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Latest Articles in Strategies & Practices

February 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 »
February 2, 2010
THE TALK... | Sales & Marketing

Do You Do Demographics?

Given the not-so-great Great Recession, we're used to looking at and crunching a lot of numbers. We watch housing data and consumer confidence indexes. We keep a close eye on our bottom line and keep our fingers crossed for the top line.And lately we see some glimmers of hope. Not big rays at this point, but small glimmers peeking through. While some companies are, I'm sure, still locked-down in ... more »
January 24, 2010
THE TALK... | Sales & Marketing

Do You Tweet?

Along with the many products on display last week in Las Vegas, I couldn't help but notice the number of signs in various displays exhorting attendees to "Follow us on Twitter."  One manufacturer noted to me they were celebrating their first anniversary of "tweets."  There was no shortage of Facebook mentions too.  It's clear social media is being used by more ... more »
January 6, 2010
THE TALK... | Strategies & Practices

My 2010 Resolution is...

We’ve been doing The Talk for a couple of years now, and what I’m really loving about the feedback lately is that on the topics to which we cycle around to annually, we’re starting to paint a year-to-year picture of the industry’s mood. So while there’s a lot going on right now—not the least of which is the status of the health care reform bills and ... more »
December 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 »
December 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 »
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 & SquareExcellence in Installation Custom ExteriorsPleasantville, 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 team that rewards ... more »
October 1, 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 »
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 SellsExcellence in RetailFAS WindowsWinter 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 buyers to compare Window A ... more »
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 MileExcellence in Customer ServiceFeldco Factory DirectDes 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 cure for growing ... more »
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The Top 100 Manufacturers of 2009

Challenging times clearly reflected in annual look at North America's largest residential window and door manufacturers in North America. See the Top 100 rankings, broken out into 10 sales range category, here. »

New EPA Lead Rules to Impact Replacement Industry

Industry Glossary

International Code Requirements for Windows & Doors

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