How a Platinum Pella Certified Contractor Tripled His Business in One Year

Chicago-area contractor Schmidt Exteriors finds success in a competitive environment.

For Mike Schmidt of Schmidt Exteriors in Batavia, Illinois, the Platinum Pella Certified Contractor® program isn’t just a perk. It’s a driving force behind his business.

“There’s a lot of competition out there now. It’s more important than ever for contractors to take a sophisticated approach to lead generation and marketing,” Schmidt said. “The Platinum Pella Certified Contractor program helps me tremendously.”

Though he now finds the program’s benefits indispensable, Schmidt wasn’t always sold. However, it didn’t take long for him to see results and change his mind.

‘When Pella approached me to join the program, I was reluctant,” Schmidt admitted. “But when I finally joined, I tripled my business in one year.”

Contractors in the program are much more likely to succeed because they

Since his game-changing decision to join the program, Schmidt has actively taken advantage of the exclusive benefits and tools that come with it.

“There’s a prestige associated with the program, and I use it to market my business,” Schmidt explained. “Plus, there’s unprecedented education and training for installation, marketing and how to conduct yourself professionally – everything you need to build a solid team.”

One of Schmidt’s favorite Platinum sales tools is GreenSky® customer financing.

“I can have a $50,000 deal approved, signed and documented in less than 10 minutes,” he said. “And customers don’t have to tap into a home mortgage line or deal with appraisals and paperwork.”

Though Pella’s sales and marketing tools have played a major role in growing his business, the personal, long-term relationship with his Pella rep is what Schmidt values most.

“I’ve worked with Josh for more than 15 years now, and our working relationship is a huge benefit to my business,” he reminisced. “We could sit and talk forever about everything other than windows, but he’s always ready to step up to the plate and get work done.”

Schmidt’s relationship with his Pella support team has influenced him to take a personal approach with his own customers. In fact, he believes that approach has been a key factor in his success.

“My Pella reps taught me early on to treat my clients like people,” he said. “I don’t talk about windows at all during the first 15 minutes of a consultation. I want to know how many kids they have, how long they plan to live in the house and what their goals are so I can guide them to the right decision.

I know my clients are making big decisions with big dollars. And I need to understand them before throwing out a sales pitch.”

Schmidt believes that delivering on his clients’ goals sometimes means steering them away from more lucrative projects. But he knows that giving honest advice has helped him build a solid reputation.

“They may say they want one product, but another might line up better with their goals and budget,” Schmidt explained. “If I give them what they need to make a smart and educated decision, they’ll feel confident in the work I do.”

Schmidt has learned that a contractor’s ability to adapt and change is the key to continuing success. And the resources he gets with the Pella Contractor program are huge assets when it comes to staying at the forefront of a changing marketplace.

“Contractors in the program are much more likely to succeed because they’re given the product knowledge, marketing skills, salesmanship and customer leads to be at that top level. The benefits continue to unfold. “

* source “Pella Professional” http://professional.pella.com/resource-center/pella-certified-contractor-tripled-business

How long will a window last?

  • · Most of today’s windows are made from a frame material and an insulating glass “sandwich”-each component subject to wear, weathering, and potential failure.
  • · Weather-stripping in the frame and moving parts can wear out with use.
  • · An insulating glass panel may suffer a broken seal after years of expansion and contraction with temperature changes-creating a “fogged” look as moisture accumulates between the glass panels.
  • · According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), some windows can last up to 50 years.

Some of the factors that go into the determination include:

  1. Frame material
  2. Quality construction practices and building style
  3. Product quality
  4. Climate and exposure
  5. Routine care and maintenance
  6. Replacement of parts that wear with use with an AAMA Certified product that’s cared for, you can expect to increase the service life.

What are the best Cleaners to remove stains from my vinyl windows?

  1. Bubble Gum: Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Solution of vinegar(30%), Water(70%), Windex®
  2. Crayon: Lestoil® DAP (Oil-Based Caulk) Fantastik®
  3. Felt Tip Pen: Fantastik®, water-based cleaners
  4. Grass: Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
  5. Lipstick: Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®
  6. Grease: Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
  7. Mold and Mildew: Fantastik®, Solution of vinegar(30%), Water(70%), Windex®
  8. Motor Oil: Fantastik®, Lysol®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex® Oil Soft Scrub®
  9. Paint: Brillo® Pad,Soft Scrub®
  10. Pencil: Soft Scrub®
  11. Rust: Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
  12. Tar: Soft Scrub®
  13. Top Soil: Fantastik®, Lestoil®, Murphy Oil Soap®

*Cleaning Materials are listed in alphabetical Order. Schmidt Exteriors, Inc. does not endorse proprietary products or processes and makes no warranties for the products referenced herein. References to proprietary names is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to imply that there are not equally effective alternatives. All cleaners used must be thoroughly rinsed off and dried after use or discoloration of vinyl frames could occur.

Why do energy efficient windows help reduce condensation?

Will new windows eliminate condensation?

  • · Condensation is a direct result of interior humidity and the difference between indoor and outside air temperature.
  • · Warm moist are seeks a cold surface. This is a basic law of physics.
  • · A glass with ice will form condensation. The moist air in the heated room is seeking a cold surface.
  • · If you keep the humidity in your house low, then the likelihood of experiencing condensation is also low.
  • · However, the efficiency of your window will also impact the temperature and humidity level at which condensation occurs.
  • · High performance windows with low U-factors result in inside glass surface temperatures much closer to the room air temperature
  • · Windows with warm edge technologies and non-metal frames are also less likely to have condensation on the frame or at the edge of the glass
  • · Insulated, high efficiency windows greatly reduce condensation on the interior surface of the glass
  • Note that in certain conditions (humid mornings after a clear night sky), windows may have dew on their outside surface
  • This “dew” appearance is a sure sign your windows work. Your new high efficiency windows do not change with the exterior conditions.
  • The dew will dissipate as the morning wears on.

How can I tell if a window is energy efficient?

  • · Check the window’s NFRC rating label. Quality replacement windows will have an NFRC label adhered to each new window.
  • · The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) is an independent testing organization that rates the “U-Factor” for replacement windows.
  • · U-Factor is the amount of heat transferred through a material.
  • · The Federal guideline recommendation is .30 or less
  • · Lower U-Factor numbers can be achieved. The lower the U-Factor, the slower the heat flow, the better the insulating quality.
  • · A newer measurement mandated to measure window efficiency is SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient)
  • · SHGC measures how much heat is allowed to transfer through the glass by the sun’s rays.
  • · The lower the number the better. Typically .30 or less.

How can I tell if I need new windows?

There are tangible signs your old windows need to be replaced:

  • ·Your windows are difficult to open or close.
  • The window sash falls unexpectedly.
  • You rely on a storm window, and that is highly suspect.
  • Drafts are evident. Air leaking through and/or around the windows.
  • Excessive condensation or icing on the inside of the window panes.
  • Windows rattle in the wind.
  • Paint chipping or peeling.
  • House is always too cold in winter – or too hot in summer.

Why should I buy new replacement windows?

  • · Adding new replacement windows to your home can be valuable in many ways.
  • · For homeowners looking down the road toward eventually selling their homes, energy efficient windows can be a strong selling point for your realtor and will increase a home’s value.
  • · There are benefits you’ll enjoy right away, like the savings on your home energy bills from increased window efficiency.
  • · Your quality of living will benefit, the beauty and elegance in appearance is self satisfying and appreciated by those that visit your home.
  • · Benefits like reduced drafts and better overall comfort enhance your day to day standard of living.
  • · Replacement windows are a great investment both financially and in less tangible ways.