Welcome Summer 2019
A Note from Filip Geeraert
Growing together makes us stronger.
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ne of the things we do at Deceuninck that makes me proudest is creating partnerships and alliances. The best example of this is our longstanding customer alliances, which are unique in the fenestration industry. It is not easy to bring together different businesses, especially when the coalition includes competitive entrepreneurs with various management and leadership styles. Still, a recent study says it’s vital to all industry. The study was completed by KPMG, a multinational professional services company and one of the “big four” accounting organizations. KPMG interviewed 1,300 CEOs in 11 of the world’s largest economies and found “33% of respondents will prioritize strategic alliances over the next three years versus 16% who emphasize mergers and acquisitions.” The survey’s results also speak to CEOs’ realization that they need to find new ways to respond to disruptive forces. A great example is the auto industry. Many companies are now incorporating ride-sharing services or vehicle charging stations into their plans to prepare for electric-powered and autonomous vehicles. After all, it’s just not realistic for a single company to acquire all of these diverse capabilities, so strategic alliances enable them to do a number of things with flexibility.
As our own industry continues to evolve, the ability of companies to benefit from strategic alliances will also continue to grow. This may include fabricators working together, or collaborating with suppliers or service providing. Participating and building networks within our communities, both online and in-person will also take on more importance. There are lots of opportunities to learn, from both inside and outside our industry. At Deceuninck, working with others is part of our business philosophy, and it extends through our customer alliances, like Earthwise and AWA (who is celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year) and of course our Commercial Alliance (see our Sheldon Kahan interview in this issue.) This is also true for our local networks, like our partnerships with our local Chamber of Commerce, the European American Chamber of Commerce, and our collaborations with local schools and universities (see our article in this issue about our new partnership with Miami University.) And while we happily celebrate Deceuninck NA’s 50th Anniversary this year, we look forward even more to our shared future.
Here’s to the next 50! And stay tuned. Sincerely,
Filip Geeraert President and CEO
SAVE THE DATE
GlassBuild is almost here!
September 17-19, 2019 Come visit us in Atlanta at Booth #1609 Deceuninck invites you to come and celebrate our 50th Anniversary as we make plans for where we’ll go in the future. At our booth you can learn about some new improvements to products as well as get an introduction to our brand-new products.
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Project Profile: MODERN, CLEAN LOOK Indianapolis, Indiana When planning construction of this single-family residence, this homeowner was looking for a modern design with clean lines. An interior designer by trade, the owner absolutely loved the look of the black laminate interior and exterior windows created for this two-story home. In addition to the color, Earthwise Casement and Picture Windows provide unobstructed views and a large amount of natural light indoors. The windows also feature excellent performance and energy efficiency ratings.
PROJECT-AT-A-GLANCE New Construction
• WHO:
Deceuninck North America Lindsay Windows Illinois LIberty Exterior Supply
• WHAT:
New construction, including 42 windows and a patio door, of a two-story, single-family residence in Indianapolis.
• WHY:
• Color Capabilities: Black laminate interior and exterior windows • Unobstructed views • Large amount of natural light indoors • Excellent performance and energy efficiency ratings
Featured Product: Windows: Earthwise Casement, Picture Windows Door: Three-panel eos® Patio Door with transom Exterior and Interior Color: Black laminate
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Product Profile: REVOLUTION XL FRENCH DOOR
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eceuninck’s Revolution XL high-performance window and door system excels in style, thermal capability, resistance to water infiltration, and performance. Now available in a new French Door configuration, the system is fabricated using a North American frame design. The 3 ¼” wide frame includes an integral nail fin and a built-in accessory groove that is compatible with a full range of installation accessories for added versatility. Ideally suited for both commercial and residential applications, Revolution XL delivers a suite of products with flexible design and a variety of colors and finishes. It also achieves a similar appearance as aluminum with superior thermal performance.
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Corner cut rendering of highperformance Revolution XL window and door system. New tilt-in, in-swing French door, swing in the door for entry/exit and option to tilt in from the top for ventilation.
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF AT GLASSBUILD, BOOTH #1609.
The 2019 Joint AAMA and IGMA Conferences Deceuninck NA attended the 2019 Joint AAMA and IGMA Summer Conferences in June. They offered much in the way of networking with new and existing connections, advancing standards development, and learning more about our exceptional industry. Key areas that were covered by the conference include the upcoming merger of AAMA and IGMA. The new organization is to be called FGIA – the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance. There were also updates from the Vinyl Materials Council, which is forming two new tasks groups to investigate best practices for construction and installation of colored profiles and extended outdoor weathering testing. Deceuninck will be participating in both task groups and will keep customers updated. Another highlight of the conferences was professional management speaker Oak Moser, who offered leadership advice. He focused on the need to develop interpersonal skills and offered up tips to improve understanding and ability to build stronger connections – influencing people of all personality styles across organizations and teams. “A team that is not emotionally connected is never physically prepared,” said Moser. He acknowledged that there could be challenges to connecting because day-to-day tasks can distract us from building relationships. “You have to make it part of your plan to make those connections,” he said. “Teamwork is not born out of common purpose, cause or belief. It’s relationship-based, and you have to be committed.” Moser encouraged participants to sign up for the IGMA Leadership Development Program to learn more.
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GROWING THE
COMMERCIAL ALLIANCE MEANS GROWING TOGETHER
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hen asked for a brief description of Deceuninck’s Commercial Alliance, manager Sheldon Kahan said, “It’s a group that we’ve put together of our fabricator partners who are interested in selling large jobs – whether it’s commercial, large multi-family dwellings, medical, senior living facilities, or schools. We help them with leads and along every step of the way.” Kahan is also hoping to expand the Alliance into the hospitality market as well. It’s the third year for the Alliance, and Kahan is very focused on the Alliance’s future growth:
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A lot of our customers have been selling replacement windows and some new construction windows for a really long time … but they never really were able to do the very large commercial jobs because they weren’t set up to do it, or they just didn’t know how. And so I actually help them find the opportunities, said Kahan.
”
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According to Kahan, the number one success area for the Alliance right now is project leads. And the number of jobs that are being sold continues to grow each year.
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One of the things that I think tells us a lot is that more than 30% of the leads that we get today are from construction companies that we’ve already talked to in the past,” observed Kahan. “The bigger that number gets, the more successful we will be.
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And the Commercial Alliance itself is growing as well. Pro Window & Door in Little Rock, Arkansas is the newest member to join. They make residential and light commercial property products. “They’ve been doing it for a very long time. They even make insulated glass as well – not just for vinyl windows. So that’s another expertise we’ve added to the Alliance,” said Sheldon. He’s also hoping to add at least two more new members by the end of 2019 and three more in 2020, with expansion into Western markets alongside Deceuninck’s Fernley, Nevada plant.
Kahan has one final bit of advice to those interested in joining the Commercial Alliance:
“ There’s good news too for the vinyl market, according to Kahan:
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Vinyl is becoming more accepted in the commercial arena where it wasn’t before. While new home sales have been dropping, multi-family jobs and senior living facility jobs are becoming more said Kahan. plentiful,
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In other news, Kahan says vinyl colors have become very important:
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Now that we can do colors, both inside and out builders who were never thinking of vinyl will think of it now,” said Kahan. “We’re also seeing projects growing taller, and we now have vinyl products that can fit in these types of buildings, the demand is growing.
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Speaking of height, Sheldon hopes members and others thinking about joining the Alliance will take a strong look at the “Euro product line” of Deceuninck’s Revolution XL. “These products can be made very, very large and they can go up to lots of stories,” said Sheldon.
The long and short of it is, if people are set up properly to do this type of business, or they want to grow into this type of business, they can be very successful. But it’s not for everyone. The contracts are large. There’s a lot of detail, there’s a lot of financial exposure, and you have to be competitive.
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But Kahan and the Commercial Alliance are here to help.
Get to know Sheldon Kahan: Deceuninck’s Commercial Program Manager Kahan tells it like this: He graduated from Ohio State in 1982. And ever since then, he’s been in the window business! 2019 marks Kahan’s 36th year in the fenestration industry. He’s been in most of the industry’s sectors: retail, wholesale, distribution and even “once upon a time” he manufactured windows as well. You can reach him at 516-649-0243 or at sheldon.kahan@deceuninck.com.
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DECEUNINCK SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL PARTNERS. The Program helps college students get further.
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n mid-May, Deceuninck hosted Ohio Senator Bill Coley as well as Gregory Crawford, president of Miami University (OH) and members of their teams at our Monroe plant. Together we’re looking at ways to join forces to develop a plan for a local college work-study program here at Deceuninck, as well as at other local manufacturers. The program is called Work+ and starting this fall it will provide participating Ohio residents with part-time jobs in the local workforce, work experience and paid tuition.
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Work+ is the brainchild of Senator Coley (R-Liberty Township), who unveiled it at a press conference on May 30 at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Alongside him were fellow Ohio Senators Steve Wilson (R), Bob Hackett (R), Joe Eucker (R), Ohio Representative Sara Carruthers (R), Rob Brundrett of the Ohio Manufacturers Association, and President Crawford.
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There are multiple advantages to this program. Employers get more consistency in their entry-level workforce. Work+ participants learn both technical and soft skills, and they can potentially create a pathway to a career if they perform well. Program participants may pursue any major, said Cathy Bishop Clark, Associate Provost and Dean of Miami University Regionals.
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There is a lot of interest among both students and the manufacturing companies in this program. So stay tuned!
DECEUNINCK NA WINS THREE DIFFERENT AWARDS IN 2019… SO FAR. Deceuninck’s not done growing and improving. These awards prove it.
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n March, we were honored when Deceuninck NA was recognized at the inaugural Ohio Success Awards as one of the fastestgrowing companies in Ohio. The Ohio Success Awards honors companies that demonstrate “ingenuity, partnership and perseverance.” Then in June, we were recognized by Cincy Magazine at The MANNY Awards.
The MANNY Awards are committed to “recognizing the manufacturing industry’s greatest accomplishments, and in doing so, will honor local companies for their innovation and best practices.” This is the 5th year in a row that Deceuninck has been a MANNY winner and the 4th time we have won for top growth. Finally, also in June, we landed on Cincy Magazine’s 2019 Best Workplace in Ohio list. The magazine editors pick the winners by asking the question, “What makes a great workplace?” Many factors contribute to this, from 401(k) plans to company outings, but the bottom line is a great workplace must be where a worker feels valued. These awards couldn’t come at a better time as we continue to celebrate our th Anniversary this year.
Lisa Smith, Jim McGruder, Jamie Miller, Natasha Williams, Shelley Castellani, Bethany Nickson, Stefhania Morales, Sharon Kirk, and Sean Cain at the MANNY awards.
Jim McGruder, Commercialization Project Manager, goes to the stage to accept the MANNY Award on behalf of Deceuninck NA.
Philip Morton, Director of Business Development and Innovation, speaks on a video shown at the event.
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THE TEAM TO FOLLOW:
The Deceuninck-Quick-Step Cycling Team has won 30 races so far in 2019. AND ALONG THE WAY, THEY’VE DEMONSTRATED BOTH LEADERSHIP AND TEAM BUILDING. In October 2018, Deceuninck Group was proud to become a multi-year sponsor with the legendary Quick-Step Floors cycle racing team. The team is an especially great fit for Deceuninck because of their team spirit and the top performance that they’ve demonstrated for decades. Quick-Step, our co-sponsor, is an international company that makes beautiful and high-quality flooring in a variety of materials. And the team itself is international. It’s made up of 24 riders from France, Denmark, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Czechoslovakia, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Columbia, and of course, Belgium.
At the time of the sponsorship announcement, Francis Van Eeckhout, CEO of Deceuninck Group said: “We are delighted with this powerful partnership in international cycling, one of the most popular sports in Europe and emerging worldwide. This high valued sponsorship offers plenty of commercial opportunities for Deceuninck and all our customers. I am confident this is a new milestone for the company.” Since the sponsorship began, this already successful team has just kept racking up awards. They’ve won 30 races (and counting) and currently team rider Julian Alaphilippe of France is in the number one spot of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) rankings. Nine other riders on the team are also currently in the Top 100 of the UCI rankings. The team has also generated a lot of press, and there was even a surreal moment when Lance Armstrong referred to the team on his talk show and podcast TheMove. “We’re all used to calling them Team Quick-Step. And now they have a new title sponsor … Duhshooonk!” Even though Armstrong made our Belgian name sound like a bad sneeze, we were thrilled for the mention. This May, the team won 3 stages (or legs) of the tough Tour of California race. The Tour is notorious amongst professional cycling teams for a good reason. It’s the only race on the toplevel World Tour that takes place in the US, and in eight days the race covers nearly 700 miles through California.
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A typical Tour begins in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California, travels through the Redwood forests, California’s Wine Country and down the Pacific Coast and finishes in Southern California Our team refers to themselves as the “Wolfpack,” and during the Tour of California race, they were able to pull off a “Wolfpack Hat Trick” by winning three consecutive victories with as many riders. It was the first time this had ever happened in the event’s history. And they managed to pull it off even though this year’s Tour was particularly harrowing and was marred by two bad crashes. Team member Fabio Jakobsen stood out in the race with his performance, and he later explained their success at a press conference:
“We are a great group of riders, all willing to sacrifice ourselves and work hard for each other,” said Jakobsen.“It’s worth mentioning also that we came here in good shape and the previous wins this week gave us a lot of confidence, so we’re just riding the wave at the moment and seizing every opportunity we get.”
Working hard for each other and seizing opportunities? Sounds a lot like Deceuninck North America’s approach to the fenestration industry. So how did they do in the Tour de France? Rider Julian Allaphilippe enjoyed 14 days in the yellow jersey but then finished fifth overall. History was made instead by the youngest rider to win the Tour de France in 100 years – Egan Bernal from Columbia. Bernal is also the first Latin American to win the Tour. As for our team? There are, of course, many more races to come. We wish them well.
P.S.
You can follow the Deceuninck – Quick-Step Team on Twitter at @deceuninck_qst or on Facebook at Deceuninck – Quick-Step Cycling Team.
Members of the Deceuninck North America team pose with rider Fabio Jakobsen at the Tour of California race. From left to right: David Pirwitz (Western Regional Sales Manager), Greg Koch (Vice President of Sales and Marketing), Fabio Jakobsen, Helen Peyton (Senior Marketing Manager), and Jennifer Bellinger and Byron Johnson from Panoramic Doors.
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IN Incorporating SHELTER® Magazine DOOR & WINDOW MARKET MAGAZINE
Window & Door Magazine Secrets to Well-Designed Windows
THE
N E W S:
INDUSTRY
BUZZ
April 2019
It reminds me of the common design question, form or function? The unequivocal answer is “yes”– a highperforming window with top-notch design integrates form and function. It’s a simple answer, but not an easy one to perfect.
LOOKING THROUGH A WELL-DESIGNED WINDOW Let’s start at the intersection of sleek black smartphones and consumers’ window preferences. Subtle, broader consumer design and color trends influence interior and exterior home designs, and windows and doors. Take, for instance, a homeowner who was building a single-family residence in Indianapolis. The owner wanted a home with a modern design and clean sightlines. A designer by trade, the owner loved the idea of black laminate interior and exterior windows for the two-story home... For full text of the article, visit www. windowanddoor.com/article/marchapril2019/secrets-well-designed-windows
June/July 2019 by Window & Door Magazine
by Scott Sowers As a fenestration professional, I’ve spent a quarter of a century looking at and evaluating windows, from the lineals and seals to the profiles. I’ve also learned to step back and take a consumer’s view by looking through windows.
News from the Industry: Deceuninck Signs Deal as Window Systems Supplier to Katerra.
2019 Product Guide: Window & Door: Revolution XL Tilt & Turn
Technology company Katerra Inc. selected Deceuninck North America as its window and patio door systems supply partner.
For both windows and doors, savvy consumers demand higher thermal values along with improved impact and wind resistance. Using increased thermal values keeps indoor temperatures more stable, saving on heating and cooling costs, while windows and doors with higher wind resistance can stand up to severe storms.
Founded in 2015, Katerra applies tested systems approaches of industrialized global industries. Katerra combines expertise in architecture, engineering, design, material sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, technology and construction to provide a panelized, efficient approach to construction. Its panelized approach to construction is designed to offer a flexible, customizable design portfolio of building components and assemblies for myriad markets, including multifamily, senior living, student housing, masterplan development, commercial, hospitality, education, industrial and retail.
In addition to performance and protection, homeowners want style in their windows and doors. This is a place where builders can provide a luxury feature for off-the-shelf prices as more manufacturers offer larger sizes, better thermal performance, and more finishes as standard...
“Katerra’s entire macro approach to the building process—treating it like the electronics supply chain— is hugely innovative and has never been tried before,” says Trevor Schick, head of construction, renovations and supply chain for Katerra. “Katerra is integrating previously siloed building processes to deliver value end-to-end...”
For full text of the article, visit www.builderonline.com/ building/2019-product-guidewindows-and-doors_o
For full text of the article, visit www. windowanddoor.com/news-item/ companies/deceuninck-signs-dealwindow-systems-supplier-katerra
April 2019 by Scott Sowers
Innovation. Design. Sustainability. At Deceuninck North America, we focus on each of these prime directives in all that we do – from manufacturing our products to interacting with our customers. www.DeceuninckNA.com
It is all part of Building a Better Tomorrow.