A list of the “10 Most Influential People in Remodeling” was published in the February issue of Professional Remodeler magazine. The winners were hand-picked by the magazine’s editors.

Among the people named the “10 Most Influential in Remodeling” were Martha Stewart, Alan Greenspan, Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Martha Stewart seems like an obvious choice, but a lot of these winners wouldn’t have been at the forefront of most peoples’ minds when considering the industry.

Michael R. Morris, Editor-in-Chief of Professional Remodeler, said that they made an effort to look at the historical aspect of the remodeling industry and find the most influential individuals in remodeling that one wouldn’t normally think of. He stated that the remodeling industry is nearing the $300 billion mark, and “this group of people has had the most profound impact.”

Numerous candidates were considered for the list, including the obvious people who have made an impact in the modern remodeling industry. Financial and government leaders were also looked at.

The choice of Franklin Delano Roosevelt was one of the surprising winners. It was explained by the fact that two important organizations within the remodeling industry, which are still around today under a new name (NARI), were started under the New Deal.