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.
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…
Storm Smart’s mascot, ‘Major Storm’ showed up this weekend at the Germain Arena for the Big Boy Truck and Toy Expo, February 13th and 14th. Adults and children alike stopped by the Storm Smart booth to say hello to him and learn a little bit about some of our hurricane protection products. People were fascinated by our Storm Catcher screens and Insulstar Plus foam-seal products and video. Several Storm Smart sales associates were on hand to answer questions and provide information to those who were interested. Quite a few people also signed up to win our 32” HD Television as well. Stay tuned, as we will be letting you know who the winner of that television was on this site.
All in all the show was a great success. Major Storm and the rest the Storm Smart staff looks forward to meeting more of the public at a show near you soon.
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.
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
In the event of a hurricane or any tropical storm related disaster, it is recommended that you keep an emergency supply kit on hand. For those of us located on the coastline of Florida, it is especially important that you have such a kit handy at all times. A powerful storm can leave the areas that it hit devastated. Being prepared for such an event can literally mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. Below you can find the items that are recommended for a basic Hurricane Supply Kit:
Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days(72 hrs) for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three day supply of non – perishable food items
A battery powered or hand crank radio NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
Flash light and extra batteries
First aid kit. The more comprehensive the better
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation in the event of plumbing, sewage or septic issues
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. They will also come in handy for numerous other situations
Can opener for canned food
The above listed items are the most basic of necessities. You may also want to consider storing the following items as well:
Prescription meds and glasses
Infant food and formula
Pet food and extra water for pets
Important documents (Insurance, bank accounts, id etc…) It;’s a good idea to place these items in a water proof container.
Cash or travellers checks
Emergency reference materials (first aid books etc…)
Sleeping bag or blankets for each person.
Complete change of clothing
Household chlorine bleach. If diluted with nine parts water, it can be used as a disinfectant.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Hygiene supplies
Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils
Paper and pencil
Books games and puzzles or other activities for children.
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Storm Smart’s mascot, ‘Major Storm’ showed up this weekend at the Germain Arena for the Big Boy Truck and Toy Expo, February 13th and 14th. Adults and children alike stopped by the Storm Smart booth to say hello to him and learn a little bit about some of our hurricane protection products. People were fascinated by our Storm Catcher screens and 
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
