Latest Articles in Operations

  • Sun, 06/13/2010
    COLUMN : Industry Watch | Codes & Standards, Operations

    Gearing Up for the EPA Lead Abatement Rules
    Despite unified industry pleas to delay implementation based on training bottlenecks and the poor timing of adding yet another speed bump to an ailing industry’s road to recovery, the Environmental Protection Agency decided to go live with its new Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule on April 22, 2010. The new measure (40 CFR § 745.85) requires renovation work that disturbs more... more »
  • Fri, 05/14/2010
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Operations

    Used Machines: Approach with Caution
    Good deals can be found at auctions, but some homework and on-site inspection are key
    Is it more economical to refurbish an existing piece of equipment, buy something used or purchase a new machine with the specific features needed? That question comes up frequently these days—often spurred by an upcoming auction. Unfortunately, equipment auctions have been all too common with the closing of many window and door operations over the past few years. On the surface, low-... more »
  • Wed, 02/24/2010
    THE TALK... | Operations

    What's Your Status on New EPA Rules?
    Seaway Manufacturing, an Erie, Pa., based window manufacturer, reports it offered the EPA lead paint  training classes to 36 installers from its dealer network in January, with 24 currently signed up for a February session.  Other manufacturers, no doubt, have offered similar training programs. Many window and door dealers have pursued the soon-to-be-required training through other... more »
  • Wed, 12/16/2009
    THE TALK... | Operations

    Are You Ready for Lead?
    Because we didn't have enough to keep us on our toes next year, the window and door industry has yet another challenge on its hands. A challenge, I'm expecting, that may catch more than a few companies off guard. I'm talking about the lead paint handling rules slated to go into effect in April 2010 that would apply to all companies doing replacement projects in homes built before 1978. We report... more »
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    Thu, 12/10/2009
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Operations

    New EPA Lead Rules to Impact Replacement Industry
    Training and certification on lead-safe practices will be required for work on pre-1978 homes
    In April 2010, new Environmental Protection Agency rules go into effect requiring that contractors "take the proper precautions to work lead-safe, including minimizing the dust, containing the work area, and conducting a thorough cleanup to reduce the potential exposure associated with disturbing lead-based paint." The rules will affect companies doing window and door replacements, and... more »
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    Thu, 10/01/2009
    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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    Thu, 10/01/2009
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Close-Ups

    Dealers of the Year 2009
    Window & Door Honors Excellence in the Middle
    Two companies honored for Overall Excellence winners, with six additional standouts named in arenas of marketing, installation, customer service, retail/showroom program, community service and innovative thinking. more »
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    Thu, 10/01/2009
    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 »
  • Thu, 10/01/2009
    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 »
  • Thu, 10/01/2009
    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 »

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