Author Archives: homesteadop

Did you know that we carry structural vinyl and aluminum porch posts in many styles from trusted brands, including Key-Link and Superior Plastic Products?  No matter your customers’ design preferences, we have posts in many varieties and colors to enhance curb appeal while providing stability. Call us for more information! *Porch posts are not designed…

Every customer is unique in some way, with their own preferences and expectations when working with a contractor. Here are three tips to help you ensure customer satisfaction across the board.  1. Talk and, more importantly, listen to customers before starting a project.  Communication takes time, but it’s necessary. Not only does it matter for…

Check out our new video that shares insight and pros and cons about three deck board-fastening methods: Fasteners through the surface of the board Fasteners through the side of the board Clips inserted into grooves in the board Visit www.homesteadoutdoorproducts.com/videos to see this video and also to tune in to our other helpful videos—and watch…

In our last issue, we introduced the five-step process in David Allen’s book “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.”  IN THIS ISSUE, WE’LL ZERO IN ON THE FIRST STEP: CAPTURE. This step involves capturing your tasks and “to-dos” in some way so that you can get them out of your head and come…

2020 was unlike any other year—but the same. Despite the unforeseen shutdowns, a global pandemic, and uncertainty just around every corner, which kept us all guessing, one thing that hasn’t changed is our gratitude for the relationships we share with our customers and suppliers. And this is something we are committed to.  So, this year’s…

By: Stuart Jeffcoat—CEO, Burgard By now, we’ve all heard quite a bit about COVID-19 and have seen in real-time the economic consequences. Sadly, many small businesses have been shuttered, and, regardless of what Wall Street looks like, Main Street has suffered the most. Despite the immediate pain for some businesses caused by intermittent supply chain…

By: Todd Burgard—President, Burgard Name any industry, and you will find countless trade-specific associations available to folks within those professions. For us builders, contractors, and suppliers, it’s no different. You may have even considered joining one. In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the pros and cons of industry associations and, hopefully, help you decide whether…

By: Dan McHugh—Wolf Home Products One of the most important things anyone can do in a business relationship is manage expectations. Whether it’s buying a car, a pool, a deck, or a pencil, there is an expectation a consumer has for the product. In our industry, homeowners are doing more and more research on products…

By: Melanie Hess—content writer and marketing project manager at Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing. First, if you really want to use a particular project for marketing, consider hiring a professional. It will cost some money up front, but the photos you get will be well worth it. You can provide a list…

Over the years, our clients have asked us all kinds of questions. From simple product information and installation tips to complex problem-solving recommendations regarding design/plan/build. When addressing these concerns, our focus is always to add value to our customers and offer this advice to folks who may be trying to solve the same problems. In…