Latest Articles in Strategies & Practices

  • March 28, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Close-Ups

    From Boutique Door Shop to Major Manufacturer
    Tru Tech sees big potential in listening to customers
    Tru Tech Doors got its start as a local door shop in Ontario, “doing the things others wouldn’t do.” A little more than 10 years later, the company has its sights on becoming ”the new name in doors” across North America. John Careri, president, attributes much of the company’s success to listening to the voice of the customer. When the company got its start, he... more »
  • March 22, 2011
    THE TALK... | Operations

    Do You Have an iPad Yet?
    With Apple introducing its second generation iPad to much fanfare a few weeks ago, it's hard to remember that it's been just over a year since the device was first launched. In some ways, it's the toy we all want to have, but it's also proving to be a very efficient, effective business tool.  And, personally, I think it's caught on in the window and door industry faster than any technology... more »
  • March 15, 2011
    COLUMN : Opening Remarks | Management

    Staying Proactive in Washington
    In January, President Obama announced support of a new Better Buildings Initiative—targeted at commercial projects—and expressed his support once again for Home Star, the program that would provide homeowners with government rebates for energy efficient home upgrades. Given the change in Congress, I honestly don’t know how much potential there is for such programs. I certainly... more »
  • February 22, 2011
    THE TALK... | Management

    Are You Ready for Generation Why?
    The up-and-coming workforce is digitally native, thinks globally, is easily bored, craves attention, acts socially and is work-ethic challenged. That's  according to Eric Chester, a consultant focused on helping companies understand and getting the most out of "Generation Why" employees and keynote speaker at this week's AAMA conference. Hiring new workers and developing new talent... more »
  • February 15, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Sales & Marketing

    Emphasizing Care and Maintenance
    AAMA publishes new brochure to educate homeowners
    Today’s windows and doors offer many low-maintenance features but that doesn’t mean they don’t require any care or maintenance, particularly if they are going to perform well over a long period of time. That is the message of the most recent brochure from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, which includes tips for proper cleaning and maintenance to better... more »
  • February 13, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Sales & Marketing

    After the Credits, Hope Remains
    Following a rough January, window and door companies still see potential after the tax credit hangover
    After having a festive wrap-up to last year, the window and door industry suffered a bit of a hangover in January. The 2009 and 2010 tax incentives and increased awareness of energy efficiency fueled retrofit sales among otherwise skittish consumers and pulled forward demand as would-be buyers rushed to complete their home improvement projects before the end of the year. The party ended abruptly... more »
  • January 1, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Close-Ups

    Oldest Window Manufacturer is Focused on Future
    Mathews Brothers bringing on new product lines and tackling new markets
    Not many window and door plants still have people putty-glazing single lites of glass into wood sash. But not many window and door companies are more than 150 years old, like Mathews Brothers Co. in Belfast, Maine. Proud of its long history, the company is also focused on the future, preparing now to bring one of the newest technologies in vinyl windows to market. The long history of... more »
  • October 20, 2010
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    American Windows & Door Makes a Lasting Impression
    Family business makes all decisions with the customer in mind
    Going the Extra Mile Excellence in Customer Service American Windows & Doors Woodland, Wash.        The entire Driver family has dedicated itself to taking customer service to a new level and leaving a lasting impression with American Windows & Doors' customers. The leadership at American Windows & Doors figures that the key to... more »
  • October 20, 2010
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Custom Remodelers Sees Product as Key to Good Installation
    Dealer sought out a plug-and-play retrofit window that would reduce installation inconsistencies
    Plumb, Level & Square Excellence in Installation  Custom Remodelers Inc. Lino Lakes, Minn. Custom Remodelers saw inconsistencies with the products it was installing, and made attempts to work with manufacturers to find solutions to the problems. Craig Carpenter, founder and president of Custom Remodelers Inc., contends that the replacement windows that make up most of... more »
  • October 20, 2010
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Dealers of the Year 2010
    Window & Door Honors Excellence in the Middle
    Window & Door is pleased to announce its 2010 Dealers of the Year. Honored for Overall Excellence this year are Florida's FAS Window & Door and California's General Millwork Supply. The magazine has also recognized six Focused Excellence category winners—window and door retailers and distributors that stand out in the areas of marketing, installation, customer service,... more »