Jan 26

3 Types of Jobs

I saw this sign while visiting one of my distributors.  I chuckled because it seems so true but it keeps popping into my head. Thanks Gene’s Glass for the great material!

I remember when a project took at least 6-12 months now it seems like the norm is 3 and even that is not fast enough! Every one is under pressure to get things done faster and faster.

The sign states that you can’t have all three.  That with a Good job quick you sacrifice price, with a Good job cheap you sacrifice time, and a cheap job quick will not be good.

What if you can have all three.  That you can truly have good quality, shipped quickly at a competitive price.

What if I told you that there is a company that can ship a high quality lockset with multiple design features including five lever designs in 6 finishes within 24 hours at an exceptional value.

That company is .  The lever designs and finish options they stock are an unprecedented value.  When it comes to architectural hardware you no longer need to sacrifice design and quality to have a project completed on time and on budget.

Let’s work together to open up ideas.  To quote Jack Walsh “A boundaryless company would knock down external walls, making suppliers and customers part of a single process.”

Jan 21

Design Hardware Installation Videos

The installation of commercial door hardware products can often be frustrating and time consuming.  Design Hardware has developed videos to help you with the installation of their various products.    Packaged not only with easy-to-follow instructions and templates, but also various screw types (self-taping, wood etc..) and multiple strike plates, everything you need in one box.

Product accessories such as shim kits, drop plates for door closers, and cylinder dogging devices for exit devices are also readily available at Design Hardware’s Rogersville, MO headquarters. Click below to see Design Hardware Installation Videos.

Click Here for Installation Videos

Jan 20

Are your Profits Blowing out the Door?

This is a picture that I took while traveling to the Florida panhandle on a business trip.  It was a cold day and the draft coming through the door made blow drying my hair extremely uncomfortable.  I couldn’t believe the amount of energy and money being wasted by the lack of something so simple, weatherstripping. I held a tissue in front of the door to capture the force of the draft.  I recommend trying this on your doors both inside and out to see if you need to update or add weatherstripping.

Are you keeping up with maintenance?   You may not think you have it in the budget, but the truth is you don’t have the budget NOT to keep up with it.  In this case, the cost of weatherstripping pales in comparison to the costs wasted on trying to keep my room warm.

Don’t let your profits slip away.  Doors and hardware can be the most complex aspect to your maintenance team.  Contact me for a door & hardware sales/service professional in your area.

Jan 19

Region 3 Director Candidate

Jean L. Cox, CBT, an active member of the Greater Orlando Chapter of NAWIC for 14 years is a candidate for Region 3 Director 2011-2013.

Our Greater Gainesville Chapter had the pleasure to have Jean as our January speaker and learn more about her and her desire to be our region’s director.

Jean is the Division Business Manager for John N. Puder, a division of Moretrench, a geotechnical contracting company located in Orlando, FL.  Before being bought by Moretrench American Corporation in October, 2008, Jean had risen to Vice-President of John N. Puder, Inc.  Jean attributes her affiliation with NAWIC over the past 14 years as the catalyst for her successful career growth.

During our meeting Jean stated, “I have the time, the employer support and the desire to step up to the next level of NAWIC”.

Thank you Jean for spending time with us and sharing your NAWIC story.

NAWIC is currently seeking Director candidates and is requesting your assistance in seeking and encouraging qualified members to submit for candidacy for Region Director for odd-numbered NAWIC Regions. Those interested must submit NAWIC Director Candidate Profile form to the NAWIC Executive Vice President postmarked no later than 30 days before the Forum election with all sections completed as specified on the form. In Region 3 the cut-off date is March 8, 2011.  If you have given any thought to being a director but like more information, click here.

Jan 17

Name your Price

Traveling alone I am very picky about choosing a hotel.  That used to mean paying a higher price for peace of mind.  Then a friend of mine, another manufacturer representative, turned me on to Priceline. Now, I “name your own price” where ever I go.   The only disadvantage is that you do not get to pick a specific hotel.  You pick an area and “rating” and a reasonable price you’d be willing to pay and William Shatner begins negotiating on your behalf!

The “rating” is where security plays a part.  I pick a 3 star Upscale or a 3 ½ star Upscale-Plus because both typically have interior corridors (which is a must for women traveling alone), a variety of business services and on-site dining. The on-site dining is important to me because it cuts down on the amount of time I’m in a dark parking lot.

I typically put $65.00-$70.00 for the price and hit the jack-pot the majority of the time.   I have come away feeling guilty for the great deals I was able to land.  I once stayed at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott resort in Miami for…  well I told you what I pay, I don’t want to rub it in.

A view from my hotel room on a recent business trip.

With Priceline, I don’t have to pay extra for peace of mind and a good night sleep.

Safe Travels!

Jan 09

Is that all you’ve got?

2011 – “I saw what you did in 2010, is that all you’ve got?”

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body; but rather to slide in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other… body thoroughly used up, totally worn out… and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!” Author Unknown.

I love this quote, it is one of my favorites.  It reminds me to play more, laugh more, work harder and be fearless in my endeavors, both personally and professionally.  And although I have the chocolate and wine thing down to an art there’s definitely more living that I coulda shoulda put into 2010.

But that’s what I love about a New Year.  It’s full of potential and promises.  I urge everyone to get out of that slump, quit worrying and give it all you got!

And remember, Life is happening now, this is not a dress rehearsal!

Dec 20

PEACE

Our professional lives sometime overwhelm us and consume all of our time and energy.  It’s easy to forget what we are working so hard for…our families, our dreams, our hobbies…

When I need a reminder, I look at this picture that I took during one of my back pack trips in the Smoky Mountains.  It helps to put things into perspective and fills me with the feeling of peace I experienced on that trip.

I hope you have something that reminds you to breathe…

Happy Holidays.

Dec 16

Part 2 of my Favorite Blogs

In the Loop is going to take the last two weeks of the year off.  I wish you all a very wonderful holiday and new opportunities in the New Year!  I have met wonderful people on Twitter from all walks of life and the building industry who are so generous.   I included a few special bloggers that I follow on Twitter along with some interesting blogs I enjoy reading.  I hope you enjoy too!

Nick at Cupboards For all things kitchen check out Nick’s blog.  He offers the newest innovations in the kitchen like the touch pad counter tops.  Oh and ask him about college football too.   http://www.cupboardsonline.com/

Paul Anater Not only is Paul a kitchen, bath and residential designer but the man is now a social media consultant.  I am hoping to take one of his seminars in the New Year.  His blog is full of beautiful photos most recently of his trip to New York City.  Yes I am jealous.  http://www.kitchenandresidentialdesign.com/

Rufus the dog Not sure if it is Rufus or his human doing the blogging but it is full of a variety of subjects.  If it is Rufus he is well rounded.  Big on politics but wants to hear your opinion.  I appreciate that.  Funny.  I really appreciate that.  Read him.     http://www.dogwalkblog.com/

Modernsauce Saucy is theme of this blog.  Full of fun things by a textile designer, you just never know what she is going to write about.  http://modernsauce.blogspot.com/

Allie Paul Anater tweeted about this blog about a week ago and I have sent it to everyone I know.  This woman perfectly wrote what I feel is a dog’s mind.  I still am laughing about it.   http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/\

This is a blog I happened across a while back.  Not sure about the author except wow what great photos.  The blog is about art architecture. http://archiquality.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Like food?  Read her blog.  Period.    http://lickmyspoon.com/

If you have favorite blogs please share them in the comments section.

Happy Holidays!

Amanda

Dec 14

My gift to you – my favorite blogs Part 1

A common question that I am asked is why do I have a blog?  For me, blogging is a way of imparting different types of ideas and education to my customers on a casual basis.  Another reason I blog is because the people that write the blogs that I read are phenomenal and inspire me daily.  They impart education, advice and wit in such a manner that makes me excited when they post a new article.  I only hope I will eventually be this interesting.

“My favorites” blog list (in no particular order)

Lori Greene – Hardware Consultant for Ingersoll Rand

My BFF knew Lori when she lived in New England.  Even then Lori was teaching.  Her blog is full of valuable information about doors and hardware.  Oh and pictures, Lori loves getting pictures.  Most are what not to do but she uses them all as learning tools. Please check out her blog here: http://idighardware.com

Bob Borson – Architect

I “met” Bob on Twitter.  Everyone follows him and I now know why.  The man knows architecture and writes a blog that always makes me laugh while learning something new.   He has been invited to the Reign in Spain Architecture and Design Tour in 2011. Maybe he will need to take an assistant. Please run, don’t walk, to his blog:  http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com

Leah Thayer – Business Journalist/Editor/Publisher

Leah has great energy and writes an informative blog about all things remodeling. I also want to mention that the website www.daily5remodel.com is a website you need to bookmark if you are a remodeler.  Industry news, education, products – it’s all on this website and blog:   http://daily5remodel.blogspot.com

Scott Monty – Global Digital & Multimedia Comm. Manager for the Ford Motor Company

Scott’s blog helps me step outside the box for creative social marketing ideas.  Social Media has exploded the last two years and yet many businesses still have not realized the benefits. I like that Ford Motor Company did!   Click it: http://www.scottmonty.com

Stay tuned for Part II on Friday!

Dec 08

It is a fire rated corridor until one door is left open

The NFPA now requires annual inspections of fire-resistance rated door and frame assemblies. Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction must adopt the new edition for this requirement to take effect. Most jurisdictions in the United States will be adopting the IBC (International Building Code) model code, which references the NFPA 80 2007 edition requirement, as their local codes.

NFPA 80 5.2.4.requires the following items shall be verified, at minimum:

  1. No Open Holes or breaks exist in surfaces of either the door or frame.
  2. Glazing, vision light frames & glazing beads are intact and securely fastened in place, if so equipped.
  3. The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and noncombustible threshold are secured, aligned, and in working order with no visible signs of damage.
  4. No parts are missing or broken.
  5. Door clearances at the door edge of the door frame, on the pull side of the door, do not exceed clearances listed in 4.8.4 (the clearance under the bottom of the door shall be a maximum of 3/4″) and 6.3.1 (top & edges 1/8″)
  6. The self-closing device is operational; that is, the active door completely closes when operated from the full open position.
  7. If a coordinator is installed, the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf.
  8. Latching hardware operates and secures the door when it is in the closed position.
  9. Auxiliary hardware items that interfere or prohibit operation are not installed on the door or frame.
  10. No field modifications to the door assembly have been performed that void the label.
  11. Gasketing and edge seals, where required, are inspected to verify their presence and integrity.

According to building and fire codes, annual fire door inspections are the responsibility of the building owner. However, as with other mandatory fire inspections, the fire door inspections are often omitted and many facilities are out of compliance. The final say on the acceptance of any inspection requires the approval of the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

AND THIS IS WHY..this picture is a fire rated door in a hospital

Dec 01

Are you competitive?

(picture found on ineedmotivation.com)

I was browsing the internet and found a cool website that lists competitions for Architects.

There are several competitions on this site but I really liked the one I included below.  I definitely am interested in restaurants using local produce and not trucking it in.  Using local produce not only helps your local farmers but is healthier for you.

http://www.thearchitectureroom.com/

new USA: Low Carbon Restaurant Competition

The deadline for entries is March 15th, 2011

The Global Design Competition aims to collect a broad variety of design solutions for low carbon restaurants by any means possible, including but not limited to reduction in the need for electricity, food product choices, localized power generation and waste energy capture and reuse. Toward this goal, entrants are encouraged to re-envision the kitchen and dining space, not as a room of separated appliances fulfilling individual functions, but as a whole functioning system of cooperating elements in which potential ambient energies such as passive solar light and heat and seasonal cold are utilized and waste energy and materials are recycled in the most efficient manner. The carbon score of the overall design will include the embodied energy of all food ingredients, including energy used to grow, harvest, process and package and deliver the ingredients. Designs that integrate food growth are encouraged. The primary consideration is elimination of the need for electricity in operations. The next priority is elimination of the need for energy in the manufacture of equipment and the site’s building materials. The third priority, embodied carbon of the food and beverage products, will be included in the over all score as a separate aspect from the energy use in the kitchen and dining room

Nov 30

A Great Time to Plan

The Holiday Craziness Ensues

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Spending it however gave you the most joy. I loved having my family over and cooking for them all!   My grandbaby is now 14 months and fast on his feet.  He keeps his Grandma on her toes!

This time of year the building industry typically slows down.  It is a good time to set up your goals for next year.  I recently turned in my projections for 2011 and along with it came a lot of planning for the upcoming year. If you need a little assistance on goal setting (and following) I highly recommend Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  It has been around for a long time but its principles are still very current.

As you are making plans for next year, I hope you are including social media in your marketing campaign.  It does cost time but the ROI in getting your message out to such a vast group is priceless!  It is also a wealth of information, I am still surprised at how much industry related knowledge I have gained through Twitter, which is my favorite (see previous blog post)

One of my goals for 2011 is to help you increase your business.  To that end I will be emailing a questionnaire that I hope you will take a moment to complete.

For December, at least, I hope we all take a moment to celebrate we made it through a tough year.   And come January we will be ready to kick some (well you know)!

Older posts «

» Newer posts