IRON MOUNTAIN -- Around 2,000 people made their way to into Mountain View Ice Arena for the Home, Yard, and Sport Show this weekend.

To contractors, like Ed Theisen, that's 2,000 potential customers.  With the industry struggling over the last few years, he is anxious to take on all the work he can get.

"We've been doing this the last few years here in Iron Mountain, and you know it seems the numbers are a little bit down this year from last year, but it seems like we've got more estimates,” said Theisen.  “So I think the people that are coming out here and showing up are seriously looking into doing some work, and that's what we're here for."

The recession hit contractors especially hard, but most of the businesses in attendance are looking to rebound.  Contractors use these types of shows to advertise to new customers.

"It's definitely been down since 2006, but we've seen we've had to advertise a little bit more,” said U.P. Concrete’s Melvin Stenberg.  “I think it helps a lot because you actually get to see the people and talk to them and get a feel for what they're looking for."

Theisen and Stenberg expect business to improve this year and plan on getting their names out any way they can.

"It seems like the residential market has really picked up,” Theisen said.  “That's why we're in shows like this--to get a lot of people out here looking to do some work; now they're ready to spend some money and it helps a lot of contractors like myself to keep busy."

All the contractors here are hoping to improve their residential business which took a big hit during the recession.  However they are all hopeful that they made a big impact on everyone in attendance.