It’s not all work for Brian!!!
For Storm Smart’s 2011 Christmas party, the employees of Storm Smart presented Brian with a gift certificate to the Richard Petty Driving Experience. 
Brian’s fastest lap was greater than 134 MPH and said it reminded him of driving across alligator alley. Upon his return, he personally thanked everyone for the gift certificate and is looking forward to hearing from NASCAR as to when he starts. 
Brian Rist , president of the Smart Companies is attending the ASTM (American Society of Testing & Materials) meetings, this week in Phoenix Arizona. Mr. Rist hopes to learn more about the future of the Building Codes & to try to help shape these future codes.
In Arizona, discussion will take place about the future of wind & structural codes not only in Florida but throughout the United States. There will also be meetings regarding the future Energy codes.
Most people are unaware that although Florida has it’s own building codes it is mostly based on the engineering standard written by ASTM & ASCE, (American Society of Civil Engineers) committees & then adopted by the Florida Code people.
A meeting has already been scheduled for when Mr. Rist comes back to bring the rest of the staff up to speed, just another example of why the Smart Companies stay a step ahead of our industry.
Record Sales & Wholesale Expansion
In today’s tough economy you have heard of the many challenges that companies are facing. We have not been immune to those challenges. We work our hardest everyday to overcome each obstacle with integrity and character. We have a “Zero Tolerance Policy” towards poor customer service. We truly believe that when you take care of your customer they will take care of you.
This is why we are proud to announce that we have had one of the best sales quarters in the past 5 years. We solely contribute this to the dedication and hard work of the almost 120 employees that work here and our loyal customers that keep referring our name. So we want to thank all of our loyal customers and each and every one of The Smart Companies team. Thank you!
Due to the record sales that we have been experiencing Brian Rist has decided to really take another look at our wholesale division. He has decided to reinvest and bring on another talented individual by the name of Greg Slaydon. Greg is a seasoned manufacturing rep that has been selling storm protection throughout the United State’s high velocity hurricane zones for many years.
Our mission is to make sure that everyone has the ability to obtain our lifesaving Storm Catcher screen to protect their family and homes. If you are a window, shutter business owner and would like more information on our wholesale pricing for Storm Catcher Screen. Please contact Kim Trapp (239-938-1000) at our home office and she will make sure that you get set up with one of our wholesale applications.
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.
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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