Latest Articles in Channels

  • August 2, 2010
    THE TALK... | Channels, Markets & Trends

    Will Home Star be a Positive?
    Home Star took another step forward last week. I can’t say I’ve heard a lot of enthusiastic endorsements of the program from our industry, but there seems to be general support. Given the current state of our market, it’s hard to argue against a program that could stimulate more window and door sales. Home Star comes with some baggage, however. It’s not clear what criteria... more »
  • May 11, 2010
    THE TALK... | Segments, Channels, Markets & Trends

    Have You Seen an Effect?
    No doubt it's too soon to tell what kind of impact EPA's lead paint rule will have on the remodeling business in general and the replacement window business specifically.  It's been less than two weeks since it became the law of the land. But I couldn't help but wonder, has the new lead paint rule had an effect yet?  No doubt, it's having an impact on installation crews.  I'd love... more »
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    March 25, 2010
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Segments, Channels, Markets & Trends

    The Top 100 Manufacturers of 2010
    Continued struggles and signs of optimism evident in this year’s rankings of North America’s largest residential window and door manufacturers
    Times were still tough in 2009, but signs of life emerged within the industry last year. A look through Window & Door’s 2010 Top 100 Manufacturers provides ample evidence that companies continue to struggle in this economic environment. This year’s rankings, however, also feature some nuggets of good news that reinforce the view of many that the worst may be over. Armaclad... more »
  • January 25, 2010
    Meetings & Events | Products, Channels, Markets & Trends

    IBS Starts Year on Positive Note
    Las Vegas—The International Builders’ Show, which concluded here last week, set the stage for a better year in 2010. As noted last week, a more upbeat mood prevailed as the event opened, with window and door industry exhibitors expressing more optimism for the year ahead, particularly on the remodeling and replacement side of the business. David Crowe, chief economist for the National... more »
  • January 11, 2010
    Meetings & Events | Channels

    Builders' Show Looks to Recover Also
    Expectations for a better year boost expectations for Las Vegas event
    With the housing market expected to begin a tepid recovery in 2010, exhibitors and attendees alike will be looking for signs of life when they gather for the International Builders’ Show. The National Association of Home Builders' annual show runs January 19-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendance itself will serve as a barometer. Last year’s event drew about 60,000 people,... more »
  • January 10, 2010
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Segments, Channels, Statistics, Markets & Trends

    Road to Recovery Begins in 2010
    Industry leaders see many challenges, but this may be the year we finally turn the corner
    Everyone is cautious, but there are traces of optimism in the window and door market. While most industry representatives expect a challenging start to 2010, they are, generally speaking, anticipating a flattening out and perhaps a slight uptick in the back half of this year. "While there are many indicators that the marketplace has hit bottom, market projections are for the recovery to be... more »
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    October 1, 2009
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Sales & Marketing, Channels

    Feldco Focuses on Customer Service to Maintain Small Company Feel
    ERP system alone is not enough to ensure "customer delight"
    Going the Extra Mile Excellence in Customer Service Feldco Factory Direct Des Plaines, Ill.    With additional locations, Feldco has invested in a customized ERP system to help manage the details, but the management team knows that true customer satisfaction comes from employees dedicated to promoting "customer delight." Feldco has figured out that the best... more »
  • October 1, 2009
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Marling Lumber Changes with the Times
    More than 100 years old, Marling continues to look for growth opportunities
    Overall Excellance LEADERSHIP SERVING PROFESSIONALS  Marling Lumber Co. Janesville, Wis. Business cycles don’t make the Marling Lumber leadership nervous. Now run by the fourth and fifth generation of the Marling family, the company has survived recessions and booms, expansions and even devastating fires. So while most of its competitors are struggling to keep the doors open,... more »
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    October 1, 2009
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Replacement Dealer Powers Through Growing Pains
    Sticking to core values took discipline and a total company overhaul
    LEADERSHIP SERVING HOMEOWNERS   Power Windows & Siding Brookhaven, Pa. Like many companies, Power Windows & Siding started out small. Adam and Jeff Kaliner, cousins, started the company fresh out of the college scene, doing all of the marketing, estimating and sales calls out of a two-bedroom apartment. For 15 years, the company grew about 20 percent per year and continued... more »
  • September 8, 2009
    THE TALK... | Channels, Markets & Trends

    Are Builders Looking at Windows and Doors to Increase Perceived Value?
    According to the NAHB Research Center, two major trends have emerged in today's weak new construction market. Builders continue to strive to (1) reduce new home production costs and (2) increase value to homebuyers. Pointing to its 2009 Annual Builder Practices Survey, conducted early this year, the organization suggests that builders see bathrooms as one of the key areas to increase perceived... more »