“I will write great blog posts with consistency” – Take 121

“No really, this time I will!” – Take 113

I have been busy traveling about my territory meeting new people, adding new lines, learning about new products, and fitting in a little fun. Shame on me for not keeping you up to date on my adventures!

One event I had the pleasure of attending was totally awesome! I was invited to attend the demonstration of a massive storm simulator at the University of Florida on behalf of Special-Lite, a manufacturer of high end fiberglass doors that I have recently agreed to represent.

Henry Upjohn II, CEO & Chairman of Special-Lite, in collaboration with Dr. Forrest J. Masters, PH.D., P.E. at the University of Florida Civil & Coastal Engineering Department built a 24’ wide by 17’ tall storm simulator. The simulator was 4 years and $4 million in the making. Special-Lite accounted for three fourths of the $4 million cost. It is designed to test commercial & residential structures and can simulate an E4 tornado and Cat 5 hurricane. It has the capability to produce both positive and negative pressures.

Henry and other members of the Special-Lite team met Dr. Masters at the facility on May first for a demonstration presentation. First on the agenda was a welcome reception that included lunch and Dr. Masters providing an overview of how and why the simulator came to be. Their hope is that the simulator provides the missing piece for manufacturers, which they feel lies in the ability to visualize what is actually happening during a storm and how their product is affected. They hope this simulator inspires manufacturers to push boundaries and give them confidence to keep innovating.

We were then given a tour of the facilities and an actual demonstration of the simulator. Here are a few pictures and a couple of videos that I took during the event. Enjoy!

Here is where I really failed you! I was filming the actual hurricane testing and had to put down my camera at the WRONG moment. I didn’t capture the exact moment this door buckled. I can tell you that I had a VERY GOOD reason! I hope considering the circumstances, which include an increase of wind and the fact that I was wearing a dress, you will forgive me!

Needless to say I was excited to attend! It was a great event and I felt honored to have shared in the presentation.

New Year New Products – Mesker Door

Mesker Door had an exciting 2013.  Mesker added so many new products during the year that I wanted to make sure you heard about them all! Here is a list of some of the things Mesker Door has added to their line-up.

• Expansion of Speed To Market Programs (highlighted below)
• Beveled Doors
• G-90 Prime
• Kerfed Frames
• Mesker Grain – Prefinished Wood Grain Doors
• New Adjustable Frames
• Thermal Break Frames
• Acoustical Assemblies STC 43, 45, 48, 50, 51 & 52
• Metal Pre-hung – Pre-hung HM Doors in HM Frames w/Hardware shipped boxed.

Wow, that is a long list!  I will spend the next few days sharing details about these products on my website.  If there is something you want to know that I don’t touch upon, please do not hesitate to ask.  I will start with the first on the list, and my personal favorite, the expansion of the Speed to Market programs.

Mesker experienced such success with the introduction of the original 72 Hour Stock program they knew you wanted more.   The programs have been expanded to include 125 SKUS on the 72 Hour program and over 4,000 on the 10 Day.

Program parameters are as follows:

• No minimum orders
• A maximum of 120 openings
• Orders need be placed on appropriate forms
• Orders must be rec’d by noon CST.
• Your standard buying program stands

Mesker understands the challenges you face as a distributor.  You need your cash in the bank, not tied up in inventory on your shelves.  You still, however, need to service your customer competitively and efficiently to ensure their satisfaction.  The Speed to Market programs allow you to be successful on both counts.  Replenish your stock fast at your standard buying program.

10 Day Program Highlight – Need a frame with hardware locations other than Mesker’s fast and assume you will have to pay quick-ship prices?  Think again.  Mesker has added HM Frames with SDI Competitor’s locations to our 10 day stock program.  Pay no more than your standard discount and have this frame shipped in 10 days.

If you have any questions about these programs or need the stock order forms, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Wishing you a prosperous New Year!  – Amanda