Latest Articles in Markets & Trends

  • October 16, 2012
    THE TALK... | Channels, Markets & Trends

    Where Do You Learn About Best Practices?
    This week we are pleased to announce our 2012 Dealers of the Year. When we started this program, our intention was twofold. We certainly wanted to put the spotlight on window and door dealers and distributors that are doing a great job. But our bigger goal was to raise the bar for the industry as a whole.  We wanted the opportunity to highlight best practices and successful strategies within... more »
  • October 15, 2012
    THE TALK... | Energy Efficiency, Segments, Markets & Trends

    How the 25E Performance Tax Credit Can Help the Industry
    It’s no surprise government tax credits for residential energy efficiency upgrades are a boost to the home renovation industry. The recent federal tax credit for windows and doors, where homeowners could claim a portion of their purchase of energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights, coupled with the trend for homeowners to stay put and fix up their current residence due to a lagging... more »
  • October 9, 2012
    THE TALK... | Markets & Trends

    Are You Feeling Positive?
    Economists and other experts looking at housing market, as well as remodeling and replacement activity, are getting more upbeat in their forecasts.  At least that was the case at last week's Window & Door Manufacturers Association Executive Conference and Building and Infrastructure Forecast Conference hosted by Lincoln International. New home construction is coming back, led by the... more »
  • October 3, 2012
    THE TALK... | Markets & Trends

    Are Doors and Windows a New Status Symbol?
    According to a recent Spectrum Group study highlighted in an article by CNBC, the super-, mega-, crazy-rich folks in this country have become slightly less materialistic. Where the folks with a net worth of more than $25 million used to spend money on cars and jewelry and other such status symbols, research shows they’re now spending a greater percentage of funds on life experiences and... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Strategies & Practices, Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Back-to-Basics Marketing
    Universal Windows Direct connects with people "face-to-face"
        Getting the Word Out EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING   Universal Windows Direct Oakwood Village, Ohio Get the Universal Windows Direct team in front of some people and they will sell some windows and doors. A simple concept, perhaps, but one that has served founders William Barr and Mike Strmac for more than 10 years as they’ve grown their company year-over-year at... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    Meetings & Events | Products, Materials & Components, Segments

    Canadian Manufacturers to Gather at Win-Door
    More than 150 exhibitors expected at annual Toronto show
    Canadian window and door manufacturers will once gather for Win-Door North America, the annual trade show hosted by Fenestration Canada to be be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, November 6-8.  With more than 150 exhibitors signed up, the event will feature a mix of Canadian and U.S. industry suppliers.     Royal's multi-panel folding vinyl door attracted much... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Community Icon Leads in Time of Disaster
    Stan Greer Millwork put community ahead of company in time of need
        Giving Back EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE   Stan Greer Millwork Hereford, Ariz.   In the summer of 2011 in Sierra Vista, Ariz., and the surrounding southern Arizona communities, it took a village to fight a fire. And it also took a long-standing window and door distributor business to support that village. Stan Greer Millwork, a second-... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Redefining Its Category
    A.W. Hastings carves out its role with innovative services
        Overall Excellence LEADERSHIP IN THE PROFESSIONAL MARKET   A.W. Hastings & Co.  Enfield, Conn.   Throughout the window and door industry, there are a handful of companies that have truly defined their categories. In the case of this year’ Overall Excellence, Leadership Serving Professionals winner, A.W. Hastings & Co. is recognized... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Strategies & Practices, Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Serving Today’s Buyers with Yesterday’s Values
    Newman Replacement Windows makes service “king” to stand apart
        Going the Extra Mile EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE   Newman Replacement Windows Carlsbad, Calif. Being British gives Duncan Newman and his wife, Natalie, an interesting take on the American Dream. The couple views the 1950s as the heyday of customer service and aims for that wholesome feel of Americana in every aspect of their Southern California window... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    The New Face of SolarGlass
    Colorado dealer redefines its strategy in the face of diversity
        A Showroom that Sells EXCELLENCE IN RETAIL   SolarGlass Window & Door Boulder, Colo.   When Gwenael Hagan bought SolarGlass Window & Door nearly six years ago, the Boulder, Colo.-based dealer was facing the bankruptcy of the aluminum-clad manufacturer that made up 70 percent of its sales and the start of a deep and prolonged economic... more »