IDA Door-Cast

In today’s fast-paced world- with the supply-chain issues, tight labor markets, and volatile pricing, door dealers often find themselves in conversations with suppliers and competitors. While navigating this new abnormal is a challenge, it is important to understand the laws that govern communications between companies to stay out of trouble! Join IDA Executive Director Mike Fischer and IDA legal counsel Brian Schoolman from Safran Law Offices in Raleigh, NC for their discussion of antitrust laws affecting associations and individual companies.

A collision of natural disasters, a global pandemic, unfavorable policy decisions, and other market forces have caused market place issues including price volatility, production issues, labor and material shortages, delays, and other negative impacts. Chad Moutray, the National Association of Manufacturer's (NAM) Chief Economist, will share NAM’s perspective on how the U.S. manufacturing economy got to this point in time- and how IDA members can navigate the storm.

Join your DoorCast host, Mike Fischer, as he speaks with Andy Stergiou about how a proper insurance strategy can help door dealers manage risk while optimizing the expense. Andy will explain some common issues facing door dealers and what pitfalls to avoid while making sure their businesses are protected.

Andy Stergiou is the Executive Vice President for the Commercial Group at Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., and manages the IDA Preferred Partner program: IDAAssurance. With this exclusive program for IDA Members, garage door companies with superior loss experience can work with Alliant to help lower their upfront insurance premiums.

Your customers expect you to deliver quality, service and value in every project, whether it is a small residential installation or a large commercial contract. IDAssurance was built by the industry experts at Alliant and is endorsed by the IDA to help you do just that. IDAssurance opens the door to a wealth of benefits, including lower rates, broad coverage and enhanced convenience.

This episode features a discussion on issues and opportunities for women in the door business workplace. Be sure to listen to panelists Melissa Whitacre from Carl’s Door Service, Ranee Patel from Loading Dock Inc., and your moderator Flossie Miller from Miller Edge.

The new abnormal isn't just about COVID-19, it's also about understanding customer needs across different generations. Join Matt for this session and learn some tips for dealing with younger buyers to improve your closing ratio.

The residential resale market is hot, and most buyers hire a home inspector so they can make an informed purchase. Home inspectors should check garage doors and openers to make sure that they are working properly- and safely. Randy will share why you should get to know the home inspectors in your market, and what resources you can provide to make their job easier.

When Hurricane Laura hit Lake Charles, LA, in the midst of the Pandemic, the folks at A1-Door Works had to reinvent their business model and their way of life. Join us as we speak with Joy about how they have responded to a laundry list of troubles, and how they know that this family business will make it through- eventually!

Garage Door Safety

In this episode, Steve Jones, Code Council Senior Gov’t Relations Regional Manager talks with Mike Fischer, Executive Director of the International Door Association (IDA); and Gordon Thomas, Technical Director at Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) on the importance of garage door safety. They also share safety tips and resources for inspectors and the public on checking garage doors.

Links to topics referenced in this episode:

• The Code Council’s Evaluation Services also provides certifications on doors: https://icc-es.org/building-products-listing-program/

• For more technical information on garage doors, visit: https://www.dasma.com/technical-data-sheets/

• International Door Association (IDA)

• Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA)

• Garage Door Safety Month Resources

• This episode is sponsored by the American Gas Association

• DASMA Technical Data Sheet 167 – Sectional Garage Door & Electric Operator Checklist for Home Inspectors and Consumers

A solid online presence is critical to door dealer's success. Managing search engine results, social media interaction, and online reviews are all necessary skills. Doug Schatz will walk you though the basic strategies for managing who the internet thinks you are.

Understanding your business financials is critical for survival in a hyper competitive market. Door dealers should understand the nuances of markup, margin, and recognizing the key indicators from your balance