The Stormcatcher Hurricane Screen Blog

New Wholesale Pricing Software Beta testing For Authorized Dealers!

jlemonakis — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:49:19 +0000

The Smart Companies announced today that new software for Storm Catcher Wind Abatement Screen, Solar Screen, and Bug Screen products has been under development for their wholesale division, and is now being beta tested. This will make quoting prices on all of these products even easier than before.

Kim Trapp, manager of the Smart Companies’ wholesale division said, “This will be a huge boost for our dealers, both in and out of the United States. We are pleased to continually develop and improve our quoting and ordering processes, and this is just one of many great things to come in the future for our wholesale division”.

The beta test is an offline model, and the next step will be a simplified online quoting and ordering tool that will drastically improve the dealer and customer experience. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

Storm Catcher Rolling Screen Installation

jlemonakis — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:21:16 +0000

New Florida Building Codes

wkittle — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:37:22 +0000

We want to ALERT everyone that the Florida Building Codes (FBC) are changing for all new construction & major remodeling in Florida. These changes will take effect March 15th 2012. So if you are planning on doing any type of major remodeling (Greater than 30% of the assessed value) or building a new home and have bids that are already in place or are currently looking for bids for your existing home. YOU ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME!! If you do not get your permits submitted by March 14th 2012 midnight you could be spending thousands of dollars you may not have planned for.

One of the reasons why we have been so successful within our industry is because of our never ending pursuit of training and continued education. CEO Brian Rist has been diligently learning every aspect of the new FBC & Residential Energy Efficiency codes. The new codes were just released in print about a month ago and they can be a game changer!

For example if you’re building a new home and have already chosen aluminum windows you may not pass Plan Review. New windows must have a “Solar Heat Gain Coefficient” , SHGC, of at least 30 or better & most plain aluminum laminated windows do not meet this standard & therefore cannot be installed on a new homes. There are several other calculations that must be met as well, but for those answers you will need to talk with one of our Window Consultants to help you with the best fit for your investment.

Brian is in Germany now attending R+T the largest window and door expo in the world. While there he is meeting with a select group of suppliers worldwide at an Energy Conference, to discuss alternative ways to make our home less energy demanding. It’s interesting to note that French law calls for all homes in France to be zero energy consumers by 2020. This is one of the ways we stay ahead of the pack! Not only is he going there to promote our Storm Catcher Wind Abatement Screen systems, but he is also going to learn about the latest and greatest in Windows, Doors and Shutter protections for our homes & better ways to save money on our energy costs.

We look forward to 2012! We have some GREAT new products that we will start offering that will not only make our lives safer, but help save energy at the same time. To keep up with our new products and offers all you have to do is log onto our Facebook page and click “Like” or “Follow” us on Twitter.

Some of the changes to the Florida Building Codes effective March 15th 2012

wkittle — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:05:22 +0000

Angies List 2011 Super Service Award

wkittle — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:22:26 +0000

Storm Smart Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award
The Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service

Storm Smart has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

Brian Rist was quoted “We are very proud of this award and look forward to earning it again in 2012”

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Storm Smart can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service business ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.
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Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

Smart Companies named a finalist for 2011 Manufacturer of the Year

wkittle — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:57:10 +0000

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.

Manufacturer of the Year Finalist

wkittle — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:24:58 +0000

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.

Helping the Customer

wkittle — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:04:29 +0000

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

Tropical Depression #19

jpeak — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:42:06 +0000

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.

Tropical Depression Worth Watching This Weekened

jpeak — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:05:28 +0000

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.