I have been labeled a ‘techie’ by friends and colleagues. I certainly love my gadgets. Over the past year, I have written and read a lot about social networking. The ability to multiply yourself instantly is something that social networking allows you to do–and does it cost effectively! It is something that many of us [...]

A phrase I often hear and admittedly use from time to time myself is “It’s competitive out there.” I don’t think anyone would argue about the transition and evolution the building products industry has gone through over the past few years. From the EPA lead laws to a booming tax credit, the window industry, in [...]

As the New Year starts, it has many of us making our resolutions. I am no different in this but something that has changed for me is my job and company. I am excited to start off the New Year as the new vice president of sales and marketing at Thermal Industries. I wish all [...]

As we head into December, it’s time to start game planning for next year. If you are like most, the fourth quarter was a much different experience this year compared to the run on people wanting to capitalize on the expiring tax credits of last year. But just because we didn’t have an ‘off the [...]

I had the opportunity to walk the Remodeling Show on Thursday, and having attended every Remodelers Show except one (Las Vegas), I had an opportunity to gauge the amount of traffic and number of exhibitors compared to the last few years.
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of traffic this year. It was actually a [...]

I was with an icon of the home improvement industry the other day. He has been in business for more than 40 years, and he has built, and continues to grow, a fantastic business. His company image has evolved, and he says that he gives back to the community more than he did in his [...]

There has been a lot written about the new apps for IPhones and smartphones, and I would say justifiably so. Consumers are driving businesses to become more creative with mobile technology.
One major area where I have noticed a change in technology is the Internet. People are accessing the web more with mobile devices now than [...]

The EPA just announced that the third party cleaning verification will not be added on to the LRRP rule. This is great news for an industry that continues to figure out ways to overcome the turbulent economy. There are many organizations that helped make this a reality. You all deserve to take a bow. It [...]

What’s that old saying? “Misery loves company.” There is certainly a lot of forecasts, comments and indications that window business has slowed down compared to the start of the year. I heard a comment from someone recently that said, “The first part of the year was just a tease.”
I will say this is certainly shaping [...]

The Northeast Window and Door Association (NWDA) held its annual Washington D.C. fly in last week. I had the opportunity of not only attending the event but leading several meetings with a handful of Pennsylvania Congressmen and their various staff members.
There were a few topics we discussed during each of the meetings. The first topic [...]