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August 15, 2008
COLUMN : Research and Development | Management

Get a Report Card

While it's nice to ask customers “how are we doing?” it’s important to track how your competitors are doing too
What is your competitive advantage? I have been asking that question frequently in my recent market research with building materials companies. Amazingly, the answers are generally all the same.Here is a brief summary: Our culture, our quality, our experience and our people. The “four feel goods” account for 95 percent of all responses.This begs the question–If everyone has the ... more »
January 15, 2008
COLUMN : Research and Development | Management

Here We Go Again

Many of us in the building materials business have read this book before. Housing starts and permits plummet, sales drop and it is time to start the belt tightening. When it comes to cutbacks, they usually come in the following order:* Training* Market research* Marketing programs (dealer, consumer, builder and remodeler)* Sales support and/or customer service* Sales ... more »
January 1, 2007
COLUMN : Research and Development

Research and Development: Looking for Hassles

Two major goals drive most new product development—the desire to reduce hassles (for manufacturers, installers and end users) and the desire to reduce costs, and they do not have to be mutually exclusive.  In the last column I talked about getting out into the field and watching your customer’s customers install and use their fenestration products. This process is also known as ... more »

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Window and Door Manufacturers Hold Breath to Stay Afloat in 2009

A stimulus program for replacement windows and doors…

Right now, there’s much talk about the need to bail out U.S. automakers. Those in favor say actions are necessary to save the economy from falling into... »

International Code Requirements for Windows & Doors

Top 100 Manufacturers of 2008

Our annual rankings of the 100 largest manufacturers in North America, based on sales volumes. The industry's unofficial scorecard, the list is divided into 10 sales range categories, providing facts, figures and recaps of important developments at major players in the residential window and door business. »