Latest Articles in Markets & Trends

  • October 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Strategies & Practices, Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    Serving Today’s Buyers with Yesterday’s Values
    Newman Replacement Windows makes service “king” to stand apart
        Going the Extra Mile EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE   Newman Replacement Windows Carlsbad, Calif. Being British gives Duncan Newman and his wife, Natalie, an interesting take on the American Dream. The couple views the 1950s as the heyday of customer service and aims for that wholesome feel of Americana in every aspect of their Southern California window... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    The New Face of SolarGlass
    Colorado dealer redefines its strategy in the face of diversity
        A Showroom that Sells EXCELLENCE IN RETAIL   SolarGlass Window & Door Boulder, Colo.   When Gwenael Hagan bought SolarGlass Window & Door nearly six years ago, the Boulder, Colo.-based dealer was facing the bankruptcy of the aluminum-clad manufacturer that made up 70 percent of its sales and the start of a deep and prolonged economic... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Channels, Close-Ups

    The Power to Manage Growth
    Investing in its people, Power Home Remodeling Group has its eye on the nationwide prize
        Overall Excellence LEADERSHIP IN THE HOMEOWNER MARKET   Power Home Remodeling Group Chester, Pa. Three years ago, Window & Door magazine recognized Power Windows & Siding with a Dealers of the Year award in the category of Leadership Serving Homeowners. At the time, the quickly-growing company had undergone a transformation of sorts, evaluating ways to get... more »
  • September 24, 2012
    COLUMN, COLUMN : Opening Remarks | Markets & Trends

    Picking Up the Pace
    Technology in the window and door industry generally advances in baby steps. Change—as we see in electronics or communications—generally isn’t radical. There’s not constant shifting we see in fashion or even food. I know the pace of change in our industry is sometimes frustrating to developers of new technologies who don’t understand why companies may be slow to... more »
  • September 18, 2012
    THE TALK... | Markets & Trends

    Fall Home Trends
    How to anticipate the customer’s wants and needs
    Fall is a time when homeowners prepare their homes for the harsh winter months ahead and exterior home improvements are at the top of their list. This fall, consumer sentiment is high, unemployment has slowed and less-than-confident homeowners are choosing to improve their current home in lieu of upgrading to a new property. These signs point toward a fruitful home remodeling season, and it... more »
  • September 3, 2012
    THE TALK... | Markets & Trends

    Who Are You Voting For?
    Last week, the Republicans gathered in Florida, and made their case for the election of Mitt Romney and a new direction for our government.  This week, the Democrats are in North Carolina for their convention, making the argument that President Obama deserves another four years to continue building on the limited recovery to date. So, with everyone in a political mood, I thought it was time... more »
  • September 1, 2012
    Meetings & Events | Channels, Markets & Trends

    AMD Heading to Louisville
    Trade show will once again focus on door and millwork products
    Doors and millwork will once again take center stage when the Association of Millwork Distributors hosts its 48th annual convention and exhibition, set this year for October 8-12 in Louisville, Ky. Following the successful formula established last year, the event will feature one-day format focused on education, followed by two days of the trade show.     Fiberglass doors... more »
  • September 1, 2012
    Meetings & Events | Products, Channels

    Back to Baltimore for Remodeling Show
    Annual event once again promises strong educational program
    With the remodeling market starting to gain momentum, the Remodeling Show returns to the East Coast this year, once again co-located with DeckExpo. The annual event, featuring a busy educational conference, is scheduled to run October 9-12 at the Baltimore Convention Center in that Maryland city.          Marvin Windows, along with Andersen and Pella, will once again... more »
  • August 29, 2012
    THE TALK... | Markets & Trends

    Are Bells and Whistles Coming Back?
    Recently, the NAHB Research Center released its 2011 Annual Builder Practices Survey, which showed that bells and whistles in building products and home designs are making a comeback. “While the market has not yet returned to its pre-recession fixation with extravagance, signs are emerging of a resurgent demand for high-end finish materials in some product categories,” says Ed Hudson... more »
  • August 20, 2012
    THE TALK... | Products, Energy Efficiency, Markets & Trends

    Do Inside Storms Offer a Good Opportunity?
    I've heard them called "inside storms" and "interior insulating panels" and they've been around in one form or another for many years. Some type of frame is put around a glazing panel–usually plastic–and is then attached to the inside of a window to improve energy performance, reduce drafts, and increase comfort. In this week's news, we have Indow Window, a... more »