What Does the Emergence of China as #1 Window and Door Market Mean to Us?

jswanson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:38:54 -0400

The U.S. has long been the single largest window and door market in the world, but apparently that's changing. According to a new Freedonia Group report highlighted in this week's news, China will surpass us in the next few years.

Is Your Livin' Easy?

clewellen — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:00:44 -0400

Summertime... and the livin' is easy...I can't remember the last time I cooked on my stove since I spend so much time hovering around my grill and my children constantly smell like sunscreen. It's definitely summertime. But I'll admit that our family's summertime doesn't look like it usually does. We need an even heftier babysitting budget than previous years and our annual trek across country to visit the in-laws is indefinitely on hold. Blame it on the economy, or perhaps working long hours as part of a skeleton crew, but our easy livin' is happening close to home this year.

New Medicare Rules to Watch

jswanson — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:27:55 -0400

With the recent passage of SB 2499 (“Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2009”), all businesses with exposure to tort claims–including personal injury claims–need to be keenly aware of Medicare’s reimbursement rights. Medicare’s reimbursement rules are changing, and businesses should consider modifying their liability and settlement strategies. Importantly, there likely will be stiff penalties for businesses that do not follow the new requirements.

Do You Agree with Ducker?

clewellen — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:40:44 -0400

As you may have just read in our Ducker news report, it's likely to be 2010 before the window and door market is likely to post some growth. When it comes to my kids and my escalating birthdays, the years seem to fly by. But in the current economic enviornment, every month seems like a lifetime. Another year for us to see some upward momentum in our industry is realistic and likely spot on, but it's a tough pill to swallow from where we sit right now. Are we there yet?

Will Many Plants Re-Open?

jswanson — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:59:42 -0400

For better or worse, the headlines in today's WDweekly present a real snapshot of the today's economic landscape. Read just about any forecast or outlook today, and it will likely include a mix of optimistic signals that the worst is over, but also cautionary notes that the struggles will continue for some time before the economy can truly be considered healthy.

Do You Use the "L" word?

clewellen — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:08:56 -0400

While I wish I were talking about the "L" word "love," I'm actually talking about the "L" word "layoffs." Friday was a tough day for me with regards to the "L" word. Two industry buddies touched base with me to let me know they were let go that very day. No sooner had I gotten off the phone with one than I got an email from another letting me know his company had conducted a RIF that morning.

Two Years Later: Take Two Windows and Call Me in the Morning

jswanson — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:54:14 -0400

Walking into Interstate Windows & Doors is a lot like walking into the waiting room at a doctor’s office. A vanilla reception area has one window, behind which an obviously organized receptionist is stationed, a play table for children is tucked into one corner and a couple of chairs book-end a small table. Rather than health and parenting magazines, the table displays a few window brochures, which is really the only way visitors to the Slidell, La., specialty window and door dealer know they’re in the right place.

Two Years Later: Window & Door Experiences Hurricane Katrina's Legacy

jswanson — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:49:21 -0400

Charlie Cusimano, Perry Poche and John Roberts are men who sell windows like thousands of other people who sell windows. But these men are different. They are survivors of Hurricane Katrina and have spent the last two years rebuilding their businesses, their lives and their customers’ lives.

Two Years Later: One New Orleans Dealer's Amazing Grace

jswanson — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:43:46 -0400

Amazing Windows & Doors isn’t just helping victims of Hurricane Katrina—it is itself a victim of the storm and its devastating aftermath. The roof of the Metairie, La., building flew off during the storm, leaving the company’s entire inventory exposed to pounding winds and rainwater. Standing water rose above filing cabinets and computers, wiping out years of records and a six-month-old remodeled showroom.

Skylight Maker Sees Opening in Market

jswanson — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:35:47 -0400

Insula-Dome Skylights sees an opening for another big name brand in its product arena. Setting its sights on becoming that name, the 35-year-old regional manufacturer is launching a new product line incorporating a unique approach to vinyl welding.