23 January 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
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Hey Team,
This week, we're tackling a topic that's been a hot button in our industry: the pros and cons of commission-based referrals. We've had some candid conversations and heard from various voices, each bringing their unique experiences to the table. It's about striking that fine balance between ethical business practices and growing our enterprises. So, dive into this read, where we unpack these complexities and share insights from those who've walked this path. Let's keep pushing for excellence in all we do.
Stay Sharp,
-Chris Phillips
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE GLASS PROS CO-OP!
Shower Door Pros Discuss Hardware, Pricing, and Holiday Cheer |
Hello Shower Door Community,
In our latest call, we had an important discussion about referral commissions in our industry. A designer's request for a 5% kickback sparked a debate on whether it's beneficial to pay for referrals. Many of us shared concerns about the impact on service quality and business integrity. The consensus was clear: focusing on delivering exceptional work and building strong relationships is key. We emphasized valuing our expertise over engaging in potentially problematic commission deals. Let's continue to uphold high standards in our craft and collaborations.
Cheers,
Shower Door Pros Facebook Community
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! Frameless Shower Installation Kit - Seven of Our Most Popular Installation Tools |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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18 December 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Hey everyone,
Not much to blather on about this week – just want to wish you and yours a wonderful time of celebration and all the best for an excellent 2024! It’s at this time of year I spend the most time taking stock of my life and all the things I am grateful for. You all in the Shower Door Pros group are near the top of my list. Thanks so much for being part of my life every Wednesday evening and throughout the week. You mean a lot to me…
In loving service,
-Chris Phillips
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE GLASS PROS CO-OP!
Shower Door Pros Discuss Hardware, Pricing, and Holiday Cheer |
Hello Shower Door Enthusiasts!
The Shower Door Professionals team is here with a recap of our latest industry video call. We had an amazing group from coast to coast, all diving into the ins and outs of our trade. Here’s a quick peek at the engaging discussions we had:
🛠️ Hardware Highlights: Our conversation opened with a deep dive into the world of sliding shower door hardware. With insights on brands like WBS, Dreamline, Arizona, and CRL, it was clear that Cambridge and Crescent kits are currently leading the pack for their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.
💵 Supplier Secrets: In the realm of glass suppliers, GlassFab took the spotlight for its attractive pricing, especially when bundling glass and hardware purchases. Old Castle and Glassrap also received notable mentions for their offerings.
🚿 The Art of Installation: We exchanged experiences and tips on tackling common installation challenges, from precision in hole alignment to adapting to off-square spaces and the dynamics of on-site fabrication.
🎅 Seasonal Celebrations: As the holidays approach, we shared our plans for festive celebrations. From holiday parties with catered food and gift exchanges to cheerful office decorations, the spirit of the season is in full swing. While most are preparing for a holiday break, some teams are ready to power through with extra workdays.
Our latest call was a blend of professional insights and holiday excitement, reflecting the vibrant community spirit of Shower Door Professionals.
Stay tuned for more updates and industry insights from our team!
Best Wishes, Shower Door Professionals Team 🎄🚪🎉
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! Frameless Shower Installation Kit - Seven of Our Most Popular Installation Tools |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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Dive into the latest discussion led by Chris Phillips, where we unpack the essentials of HR in the glass industry and the power of community. In this heartening chat, we explore the importance of robust HR practices, especially after facing unexpected challenges. Plus, get an inside look at the promising developments in our Shower Door Referral Network. Whether it's strengthening HR protocols or building a supportive network, this blog offers valuable takeaways for every member of our glass family.
👉 Read more for actionable tips and community-driven insights on our blog now!
11 December 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
The Shower Door Pros group is quite unique. I know you guys all know this, and that's part of the reason you're involved in it. People in the group often say that they have never seen a Facebook group like it for any other construction trade. There are other groups, but none quite like ours. You would think there would be a lot of them, but there aren’t. I think it has something to do with the unwillingness to share knowledge with other people they view as competitors.
I have a nephew who is in the pest control business in northern Arizona. He was asking me for some advice as he is considering the possibility of starting something like the Shower Door Professionals Group for his industry. Naturally, his main concern is a fear of sharing his secrets. “If people learn the little tricks that I’ve discovered over the years it may cost me some business.”
I know it's a little counterintuitive to share what you know about the industry with people who you might perceive as your competition. What a lot of us here have learned is that it's not true at all. In fact, it's the opposite of that… The more that we get together and share information the stronger we become as a group, not to mention as an industry. We really can cooperate with each other while growing and benefiting from it. I know that I have and have heard the same from many others.
The more you give out the more it comes back to you, at least that's my experience. I’m excited about the referral network project we are working on right now. I think it epitomizes the spirit of what we have built here over the years. Stay tuned for more news!
-Chris Phillips
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE GLASS PROS CO-OP!
Navigating HR Challenges & Fostering Community: Insights with Shower Door Pros |
Hello Glass Family!
Shower Door Pros here, bringing you a cozy recap of our latest chat. For those who missed it, we had a heart-to-heart on some pretty crucial stuff, and I’m here to share the warmth and wisdom.
🌟 When Loss Hits Home: We started on a somber note, sharing about a recent loss of a team member in our community. It was a tough reminder of just how vital it is to have our HR ducks in a row. From keeping emergency contacts updated to ensuring we’ve got all the key info, it's clear we need to be on top of our HR game.
📚 HR 101: Best Practices: We dove into the nitty-gritty of HR, discussing the perks of partnering with a PEO service, especially as our teams grow (think 15-20 employees). But hey, it’s not all paperwork and policies; we're talking about nurturing relationships and fostering a culture that feels more like family than formalities.
👥 Mentors & Resources: Big shoutout to the idea of having mentors! Whether it’s touching base with Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) or bringing HR experts onto our calls, we're all about leaning on each other’s strengths and experiences.
💦 Shower Door Referral Network Magic: And, of course, we chatted about the sparkling progress of our Shower Door Referral Network. Imagine the power of working together, spiced up with guest speakers dishing out industry insights!
Chris’ To-Dos for You:
In a nutshell, it’s all about supporting each other, staying sharp on HR, and building a community that’s as strong as it is supportive. Let’s keep the conversation flowing and the learnings growing.
Catch you next time with more pearls of wisdom!
Stay glassy and classy🚿👔💼
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The Glass Clamp Assistant is specifically designed for the purpose of holding the two-part glass clamp together while a screw is inserted and fastened. The innovative tool is compatible with several types of shower enclosure glass clamps, including the CRL SCU4, CRL BCU4, as well as the Cardinal and US Horizon equivalents. |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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In our latest industry discussion, we delved into key trends and challenges shaping the glass industry's future. Here's a brief overview of the crucial topics we unpacked:
Economic Outlook: The conversation opened with a stark economic forecast, predicting a potential recession and depression in the coming years. We also touched on the real-time impact, like home builders in Pennsylvania facing massive layoffs due to rising interest rates.
Regulatory Gaps in Shower Enclosures: We highlighted the surprising lack of standardized building codes for glass shower enclosures, underscoring the need for industry-wide consistency in safety standards.
Third-Party Glass Certification: The benefits of obtaining third-party certification, such as enhanced credibility and meeting commercial contract requirements, were weighed against the added costs it entails.
Expanding into New Markets: We discussed the value of leveraging local business development centers, particularly for businesses exploring new markets like bullet-resistant glass, to gain access to invaluable resources and expertise.
These discussions offer vital insights and action points to help us navigate the complex terrain of the glass industry with informed strategies and innovative approaches.
Stay ahead of the curve,
November 6th Call:
In our latest blog post, we dive deep into the nature of frameless shower enclosures and how they coexist with the element of water. We'll unravel why a completely watertight enclosure is a myth and why a few splashes outside are not the catastrophe they're often made out to be. Join us as we explore the nuances of frameless shower enclosures, offer advice on when to opt for different models, and provide insights on post-installation care and maintenance. For those who've experienced the dreaded call-backs due to water concerns, we share a proactive approach to prevent future mishaps
]]>13 November 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Much of the work that we do comes to us from general contractors. They are a great source for jobs and there are benefits to doing work for the same person (or team of people) on a regular basis. You get to learn their likes and dislikes; they get to learn what they can expect from you. There's also the benefit of not having to explain the same thing over and over - the way we do with homeowners repeatedly. In my opinion a good ratio of homeowners to general contractors is about 50/50.
There is, of course, some downside to working with generals. They tend to want lower pricing and can be slow to pay their invoices. You can end up working on the same job for a long time without collecting payments in some cases, and that can strain cash flow. My personal experiences with general contractors have varied quite a bit over the years. Some are easy to work with, have a good sense of humor, and they are quick to pay-up. Others, on the other hand, can be difficult for a variety of reasons. That's just the way it is.
Whenever a general contractor reaches out to me for the first time, I'm always curious why they aren't using the same company they have in the past. It's a good idea, in my opinion, to talk to new contractors about who this – it’s a good thing to know. Have they stopped using the previous glass shop because they weren't performing well? Or are they looking for a new glass shop because they haven't paid for the last one? Maybe the old glass shop doesn't want to do their work anymore for some reason. The cool thing about being part of a network is that we can reach out to each other and share information about our previous customers. It really gives us the upper hand.
-Chris Phillips
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE GLASS PROS CO-OP!
A Splash of Reality: Why Frameless Showers Aren't Fully Watertight 🚿🛠️ |
Hey Team,
Shower Door Pros here, bringing you the lowdown from our latest live chat on the ins and outs of frameless shower setups. If you missed the buzz, worry not—here's what you need to know:
Frameless Facts: First up, remember this—frameless shower doors are a bit like Swiss cheese; they're not meant to be watertight. That's by design, folks. Water might make a break for it, but how much depends on several things—showerhead aim, how the user splashes around, and the lay of the land (or your bathroom floor).
Client Chats: It's on us to set the scene for our customers early on. When we're talking shop, we've got to spell out that a few droplets on the tile aren't the end of the world. And hey, for the crowd that wants a dry floor, we’ve got semi-frameless as a solid plan B.
Job Selectivity: Now, onto the gigs we pick. Steering clear of setups with a slope that's more off-kilter than a carnival funhouse is ideal—saves us a headache later on. That being said, not every biz can afford to be picky. Still, keep it in mind.
Leak Lookout: When the inevitable "It's leaking!" call comes in, we put on our capes, swoop in with a tube of caulk and some seals, and make sure they know it's not a design flaw—just gravity doing its thing.
Seal the Deal: And about that silicone—no, it's not mandatory. A smart install can often skip the sticky stuff. Plastic edge seals? They're the sleek weapon to manage moisture without the mess.
Pro Tips: We swapped some ace advice on clamping down leaks, perfecting gasket placement, and getting those gaps just right for form and function.
All in, it's about letting folks know that a drip here and there is part of the frameless shower package. And it's nothing we can't handle.
To-Dos:
Scope out those plastic edge seals—they might be the quick fix you need.
Make "frameless showers may include free drips" part of the sales spiel.
Keep an eagle eye on any wonky substrates from the get-go.
Get our spiel polished on why a damp bath mat isn’t a disaster.
Craft a go-to plan for when customers ring us up about a 'leak.'
That’s the drill. Let’s keep pushing the envelope, dialing in those details, and delivering the top-tier service we’re known for.
Catch you on the flip side,
Harnessing Recession, Regulations, and Resilience: A Glass Industry Update |
Hey there, glass enthusiasts!
In our recent discussion, we delved deep into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of the glass industry. From economic predictions to the nitty-gritty of building codes, we covered it all. Here’s a rundown of the key topics we explored:
- Economic Forecast & Homebuilder Trends: We kicked off with some sobering news from an economist at a recent trade show. Brace yourselves – there's talk of a recession in the mid-2020s and possibly a depression by decade's end. The advice? Be cautious with debt. Adding to this, major home builders in Pennsylvania are prepping for mass layoffs, a ripple effect of climbing interest rates.
- Shower Enclosure Codes – A Puzzle: A hot topic was the surprising lack of standardized codes for glass shower enclosures. While safety glass and proper tempering are common standards, there’s a gap in uniform regulations across regions.
- The Upside of Third-Party Glass Certification: Sure, self-certification is an option for fabricators, but getting a nod from bodies like SGCC packs a punch in credibility and commercial contracting. The catch? It's not light on the wallet.
- Leveraging Local Business Development Centers: Looking to branch out? Places like local business development centers can be goldmines for guidance, especially if you’re eyeing markets like bullet-resistant glass. They offer market research, accounting assistance, and can link you up with government resources – all at no cost.
Action Steps for Us:
1. Dive into researching products and services that could withstand an economic downturn.
2. Get a magnifying glass on the building codes within our areas, especially focusing on the gaps related to shower enclosures.
3. Weigh the pros and cons of pursuing third-party glass certification, considering both the credibility boost and the costs involved.
4. Make a call to our local Small Business Development Center to explore avenues in expanding into the bullet-resistant glass sector.
This discussion was a treasure trove of insights and perspectives, offering a 360° view of the current landscape in our field. Let’s use this knowledge to navigate these challenging yet exciting times in the glass industry!
Stay informed and innovate,
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The Glass Clamp Assistant is specifically designed for the purpose of holding the two-part glass clamp together while a screw is inserted and fastened. The innovative tool is compatible with several types of shower enclosure glass clamps, including the CRL SCU4, CRL BCU4, as well as the Cardinal and US Horizon equivalents. |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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30 October 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Hello again shower door people!
On last Wednesday’s livestream we talked a bit more about the possibility of setting up a nationwide shower door cooperative. Our guest host, Christina Leamon Elia, walked us through some of the possibilities and had great suggestions to offer. These were based on research that she and Brad Leamon (of The Shower Door Guy) have been conducting for a while now. It’s a topic that we have discussed, although briefly, a few times in the past. Still, no one has ever picked up the ball and ran with it until now. Not that I am aware of, at least.
I, for one, think it's an excellent idea to take advantage of the affiliation we already have through the Shower Door Professionals Facebook group. It just makes sense to take it to the next level. Robert Gomez has already put together an online form that can be filled out by anyone who is interested in getting on board. We are still in the early stages of this, and welcome feedback. We’ll see how many people are interested in participating in the adventure. If there are enough of us who want to form a coop of some sort, we will take the next steps to get it going full-on.
After discussing this a bit, the consensus seems to be that there is really no downside in putting something like this together. I guess our first challenge is getting the word out to enough people in the community to make sure that everyone can weigh in on it. It would be a shame to decide that there isn't enough interest when only a small fraction of shower door companies have heard about the opportunity. So, tell others about it! We want to get the word out there far and wide.
Thanks again,
-Chris Phillips
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE GLASS PROS CO-OP!
Hello Shower Door Enthusiasts, Here's a summary of our last call.
Introducing the co-op idea: Christina and Brad presented an overview of how the group could form a co-op or association for shower door professionals. They reviewed the definition and principles of a co-op, emphasizing democratic control, voluntary participation and collaboration to meet shared needs. The goal would be to raise demand for the industry and promote local businesses.
Benefits of working together: Key benefits discussed were increased credibility and visibility through a shared website and marketing, lead referrals across geographic areas, potential partnerships with national brands, educational resources, and maintaining independence. Bill and others expressed support for the idea.
Importance of vetting members: There was emphasis on vetting members to ensure they meet standards and aren't a liability. Suggestions included requiring licensing, insurance, storefronts, revenue, etc. to avoid low quality companies diminishing the credibility.
Phased implementation plan: We outlined starting small with governance, standards and a referral site, then expanding into more extensive marketing like SEO, advertisements and partnerships over time. Rob offered to help build the needed technology, and sites.
Things to Do Next:
-Sign up on the form here https://go.showerdoorcoop.org/signup if you are interested participating in the co-op/association
-Volunteer to help drive the initiative forward and be part of the core planning group
-Promote the idea at The Glass Show next week to gauge broader interest
-Schedule separate calls/meetings to start ironing out details like standards and governance
-Develop guidelines for how leads will be distributed across geographic areas to avoid conflicts z
-Ensure vetting standards are defined early on to avoid liability issues with low quality companies
-Consider creating a board, committees, or other structure to guide the co-op
Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to express your interest by signing up!
Until next week,
Shower Door Pros Facebook Community
Presentation by Christina Elia of The Shower Door Guy
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The Glass Clamp Assistant is specifically designed for the purpose of holding the two-part glass clamp together while a screw is inserted and fastened. The innovative tool is compatible with several types of shower enclosure glass clamps, including the CRL SCU4, CRL BCU4, as well as the Cardinal and US Horizon equivalents. |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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23 October 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Hello friends,
I learn much about sales techniques from the salespeople I encounter daily. Many of the lessons I learn are strategies to be avoided. Of all the calls, spam emails, and even the good old-fashioned junk mail that comes my way, I rarely see a sales pitch that impresses me. Mostly they are lame, boilerplate solicitations that were obsolete decades ago. It blows my mind. These approaches are fine if someone is selling toilet brushes, or something similar. But I’m talking about individuals that are trying to sell valuable services and merchandise. In fact, I will be less likely to do business with a company in the future that approaches me with a lame sales pitch today.
Most of the offers that I am approached with are for products and services that I have absolutely no use for. I’m someone who puts a lot of my business out there, so it would only take a few minutes to learn a little about me before the initial contact. Salespeople don’t take the time to do that. It’s hard for me to believe that these sales techniques work at all, but I guess they must. Otherwise, why would so many people take this approach? Nowadays there are so many extremely low-cost methods to reach people that, even if you only close one in a thousand calls, it’s worthwhile to try, I suppose. I have nothing against salesmen… I’m in sales myself.
I like LinkedIn as a platform for making business connections. But I do get tired of the constant sales messages. Nearly every time a person makes a connection request, it will be quickly followed with a sales pitch of some sort… likely a really lame one. It’s not that I don’t want to be bothered by them, I just find it a bit sad. I love being in sales because it’s fun. People are interesting and there’s a lot of room for creativity. What’s funny is the fact that they seem to feel I owe them a response, even though the offer was unsolicited. I get follow up messages that say, “did you read my last email?” No, I didn’t. I’m not going to read this one either… Tune in next week for another rant!
-Chris Phillips
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE GLASS PROS CO-OP!
Hello Shower Door Pros!,
In our recent session, Greg Stowell from Clinton Glass delved deep into the realm of minimizing shower door installation go-backs. These are the job callbacks that, unfortunately, drain a company's revenue. Here's our digest:
The Financial Impact of Go-Backs:
Primary Culprits Behind Go-Backs:
Strategies to Curb Go-Backs:
Introducing Tighter Processes:
Open Dialogue During Go-Back Occurrences:
The Silver Lining of Reducing Go-Backs:
Next Steps Post-Webinar:
Here's to impeccable installations,
Shower Door Pros Facebook Community
Presentation by Greg Stowell of Clinton Glass
Need A Measure Sheet? |
Click here to download a free measure sheet with templates for 12+ shower styles. You can edit it, or use it as a starting point to make your own! |
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The “Sticky Hand” is a brilliant utility that is 3D printed here in our facility in California. The item works for 3/8” glass and 1/2” glass so you only need one version of the device. The design allows it to be temporarily attached to a wall using tape and allows the glass to be balanced in place for a moment to free up the hands of the technician. This tool is based on the “Extra Hand” and offers some additional benefits. Primarily, the tool is specifically adapted to be used with enclosures that utilize a header. |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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17 October 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Hello friends,
On this past Wednesday’s call we were talking about various things, as we often do. The conversation eventually came around to the topic of starting up a referral network within the group. This topic has come up in the past, but we’ve never put any plan into action up until this point. The Shower Door Professionals Group on Facebook has over 2700 members at this time, and if only 10 to 20 percent of those members companies joined on, it would be an amazing resource for everyone involved. In a perfect world we would end up with a co-op of sorts... It would allow us to provide resources to customers throughout the country who are looking for shower pros.
We all seem to agree that this is the right time to take some steps toward getting this thing off the ground. It’s all going to begin with allowing group members to sign up for it, and we will go from there. If there’s not enough interest to move forward, we can just scrap the idea. I’ve had plans in the past that haven’t panned out... That doesn’t bother me at all. I’ve been willing to try a lot of new things over the years. Some of them have been extremely successful and some not. I’m inviting you to come along on the ride for this one.
I am providing a link below that you can click on to fill out a form, enter your information, and be on the front line of getting this thing started. We will keep you in the loop as this thing develops. At some point, we will formalize it, and it will probably be a small fee, in order to cover administrative costs, but I expect this to be minimal. Once again, thanks for being a part of our amazing group. I look forward to hearing from you.
-Chris Phillips
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE GLASS PROS CO-OP!
Entrepreneurial Voyage: From Local Chambers to Nationwide Co-ops |
Hey there, entrepreneurial spirits! 🚿🎉
Networking and Growth Strategies from First Customer to Nationwide Referrals |
Hey there, shower door dynamos! 🚿🎸
Dove into the swirling depths of the shower door installation biz this week, and oh boy, the ripples are worth catching! We chatted about everything - from juggling supply-demand, pricing like a pro, and focusing on those unique shower doors that have our hearts skipping beats. 🛠️
Shoutout to our fellow business wizards who shared their two cents on nailing the biz balance, optimizing those sales, and standing out in the crowd.
Key spotlights? The power of specializing in frameless shower doors, the magic of standardized pricing, and the might of metrics (hello to a 52% closing rate on qualified leads!). Oh, and if you're not using tools like FollowUp.Glass? Time to elevate that CRM game! 🚀💡
Missed any nuggets? Relax, I've got your back! Dive into our action-packed list:
Call Highlights
- Fine-tune your pricing in two weeks, keeping an eye on those margins.
- Ponder on pivoting solely to niche shower doors by end of Q1. Brian Jerd with Premier Frameless Shower Doors talks about his journey
- Boost those sales skills with team role-plays bi-weekly.
- Perfect your advertising pitch and target audience this month. Keith Daubman the Glazz Guy talks about EQ and pre-qualifying.
- Hunt down the ideal software or spreadsheets to monitor your sales stats and get it running in 3 weeks. Need help? Ask us!
- Kevin Wisecarver with Wise Glass suggest testing out FollowUp.Glass as your CRM wingman over the next month.
Here's the deal - we're all about value, expertise, and rocking the sales world. So let's plug in, jam together, and keep the innovative waves rolling! 🏄♂️🌊
This call summary brought to you by
Robert Gomez, & FollowUp.Glass 🥂🚪🎉
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The “Sticky Hand” is a brilliant utility that is 3D printed here in our facility in California. The item works for 3/8” glass and 1/2” glass so you only need one version of the device. The design allows it to be temporarily attached to a wall using tape and allows the glass to be balanced in place for a moment to free up the hands of the technician. This tool is based on the “Extra Hand” and offers some additional benefits. Primarily, the tool is specifically adapted to be used with enclosures that utilize a header. |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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2 October 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Hey shower door people!
I want to take this opportunity to thank you guys for all of your support over the years. I began designing and manufacturing tools for shower door installers few years back. Originally, I was just hoping to create tools for my own use with the idea that I could do more with with less effort. Being a solo shower door installer has its challenges, as many of you know. After coming up with some of these gadgets to help me do my own work it occurred to me that it would be worth a try to see if some other people in the industry could benefit from them too. To my surprise it turned out that there were many who found them to be helpful. I've come up with a number of different ideas and have been able to offer them to people in the industry, and that has been a lot of fun.
As you all know, glass industry tools tend to be way overpriced. I made a conscious decision not to jack-up the prices of my tools beyond what is reasonable. I still think that was a good idea and I've kept my prices pretty low for that reason. I do want to continue to improve the quality of these gadgets, and it does come at a price. In addition, I've come to the point to where it's hard for me to do all of the manufacturing myself as demand had increased. I've been looking into getting more of the tools I produce manufactured by others, something I have already done that in a couple of cased. With all of this in mine, the time has come for me to raise prices on my products. I'm planning a 20% price increase across the board for all of my tools before the end of the year. One exception is the Graduator tool, which has been underpriced ever since I began offering it. After looking into having it manufactured by others I realized that I'm I'm selling it for about half of what I should be so in that one case the price will be doubled new new
I am planning this increase. That means the rest of this month all of my tools will remain at the same low price that they have been for some time. This is a great opportunity to check out some of the gadgets if you haven't already done so. All the prices will be increasing 20% with the exception of the graduated tool as I mentioned above. Once again I want to thank you all for using the tools. You can expect the quality to continue to improve as I redesign and remanufacture if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me anytime. I look forward to hearing from you.
-Chris Phillips
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK'S CALL |
Alright team, here’s the lowdown from our latest brainstorming session on 9-27:
Chapter 1: What Drives the Drive?
Everyone’s revved up by something different. For some, it's the paycheck, for others, it's the recognition or perhaps some well-deserved downtime. Let’s ensure we're all in the right gear.
Chapter 2: Keeping Score
Let’s get our hands on the metrics and KPIs that can flag our peaks and valleys. A focus on goals like punctuality, job completions, glowing reviews, and killer sales can put us in the fast lane.
Chapter 3: More Than Just the Moolah
While everyone loves a paycheck, let's get creative with our appreciation – think event tickets, that coveted 'employee of the month' jacket, or some leaderboard recognition.
Chapter 4: Crafting a Winning Team Spirit
Building an uplifting and cohesive work environment is the foundation. We're more than just colleagues; we’re teammates with shared ambitions.
Chapter 5: Hats Off to the Schedule Masters
A huge salute to our scheduling aces, navigating the tight turns and keeping us on track. Their game is both strategic and intuitive.
Your Action Playbook:
1. One-on-ones: Engage with each team player to get a feel for their driving force.
2. Scoreboard: Pinpoint those 3-5 metrics that set the pace for our success.
3. Blueprint: Shape an incentive framework around our key goals, like clockwork punctuality and job mastery.
4. Rewards Think Tank: Beyond the paycheck, let's pool ideas for rewards that truly resonate.
5. Monthly Huddles: Regularly regroup to bond and keep the team spirit fired up.
6. Behind the Curtain: Direct a spotlight to our scheduling champs, orchestrating our day-to-day seamlessly.
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If you would like to contribute your ideas, vote on enhancements, or just peruse how others are using Smart Toolbox, join us here:
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Christina Leamon Elia
Director of Business Development
The Shower Door Guy
HIGHLIGHT FROM OUR CALL WITH JAMES AIKEN |
Hey, rockstars! 🎸 Ready for another deep dive? This time, we’re all about the cutting-edge coatings with Diamond Seal Systems. So, grab your glasses and let's decode the magic behind these game-changer seals!
Chapter 1: From Shower Door Hustle to Seal Innovations
Back in the day, our guy James kick-started with his bro, nailing those shower door installations. But when times got tough, this dynamo pivoted to creating kickass coatings to fend off those pesky hard water stains. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade! 🍋
Chapter 2: When Science Meets Showers
Here's where things get juicy. Teaming up with a brainiac scientist, James whipped up a nano-based coating that's tight with the glass, like bonding on a first-name basis. And let’s just say, NASA thought it was out-of-this-world (pun totally intended). 🚀
Chapter 3: The Seal Science
Breaking it down, this rad coating bonds carbon and oxygen atoms in a harmonious molecular dance. And the prep? A good ol' isopropyl alcohol bath to get things squeaky clean for the bond.
Chapter 4: Slap That Seal On
For the pros in the house, press that liquid magic in with a trowel for the perfect embrace. For the DIY crowd? They’ve got kits to give your showers that sparkling touch. And guess what? No fuss with door hinges or those shiny accessories.
Chapter 5: Beyond the Glass – Diamond's Expansion
But wait, there's more! Diamond's branching out, bringing that nano-magic to plastics, tiles, cars, and even helmets. And speaking of helmets, they’re teaming up with Clemson to see if their coatings can be the superhero against concussions.
Let's Rock n' Roll:
1. Dive into Diamond Seal's offerings. How can they jazz up our biz?
2. Ping Diamond Seal. Might be cool to join their dealer squad.
3. Pitch Diamond Seal coatings to clients. Who doesn’t love long-lasting shine?
4. Do a face-off: Diamond Seal vs. other coatings. May the best seal win!
5. Peek at their DIY kits for a showroom glow-up.
6. Get Diamond Seal to strut their stuff and show our crew the ropes of sealing.
Alright, glass gurus! 🎸 We've riffed with Diamond Seal Systems, and it's a killer jam. From humble beginnings to a product even NASA's nodding at, they're taking coatings to the next level. Beyond glass, they're branching out big time. Dive into Diamond Seal, elevate your game, and maybe join this revolution. Keep it shiny, rockstars, and let's keep rocking this journey together! 🚿🚪🤘🏼
And if you're craving the full scoop with all the juicy details, don't miss out! You can catch the entire podcast on our YouTube link (just click that bad boy). Hungry for answers or just itching with some shower door thoughts? Shoot over to our page at gep.glass/shower-door-professionals and lay it on us. Always thrilled to hear from our community! Keep it real, and remember, knowledge shared is success squared. Catch you on the call! 🚿🚪🤘🏼
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The PorcelainPlus Speedbit(R) was specifically designed for drilling efficiently through hard surfaces. Its speed and durability distinguish itself from other standard carbide bits. With a specially formulated mix of metals and superior designed carbide tip, the PorcelainPlus Speedbit(R) makes installations quicker and easier, therefore, more profitable. Comes in a package of five units. |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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18 September 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Last week on the Wednesday evening livestream we talked about glass wine closets (just in case you missed it). One of the members of the Shower Door Professionals group requested we make it the topic of discussion on an upcoming call. What’s funny about this is the fact I have no personal experience installing wine rooms. I made it the subject of the call knowing that there were members in the group that did have hands-on experience with them. Of course, there's never any way of knowing for sure who will show up on any given Wednesday. Still, I was pretty sure that of the 10 to 30 group members that are on the call each week at least one of them would have enough knowledge about wine rooms to cover me.
I was right! Keith Daubmann (AKA Glazzguy) was there to fill us in with all the details regarding how to make a glass wine closet work. He mentioned some brands of hardware and talked about some of the pitfalls that go along with installing these things. It was a virtual “master class” (in less than one hour) and I was totally stoked that Keith was there to jump in to take charge of the topic. It's interesting because a couple of the members that I know have experience with them were not on with us on Wednesday. Naturally, there were questions from the group on the call about this topic. A lot of details were shared including photos and websites, etc...
If you normally just listen to the podcast (which is available on all the platforms), you may want to think about watching this one on the YouTube Channel. There are some images that you are probably going to want to take a look at. I'm sure that we will try to include all the pertinent information and the recap... Thanks for being such a great group and for all your participation. I love the questions (as well as the answers) y'all come up with. Keep those ideas coming and don't be shy… I'm still interested in seeing some projects that we might be able to feature in a future edition of the newsletter. Have a great week!
-Chris Phillips
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK'S CALL |
Alright, rockstars, let's dive deep into the world of vino – specifically, those ritzy wine rooms and cellars. This week, the crew huddled up to share the ins and outs of crafting the perfect space for that prized Pinot or Chardonnay. We're talking slick frameless glass setups, top-shelf doors with hydraulic patches, and all the bells and whistles. Primarily on installation to keep things chill and fog-free.
Here's the scoop:
Chapter 1: Chill Factor and Wine Rooms
Chilled wine rooms? Not just about the cool factor. We gotta play it smart – think about insulation, dodge those harsh sun rays, and watch the humidity. No one wants their precious bottles sweating, right? Also, a quick tip – steer clear from air vents blowing directly on the glass; unless you’re into the whole foggy view thing.
Chapter 2: Picking the Hardware Bling
The crew dropped names on the best gear in town. On the spotlight? Sediv USA's Unica hinges – they're the rockstars, holding doors open at a nice 180, with speed control and placement tweaks. Then there's the ever-reliable Dorma Kaba – commercial-grade excellence. And for those wanting to flaunt their flair, FHC's Aspire line is where the it's at.
Chapter 3: Anchors Away!
A good wine room's all about the foundation. We’re unanimous on this: Cobra anchors or something in that elite league is the way to go. Your regular Joe anchors just ain't gonna cut it with those heavyweight champions... (doors). Need a bite that holds? Cobras are your go-to answer.
Let's get to work:
1. Dive into the specifics of setting up a chilled wine room. Think tight measurements (I’m talking 1/8 inch or less), playing hide and seek (mostly hide) with the sun, and keeping the air just right.
2. Hunt down the gear from Sediv USA, Dorma Kaba, and FHC’s Aspire. Fancy a door that self-closes and holds open? Check out those hydraulic patch fittings.
3. If you're still stuck on those regular anchors, it’s time for an upgrade. Give Cobra anchors a shot.
4. Show off a little! Wine rooms are the new "it" thing. Give your customers the lowdown on what makes a top-tier wine showcase.
That’s the download on the wine room buzz. Got a Cabernet or a Sauvignon to showcase? You know how to get it done right! Cheers to that! 🍷🥂
And if you're craving the full scoop with all the juicy details, don't miss out! You can catch the entire podcast on our YouTube link (just click that bad boy). Hungry for answers or just itching with some shower door thoughts? Shoot over to our page at gep.glass/shower-door-professionals and lay it on us. Always thrilled to hear from our community! Keep it real, and remember, knowledge shared is success squared. Catch you on the call! 🚿🚪🤘🏼
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The PorcelainPlus Speedbit(R) was specifically designed for drilling efficiently through hard surfaces. Its speed and durability distinguish itself from other standard carbide bits. With a specially formulated mix of metals and superior designed carbide tip, the PorcelainPlus Speedbit(R) makes installations quicker and easier, therefore, more profitable. Comes in a package of five units. |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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11 September 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Here we are with another newsletter. Thanks again for subscribing and for telling all of your friends about it! We’re getting new subscribers all the time, and I know that there are a ton of different things that we can do to utilize this thing and bring even more value to our members. I’ve been inviting the folks in the group to send me ideas for things we can add, and you have been coming through. I have to say that this is the best professional group of all time!
One example came in a message I received from a group member the other day. The suggestion is that we start featuring one group member’s project each month in the newsletter. This would be a job that is notable in some way or utilizes new technology. I think this is a great idea and would like to get started with implementing it right away.
So, if you're working on something that’s out of the ordinary and you would like to show it off, I would be very interested in learning about it. Your part would be to send some photos and writing an article describing the project. Tell us what it is and what is so special about it. You could send finished photos, before and after shots, or pictures of the project as it's progressing. Naturally, this will be an excellent chance for you to showcase your business, your team, and your skills.
As you know, this is the “Shower Door Professionals” newsletter, so shower doors are a plus (but not mandatory). We're also interested in other types of glass projects, so feel free to send over whatever you have. If this is something that you're interested in but you're really not sure how to get started, feel free to reach out to me and we can talk about it. It's just an idea right now, so there's opportunity to develop this as we go. Let me know what your thoughts are and hopefully will be able to get a featured project in one of the upcoming newsletters – maybe within the next couple of weeks.
-Chris Phillips
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK'S CALL |
Just in case you missed it, we're going to dive right in and unpack all the details of our latest meetup in cybersspace!
Catching-Up:
We kicked off our talk discussing the arts (and challenges) of installing shower doors on those pretty glass tiles without turning them into spiderwebs! Next, we got into the nitty-gritty of tracking down the best sources of glass and hardware - sharing both the smooth transactions and some of the horror stories of dealing with various suppliers. We wrapped things up with a couple of burning questions from the guys and gals in the gallery about going big with shower doors and the possibility of diving into the HR side of things in a future chinwag.
The Glass Tile Tango:
-Tips to keep ‘em intact:
- Ditch wall mounts for pivot hinges. Fewer holes = fewer worries.
- Nail that pilot hole and ease into the drilling.
- Make sure you're anchoring into those wall studs or solid blocking.
- Gaskets and bumpers are your secret weapons – they help share the load.
- And hey, don't forget to give your customers the heads up about the risk factor. (Maybe even sneak it into the contract).
When the glass tiles inevitably crack?
- Beef up with a thicker tile.
- Edge out threats with sealants or gaskets.
The Hunt for Glass & Gear:
Glass-go-to's:
- Oldcastle's the name, but watch out! Their service and quality can be a mixed bag, depending on where you’re at. Some service centers are better than others.
- For those bespoke gigs? Check out indie champs like Vector.
The dark side of some suppliers:
- Mergers can mess with account transitions.
- Some back off from edgework like miters – “liability” they say.
- Finding mismatched quality across branches is a possability.
- Software over skill? Come on!
Gear Sources:
- Shoutout to FHC: Solid quality, but the price might make you raise a brow. Still, they are masters of customer service!
Crowd Curiosities:
- Going tall with half-inch glass doors? Up to a whopping 108 inches is cool. Just back ‘em up right and you'll see minimal bowing. It can definatly be done!
So, there we have it, folks – a Chris P. deep dive into our latest shower door showdown. Got a take or question on this? Don't be shy! Let’s keep the banter alive! 🚿💬🔩
And if you're craving the full scoop with all the juicy details, don't miss out! You can catch the entire podcast on our YouTube link (just click that bad boy). Hungry for answers or just itching with some shower door thoughts? Shoot over to our page at gep.glass/shower-door-professionals and lay it on us. Always thrilled to hear from our community! Keep it real, and remember, knowledge shared is success squared. Catch you on the call! 🚿🚪🤘🏼
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Marketing on a Shoestring…. When you want to grow your business, you need to get the word out about yourself, your products, your service and your company. Most small businesses don’t have the marketing budget for advertising that the Big Box stores or national companies do, so how do you get your message out and make yourself known, without breaking the bank? |
This article will get you thinking in ways to get recognized in very inexpensive ways and watch your sales grow to levels that you have not seen.
This should be enough to get you started but there are more in our arsenal for future articles….
Go get ‘em….
Bill Daubmann
Owner/Founder
My Shower Door
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The Solution: The Whitlock Clip is a tool that makes lining up the frameless door with the fixed panel fast and easy. The tool is small enough to fit in a pocket and allows the installer to see the corners of both panel to insure they are at the same height. The Whitlock Clip holds the glass firmly enough to secure it while still allowing the glass to move enough to be adjusted. |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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Hey everyone, Chris Phillips here. Let's talk brass tacks about elevating your shower door business to the next level of efficiency and profitability. Got your attention? Good. We've got some nuggets of wisdom from industry vet Bill Daubmann that you won’t want to miss.
Here's what you're gonna get:
1. Setting Efficiency Benchmarks: Ever wondered what's a good number of shower installs per day? Bill’s got you covered. He suggests establishing a minimum, like three showers a day, as your benchmark for efficiency.
2. Cutting Callbacks: Those dreaded callbacks can ruin your day and your rep. Bill shares some smart techniques to minimize them, like choosing pivot hinges over wall mounts and getting your caulking game on point.
3. Streamlined Ops and Inventory: Think GPS and job tracking software. Think bulk orders. Streamlining these can be a game-changer for your bottom line.
4. Attracting Top Talent: Keep your crew motivated with performance bonuses and growth opportunities. A happy team is a productive team, am I right?
5. Marketing Beyond Builders: Don’t put all your eggs in the builder basket. Bill suggests home shows and digital advertising to connect directly with end consumers.
Wrap it all up with continuous fine-tuning, and you've got yourself a well-oiled, profitable machine. Stay tuned for the full rundown!
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GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
Hey guys, what's going on!? Here we are on our third newsletter already! I have to say I'm having a lot of fun with this… but I'm wondering what you guys think. What kind of ideas or topics are you interested in reading about? Is there a certain subject that would be helpful to get expert opinion on? We have so many people in the group with a wide variety of experiences and specialties. There's almost no topic you could think of that we couldn’t come up with an expert to cover it – right in this group!
Maybe YOU are one of those people… Do you have some insight to offer the rest of us? Would you like to write an article for the newsletter? Maybe you would like to have a recurring column or something, I don’t know…. I'm am interested in hearing your ideas, though. Even if it's a one-time short essay about something in the glass industry. just let me know and we will see what we can do to highlight your field of expertise. I do want to thank the people who have been involved so far, Bill Daubmann is an awesome resource (as you all know) and has agreed to write articles for the newsletter on a regular basis. We had an article by Brandon Nicastro in last weeks issue. By the way; congratulations on all of your success so far!
Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of Robert Gomez… Rob has been a blast to work with and I look forward to more of the same. He brings a lot of skill to the table, and I think we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg. If you're enjoying the newsletter, please let me know - and don't be afraid to tell your friends about it. It's free and we can send it out by email to whoever wants it. Maybe you're reading this, and you haven't subscribed yet… Why not? Just go ahead and click on the link below and we will get you set up to get the shower door professionals newsletter in your inbox on a weekly basis.
Thanks again for all of your support!
-Chris Phillips
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK'S CALL |
Alright, let’s break it down... What’s making waves in the shower door biz? We're diving into the wisdom of none other than Bill Daubmann – a dude who’s been at it for years and has got the goods on how to elevate your game.
1. Setting the Bar & Fixing the Flops:
Ever think about what your golden number is? Bill suggests setting an efficiency benchmark, like maybe three shower doors a day? Here's a no-brainer: keep those callbacks to a minimum. Techniques? Try pivot hinges instead of wall mounts and perfect that caulking (if you use the stuff). Remember, callbacks ain't just about redoing work; they're a hit to your reputation and your pocket book.
2. Smooth Operations & Inventory Wizardry:
Bill’s mantra? Keep things flowing smoothly. Process those orders like a champ, keep a sharp eye on job progress, and manage your inventory. Tools like GPS and job management software? Modern magic! Go minimalistic with inventory and bulk up on supplies. Staying streamlined is the way to go!
3. People Power:
The real MVPs are your team, so do what you can to attract the best, keep them happy, and watch them shine. Think performance-based bonuses and growth opportunities. And hey, who doesn’t love a good training session? Invest in your crew, and they’ll invest in your business.
4. Mixing Up the Marketing Cocktail:
Don’t just wait for builders to stumble across you. Explore other avenues like home shows – they're a perfect way to woo homeowners in person. And yeah, pump up that online advertising. Spread the word, and get the customers to come running to your door.
Here’s the game plan, straight from Bill:
1. Aim High & Fix Fast: Set that golden benchmark and learn the tricks to keep callbacks in check.
2. Stay On Point: Revamp those operations. Lean on tech, like GPS and job trackers, to keep things snazzy.
3. Boost the Squad: Roll out incentive programs. Spot talents and let them soar.
4. Spread the Word: Dive into new marketing waters – think home shows and ramped-up online ads.
There you have it, shower door people! Bill’s insider look into the shower door biz, filtered through the Chris P. lens. Got your own hot takes? Let’s keep the conversation going and together we will dominate the game!
If you're craving the full scoop with all the juicy details, don't miss out! You can catch the entire podcast on our YouTube link (just click that bad boy). Hungry for answers or just itching with some shower door thoughts? Shoot over to our page at gep.glass/shower-door-professionals and lay it on us. Always thrilled to hear from our community! Keep it real, and remember, knowledge shared is success squared. Catch you on the call! 🚿🚪🤘🏼
Link to Last Weeks Call | Link to Shower Door Pros |
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! The Solution: The Glazier Saver is a portable, lightweight dolly that breaks down quickly for easy transport and storage. It clips on to the bottom of your glass and adds no noticeable weight to the load. When you pick up the glass the cart rides along! |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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21 August 2023 |
GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
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The Rise and Refinement of Frameless Showers |
I made the move to become a glazing contractor back in 2005. At that time all my experience was working in the commercial segment of the glass industry. I have done a variety of types of work within the commercial sector, but all my experience up to that point was working for medium to large sized shops. This was mostly in Nevada and California in the 80s and 90s. I hadn’t worked in any high-level positions, but that had never been my goal. I enjoyed working with my tools and had established my reputation as a glazier.
Starting a small glass shop in Santa Cruz, California was radically different from what I was used to as a commercial glazier. I was learning to design and install products such as shower doors which were much different from the storefronts, curtain walls, and aluminum panels that I was used to working with up until then. Frameless shower doors hadn’t really caught on in my area at that time, but it wasn’t long before I started to see them starting to take off. It was a surreal experience to be back to on-the-job training learning this new segment of the glass industry. Almost like being an apprentice again… It was both exciting and stressful.
I remember starting to notice more frameless glass on TV, specifically in commercials. When I started seeing frameless shower enclosures in the background of soap, toothpaste, and shampoo ads, I realized that they were becoming mainstream. It was around that time that I decided to make frameless enclosures my specialty. It was obvious to me that other shops in my area were not embracing them and that it was a real opportunity for us to find a cool niche. It turned out to be a great decision. I became known locally for shower doors, and I found myself doing projects that other shops were saying couldn’t be done. Of course, these days frameless shower enclosures are standard fare. Most shops are doing them, but few do them well. Being a member of the Shower Door Professionals Group has given me access to a lot of ideas and helped me to further hone my craft.
-Chris Phillips
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK'S CALL |
Hey there, let's dive into the juicy details of part 2 the NGA's brand-new frameless shower enclosure design and installation manual. This manual is like your ultimate playbook for all things frameless showers. From nailing measurements to picking the right hardware and ensuring safety, it's the go-to guide for pros like us. Here's the scoop:
Measuring Like a Pro First up, let's chat about getting those measurements spot on. It's the foundation of a rock-solid frameless shower job. Use centerline dimensions, keep an eye out for wonky walls, and always, always double-check the numbers. Trust me, math matters. The Art of Installation Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get into the installation game. The manual holds your hand through setting up hardware like clamps, hinges, and more. Plan your moves, get your tools ready, and make sure everything fits like a puzzle. No room for guesswork here. Safety First Safety is the name of the game, my friends. We're talking proper glass support, sealing those leaks, and handling glass with care. Let's keep accidents at bay and installations squeaky clean. Now, let's check out the action plan: 1. Grab a Copy of the NGA Manual This one's a no-brainer – snag that NGA Frameless Shower Enclosure Design and Installation Manual. It's like the secret sauce to leveling up your game. 2: Stick to the Manual's Playbook When it comes to doing the deed, follow the manual's lead. Stick to its tips on measurements, safety rules, waterproofing tricks, and getting that hardware right. 3: Be Extra Thorough with Tricky Designs Got some fancy designs in the works? Take a breather and double-check your math. Reference the manual and make sure everything lines up before you dive in. 4: Craft Your Handy Checklists Time to get organized – make checklists based on the manual's wisdom. It's like having a roadmap to ace every job and keep things legit. So, there you have it, my pals – the lowdown on the Shower Door Pros call, Chris Phillips style. What's your take on all this? Let's keep the convo going and rock those installations!
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A Triumph of Values, Growth, and Customer Excellence
In the realm of business, success is often measured by growth, recognition, and the strength of customer relationships. Our company's remarkable feat of securing a spot on the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for a third consecutive year is a testament to our commitment to the core values that drive our operations.
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Brandon Nicastro
Owner/Founder
GCS Glass
SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE! |
Join Us On Facebook! |
Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' gro up on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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This Week in Glass - 14th August 2023
The Shower Door Professionals Group takes a leap with a fresh weekly newsletter, weaving in the latest from the world of glass beyond the constraints of social media. Chris Phillips orchestrates this venture with some key takeaways.
In Focus:
Demystifying Frameless Shower Installations: The National Glass Association (NGA) has birthed a manual, championed by experts including Danny Donahue. This guide illuminates the complexities of frameless showers, offering a beacon for design and safety.
The Branding Blueprint by Bill Daubman: With a legacy in the glass business, Bill distills his wisdom into an article. He emphasizes the magic of a memorable name and ubiquitous branding.
Delve deeper for a treasure trove of industry knowledge.
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GlassGadget.comWEEKLY NEWSLETTER |
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Thanks for subscribing to the Shower Door Professionals Newsletter |
As you probably already know, we decided as a group that it might be a good idea to provide some information in print, rather than just on social media and videos. There is a lot of potential for sharing information in this format and spreading it more effectively. Please feel free to share this newsletter with your friends in the glass industry.
We are interested in your opinions about the types of topics that should be included. Would it make sense to have a classified ads section? It might give group members an opportunity to advertise job positions available, and talk about new products or services that the rest of us might not know about. Even the opportunity to trade equipment, tools, or whatever.
I’m hoping this ends up being a resource to people in the industry that may not be available to join the livestream or have time to watch the YouTube videos. Reading a quick recap on a previous call might spark interest in someone who has never joined us in the past.
If you think you might be interested in writing for the newsletter, please let me know. You can sign up here! We would like to have regular contributors as well as one-time articles. Topics might include new products, glass industry news, installation tips-and-tricks, sales techniques, etc. I'm interested in hearing your ideas. Thanks for being involved in the Shower Door Professionals Group!
-Chris Phillips
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK'S CALL |
New Frameless Shower Manual The Frameless Shower Enclosure Design and Installation Manual
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Chris Phillips has asked me to help create content for his newest initiative, The Shower Door Professionals NEWSLETTER. This is the first of many tips we can write about for this newsletter. This article will focus on "Making Your Glass Business Stand Out From The Crowd" |
When we started in the shower door business in 1988, we were part of a small group of stores that had a 'licensing agreement" to use a trademarked name and purchase proprietary hardware from the license holder. In our case, it was Tom Whitaker from Mr Shower Door, in Norwalk CT. Tom was interest in growing his business and out family seemed to blend perfectly with his business model and Tom's personality. What we learned from Tom we took and added our own twist for ourselves. You can do this too!
In 2002, we sold our business in MA and moved to Florida to start all over again... it was the best move ever.
Whether you run a full service glass shop or a niche shower door shop the key principal is to make your business "stand our in a crowd". You have to do a number of this so that the public things of you quickly when they are in need for your type of product or service. One of the biggest keys to do is to have the what you do incorporated in the name of your business. ABC Shower Doors, Classic Shower Doors, Phoenix Shower Doors are good exampled of this. The word shower doors is easy for the public to remember when they need aa shower door as opposed to ABC Glass, Phoenix Glass etc.
The second is to have your "brand" shown EVERYWHERE !!!! You don't need to spend millions to do this, just be creative on your placement and clean with your message.
Bill Daubman
President/Founder
MY SHOWER DOOR
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Our journey in glass continues beyond this blog. To connect, share, and learn more, hop into our 'Shower Door Professionals' group on Facebook. Together, we shape the future of glass. |
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When talking to other glass industry professionals, I understand we are all having a similar challenge. Employers are finding it difficult to hire the help that they need. This is especially true when it comes to qualified individuals.
As we all know, many have been forced to stay home over the past year due to government mandates and fears of spreading disease. State and federal governments have been doling out funds in order to offset some of the losses people have suffered due to the shutdowns. The crisis has continued long enough to result in a change in the work habits of many. The combination of subsidies and psychological paralysis has led to many choosing not to return to work as of yet.
Of course, this is not limited to the glass business. The same is true in many sectors of the economy and in many different areas across the country. Industries are scrambling to find much-needed workers as the gears of the U.S. economy slowly grind back into motion. One McDonald’s location in Florida has been offering a $50 bonus for applicants simply to come in for an interview! Unfortunately, even this extreme measure hasn’t produced the manpower necessary to meet demand. It appears that many have come to expect government to provide for their financial needs, and I suppose that we can each decide for ourselves whether this is a good thing or not.
As an industry we have an opportunity to differentiate ourselves from the rest by more creatively defining what it is that we have to offer. We are, after all, competing for the same people to come and work at our companies. There is good money to be made in the glass business, but we need to remember that people are motivated by things other than wages. A brief study of “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” suggests that a person’s self-actualization is at the top of the needs pyramid. Physical needs come in at the bottom, ranking at number five. If we believe Maslow, there are many things that people value more than money. It’s hard to deny that these more existential needs have gone unfulfilled in 2020 and 2021.
Our current situation may turn out to be a net positive, though, by effectively filtering out people that don’t have a strong desire to go back to work. If we appeal to the higher nature of people we may be able to make inroads where others can’t. It’s important to think back on what brought us to the glass industry in the first place. More importantly, what has kept us here? We can be sure that, if we do not demonstrate passion for what we do, it is going to be difficult to attract others to the trade. Could some collaborative brainstorming efforts be set up to explore ideas along these lines? Are there people in the glass industry that want to become part of the solution? I’m confident that there are, and I’m available to talk about it.
]]>As I gained experience in bidding projects I came to realize that I was looking at it all wrong. When a prospect would offer a counter to my price I would feel an obligation to be more “fair,” and lower the price. A big mistake I was making was that my numbers were to rounded. I was giving the impression they were arbitrary. I learned along the way that presenting a more exact number (even including dollars-and-cents) made my pricing seem more deliberate. For example; a price of $1,000.00 seems much less firm than a price of $1,006.97. This method discourages people from asking to reconsider, since the exact number implies a lot of consideration to begin with.
More than anything else I have come to understand what integrity of pricing is all about. You may notice that, up to now, I have referred to these as “prospects” or “potential customers.” Until they actually buy, they are not yet actual customers. I believe that I owe my loyalty to the people who are already buying. If I offer a price to a prospect that is lower than the one I charge to my existing customers it undermines my loyalty to those that buy. When considering what is “fair” in terms of pricing, my first responsibility is to my customers.
When someone asks you how you have arrived at your price, you can explain that the pricing is based on what is fair. If people are paying what you charge, and you are selling enough of those products to satisfy your needs (or wants), that is fair. What would be the point of selling it for less? In truth, you are doing your prospects a disservice by adjusting your price to convert them to customers. How would that be fair to the customer who has paid you full price? Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a sale or a discounted price from time-to-time, but that’s different. That is on your terms… Personally, I prefer to give something away for free as a bonus rather than discounting a price, but I’ll save that for another day.
Do you disagree? I would love to hear from you!
]]>As a shop owner myself I realize that I have become apathetic in many ways. For example, there are the relationships I have built with vendors. In business we strive to establish systems that run as automatically as possible. We want to be able to set things up and let them run so we can turn our attention to other, more important things. We only focus on details as they become issues for some reason. Vendor relationships work this way to a large degree. Once we find the vendor that delivers the way we like, ie. price, schedule, quality, and service―we rarely change.
Now that things have been shaken up a bit, I’ve been scrutinizing the companies we’re associated with, especially those we purchase from. There was one company in particular that needed to be replaced. There have been some changes in the way they do business that I am not OK with. The decline has been so subtle that it was easy not to notice. They had been providing products and services to us for about 15 years. I came to realize that their company culture had changed. They no longer really knew us or cared about our satisfaction. Fortunately, their products and services were fairly easy to replace, and so we replaced them.
There are a number of great reasons to change old business relationships. This particular experience made me look at how we are interacting with our own clients and customers and the way we provide products and services to them. It’s important to us that the companies and individuals we work with have similar business models. This can’t be controlled 100 percent, but I think it can be to a large degree. What do you think? Are you having similar experiences right now? I’d like to hear about them.
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I sent her a message back telling her the date was correct, and that I have been doing this type of work for over ten years. Painted glass backsplash was already popular on the East Coast a decade ago, even longer. Like most fashion trends, the ideas in New York eventually get picked up by people on the West Coast.
At the time, no one was providing this product in our area or had even heard much about it. When I began doing painted glass in 2008, I was sure we were about to have an explosion of projects in our area, and that this amazing and versatile product would be everywhere in no time. I was surprised that wasn’t the case.
I had a source for back painted glass from a company in Georgia – US Color Glass. Logistically, it was complicated to get the glass made and shipped out here to the Central Coast, but the folks at US Color Glass were very helpful, and we were able to get the job done for me. Today, I have other sources closer to home. That being said, I have continued to use US Color Glass on recent projects.
The glass backsplash project that I did in Pebble Beach a few years ago was custom color matched and came from them. They do great work and are a pleasure to do business with. The cost and lead times are still comparable, so they are an option for me and my customers.
There are many standard colors of paint to choose from. The most popular is “Snow White” and “Sky Blue.” One of the many wonderful benefits of glass backsplash is that we can match any paint color. A customer can pick out the color they want from Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore (or any other manufacturer) and provide the paint ID number for matching.
We have a variety of samples to check out here in our Santa Cruz showroom. If you supply some information about your backsplash project, I can provide you with a free ball-park estimate for standard color. This is a great option instead of tile or granite and looks awesome! Give us a call or check out our website.
]]>Some may argue that this is a good way to achieve a more minimalist design and at the same time minimize costs. There is also the added benefit of the elimination of something that needs to be cleaned daily. You may be thinking that this is a crazy topic for a person who sells shower doors to write about! Do I want to prevent people from using shower doors? Absolutely not!
Shower doors and enclosures are more than just a way to block water from splashing out. Glass shower enclosures add beauty as well as function to a bathroom. There is no danger of them being eliminated from most bathrooms, at least, not any time soon. I do like the idea of people trying new things. I love innovation even more than I love shower doors, and that’s saying something!
Whenever a person tells me that they are going in this direction (eliminating the shower door) I encourage them to try it rather than taking them out of it. The great thing about starting with no shower door is that you can always add one later if needed. I do like to share my experiences with people when asked about trying this approach.
The main concern people have is whether the water will stay in the shower. That is certainly something to consider but is a little tricky to predict. There are a lot of different variables that will help to determine water containment. Only the actual use of the shower will tell for sure. Aside from the waterproofing aspect of a shower enclosure, there is the climate control feature of the glass that people often fail to consider.
The shower enclosure contains that heat and steam as well as the water. If you have ever used a shower without an enclosure of some type, this is the first thing you probably noticed. The flow of water and heat creates convection that produces a cool draft that comes in from the bottom of the shower and can be quite uncomfortable. Some people might like a cool breeze during a hot shower, but I personally don’t. If your bathroom is tiny, this is not likely to be an issue, though.
For me, it is not unusual to be asked to provide a door to a shower that was designed to be used without one. People often go with this design only to realize later that the door is more necessary then initially thought. Many times, there is just too much water getting out of the shower.
There are several factors that come into play; the size of the shower area, the water pressure, the position of the showerhead, if there is a handheld shower wand, how each family member uses the shower, etc. There is no way of predicting all these factors in advance. As mentioned before, if the bathroom is very small, the whole room will steam up and become warm.
If the bathroom is large, it may make the shower experience less than optimal if you are missing a door. The good news is, I am here to help! If you decide later that you really do need a door, I can install one for you. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to try something new. Variety is the spice of life!
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