture from website traffic
  • Email marketing tools, including automated blasts
  • Project management tools

 

Further, the Buildertrend solution includes these additional project management tools help you get your jobs completed on schedule:  

  • Client reminders
  • Job scheduling 
  • Real-time reporting 
  • File sharing and organization
  • Intuitive, easy-to-use team collaboration functionality
  • Tasks creation and delegation/assignments and task tracking
  • Real-time work-in-progress reports
  • Easy documentation and information sharing with the team, subcontractors, and clients. 
  • Bidding
  • Invoicing
  • Time management
  • Orders processing and management
  • Tracking costs, billings, and orders
  • Online payments and payment remainders. 

 

JobProgress

JobProgress is another popular and compelling home improvement software option for contractors. You can make your job less demanding by using JobProgress to manage your business. This platform helps contractors ensure job progress is made on multiple projects, satisfy more clients, and be more productive with less effort.

Key features include:

  • Fully Customized Job & Workflow Manager
  • Paperless Mobile App
  • Customer Relationship Manager
  • Online Sales & Marketing
  • Quick Estimating, Quoting & Scheduling
  • Remote Business Control
  • Dashboard Workcenters
  • Safe Cloud Storage & Access
  • Employee And Subcontractor Manager
  • Instant Proposals And Contracts
  • Office, Field & Operations Manager

 

MarketSharp

MarketSharp is an excellent CRM software for contractors, workers in the remodeling business, and home improvement contractors. It’s a turnkey, all-in-one software package that integrates lead management, CRM functions, cost estimating, scheduling, productivity, and project management all on a single platform. 

MarketSharp also allows you to manage your projects, schedule jobs, estimate costs, and turn your one-time customers into lifetime clients.

 

Interior Design Software

Interior design software allows you to create a realistic visual layout of a home or building interior, allowing you to quickly and efficiently depict your post-project ‘vision’ to the customer.

 

Today’s interior design software packages make it a snap to collaborate with customers and subcontractors to communicate options, recommendations, and the desired end state for all kinds of remodeling and interior design and decor projects. 

 

Here are the most common interior design software packages popular with home improvement contractors today

Roomstyler

Roomstyler is a free, easy-to-use, cloud-based design software that allows users to create simple floor plans. It allows users to modify the shape, size, and dimensions of existing room shapes and use a library containing furniture and fixtures that can be added to any floor plan. Users can also add doors and windows and adjust textures using a paintbrush tool. 

SketchUp

SketchUp software is widely used by architects, engineers, and interior designers. It is a web-based application that allows users to design and view 3D models on their devices. Users can also convert the 3D designs into 2D models for easy documentation. 

The platform offers a free version for basic users, while professionals and those needing more advanced functions can opt for the Sketchup Shop ($119/year),  SketchupPro ($299/year), or Sketchup Studio ($699/year). 

Even the free version allows for unlimited cloud storage and access to pre-built 3D models.  

 

Design a Room

Design a Room software by Armstrong Flooring is a great free application that allows you to design a room from scratch or redesign an existing one. You can either upload pictures of your existing space or select a design template from the available ones on the site. 

You can then edit the room by changing the flooring, paint, and furniture till your desired design is achieved. 

It’s a great tool to refer your customers to, because they can experiment and come up with design ideas themselves. And when it comes time to do the work, naturally, you’ll be the first contractor that comes to mind when they’re ready to go. 

Landscaping Software

Landscaping software makes it easy to design outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, pools, corporate and academic campuses, even golf courses. This software helps you visually present how you want the outdoors areas of a home, business, or public space to look. Point and click technology makes it easy to move things about until you reach a solution that will help you achieve your landscaping goals. 

Here are some of the best and most popular software solutions specifically designed for landscaping.

 

LMN

With over 85,000 users, LMN is among the leading software solutions designed specifically for landscaping and outdoor planning contractors. The free version supports budgeting, limited estimating, CRM, and time tracking functions. Most contractors will quickly upgrade to the Pro version, which includes these highly beneficial features:

  • Business planning tools
  • Estimate builder
  • Job and payroll reporting
  • Sales and marketing reports
  • Time tracking
  • Scheduling and dispatching
  • Credit card processing
  • Customer portals
  • File and photo storage
  • Gamification

 

If you’re a landscaping or outdoor services contractor, LMN is a proven choice for the technological backbone of your business. 

Garden Planner

The Garden Planner software designed by Small Blue Printer is an easy-to-use landscaping and garden design tool. It can be used on either Windows or Apple OS. Users can select objects such as plants, furniture, etc., from the library and add them to their designs. 

iScape

This is a perfect interior design application for iOs devices. The iScape app allows you to design your outdoor living space before you bring them to real life. You can also use it to redesign an existing space. 

Whether you are a homeowner or a landscape contractor, you can use iScape to create so many outdoor styles and designs. In addition, the app itself has a library of trees, plants, and fences that users can add and move to their desired location. 

 

Ready to Close More Deals? 

Many people want you to remodel or renovate their homes but cannot afford your services. Help your customers and prospects patronize your business today by partnering with Time Investment. 

At Time Investment, we offer financing via various payment programs to help our partners' customers who have businesses in multiple industries such as HVAC, Healthcare, Water treatment, etc.

Fill out our inquiry form to learn more about our services. 

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Sara Hafeman

With years of experience in the consumer financing industry, Sara Hafeman currently leads marketing and partner development at Time Investment.

Rick Mumford

Regional Sales Manager

Rick is an entrepreneurial sales management strategist with a 30+ year record of achievement in the highly competitive Fenestration marketplace. Specializing in dealer network sales, Rick is adept at driving growth of company revenues, improving sales team performance, and building strong relationships with customer base. His Core Competencies include strategic sales planning, market expansion, relationship management, and high impact sales presentations. Though Rick was referred to Time Investment, he was extremely interested in our values and the enormous opportunity for growth. Rick accepted his new position as   Regional Sales Manager in September 2023.

Outside of work, Rick enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in activities such as hunting fishing, golfing, and church.   He believes Time Investment offers him the opportunity to achieve a balance between his family and professional goals. Time Investment’s focus on exceptional servicing of our customers, a core value, resonates with Rick. This value, above others, drives our customers to want to continue to use Time investment’s platform and expand their opportunities with us, and is a key component to Rick’s decision to join our team.

 

Tonya Schmirler

Senior Manager Loan Servicing

Tonya is the Senior Manager of Loan Servicing at Time Investment, having started in 2023.  With over 20 years of experience in the finance industry, she held various positions in collections, customer service, and operations leadership roles.  At Time Investment, she finds the sense of community, influence, and emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction to be the most rewarding aspects of her role.  Tonya personally interacts with clients and customers by prioritizing their needs and ensuring a high level of service. 

In her personal life, Tonya enjoys spending time with her family, riding motorcycles with her husband enjoying the Wisconsin scenic back roads, fishing, and reading.  She resonates the most with the Time Investment value of excellence, believing it to be the heart of everything we do. Tonya strives to achieve excellence in all relationships, going above and beyond, delivering quality, and continuously improving.  

Ben Hafeman

Concierge I

Ben Hafeman began his career at Time Investment Company (TIC) as a seasonal worker in the summer of 2020.  Over the years, he has developed robust skills in the customer care and collections department, gaining a solid understanding of loan processing and underwriting.  In spring 2024, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

 

Currently Ben works full-time as a Concierge Representative.  He finds the growth opportunities and supportive staff at TIC particularly rewarding, application how colleagues are always willing to assist with any issues or concerns.  His Daily responsibilities involve interaction with Dealers, entering new applications, and addressing inquiries to ensure efficient and effective service.

 

Outside or work, Ben enjoys hiking, spending quality time with family and friends, and collecting Legos.  He has a passion for exploring new areas and aspires to travel the world, embracing new experiences and cultures.

 

The Value that resonates most with Ben is Excellence and Integrity. He believes that striving for excellence means exceeding Dealers’ expectations and ensuring that all interactions are seamless and efficient. This commitment to high standards is crucial for fostering positive relationships.

 Integrity is equally important to Ben; he asserts that being honest and straightforward with Dealers is essential.  This transparency helps build trust and solidifies relationships. By prioritizing these values, Ben aims to create a collaborative and trustworthy environment that benefits both himself and the Dealers he works with.  

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As Director of Business Development, John Hafeman heads our sales team at Time Investment Company. He’s been with TIC for 29 years.

Prior to joining TIC in 1993, John was an outside sales representative for a Wisconsin-based office supply company. He started with TIC as a collection and customer service representative. But his hard work, dedication, and integrity earned him numerous promotions, and he was soon heading up the entire customer service and collection department.

At the same time, John was putting his sales experience to work, working with Tom on the dealer development and dealer relations side of the business.

Today, John oversees all aspects of business development at Time Inc., working tirelessly to build and cement the company’s relationships with contractors, dealers, home improvement firms, water treatment companies, and anyone else whose customers need an affordable financing solution.

Of all the Time Investment Company Core Values, the ones that resonate with John the most are Fun and Generosity, as these two have been keys to getting him through the many trials and challenges along the way.

“Being generous with our time, talent, treasures, and having fun along the way is what it’s all about to me!” says John.

Outside of the office, John enjoys fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors of Northern Wisconsin. He is an avid golfer and member of the West Bend Country Club.

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Wendy DuBois

Concierge II

Wendy is a veteran with the Time Investment Company. She started in 1999 at our collections desk and was soon promoted to dealer services. Later in her tenure at TIC, she did underwriting and management. Twenty-three years later she is working in dealer concierge, providing outstanding customer service to our dealer clients.

Wendy chose to join TIC while she was working in a daycare facility. A friend working here told her to apply… and the rest is history!

Her hobbies include watching her children play sports, spending time with her family, and traveling.

The TIC Core Values she cherishes the most is Fun. “Don’t you want to come to work and love your job and the place you work for?” she asks. With the fun aspect, you are not just clocking in, doing your job, and going home. You’re making new friends, loving your job, and all while having fun!”

Monica Sabala

Concierge III

Monica Sabala has a passion for helping others. Which is what attracts her to work in customer care and collections. She now works in the Concierge office at TIC, an inside sales position, setting industry standards in the customer experience field.

She joined the Time Investment Company because it was “a great fit that offered flexibility, remote work, and the opportunity for growth.”

Outside of the office, she treasures family time and sharing the love of the Lord.

TIC’s core value that Monica relates to most is Excellence.

“Living a life of excellence is the standard. It’s seen in everything — attitude, preparation, and execution. To see it in my workplace is very motivating!”

Joe Peplinski

Concierge III Lead

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Joe worked his way through college as Junior Golf Coordinator for the Mary Hafeman Golf Experience in Mequon, Wisconsin. After graduating in 2019, Joe joined TIC as an inside sales representative. He has since been promoted to Concierge III Lead, where he strives to provide best-in-class service to our valued dealer clients.

Joe saw the opportunity at TIC as a great experience to start at a finance company and build his resume. He holds a degree in Business Management and Marketing from Edgewood College.

His hobbies include playing sports and traveling. Of all the Core Values at TIC, Joe likes to focus on Service and Excellence. “The company is all about relationship building and being a team player,” he says. “We are all working together to achieve our goals. I believe this sets us apart from most finance companies. We have that personal touch instead of hearing an automated voice. You will be able to talk to a real person and go over anything in regard to an account.”

Zachary Hafeman

Concierge Manager

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Zach started working at Time Investment Company ever since he graduated from high school 12 years ago. He started out at the company working seasonally while playing Junior A hockey, and then later doing customer verification calls, collections, and cash management duties to learn the business. He continued to work with us while attending college.

Once he graduated, he joined the company full-time, working in the Dealer Services Department. He then took on TIC’s first inside sales position as New Client Growth Strategist and worked in that capacity for three years before being promoted to Concierge Manager in 2022.

Zach enjoys playing golf, and hockey, watching TV shows and movies, spending time at the lake, and watching Packer games.

Integrity is the TIC Core Value that he holds as the most crucial. “I find it the most important to always be upfront, truthful and trustworthy with not only business customers but also with everyone I interact with on a daily basis,” he says.

Mark Willis

Regional Sales

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With more than 30 years of financial services experience, Mark Willis is a proven, successful leader with a long, winning track record of results in finance, business, and home improvement.

Mark joined TIC in 2021 after being referred by Mike Farrell. A driven self-starter, Mark came to Time Investment Company having achieved years of success as a self-employed consulting and sales professional.

He served as a product sales and solutions manager at Toshiba and was Vice President of Store Operations and Product Management at Axcess Financial. Prior to that, Mark had more than a decade of successful management at Walmart, where he last worked as Senior Director of Category Management, Strategy, and Product Development.

His hobbies include playing golf and making home improvements. He has a bachelor’s in business/corporate communications from Abilene Christian University and an MBA in Management and Operations from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business.

The cove value that particularly strikes a chord with Mark is Service. “It’s all about taking care of our dealers,” Mark says.

David Bocian

Regional Sales

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David brings more than 30 years of professional experience in both the home improvement and consumer finance industries, making him an ideal match for the Time Investment Company and our customers. Over the years, David has worked with national lenders on both sides as a dealer and as a sales representative.

Prior to joining TIC in January 2022, David was an accomplished operation and finance manager with solid skills in consumer finance, sales, and marketing. He came to us from his position as business development manager at Veracity Strategic Business Solutions in Tampa, Florida. Before that, David was the Director of Sales and Business Development Manager at Castle Credit in Chicago. He also worked for 11 years as the VP of Operations at FJB Associates in Berlin, Connecticut.

David chose to come work for us here at Time Investment Company when he got a surprise call from a recruiter asking if he would be interested in joining the company. “I was so impressed after the first Zoom call with Mike, Tom, and John. Their knowledge of the industry from the dealer’s perspective fascinated me.”

His favorite hobbies include family time with his wife of 25 years and 3 sons. He also enjoys golfing and watching Steeler Football games.

The TIC Core Value that is most important to David is Integrity. He holds a BA in Political Science and Government from Assumption University.

Nicole Ishay

Administrative Recovery Manager

“The culture here at TIC is something that I am not used to, and I knew I would fit right in,” says Nicole. “Learning new things every day and making an impact in the organization’s growth is what I am most passionate about.”

Outside of work, Nicole loves walking, shopping, and traveling.

The TIC Core Value she holds dearest is Fun. “It helps people to have a more positive mindset, enjoy higher levels of well-being, and better mental health.”

“Fun at work is a key element of employee happiness.” She quips when asked what values here at TIC are most close to her heart, continuing, “I chose Fun as one of the TIC Core values because it helps people to have a more positive mindset, enjoy higher levels of well-being and better mental health.”

Toni Steldt

Loan File Manager

Toni comes to TIC with a strong background in customer service in a variety of contexts – from waitressing to manufacturing.

She chose to join us at Time Investment Company because of our focus on employees and providing them room for growth.

Outside of the office, Toni’s hobbies include camping with her family, having bonfires in the backyard, and motorcycling.

Toni relates most to the TIC Core Value of Fun. “I believe laughter is the best medicine,” she says.

Jamie Phillips

Controller

Jamie spent over 15 years in various roles at Bank of America, culminating in a four-year tenure as Director, Global Principal Investments Finance. In that role, he served as the chief financial officer for BAML Capital Access Funds, where he supported the firm’s growth from $175 million to $1.2 billion in commitments.

He then spent several years as Accounting Director at GMR Marketing before joining the Time Investment team.

Jamie joined TIC because he likes the indirect lending/consumer finance industry, and he likes the culture at our company.

Jamie holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Chicago.

His hobbies include cooking, hurling, and watching his daughter play sports.

The TIC Core Value of Excellence holds a special place in Jamie’s heart.: “I am always trying to improve and make things better,” he says.

Mary Kelly

Senior Manager, Customer Care

Mary came to TIC after serving as a Customer Service Team Leader at Alta Resources in Neenah, Wisconsin, where she worked for Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, and Purina Pet Care. Before that, was also the Sample Department Manager for the County Materials Corporation, where she experienced driving standard operating procedures as a production foreman. For six years, Mary also ran her own business as a personal chef.

Mary joined TIC because she was ready and excited to move forward with her career in a new industry.

Mary’s hobbies include crocheting, watching movies, going to farmer’s markets, and walking.

Our core value that resonates with Mary the most is Fun! “When the workday gets long, a bit of laughter makes the time go by,” she says.

Michael Blue

Senior Manager, Collections

With 25+ years of call center experience and two decades in collections, Michael has a strong track record of leading teams to increase recoveries on multiple portfolios such as out-of-statute debt, credit cards, medical, auto, and private and government student loans.

Michael comes to TIC after more than 20 years of working in a corporate environment. Prior to joining TIC in 2019, Michael served as the Extended Business Office Manager at State Collection Service. Prior to that, he spent nearly 14 years at the Van Ru Credit Corporation as a collector, supervisor, collection manager, and assistant general manager.

“I love all the people that I work with and the family atmosphere,” he says of the Time Investment Company. “TIC has become my second family and the company focuses on its core values. This company is full of smiles and is a fun place to work!” he says.

Michael enjoys spending his free time with his family and outdoors camping, riding ATVs, and fishing. He feels that he can never get enough sun.

The TIC Core values that he best relates to is Excellence: “I am committed to setting high expectations for myself and my staff to maximize recoveries and minimize delinquency,” says Michael.

Russell Brown

Director of Platform Applications

Russell has more than 30 years of financial services industry experience working with companies of all sizes. He has a long track record of success in operations, process improvement, and consumer protection regulatory compliance. He has skills in change management and transformation initiatives that support customer loan origination and servicing systems, electronic banking, and debit/credit payment solutions.

He also has an extensive background directing highly skilled financial management teams in supporting and achieving company objectives in a variety of contexts.

Russell holds the Certified Compliance Professional credential from the American Bankers Association’s Institute of Certified Bankers.

Outside of work, Russell enjoys traveling, training for the next Marathon, and spin cycling. He also enjoys the warm weather and is a self-described “sucker for a scenic view.”

The TIC Core Value he relates to the most is integrity. “I’ve always been taught to do the right thing and take ownership of your decisions and actions,” says Russell. The best way to engage with people is to treat everyone the way you want to be treated.”

Sara Hafeman

Director of Marketing and Sales Support

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Sara came to the Time Investment Company from the hospitality industry, where she spent 15 years honing her sales and customer service expertise in a variety of positions, culminating in her role as Director of Catering at Marriott Hotels. She joined TIC in 2011, just as the company was set to expand, and needed someone with a deep background in sales and customer service like hers.

That background soon led her into new roles with TIC, including sales support, marketing, and management.

Sara enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, relaxing by the lake and loves traveling with family.

Of the TIC Core Values, Sara finds the most resonance with Service. “My whole career has been built around serving my customers and building their trust so they know, no matter what, I will take care of them,” she says.

Jayne Peplinski

Director of Human Resources

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The chief talent officer of Time Investment Company, Jayne started with the Time Investment Company in 2004 as a data entry specialist. She was soon promoted to accounts receivable manager, and then to her current position in 2012.

After a number of years working in the public school system, Jayne came to TIC to be a part of a family-owned business and to make a difference, not just for her family and herself, but also for others.

Outside of the office, Jayne’s favorite activities include hiking, listening to music, reading, and spending time with her family.

Her favorite of the TIC Core Values is Fun. She strives daily to contribute to making the Time Investment Company a joyous place to work, where employees feel valued and appreciated. “My team helps to create a fun atmosphere whether it is volunteering opportunities, fundraising competitions, luncheons, or just handing out candy on Fridays,” says Jayne. “We spend a lot of time working so why not have fun while we are here!?”

Todd Figard

Director of Servicing/Chief Compliance Officer

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Todd has more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in the credit and collections field. He has diverse experiences managing a variety of portfolios and debt types, including auto loans, personal loans, medical debt, utilities, credit card collections, and government debt. He has a proven track record of maximizing recoveries of delinquent and charged-off debts.

Todd joined the Time Investment Company after meeting with the owners and senior leadership and noticing and seeing that our vision and values aligned with his own. He enjoys working with others and working for a company that values people and relationships above everything else. Prior to joining TIC in 2018, Todd worked in a variety of collections and operations roles for Van Ru Credit Corporation, culminating in more than a nine-year stint as general manager.

Outside of work, Todd enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming. He also enjoys stargazing, traveling, and putting his Nikon P900 camera to good use. A lifelong learner, Todd enjoys listening to audiobooks and podcasts on business, success, spirituality, theology, health, and anything else that will help to learn and to grow as a person, and better serve his family, community, business associates, and customers.

Todd’s favorite of the TIC Core Values is Integrity. “Integrity and Trust are the foundation that other values rest upon,” says Todd. “True integrity isn’t always popular or convenient, but it is the path I have chosen.”

Paul Worachek

Chief Credit Officer

With three decades of experience in the lending and credit industry, Paul is one of our newer leaders on the team. He joined TIC in May of 2022. “TIC has a terrific reputation in our industry and is a family-owned, values-based company,” says Paul, and this reputation is part of what led him to join TIC as the Chief Credit Officer. “This is the atmosphere and culture I enjoy, and our customers appreciate.”

Paul’s career has focused on credit underwriting, leadership, business development, risk management, and customer success. He enjoys creating a positive experience for customers and team members.

Prior to joining the Time Investment Company, Paul was Vice President of Lending at Marine Credit Union and Regional Vice President of Heights Finance Corporation. He holds a BBA in finance from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

Paul enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoys the family cottage trips, annual family apple picking, trips to the Caribbean, and getting to as many Packers, Badgers, and Brewers games as possible. When he isn’t working, you will find Paul outside enjoying a round of golf, going for a walk, or just working in the yard.

Paul’s favorite of the TIC Core Values is Fun:

“Having fun at work is critical in making the other four Values thrive,” says Paul. “We work hard each day striving for excellence, and it is important to enjoy the journey.’

Jonathan Gelhaus

Chief Information Officer

As Time Investment Company’s chief technologist, Jon has more than two decades of information technology experience in the consumer finance and commercial insurance industries. His career focus is on leading effective digital transformation and leveraging technology to create more efficient business workflows. Over the years, Jon has held roles in data security, infrastructure, data warehousing and business intelligence, application development, compliance, and information security.

Prior to joining TIC in 2021, Jon held C-level roles in a private equity-owned consumer finance company where he was a key member of a management team driving double-digit year-over-year growth which ultimately led to a successful sale of that business and a profitable exit for the PE firm.

In 2021 he joined TIC’s leadership with a focus on personal relationships that drive success, not only for our company but also for our dealers and contractors.

Jon’s hobbies include touring the country on his motorcycle, traveling, baking, and camping with his wife of 23 years and 3 young adult children. He lives in West Bend.

His favorite TIC Core Value is Generosity.

“It is not enough to only be successful,” says Jon. “You also need to use that success to make your community a better place to be.” Jon is committed to fostering and nurturing personal relationships that drive success not just for TIC, but also for our dealers and contractors.

Mike Farrell

Chief Operating Officer

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Mike Farrell came to Time Investment Company in 2017, for the opportunity to create unique company growth in the indirect lending industry. He has more than 20 years of experience in banking and commercial lending.

Prior to joining TIC, Mike was the managing director of BlueTrail Finance from 2015 to 2017. Mike spent eight years as President, COO, and CFO of Axiom Bank in Orlando, Florida. Before that, he had a 19-year career at Fifth Third Bank, including experience in business development and finance roles. Mike holds a B.S.B.A. from the University of Dayton and an M.B.A. degree from Xavier University.

His hobbies include cycling, golfing, and hanging out at the beach.

Mike’s favorite of the TIC Core Values is Service. “I have always believed in building valuable relationships.”

John Hafeman

Vice-President, Director of Business Development

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As Director of Business Development, John Hafeman heads our sales team at Time Investment Company. He’s been with TIC for 29 years.

Prior to joining TIC in 1993, John was an outside sales representative for a Wisconsin-based office supply company. He started with TIC as a collection and customer service representative. But his hard work, dedication, and integrity earned him numerous promotions, and he was soon heading up the entire customer service and collection department.

At the same time, John was putting his sales experience to work, working with Tom on the dealer development and dealer relations side of the business.

Today, John oversees all aspects of business development at Time Inc., working tirelessly to build and cement the company’s relationships with contractors, dealers, home improvement firms, water treatment companies, and anyone else whose customers need an affordable financing solution.

Of all the Time Investment Company Core Values, the ones that resonate with John the most are Fun and Generosity, as these two have been keys to getting him through the many trials and challenges along the way.

“Being generous with our time, talent, treasures, and having fun along the way is what it’s all about to me!” says John.

Outside of the office, John enjoys fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors of Northern Wisconsin. He is an avid golfer and member of the West Bend Country Club.

Tom Hafeman

President

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Tom Hafeman began his career working alongside his brother Mike, doing collections for another finance company. He then took a year off to caddie for his sister Mary, a pro golfer in the LPGA. (Mary won the Women’s Eastern Amateur Tournament in 1981).

Shortly after Tom returned to a more traditional career path, the Time Investment Company was born.

“My brother Mike dreamed of starting his own consumer finance company, and I was just along for a short ride,” says Tom. Here I am, 39 years later, the President of the company, and living the American Dream!”

As a veteran of nearly 40 years with the company, Tom credits his success at TIC to the solid foundation in collections and sales that he and his brother developed over the years.

Outside of work, Tom has a passion for big game hunting and bowhunting and is active in wildlife management. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

As President of Time Investment Company, Tom played a big role in defining the company’s five Core Values: Service, Excellence, Integrity, Fun, and Generosity, and strives to live them every day.

Mike Hafeman

Chief Executive Officer

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As one of the original co-founders of the Time Investment Company in 1981, Michael Hafeman has a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. After cutting his teeth working in collections for another consumer finance company in the late 70s, Michael realized that contractors and home improvement companies had a huge unmet need for a first-rate consumer finance company to work alongside with to help make their services affordable for middle-class customers.

“I felt there was a great need for a quality financing partner,” Michael explains. “We would create success by building long-term beneficial relationships not just with contractors, but also with doctors, dentists, and anyone who provides services people need but can’t always afford to pay cash for up front.”

An expert both in consumer finance and life safety industries, Michael was the CEO of the Dallas-based MasterGuard Fire Safety Solutions, an international fire alarm wholesaler, from 1994 to 2000.

His hobbies include spending time with his family, traveling, golfing, and exercising.

Michael relates most strongly to the TIC core value of “Fun:” There’s a cherished poster hanging in the company conference room with a quote from Walt Disney saying, “it’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

Michael loves what he does, and his energetic and infectious attitude helps make the rest of us love it, too.