Latest Articles in October/November 2009

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    October 28, 2009
    Meetings & Events

    Win-Door to Celebrate 15th Anniversary in November
    With signs of a recovery come increasing optimism for annual CWDMA event
    With indicators suggesting the market has bottomed out and may be improving, expectations for Win-Door North America 2009 are improving as well. The annual trade show, sponsored by the Canadian Window & Door Manufacturers Association, will mark its 15th anniversary this year when it returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, November 17-19. Last year’s event reflected the fact that... more »
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    October 1, 2009
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Close-Ups

    Custom Exteriors Installs Installation into the Sales Process
    Dealer finds customer satisfaction stems from setting homeowners' expectations
    Plumb, Level & Square Excellence in Installation  Custom Exteriors Pleasantville, Calif. Custom Exteriors has always used the best processes and materials for its installation, but the dealer has found that setting homeowners' expectations is an important part of the sale. A good installation comes with good products, a well-trained team of installers and a management... more »
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    October 1, 2009
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Sales & Marketing, Close-Ups

    FAS Windows Makes Showrooms its Centerpiece
    Retail professionalism makes for a lasting impression
    A Showroom that Sells Excellence in Retail FAS Windows Winter Park, Fla. FAS Windows believes less is more when it comes to showroom displays. Too many products in a limited space takes away from a minimalist, upper-end feel. In an economy where homeowners are skittish and looking for ways to get the most value for their purchases, a showroom does more than allow potential... more »
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    October 1, 2009
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Sales & Marketing, Channels

    Feldco Focuses on Customer Service to Maintain Small Company Feel
    ERP system alone is not enough to ensure "customer delight"
    Going the Extra Mile Excellence in Customer Service Feldco Factory Direct Des Plaines, Ill.    With additional locations, Feldco has invested in a customized ERP system to help manage the details, but the management team knows that true customer satisfaction comes from employees dedicated to promoting "customer delight." Feldco has figured out that the best... more »
  • October 1, 2009
    COLUMN : Legal | Management

    How Long Will Your Product Maintain 30/30 Performance?
    It is unusual for the fenestration industry to fall within the scope of presidential action. It happened in February 2009 with President Obama’s signing of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, also known as the stimulus package. The law was designed to boost sales of energy efficient building envelope components, including windows and doors. The idea was to create jobs and reduce... more »
  • October 1, 2009
    COLUMN : Industry Watch | Codes & Standards

    Interim Door Certification Provides Method of Code Compliance Today
    For some time, the side-hinged door was something of an outsider in the arena of standards development and certification, owing to unique properties of both the product and its marketplace. Although the AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-08 North American Fenestration Standar for windows, doors, and skylights–and its immediate 2005 predecessor–have been referenced by the I-codes, their... more »
  • October 1, 2009
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Marling Lumber Changes with the Times
    More than 100 years old, Marling continues to look for growth opportunities
    Overall Excellance LEADERSHIP SERVING PROFESSIONALS  Marling Lumber Co. Janesville, Wis. Business cycles don’t make the Marling Lumber leadership nervous. Now run by the fourth and fifth generation of the Marling family, the company has survived recessions and booms, expansions and even devastating fires. So while most of its competitors are struggling to keep the doors open,... more »
  • October 1, 2009
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Operations, Sales & Marketing, Close-Ups

    New York Sash Owners are the Face of the Company
    "The Home Improvement Couple" run their company on strong community, business principles
    Getting the Word Out Excellence in Marketing New York Sash Whitesboro, N.Y. Jill and Scot Hayes have branded themselves the "Home Improvement Couple," not only earning recognition for themselves in their community, but also creating a sense of trust in their company among homeowners. Jill and Scot Hayes get a lot more recognition than most window and door dealers. They... more »
  • October 1, 2009
    COLUMN : Dealer Perspectives | Sales & Marketing

    Planning Market Research for the Coming Year
    It is now planning time for many fenestration companies. Most successful firms do annual planning for the entire company.  Many of these firms typically include marketing planning or research and development fiscal planning for new products in this process.  But few companies actually do market research planning. Yes, they may have a lump sum ready to be used for the annual customer... more »
  • October 1, 2009
    COLUMN : Opening Remarks

    Preparing for More Change
    This past September, Accu-Weld, a window and door manufacturer based in Bensalem, Pa., hosted a White House Clean Energy Forum featuring Energy Secretary Stephen Chu, as well as Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and Delaware Governor Jack Markell. The event was part of the Obama Administration’s campaign to pass climate change or cap-and-trade legislation. Accu-Weld was selected to host the... more »