Smart Companies named a finalist for 2011 Manufacturer of the Year

December 13th, 2011

Smart Companies was named one of 16 finalist for the 2011 Manufacturer of the Year, announced company president, Brian Rist.

At the annual Manufacturers’ Summit and Global Marketplace on November 30-December 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida, the Manufacturers Association of Florida announced the winners of this year’s competition.

A panel of twenty-four judges narrowed the competition to sixteen finalists; winners were chosen in four categories. Each company was judged on: leadership; strategic planning; customer and market focus; measurement, analysis and knowledge management; workforce focus; and process management. In addition to evaluation of applications, tours of finalists’ facilities were made by the judges.

Winners of the award were Pharmaworks, Inc., Goodrich Corporation, Engineered Polymer Products, FARO Technologies and Nipro Diagnostics. Other finalists included Anheuser-Busch, InBev, Inc., BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, Inc., Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Publix Supermarkets – Deli Kitchen, Correct Craft, Inc., Shaw Development, LLC, TimBar Packaging &Display, Entegra Roof Tile, Plasma-Therm, LLC, The Smart Companies, Inc., Florida Machine Works and Worldwide Superabrasives, LLC.

“As you can see by the list of winners and finalists, we were honored to be included amongst such great companies. To be recognized by fellow manufacturers is great,” said Rist.

“All of the finalists demonstrate a commitment to excellence in the manufacturing business, but our winners are the “best of the best” manufacturers in Florida this year. We are proud of their commitment to their business, their customers and their employees,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Florida.

The Manufacturers Association of Florida, founded in 2005, is comprised of manufacturers and those supporting industries interested in improving the business climate for manufacturers in Florida.

Smart Companies’ goal is to put clients in charge of their home and business appliances, electronics and other devices saving energy and saving money. The company offers assistance with energy saving home-automation systems, earth-friendly solar solutions, energy efficient doors and windows, and storm-protection along with excellence in customer service. For more information, visit getsmartcompanies.com or call (239) 938-1000.

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Manufacturer of the Year Finalist

November 9th, 2011

The Smart Companies has been nominated as a finalist for the “Manufacturer of the Year” Award, for the 2nd year in row, by the Manufactures Association of Florida. After being nominated for the award, a questionnaire is completed and returned for the Judges review. After they have completed the review of the questionnaire, a phone interview is conducted to determine which nominees advance to the Award Finalist stage. Once nominated for the Finalist stage, a Judges site visit is scheduled and conducted. During the site visit the Judges will tour, observe, and ask questions related to the six judging criteria categories. When all this is completed and site visits to the rest of the nominated Award Finalist are completed,  the Judges will call a conference and come to a consensus and the Winner of the Manufacturer of the Year Award and announced at the annual summit in Orlando, FL.

“It is an honor and privilege just to make it this far.” said Brian Rist, President of Storm Smart. “There are many great, great companies out there and to even be nominated for this award makes me very proud. Storm Smart’s success is a direct result of every employee’s dedication and hard work.”

Brian Rist will be attending the 8th Annual Manufacturers Summit and Marketplace at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel in Orlando, FL, November 30 – December 1st.

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Helping the Customer

September 26th, 2011

To Brian Rist, President

Storm Smart Industries

 

I recently had a problem with my Storm Catcher Hurricane fabric and had to get it replaced. Having accomplished this successfully, I want to take the opportunity to thank you and your staff for the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT I have ever personally experienced or seen. I am a retired Financial VP for a Billion $+ international industrial manufacturing business so I think I have some ability to assess good service.

My Storm Catcher screen was purchased about five years ago from Florida Hurricane & Solar Protection of Sarasota to protect my lanai area in addition to the purchase of Lexan shutters for the remaining windows. After realising that I had a problem on the day prior to leaving for the North for the summer, I had some difficulty getting connected to the right person at the supplier to see if I could get a replacement screen. When I was told to call the manufacturer directly, I sensed there was going to be a problem in resolving it to my satisfaction. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

My initial contact was with a gentleman named Zeke who suggested I talk to Maria. After I explained who I was and the situation, she without hesitation agreed to a replacement under the warranty. She did indicate that I would have to bring the screen to Fort Myers to be used as a template and would make every effort to have it ready for me in 2-3 days as I was flying from Cape Cod to Florida specifically to get this resolved.

I first arrived at your office/plant on Tuesday August 30th. As I was taking the screen out of my trunk, an employee came by and asked if he could assist me. I said I didn’t need help but he insisted on at least opening the facility door. Once inside, I was well taken care of by the receptionist and shortly by Maria. As I was leaving the office, another lady asked if I had been taken care of satisfactorily. I knew I was in good hands. As I was about to drive away, I spotted yourself (having seen your picture in the foyer). I told you how happy I was with the service. I was still anxious about getting the final product as agreed to and on time but with high expectations based on what had just occurred.

On Thursday morning at 7:30 am, Maria called and said the Storm Catcher was ready. I drove to your facility and met with Maria who gave me the replacement product. Again, Maria and each person whom I saw asked if I had been cared for satisfactorily. Later that day, I reinstalled the new Storm Catcher at my home with full product and time satisfaction.

Your product is great. Installation is as simple as it could be. Your organization is fabulous.

Thank you and I wish you and your employees continues success.

Respectfully yours,

Mr. Webb

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Tropical Depression #19

October 21st, 2010

UPDATE: Tropical Depression #19 gained strength early Thursday, growing into Tropical Storm Richard as of the 11 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center.

The NHC says Richard has sustained winds of 40 mph, as it spins about 22- miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman.

The storm is moving to the southeast at 6 mph.

This is a storm we’ll be watching very closely, but there is no reason for immediate alarm.

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Tropical Depression Worth Watching This Weekened

September 23rd, 2010

Possible threat to Gulf states next week

If the second scenario of a stalled Matthew comes to pass, then areas of the Gulf coast around to the Atlantic side of Florida will have to pay very close attention.

A trough of low pressure swinging through the lower 48 states next week could draw Matthew northward and toward the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Any tropical storm or hurricane that gets into the Gulf of Mexico in October could be a significant danger.

However, right now, we have to wait to see how far west this system gets.

There is no cause for immediate alarm along the Southwest Florida coast.

In light of forecasts for increasing tropical activity in the Caribbean over the next few weeks, it would be wise to use the upcoming weekend to make sure you have the necessary supplies in the event of an eventual threat.

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Possible Hurricane Trouble For US

September 22nd, 2010

From NBC-2

Several of the reliable computer models are starting to hint at some unpleasant news to come, when it relates to tropical trouble for the U.S. coastline.

We have been intently watching these Cape Verde storms (storms that emerge from Africa) over the past few weeks, and aside from Karl and Hermine, there haven’t been signficant threats to the Gulf of Mexico or the Southeast.

Of course, Florida has been sitting pretty in the middle in-between the western Gulf storms and the Atlantic hurricanes.

However, the long-range forecasts are now trending toward a zone of higher tropical activity closer to the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and possibly the Southeast U.S.

Storms will become fewer and fewer in number coming off of Africa late this month and into October.

Meanwhile, temperatures will be cooling and overall air pressures will be rising across northern North America as the first hints of Fall affect Canada and the northern U.S.

Models are conversely depicting the overall lowering of air pressures across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico as we go through time.

This will likely promote the development of tropical cyclones in the Caribbean or Gulf and the potential for them to make it farther north and threaten the U.S. coast.

The GFS model has been adamant on the development of a tropical cyclone in the eastern Caribbean about one week from now that could be the start of this trend.  Emphasis, please, on the word “could.”

We’ll watch it, but for the next week-plus, Southwest Florida has no tropical threat.

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Three Hurricanes Swirl in Tropics

September 17th, 2010

Latest Data:

The eye of Hurricane Karl has hit Mexico’s Gulf Coast near the city of Veracruz with winds of 115 mph (185 kph).

The National Hurricane Center says the storm’s center hit about 10 miles (15 kilometers) northwest of Veracruz.

Meanwhile, while hurricanes Igor and Julia are forecast to stay far to the east of the U.S., Igor is expected to churn up high surf and rip currents off the Central Florida coast.

If you’re heading to the beach to take in the fun, be very careful to only enter the waters being monitored by lifeguards. Offshore, seas will be building and eventually run in the 10 to 13 ft range by Sunday.

Hurricane Igor: Latest advisory

Igor is expected to remain a dangerous, major hurricane for a couple more days.

Watches and warnings

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bermuda.

Discussion and 48-hour outlook

At 2 p.m. EDT, the eye of Hurricane Igor was located near latitude 23.4 north, longitude 60.7 west.

Igor is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph. This general motion, with an increase in forward speed, is expected over the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of the hurricane will be approaching Bermuda on Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 120 mph, with higher gusts. Igor is a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Some fluctuations in strength are possible during the next couple of days, but Igor is expected to remain a powerful Hurricane.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 946 mb, or 27.93 inches.

Hazards affecting lan

Wind: Tropical storm conditions are possible in Bermuda by late Saturday, with hurricane conditions possible on Sunday.

Surf: Large swells will continue to affect the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hispaniola and portions of the Bahamas during the next couple of days. These swells will also cause dangerous surf conditions in Bermuda during the next several days, which will worsen as Igor approaches.

Swells will continue to affect the East Coast of the United States through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. Please consult products from your local weather office for additional information.

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Tracking Three Storms In The Tropics

September 15th, 2010

From NBC-2

Hurricane Igor is a Category 4 storm with winds near 155 mph in the mid-Atlantic moving toward the west-northwest near nine mph.

A turn to the northwest if expected within the next couple of days.

There will be little change in strength over the next 24 hours, but come weakening could begin Thursday as this storm heads through cooler waters and more wind shear.

Bermuda is still in the middle in the forecast cone this weekend. Igor is producing large swells in the Leeward Islands.

Large swells will reach Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands tonight and Thursday.

The swells will reach the Bahamas Thursday night and Friday.

These large swells can create threatening surf and rip currents.

Hurricane Julia is still in the eastern Atlantic. Winds are now near 125 mph making this a Category 3 storm.

Additional strengthening is possible today. Julia is moving toward the west-northwest at nine mph and a turn to the northwest with an increase in forward speed is expected Wednesday, followed by a turn back to the west-northwest with an increase in forward speed on Thursday.

A turn to the north in the mid-Atlantic is still expected to keep this system at sea.

Tropical Storm Karl formed yesterday and today winds are near 45 mph.

Karl is approaching the Yucatan Peninsula as it moves to the west-northwest near 15 mph. Karl will continue to move in that direction with a decrease in forward speed over the next couple of days.

On this path, Karl will move across the Yucatan Peninsula Wednesday and into the southwestern Gulf of Mexico tonight or Thursday.

There will be some weakening of this system as it moves across the Yucatan Wednesday, followed by restrengthening after Karl moves back into the Gulf of Mexico and heads toward Mexico.

Karl will produce coastal flood near and north of landfall and the surge will be topped with large and damaging waves.

Rainfall amounts over Belize and northern Guatemala will reach three to five inches with some isolated totals of eight inches.

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Hermine Fizzles, New Storm Forms

September 8th, 2010

A system moving west off the coast of Africa has a 70 percent chance of forming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours, the National Weather Service said Wednesday morning.

With the system traveling west at between 10 and 15 mph, possible development is projected as the strong upper-level winds decrease over the next couple of days, the weather service said. There’s a high probability this system will form a tropical depression in a day or so.

Meanwhile, the weather service issued its last public advisory for Hermine at 4 a.m., as the tropical depression delivered flooding rains and 30 mph winds to portions of north and central Texas.

Hermine was expected to continue weakening as it moves north through southwest Oklahoma and onto southern Kansas by Thursday.

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Hurricane Damage

February 8th, 2010

Most of us who live in wind or hurricane prone parts of the country know that there are 5 categories for the strength of a hurricane. What a lot of us don’t know is what the wind speeds for each category is. Below you’ll find the wind speeds associated with each category as well as a brief description of conditions that occur in each category. This is known as the Saffir-Simpson Scale and assigns the 5 categories based on both wind speed and damage potential.

Tropical Storm – 39 – 74 mph.

Category 1 – Winds of 74 – 95 mph.

Storm Surge 4-5 feet above normal. Damage to signs, unanchored homes, shrubbery and trees. Minor coastal flooding.

Category 2 – Winds of 96 – 110 mph.

Storm surge 6 – 8 feet above normal. Some trees blow down. Damage to some doors, windows, and roofs. Flooding to piers. Considerable damage to mobile homes

Category 3 – Winds of 111 – 130 mph.

Some structural damage to residences and utility buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Flooding near coast destroys small structures. Flooding may come well inland

Category 4 – Winds of 131 – 155 mph.

Some complete roof structure and curtainwall failure. Major beach area erosion. Inland flooding.

Category 5 – Winds of 156 and up.

Major damage to many structures. Buildings and roofs blown away. Major and severe flooding events. Massive evacuations of residences could be required.

References: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics/saffir_simpson.shtml

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