Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Social Networking Gains Credibility In Business

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Fort Myers Florida Weekly, February 17-23- Parker Bradtmiller from Storm Smart Industries was recently featured in the Florida Weekly for his skills in social networking. Bradmiller spends over 20 hours per week creating an on-line presence for Storm Smart Industries and Mr. Storm, the companies mascot. Bradtmiller tries to make it worth-while for people to follow Storm Smart by making his posts informative, ” I follow the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent is storm information and tips and 20% is promotional.”

Many other corporations are following suite such as; Fawcett Memorial Hosptial in Port Charlotte and C2 communications, just to name a few. Devoting time to the internet and developing an online presence is essential to most businesses. It is affordable and really works to reach a larger audience. Social media expert, Murray Izenwasser comments “I don’t know any business now that doesn’t have a website. It’s just for the legitimacy factor now.”

Read more here

Shutter Industry Not Hurting For Storm Smart

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

News-Press-February 21, 2009- The News-Press recently reported that the shutter industry is hurting due to decrease business and the past few years of a slow hurricane season. A year ago, a few property insurance companies were forcing owners of upscale homes to put in hurricane protection, but that has started to decline thus hurting such companies as American Shutter Products and New Code Windows and Doors. Storm Smart Industries chief executive officer, Brian Rist said, “our sales are actually up 5% in 2009 and we are building a structure on Plantation Road next to our exisiting facility. Rist said he’s been able to keep going by focusing on customer service. “We really work hard to have satisfied customers, if you take care of your customers, your business will take care of you.”

While others are filing for Chapter 11- Storm Smart stays strong by making customer service number one and is still the leader in the hurricane protection business.

Read more here..

STORM SMART INDUSTRIES HIRES THREE

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Ft. Myers, FL- Storm Smart Industries, the largest and most innovative hurricane protection company in Ft. Myers, Florida, continues to grow under tough economic conditions. Storm Smart has recently hired three additions to the team.

Gary DeMond, Director of Sales, has a history of executive leadership within several Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, he founded a business development consulting firm that orchestrated the start-up, growth and optimization of manufacturing and service-industry organizations. DeMond will be responsible for managing all commercial and retail sales activities for Storm Smart and Go Energy Smart. “This company has a long history of amazing achievements. I look forward to contributing any way I can.”
Jennifer Peak, Marketing Manager, has over 10 years experience in marketing, sales, advertising, public relations and social media in a variety of industries including; luxury real estate, construction, automotive and 4-star dining. Peak has a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and has recently relocated to Ft. Myers. Jennifer will be responsible for all marketing, public relations and events at Storm Smart and Go Energy Smart. “This position allows me to work for a leader in the community and I am looking forward to being a vital member of the Storm Smart team.” commented Peak.

Frank Suanez is the newest sales representative for Storm Smart. Frank has over 15 years sales experience in an array of fields and will bring new business to the Storm Smart team.

“The secret is out,” said Brian Rist, Storm Smart president. “We are continuing to grow to new and higher plateaus and I am excited to welcome three new talented members to the team and I hope to bring on two more in the near future!” more here…

Cold Weather Tips

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Although Southwest Florida basks in a subtropical climate most of the year, occasional Arctic cold fronts can invade the area causing frosts and/or freezes

With its cold and often stormy weather, winter presents many safety challenges ¬both indoors and out. Being prepared and following simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm during this cold snap we are about to experience in Florida. Residents and visitors to Southwest Florida should remember the “Five P’s” of cold weather safety. The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practising Fire Safety.

  • Dress in layered clothing and wear some kind of head cover when outdoors. Although it may be cloudy and chilly, do not forget to wear sun block.
  • Have a warm meal or drink. A cup of soup or a mug of hot cocoa can warm your entire body, even when the air is chilly. Spicy foods are especially potent for heating things up.
  • Get physical. Exercise! Do jumping jacks, or run in place. Break a sweat. This will bring up your body temperature, and you may find yourself needing to cool down–even though your home isn’t even that warm!
  • Most ceiling fans have two settings. They can spin one way, blowing cold air down, or the opposite direction, pushing cold air up. In the winter, change the setting of your fan so that it pushes cold air up–keeping the warm air down below where you are.
  • Weather strip your existing windows and doors or consider investing in new Impact Resistant Windows and Doors.
  • Keep pets inside; when necessary walk them on the grass (not the cold sidewalk).
  • Protect livestock and other animals with adequate shelter, extra feed and supplemental heat.
  • Bring sensitive potted plants inside.
  • Cover outdoor plants with burlap or cloth. Cold will penetrate plastic. Water early in the day to allow the suns heat to penetrate the soil and roots.
  • Buy a portable space heater, and use it in the room you use the most. If you’re going to another room for more than 30 minutes, move the heater there 15 minutes beforehand so that the room will warm up. Keep the door to the room you’re in closed to trap the warm air. Check space heaters for sufficient ventilation.
  • Do not refuel kerosene heaters inside.
  • Make sure fireplace flues are working properly BEFORE the cold weather arrives.
  • Check extension cords for breaks and/or fraying before plugging in extra heating devices.
  • Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors. They produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes

Be Safe. Be Smart. Storm Smart.

Study Suggests Global Warming May Decrease Number Of Named Storms But Increase Threat

Friday, January 29th, 2010

The New York Times just recently released an interesting article about how global warming might have an impact on the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic.  Check it out and let us know what you think.