Eden Coast's Blog

Fantastic Social Media Tools for Garage Door Businesses!

Posted by Brian Clark on Tue, Oct 21, 2014 @ 09:15 AM

This week, we invite you to read this great article we found in the Fall 2014 DASMA Insider Magazine.  We certainly do appreciate Tom Wadsworth for letting us share.  We at Eden Coast can attest to the value of both Facebook and Houzz.  Both avenues have been great relationship builders for us.  We'd love to hear from you about your experience with Facebook, Houzz or any other Social Media tools you have found helpful to grow new and existing relationships with customers!

Although we have provided the article below, you can click on it to view a larger copy at the dasma website. 

 

Social Media

If you would like to browse the entire on-line magazine, here is the link:  http://www.dasma.com/PubMagInsider/093014/093014DAS.html.  In addition, if you want to check out the houzz website:  http://www.houzz.com/

We always invite your insight and experience!  Please share in the comment section below!

Until next time,

Brian

Tags: B2C, b2b, eden coast, garage door dealer, architect, builder, homeowner, garage doors

Eden Coast Announces a New Addition to the Family!

Posted by Brian Clark on Wed, Oct 08, 2014 @ 09:15 AM

describe the imageWe have, once again, expanded the Eden Coast family! We welcomed our newest team member, Rosmery Mojena, effective September 29, 2014.  

“Rose” (as she prefers to be called) was born in Havana, Cuba.  The youngest of three children, she and her family arrived in the United States twenty years ago the old fashioned way – on a man-made boat with a paddle! Although she was very young at the time and doesn't remember much about the experience, she is forever grateful to her parents and their sacrifice in bringing them all to America in hopes of providing a better way of life. Now, twenty years later, Rose says she is living the American Dream.

She is “loving every minute of” pursuing her B.A. in Accounting and is looking forward to acquiring the real life experiences Eden Coast can offer.  She has lived in Georgia for the last 17 years, and has only been able to return to Havana once to meet her grandfather for the first time.  She says it was the best two weeks of her life!  She has two dogs and loves spending her time outside.  However, Sundays are spent indoors during the fall so she can watch her beloved Florida Gators, Dolphins and Hurricanes.  I wonder if we will have any luck converting her to a Bulldog fan!

We welcome Rose and the strong skill set she has developed over 7 years of experience in a fast paced office environment. Rose will serve as Office Administrator in our Lawrenceville, GA home office and will report directly to Duane Laricey, President.
Image Boians Cho Joo Young

Tags: B2C, b2b, eden coast

7 Tips on Custom Composite Garage Doors

Posted by Brian Clark on Tue, Sep 16, 2014 @ 09:15 AM

ID 100206688Kristen Bosse of Georgia State Homes was kind enough to do an interview with Brian Clark, our Director of Sales and Marketing in an effort to get to know more about our business and why we do what we do.  We have copied a part of the interview here and have included the link where you can read the article in its entirety.  Thank you Kristen, for taking the time to get to know about us! Enjoy the article!

 

Can you briefly go over the main options that homeowners need to decide on when they're considering a new custom garage door?

Whether it is a replacement door or for new construction, a great place to start is your local garage door dealer who's familiar with what's out there. Here are some key topics for discussion with your dealer about your composite door purchase:
Can I have any design I want?
Would I like to add windows to one or more sections?
Can I have any color that I want?
Can I match a wood that I like or that is already on my house?
What level of insulation is appropriate?

 

What are some of the most popular garage door styles and features for most homes?

In terms of style, customization is what distinguishes us from the rest. Our attention to detail and dedication to quality are the cornerstones of our success. We do have some designs that are requested more frequently than others, but when it comes to a custom composite door, the design and finish are as individual as the owners and their homes.

As for features, you may wish to incorporate windows into your door or embellish the door with some decorative hardware. It's totally dependent on your vision.

 

How well do your garage doors stand up to the environment?

We have a large number of our doors installed in Florida. That is one of the harshest environments anywhere with its extreme heat, humidity and coastal exposures. The main advantage of using composite materials to clad the door is that it is fully customizable and it is a better alternative than wood. The composites we use will not rot or decay. The finishes we apply, be it paint or stain, are from the highest quality manufacturers and are designed to stand up to all temperatures and harmful UV rays.

 

And for the rest of the story, click on the link next to "Check out my interview" below....

 

Check out my interview, 7 Tips on Custom Composite Garage Doors on Georgia State Homes, one of the top sites for Georgia homes for sale, including Douglasville, GA homes for sale. Georgia State Homes also services Florida real estate and North Carolina homes for sale.

 

Image stuart miles

Tags: B2C, b2b, eden coast, finish on composite door, composite garage doors, composite garage door design, home improvement, architect, homeowner, alternatives to wood doors, rot free and maintenance free, garage doors, window design, customized glass options, garage door design, eco-friendly door material

Top 7 Tips for Choosing a Garage Door Repair Company

Posted by Brian Clark on Thu, Aug 07, 2014 @ 01:38 PM

 

Our thanks goes out to Tom Wadsworth and the DASMA Insider for these great tips to help you when you need your garage door repaired. Please share this with your friends. I’m going to print a copy and tape it to the inside of my garage door right now!

How to choose a garage door repair company (2)

As always, we encourage your comments and suggestions in the area provided below.

 

 

 

Tags: B2C, garage door dealer, home improvement, builder, garage doors

Email Scams Target Garage Door Dealers

Posted by Brian Clark on Wed, Jul 23, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

Emails scams have been around for as long as there has been email. I’m sure all of us have been declared winners in the Nigerian lottery, but some scams are not so preposterous. Here’s one that came to my inbox just last week:

 

From: Kevin Lance [mailto:officeofkevin47@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 9:03 AM
To: Brian Clark
Subject: Qoute needed


Hello Sir/Mardam,

I am Mr Keven.I am contacting your company to make an order of 16 by 7 Non Insulated Garage Doors.I will like you to get back to me with the price of 13 units the specs below including tax to be picked up at your location.I also would like you to advice me on the terms of payment that you accept.

Below are the specs.

16 by 7 Non Insulated Garage Door

Thank you
Kevin.

 

I did not alter his message and as you can see, the grammar and spelling are a dead giveaway. He couldn’t even spell his name correctly from the hijacked email account. Below is a great article from the DASMA Insider on how to spot such scams and what to do if you fall victim. Please forward this message to make others aware.

 

 describe the image

As always, I encourage your comments and suggestions to further the discussion. Thank you!

Tags: B2C, b2b, composite garage doors, composite garage door design, garage door dealer scams

Eden Coast's Garage Door Dealer Spotlight

Posted by Brian Clark on Tue, Jul 15, 2014 @ 09:07 AM

Allied Naples ShowroomIn an effort to share with you some of the many outstanding garage door dealers in the country, I would like to introduce a recurring segment on our blog: The Dealer Spotlight.

 

Allied Doors West Florida, Inc.

Contributed by Steven Romanelli

  

Allied West Florida Logo

Allied Doors West Florida, Inc. has been serving Southwest Florida’s garage door needs since 1991. We are a family owned and operated business who specializes in garage doors, garage door openers and garage door repairs. Allied Doors West Florida, Inc. is one of the largest sellers of garage doors and garage door openers in Southwest Florida, and our commitment to customer service is unsurpassed. We proudly offer Amarr, C.H.I. and Eden Coast doors and are a LiftMaster ProVantage dealer. We furnish and install doors rated for all wind code areas including Miami-Dade.

In addition to our dedication to customer satisfaction, Allied Doors West Florida, Inc. is also committed to our community. We have installed many garage doors for Habitat for Humanity in Lee and Collier Counties and also contribute to various local charities such as Builders Care, KidsCan and Naples Equestrian Challenge.

Our business is fully licensed and insured and all of our technicians are full-time employees. Our highly trained and qualified staff is dedicated to superior standards of product installation, service, and dependability. From quality steel garage doors to custom made wood and composite garage doors we are a one stop shop.

Because change and innovation are constant, Allied Doors West Florida, Inc. strives for consistent improvements in policy, procedures and technology to promote continuous growth toward new levels of excellence. Our showroom is “second to none” and a good example of this principle.

If you’re unfamiliar with Allied Doors West Florida, Inc., take a few moments to surf over to their site. They are extremely knowledgeable and a fine example of a quality garage door dealer.

 

 

If you are a dealer interested in being put in “The Spotlight” please email me directly at Brian@EdenCoast.com

 


Tags: B2C, b2b, eden coast, garage door dealer, composite garage doors, homeowner, alternatives to wood doors, choosing composite vs. wood doors, garage doors, wind load doors, Miami Dade, wood doors

Improve Curb Appeal Instantly with Your Garage Door Design

Posted by Brian Clark on Mon, Jun 02, 2014 @ 08:40 AM

038Decorating the outside of your home is just as important as decorating the inside. Your sanctuary is your single most expensive investment, and you want to make sure it reflects your unique taste. Replacing window panes, doors, and planting trees and shrubberies are all part of making the outside appealing and attractive to your neighbors, visitors and even potential buyers. However, there is one outdoor feature that homeowners either forget about or never think to improve: their garage doors.


The garage door is typically the largest opening in your home and often is a majority of the home’s front elevation. If you are looking to sell your home, prospective buyers, for example, will look at every aspect of your home including your garage door. To add value and beauty to your abode's exterior, consider creating ways to improve curb appeal instantly with a garage entry design that you can implement yourself. You can be as imaginative and as original as you choose.

Who doesn't want to increase the value of their property? When you add new garage doors and other curb appeal features to the outside of your home you are increasing your home's value. You don't have to be traditional when it comes to decorating or designing your garage door. There are many styles, colors and options available. Don't be afraid to be different. After all, you are the one that will drive up to it every day. So, why not be happy with it?


The type of design you choose will determine how much attention your home will receive. For example, if your garage doors are on the front of your house, there are ways for you to make this work in your favor. You can choose large section panels with an overlay, or custom design something to complement the architectural design of your home. Overlay doors are usually more expensive to purchase initially, but they can give your home unmatched style, beauty and character.

 
Overlay doors are typically steel sectional doors to which material is applied on the exterior. Materials used for overlay include composite, fiberglass, foam, PVC and wood. Composite overlays are a good choice due to the fact that they require much less maintenance than do wood or wood-based materials. Insulation is another cost-effective option for keeping heat trapped inside the garage during the winter months, or keeping the garage interior cooler in warmer climates. If you use your garage as a workshop or for other events you might want to consider an insulated door.

 
Ultimately, the garage door design you choose should be exactly what you want. It is always a great idea to look through magazines or search for online designs to spark your creativity. After all, you invest a lot of labor, time, and money into your home, so don’t forget the value of a spectacular garage door.
 

Tags: B2C, home improvement, garage doors, wood doors, garage door design, overlay doors composite garage door design

Making a well-informed decision about composite garage doors

Posted by Duane Laricey on Wed, Nov 02, 2011 @ 11:18 AM

Making informed decisions about composite garage doorsLet’s pick up on our discussion about all the choices surrounding the selection of a composite garage door that I began a few weeks ago in our first blog post.

 
There are several well-informed decisions that have to be made when choosing to go with a composite garage door.

 
After choosing a composite door, many people think, “Alright, we don’t have to worry about rot or insects! Now we can move on to the next decision.”  If a rot-free door is your only concern, then you will have more options available to you in the composite garage door arena. 


If you want to take your information gathering to a deeper level, then one of the most important considerations is going to be the ongoing cost of owning a composite garage door.  


For the sake of this discussion, let’s limit our focus to stained doors.  Most composite doors are faux stained or stained with a wiping stain just like wood. While that, in itself, is not a problem, most people forget that their research started with the words, “rot free and maintenance free”.  


So, if a composite door is finished with the same materials that are used on wood, then the clear coat becomes the most important factor. 


What is the clear coat? It is the clear coating that is applied over the stain to protect it from the elements and to block the harmful UV rays that cause fading and damage.  Some of the clear coats need to be reapplied annually based on your UV exposure to keep the finish from fading, cracking or peeling and just as important, to preserve your warranty.  


So, while some composites have no wood in them at all and will not rot, the maintenance becomes about the preservation of your look and finish.  When considering your finish, ask yourself:

  • Will it be stained?
  • Who is going to stain it? 
  • What will it be stained with?

Remember that the most important factor about finishing is what will be applied as the clear coat. 

 

My best advice in searching for the door that most meets your needs, is to make sure you define specifically what you are looking for. Important issues to consider are:

  • Are you looking for the same architectural detail that wood offers?
  • Are you looking to have the same stained effect that wood offers?
  • Do you want your doors to be only rot free?
  • Do you want your doors to be rot free and maintenance free?

Each of these questions, and answers more importantly, will narrow the focus of your search as you move forward.


When it’s time to decide, ensure that you are armed with as much information as possible.  There are some great composite materials out there, each with their own benefits. However, there are very few different types of finishing techniques out there. I would encourage you to search for the finish technique that is head-and-shoulders above the rest.  I hope I have helped you feel better equipped to find the best one for you. 


Keep in mind that just because your architect or designer has suggested a wood door, doesn’t mean that is your only choice.  Remember that there are quality alternatives that provide the look and feel of wood. 
 

Image:  graur razvan ionut 

 

Tags: B2C, b2b, ongoing cost of composite door, alternatives to wood doors, choosing composite vs. wood doors, rot free and maintenance free

Is there a comparable alternative to the Jeld Wen garage door?

Posted by Duane Laricey on Thu, Oct 20, 2011 @ 10:13 AM

Jeld-Wen Alternatives

I know, I know.  I promised to continue with the considerations for a composite garage door discussion I started last week.  However, with Jeld-Wen’s announcement earlier this month that they are ceasing production of their composite garage doors, many people have found themselves asking this question and searching for alternatives.  You may be asking yourself:

 

1.  Is there really an alternative?

2.  Will I have to sacrifice the design I chose?

3.  What about pricing?

 

Is there really a comparable alternative?  YES!  There are other composite door manufacturers in the marketplace.  We have been flooded with questions, and have comforted many a customer during this transition.  If you already picked out a Jeld-Wen design, provide it, and see what the solution looks like. 

 

Will I have to sacrifice the design I chose? Probably not!  The benefits of custom manufactured composite garage doors are numerous.  If you like a specific design, then get it!  If you like a specific design but want to make some changes, even better.  It’s your house; it’s your garage, and you should have your heart’s desire!  

 

What about pricing?  I think you will find that apples-to-apples, pricing should be comparable across the board.   Jeld-Wen made a good door, but rest assured, there are quality solutions available.

 

So rest easy.  The same benefits that attracted you to Jeld-Wen are available through a few select manufacturers!

 

Image by Michal Marcol

 

Tags: B2C, b2b, composite garage doors, eco-friendly door material, jeld-wen alternatives

Considering a composite garage door instead of wood?

Posted by Duane Laricey on Sun, Oct 09, 2011 @ 06:11 PM

Decisions about composite products

So, you think you might want to go with composite materials for your garage door. You like the idea of not only an eco-friendly solution for the environment, but also, you want to move away from the rotting issues and the maintenance issues associated with wood.

Let's begin by answering the question, "What is a composite garage door?" Most composite garage doors are constructed by adhering various types of material to a steel door in an effort to achieve a wood-like appearance.

Understanding your choices when it comes to composite materials is the first step in the decision-making process.

Composite materials fall into 5 basic categories:

Fiberglass

Recycled wood and paper

PVC

Low density Foam

High density or Reinforced Foam

To help you make the best decision, ask yourself what design and finishing options are most appealing to you. If you like standard stamped or pre-molded designs, then fiberglass composite would be a good choice for you.

On the other hand, if you want to be creative in your design, match the architectural expression of your home, match the style of your front door, or only be limited by your vision, then a PVC, a recycled wood, or a foam composite product will be a good fit for you.

PVC is a plastic option that offers the same workability as recycled wood and will not rot. It is heavier than many of the low density foams but is still lighter than wood. The greatest challenge this option presents is the limited color options that are available.  Dark colors cause the PVC to expand and contract which can lead to the overlay popping off the doors.

A recycled wood and paper product is heavy and may eventually have some rotting.  After all, it does still have some wood or paper in it. Its durability, however, is usually superior to a true wood door. Think about your design….are there going to be areas where water accumulates at the edges, in the corners, or at the bottom? Wet environments and water accumulation, even in small amounts, create rotting environments eventually.

Benefits of a low density foam composite material include no rotting and a much lighter weight than wood and other composite materials. However, this option does not offer the durability that recycled wood or high density or reinforced foam does.

The fifth type of composite material is high density or reinforced foam, which offers the best solution for limitless design and durability.

Once you understand the different types of composites available, along with the benefits and challenges they offer, the real choices begin. What kind of finish do you want? Will you stain or paint your door? Do you want only a rot-free door or do you want a maintenance-free solution? There are differences. I look forward to discussing those differences in our next blog posting!

 

*Image from:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1499

Tags: B2C, b2b, composite garage doors, alternatives to wood doors

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