Use Manufacturer Literature!
In one of my recent blogs I talked about the importance of a clear and informational proposal package that can be enhanced with manufacturer literature. But before you get to that stage, you need to win over your prospective client. Manufacturer literature can help you do that too.
Fashioning Kitchen Ensembles
“What am I going to wear today?” As we pull together the day’s attire, do we think about who designed our shoes, our suit, our dress or our accessories? Does that really matter if all of the pieces work together to create a unique, cohesive look? If the elements of good design are present, your outfit will be a success. When designing kitchens, do we incorporate the same theory, or, do we have a tendency to utilize only one cabinet line? Using only one cabinet line has its project management benefits, but are we short changing our clients?
The Battle for the Remodeling Professional
Independent building materials dealers are locked in a fierce battle for the remodeling professional. It is an important battle for independent dealers and it is one that they can win.
Wolf’s Big Bet
Wolf is betting that the independent dealer has a secure place in the future of the building materials industry. Consumers want the kind of knowledgeable employees, great products and competitive pricing that can only be found at an independent dealer. This is especially true when it comes to the products used in big remodeling projects.
The Independent Dealer and the New Normal
The steady stream of demand from new residential constructionwill not come back any time soon - if ever. This is the bad news for the independent dealer. The good news is that there is plenty of demand from professionals and serious do-it-yourselfers working on big remodeling projects.
Manufacturing America’s Future - In America
We should not be so quick to dismiss American manufacturing prowess. We're finding that American manufacturers can compete with anyone in the world.
Big Projects, Great Prices and the Independent Dealer
If you want the right products at the best prices for a big project, check out the independent building materials dealer near you. Their secret is an efficient supply chain.
Value and Independence
When it comes to the independent building materials dealer, value really can go hand in hand with independence.
Branded Products: Differentiating the Independent Building Materials Channel
Selling great products not found in big box retailers is one more way for independent building materials dealers to differentiate themselves from those big boxes. It's also a way to stay independent and successful.
Supply Chain Design; Supply Chain Execution
Wolf understands that an efficient supply chain is not simply a function of design; it is also a function of execution.
Buy Local; Buy Smart
When it comes to the products serious remodeling projects require, buying local - from independent building materials dealers - is not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do.
Is Wolf’s Efficient Supply Chain For Real?
Wolf touts its supply chain as innovative and efficient. It promises independent dealers better quality products at better prices. The best thing about it, though, is that it's sustainable and it's for real.
Independent Dealers and Supply Chain Efficiency
Are independent building materials dealers the key to an efficient supply chain? Yes. Really!
It’s About the Supply Chain - The Whole Supply Chain
When it comes to improving operational efficiency, building materials dealers need to look to their supply chain - their whole supply chain. Henry Ford built an efficient supply chain for automobile owners and Wolf is doing it for the independent building materials dealer.
Battle of the Supply Chains
Competitiveness is all about the design of the supply chain. Wolf believes its supply chain is the most efficient.
A Re-Declaration For Independents
Wolf produces great products at great prices thanks to its uniquely efficient supply chain. As in the past, this streamlined supply chain and the great products it produces are all at the disposal of the independent building materials dealer. This Re-Declaration for Independents renews, refreshes and emphasizes Wolf's unambiguous dedication to the independent dealer.
Manufacturing and Innovation
Former Intel Chair, Andy Grove suggests that American manufacturing is important not only because it creates an economy of good jobs but because it also fosters a national culture continuous innovation. Wolf is proud that its American-made products promote both American jobs and American innovation.
Decking and the Pro Dealer
This is not an easy time to be a professional residential builder or remodeler, nor is it a great time to be selling to professional builders and remodelers. Still, there is ample evidence to suggest that the pro-dealer is well positioned to take advantage of future growth in the building products industry.
Buy Smart; Buy American
There is a growing sentiment in favor of buying American-made products in the construction industry, but too many people still believe that following through on this worthy sentiment will produce higher costs. Wolf's recent experience is that American-made products can compete well with foreign-made products on both quality and price.
Made in the USA Still Makes Sense
In his song, "Made in America" Toby Keith suggests that while it's patriotic to buy American products, you might have to pay more for them. He's wrong.
Design for the Greater Good
Which WOLF employee recently volunteered for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in Etters, PA? Read on to find out.
Independent Dealers Have Great Prices Too
The idea that you have to pay premium prices to buy building products from independent dealers is a myth.
Independents have a powerful secret asset
Last week, I rode along with one of our truck drivers to deliver building products to a number of our dealer customers in New England.
I Love Complaints
Complaints not only remind us of our fallibility and our imperfections, but they also indicate what we might do to improve our service. They can also let our customers know that we really care about them.
Building a Client Investment Portfolio
Set yourself apart from the pack. Instead of handing your prospect yet another quote for their file, hand them their investment portfolio.
In Praise of Counter People
People who work as inside sales people for building materials dealers work hard. Wolf wants to do what it can to make their jobs easier and more productive.
The Modern Era of Kitchen Design
Are you feeling the paradigm shift regarding modern kitchen design? Recently, I commented on Kelly Morriseau’s K+BB Collective’s blog entry, “Global Kitchen Design”, in which she asks designers to provide input on the direction of kitchen design over the next decade. Exposure to global concepts of design and culture are helping to influence the change of modern design concepts. What shifts have you seen?
Good to Better
In his 2001 bestseller, Good to Great, Jim Collins suggests that all businesses need to raise their expectations. If they do this, good companies can become great companies. At Wolf, we want to become a great company too. But we believe that we can only become a great company by dedicating ourselves to the never ending task of just getting better.
Tools for Smart Kitchen Designs
Are you feeling as sharp as a tack today, brainstorming solutions left and right, with everything in crystal clear focus? At WOLF’s customer service team, we love days with these feelings. We cherish these days because we know, eventually, a “not so smart” day will arise and challenge us.
To help you get through these “not so smart days,” I’ve developed a few cheat sheets that can help you in a bind.
Can products made in the USA compete in the global economy?
It turns out that American manufacturers are showing signs of a new competitiveness even in sectors that we thought had long ago conceded defeat to overseas companies and workers.
Just Around the Corner
The infamous “corner” of kitchen design. Some designers loathe them; others see them as an opportunity to showcase their creative talents. Within the drawings below, you’ll find the tried and true options and additional ideas to use as a spring board to your own solutions.
Trends for 2011
A survey of designers conducted by NKBA uncovered 11 kitchen and bath design trends for 2011. Among them: dark finishes and wine storage in the kitchen, and green color palette and vessel sinks in the bathroom. Take a look at the entire list here. Are these trends grabbing hold in your area? Or have you noticed others that are more prevalent?
Why is Wolf so bullish on the independent dealer?
I’ve been asked why Wolf is so bullish on the independent dealer channel. Apparently, some people have convinced themselves that the independent (i.e. the professional) dealer is at a competitive disadvantage to the big boxes. Many of these skeptics seem to feel that these big boxes will do to the independent building products dealers what Walmart did to the independent retailers of this country.
Kitchen colors: what’s in, what’s out
Hot pink tiles around coffee-colored cabinets: do you consider that "in" or "out"? This article surveys color experts on emerging trends—and color schemes that have been "done to death." Also includes an overview of new color palettes introduced by Pantone. Do you agree with the conclusions of the "experts"? Find out here.
Universal design gains momentum
About 80 percent of Americans age 45 and older prefer to "age in place"—that is, to remain in their current homes and communities. Demographics are behind the growth in universal design, which was featured in this New York Times article. This piece maintains that colors and products for universal design are becoming "cutting edge—even trendy." Are you seeing an increase in demand for universal design?
KBIS slated for April in Las Vegas
The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show opens April 24 in Las Vegas. KBIS is a premier event for designers, who can see the latest products, learn about cutting-edge design trends and technology, and build relationships. Are you attending? Why or why not?
Featured bath projects
What kind of bathroom would you design: One with a sleek, Asian-influenced style with a vibrant violet color? Stone-clad walls? Floor-to-ceiling glass? Check out this series of bathroom design projects from K+BB that may inspire, influence or at least inform your design sensibilities.
The kitchen: new directions, old standbys
This roundup of kitchen design trends offers a few insights that may be debatable: are today's kitchens moving away from ornate looks in favor of more transitional design? It also covers a few market-based facts—granite is still the top choice for countertops—and at least one acknowledged truth: a kitchen's design should suit the individual. Read the entire article here.
