Aug 08

Florida Construction come back?

Categories:

Industry News

by

Here is a great article from Jeff Harrington of the Tampa Times that a fellow NAWIC member has shared. Beware:  It may boost morale!

It states that “Cost Estimators” are Number 1 on the Florida “Hot Jobs” list and specialty trade contractors are the fastest growing types of companies in Florida.

Florida construction industry on verge of a comeback, seers say, thanks to influx of newcomers

 

…Several factors set the stage for a construction comeback: the foreclosure glut is winding through the courts; home prices have been rising in recent months; and the inventory of available homes has fallen dramatically, from a four-month supply a year ago to just under three months.

The single biggest element fueling optimism, however, is demographics. Researchers predict the state’s population will grow by more than 600,000 over the next three years as it stays on track to overtake New York as the third-largest state.

As a recent report from the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research phrased it, Florida’s population growth will remain the “primary engine” fueling its economy.

 

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Aug 06

Design Hardware’s Buy American website

Categories:

Buy American Act, Hardware

by

“Why didn’t anyone else think of this”, asked a potential customer last week when I was showing him Design Hardware’s Buy American  website.

If you haven’t checked out the site recently give it a quick review.  You will find details showing how Design Hardware products qualify for most federal, state and military projects.

In addition, waivers and forms are available, just click and print.  If you are a customer and don’t know the login and password to download the forms, just give me a call.

Design Hardware is always thinking of new ways to make your job easier.

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Jul 30

Help Requested!

Categories:

Hands On Training Demos

by

I have been given the opportunity to hold training classes for a large distributor in Tennessee.  The location is very close to one of my favorite places, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so I jumped at the chance.

But location wasn’t the only reason that I was eager to take on this new task.   I am very passionate about our industry and love to share what I have learned.  That combination made this new venture a win-win.

To make sure all of the basics are covered before getting into more complicated lessons, I have decided to start at Hollow Metal 101.  My first lesson will cover frame installation using the most common wall type applications and anchors, such as wood stud, metal stud, masonry, etc.  I would like to bring in a faux wall section to offer hands on training.  Using the wall section I will show exactly how the different anchors will be used.

This is where I need your help.  A true wall section would be too heavy for me to pack and carry around. (remember, I am a girl).  I would like to build a wall section from light weight, but durable materials.  I have a 2′ jamb piece, so the wall section would need to be approximately 24″ x 24″.  A friend of mine suggested foam board for the drywall.  Any other suggestions?  Specifically, for the studs or block?  Styrofoam may be an option but I am worried it wouldn’t last for more than one demonstration.

I am eager to hear your suggestions.

P.S. I have already had an initial meeting and was able to squeeze in a full day of hiking.  Here is a picture that I took along the Alum Cave Trail.

 

Related Posts

This post has no tag

2 comments

Jul 09

Alachua HFH Women Build

Categories:

Inspiration/Motivation

by

On Saturday the Alachua HFH Women Build completed the soffit and fascia on the exterior of the house and completed a coat of paint on the interior.  Way to go ladies!

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Jun 17

Bear Grylls Mud, Sweat and Tears

Categories:

Inspiration/Motivation

by

This post has nothing to do with doors well, maybe doors to adventure?  Ok, that’s stretching it a bit, but I wanted to share with you my latest crush!

I just finished reading Bear Grylls Mud, Sweat and Tears.  Needless to say, I loved it.

For those of you who thought Man Vs Wild was just another scripted unreality reality show, well you’re probably right about that.  But what you will learn is the shows’ adventures pale in comparison to some of the things Bear has accomplished in real life.

The show may be somewhat scripted, and albeit dangerous at times, Bear does have support when needed.  But don’t be fooled, Bear is a seasoned adventurer who served with the Special Air Service, a special forces unit of the British army.

Yes, a member of a special forces unit, as in Green Berets, Army Rangers, Navy Seals, etc. Not something the average man can accomplish. The book chronicles two major events in life.  One being his journey to becoming a member of the elite SAS.  The other is his successful attempt to climb Mount Everest. Get the book, its a good read!

From 1994 to 1997, he served in the United Kingdom Special Forces Reserve, with 21 Regiment Special Air Service, 21 SAS(R), as a trooper, survival instructor and Patrol Medic trained in unarmed combat, desert and winter warfare, combat survival, medics, parachuting, signals, evasive driving, climbing and explosives. He served in North Africa twice. His service in the SAS ended in 1997 as a result of a free fall parachuting accident he had suffered the previous year in Kenya.

 

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Jun 14

CoNEXTions DHIndustry Convention 2012 Las Vegas

Categories:

DHI

by

My plans are set for Vegas!  Are yours?

The Door and Hardware Institute is in the process of restructuring their Annual Conference & Exposition.  Some of the changes will be in effect at this year’s conference in Las Vegas on October 17th and 18th.

To differentiate future events from the past, DHI’s annual trade show will now be known as CoNEXTions DHIndustry Convention 2012 Las Vegas.

CoNEXTions represents the focus of this year’s events, connecting channel partners and prospects. I feel it’s a great name as it brings to mind making connections, networking, and what’s next on the horizon for our industry.

I understand a time and monetary commitment to attend may seem out of your reach.  But attending our industry’s only convention can have just the energizing affect that you and your business may benefit from.

More than any other time during my 18 years in this industry distributors have the need to reach out and connect with each other to see what is working and what isn’t.  Although reaching out to a direct competitor may not be desirable, attending the convention gives you the opportunity to meet distributors across the US and International communities.

The Mesker and Design teams invite our distributors to networking dinners during the show dates.  These dinners are a more intimate setting than a large party and allow for one on one discussions between our customers world wide.

Last year during one of these dinners in New York City I overheard one of my Florida distributors talking about specific labor costs/charges/profitability with a distributor from another market.  My customer actually took notes.  He commented that aside from the trade show floor, attending our dinner made his trip worth the time and money spent.

I commend DHI on their efforts to restructure and stay current and innovative.  Let us all follow their example by meeting in Vegas on October 17th  & 18th!

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Jun 11

What traits do you like in a Sales Representative?

Categories:

Business Tips/Strategies

by

I am enjoying rereading The Go-Giver: A Little Story about a Powerful Business Idea. It was written in 2008 by Bob Burg and John D. Mann.

It emphasizes the power of giving and being of value to your customer base.

Chances are, whatever industry you are in, your company deals with sales representatives that present and sell products you may need to conduct business.

Describe your ideal sales representative. What qualities and traits do you like in a sales rep, what do you dislike?

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Jun 07

Additions to Design Hardware Website

Categories:

Hardware

by

Just when you thought the  Design Hardware website could’n’t get any easier to navigate through, our web development team adds 2 very useful tools.

  1. SEARCH OUR SITE – Don’t know what button t click on when you go to our site?  NOW, anyone accessing the Design Hardware site can type in any search word and find links related to the topic or product they are searching for.  Go ahead – TRY IT for yourself.
  2. ASK BILL – Have you ever wanted to have our Customer Service Team at your fingertips?  Well now you have them!  Just send a quick note to our technical and customer service team by clicking on the ASK BILL button and CHAT AWAY REAL TIME!

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Jun 06

Do what?

Categories:

Pictures

by

During a panic situation these instructions may be confusing!

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

May 29

Standing up for Life Safety

Categories:

Life Safety

by

Monday night Zumba classes at my local gym are very popular.  A little too popular I fear. The classes have become so crowded that I avoid them like the plague, well like a fire emergency to be more exact.

A couple of months ago I quit attending the Monday night classes and made a comment to the gym manager that I thought they were unsafe.  I politely made the suggestion that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check the occupancy load for the room and monitor some classes.  I couldn’t be sure that anything would come of my suggestion, but felt I needed to make them aware of an unsafe situation.

Fast forward to last week and I see this sign at the front desk of my gym.

I inqured as to the purpose of  signing in and was told the classes had become too crowded to be safe.  The first 75 people to sign in will be able to attend the class, others will be turned away.  I was proud of my gym for looking into the situation and coming up with a plan to ensure the safety of its members.

There have been a lot of negative murmurings and I expect it to get worse when people are actually turned away.  I am sure, however that everyone will get used to the new system and hopefully will understand life safety should come first.

A fellow door & hardware professional was in a similar situation while visiting an indoor playground.  Here is her story.

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Apr 05

A40 vs G60

Categories:

Hollow Metal Doors, Hollow Metal Frames

by

I recently received a phone call asking me what the difference between the “A” and the “G” was when talking about hot dipped galvanized products.   And of course that spawned a quest for knowledge.  So here is what I learned about A40 vs G60 in case one day you’re asked the question.

And don’t forget my post on Galvanized vs Galvanneal for more information.  Please comment below if you have anything to add.

A vs G

Hot-Dipped Galvanized is produced to established minimum zinc coating weights in ounces per square foot. These coating weight will have a prefix of either “A” or “G” Generally “G” denotes a free zinc coating whereas “A” denotes a zinc/iron alloy coating.  The “G”, free zinc type, offers better corrosion resistance, but the “A”, alloy type, is more easily spot welded.

The corrosion resistance of the “G” type is directly related to the amount of zinc coating, i.e., G90 will resist corrosion to the base metal longer than G30.

The “A” coatings have a dull gray color with no spangle while the “G” coatings are bright/shiny and can have various sized spangle visible. This is the traditional galvanized appearance.

Hot-Dipped Galvanized can be chemically treated to inhibit the formation of zinc oxide or have a surface oil applied to retard storage stains. The “G” types are often coil coating with paint and are usually post formed by roll forming or embossing of the strip. Garage and entrance doors are examples of this practice. The “A” type is typically painted after all forming or bending is completed.

Both types, “A” and “G” are available on a full range of steel grades from CS (Commercial Steel) through EDDS (Extra Deep Drawing Steel). These grades have varying ability to be formed. Hot-Dipped Galvanized is produced to meet ASTM A 653 Specifications, “General Requirements for Steel Sheet Zinc Coated by the Hot-Dip Process”.

40 vs 60

Now, in reference to the number following the A or G refers to the amount of zinc represented in ounces per square foot (or sometimes grams per square meter) total both sides. Its designation, for example, may be G60 (or A60, in the case of Galvannealed), constituting .60 oz/ft2.

 

 

 

 

 

Related Posts

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Mar 16

More Friday Fun, Let’s go to the Movies!

Categories:

Uncategorized

by

What else is fun?  Going to the movies, that’s what!

I can remember going to my first motion picture movie.  My parents took my younger brother and I to the drive-in theatre.  Back in the day, the theatre would show a kids movie first, then the feature film for the grown-ups.

That night the kids’ movie was Disney’s “Gnome Mobiles”.  And to this day I can still sing the chorus to the song.  I was so mesmerized by the action being played out on the huge screen before me.  I was an instant movie fanatic.

My first date movie was Arthur with Dudley Moore. Every time I hear the theme song “Best that You Can Do”, I am immediately taken back to that theatre.

Watching the movie “The New Kids” as a teenager inspired my brother and I to start jogging.  It didn’t last long, but we did get out there a couple of mornings.

I love everything about going to the movies.  I love how cold it is in the theatre even on the hottest summer day.  I love the strange feeling you get when you went into the movies in the daylight and come out in the dark.   I love popcorn, over priced cokes and raisinets! I even love sitting through all the previews.

My taste in movies has drastically changed since the “Gnome Mobiles”.  I am a major action movie buff.   The more gunshots and blood shed the better.  Just recently, while watching “Cowboys vs Aliens”, I thought this is my kind of movie when two people are shot and killed in the first two minutes.

My favorite all time movie scene is in “Terminator II” when Sarah Connor is breaking out of the mental hospital and running toward the elevator.  When the elevator doors open, the Terminator from the first movie steps out.  In slow motion Sarah Connor drops to floor, screaming nooooo, while trying to scramble backwards.  Love it!

I love anything with Clint Eastwood (starring or directing), all the Lethal Weapons, Terminators 1 & 2, Rocky’s I-IV, First Blood, Die Hard and the list could go on and on and on.   I am one of those people that can watch a movie 20 times, or to my husband’s dismay, more.   Of course, I like more than just action movies but they are definitely my favorites.

I would love to hear your movie favorites. If you’re feeling lucky, punk, comment below.

Related Posts

This post has no tag

1 comment

Older posts «

» Newer posts