Memo's from The President of Superior Windows & Doors

Sometimes we just can't see the forest through the trees.  Last June I wrote a post that proves that point so clearly. I wrote how the industry was not impressed with the Fed's push on something called the R-5 window and also how we were looking for a "Super" Energy Star window.

DUH!   There it was right in front of my face.  Right there in the same sentence.

The R-5 window IS the "Super" Energy Star Window - 50% more energy efficient than the current Energy Star Window!

 

In our neck of the woods (Southern Oregon and Northern California) we are lucky as Atrium Windows has figured out how to get a triple glazed insulated glass unit that is Argon gas filled into their standard window.  Not only does that keep the cost down, but the standard thickness allows it to work in all applications - even mobile homes.

 

A window that is 50% more energy efficient for 35% more is a bargain in my book.  This is the window we've been looking for.

 

Click here for more info...and stop by one of our showrooms to check it out in person.

As a business owner in a down economy I find myself juggling priorities as if they were knives.  Each one of those knives can inflict damage in multiple different ways.  Should I juggle 3 or 4 knives?  When should I add another knife?

I learned long ago - no falls no balls - putting one foot forward is the only way to get anywhere. So here we are in January 2011, in one of the slowest months of the year, and I have hired a new sales rep for our Ashland Showroom.  Alice Clark was the "Window & Door Gal" at Norton Lumber (Phoenix, OR) and when a talented person comes your way you start thinking, "should I add another knife?"

So call our Ashland Showroom and say HI to Alice.  Keep her busy - those knives are sharp!

July 2010 turned out to be the 2nd best month in our 26 year history. Ashland did really good as usual, but our new Medford showroom kicked it up a notch and managed a 50% increase. With personnel slashed to a bare minimum to keep costs under control everyone of our employees had to be even more efficient and productive than usual.

Hard work should not go unrewarded.  I offered our employees the opportunity to set their own treat.  I worried they might go overboard, but I was willing to gamble.  So what did they pick?

For the 2nd year in a row they chose the Hellgate Jet Boat and Dinner.  Lot's of fun was had by all!

Every day...every month...for the past three years...since our economy took the big plunge...I've been riding the Emotional Roller Coaster. Good months and bad ones....fighting for survival.

It's been dog eat dog fighting for every order.  Stretching my imagination.  How can I offer better service? How to better market to those customers that don't know me yet?  Day in and day out...fighting..... fighting for every order.  Some of my competitors have closed their doors.  There has just not been enough business for everyone....and only the strong can survive.

Then I woke up today with the news that one of my competitors, Davis Finish Products, burned to the ground overnight.  These were good people that served our community well.  I fought them for customers....that was my job....and they were tough competitors.....but this morning I feel so sad for them.

It could just as easily have been me.  It could be my family business in ashes this morning.  It could be my employees out of work.  And the dozens of famlies affected....just terrible.

I offer all those affected my sincerest condolences.