News

Industry guru leaves legacy beyond building

Apr 1, 2011
Posted In: General

Last month the building industry lost a remarkable voicve when acclaimed marketing guru and author Jerry Rouleau's struggle with cancer ended. 

Rouleau, a member of the National Association of Home Builders, had been involved with the housing industry for more than 25 years. His contributions were featured on national television and radio, as well as in magazines and newspapers. He was the founder of BuilderRadio and the “Selling More Homes” podcast and had won several awards and honors for his work. 

Rich Cromwell, a member of the MHBA, said when Rouleau first visited Maine, it was as if the Internet of the building industry had arrived. 

“He was a clearinghouse of information. Jerry taught you how to have better sales,” Cromwell noted. “His was not a fanciful presentation, but it constantly evolved. He was really trying to help you be successful.” 

Ena Derenburger, vice-president of the MHBA, remembers him always wanting to help others improve their skills. 

“Jerry was the best and he wanted everyone to be the best,” Derenburger, of Turn Key Homes in Oxford, said. “He provided the information and the tools to sell more homes, and they were always relevant. Jerry understood what makes buyers and sellers tick.” 

But even more important than his professional contributions to the home building industry in Maine, was Rouleau himself. 

“He was an honest guy and you had this feeling that he was your friend – that he had a special place in his heart for you,” Cromwell said. “That was his unique gift. When he spoke to a group of people, he made everyone feel special.” 

After his wife, Jan, died of cancer a decade ago, Rouleau created Jan’s House of Hope, a fund raising project which involved building a 3,100 square foot home on a barge. The home toured seven cities on the east coast, raising more $15 million for cancer awareness in only two months. 

Memorial donations to be made to St. Francis Hospital, 8th Floor Oncology/Hospice Floor, c/o Nurse Manager Cindy Climer, RN, MS, OCN, 114 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105.