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2009 February LCN - Hardscapes: SRW Design: Separate Yourself!01-27-09 | News

SRW Design: Separate Yourself!

By Lynn Barnhart




J & J Materials distributes SRW systems among other hardscape products in the Boston, Mass. area. The companies Scott Santos claims that retaining wall designs offering more than the traditional single-size, split-faced grey-block look are increasingly popular among customers. In fact, he claims the arazzo system depicted was a best seller in 2008. All images courtesy Anchor Wall Systems.

Think high-end hardscape products in fashionable colors and creative craftsmanship are bygone wishes when the economy takes a turn for the worse? Think again if you?EUR??,,????'?????<

These tools might be your best sales strategy for winning jobs in a year when it?EUR??,,????'?????<

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Designing this SRW with three pieces of different dimensions is one of the features that help it mimic natural stone. Evidence of how well stone can be replicated in modern SRW designs can be found in the hardscape purchase of Tina and Bob Sylvia. They originally entered J & J Materials searching for a natural stone planter wall, but ended up deciding on a manufactured system.


Tap Into Dealers to Increase Sales

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Santos also said a best seller for the 2008 season was a product called the arazzo retaining wall system, a concrete block that features face styles that emulate natural stone. ?EUR??,,????'?????<






Hal Bridgers is a contractor with 18 years of experience in Southport, N.C. He sees showing an 8-inch grey block as ?EUR??,,????'?????<


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It was a reaction to the J&J Materials display by Tina and Bob Sylvia, homeowners from Bristol, R.I., that convinced the couple to purchase a different retaining wall system than planned. The Sylvia?EUR??,,????'?????<

Like the Sylvias, homeowners are having considerable influence in choosing the color and style of their hardscape products; a trend contractors must take into account. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

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Tim Huinker also recommends taking advantage of the numerous color choices available in today?EUR??,,????'?????<


Increasing Your Selling Skills

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This approach has served Hal Bridgers, a Southport, N.C. contractor of 18 years well. Bridger?EUR??,,????'?????<

Bridgers offers fellow hardscape contractors insight into why selling fashionable walls is smart business. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

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The 18-year industry vet fondly recalls the sales visit he made to Leon Hicks, the owner of a new Southport home. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

2009 promises to be a more challenging year for the hardscape contractor. But listening to the seasoned, experienced voices of the industry can lead to profitability surviving the downturn and building a foundation for continued growth. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

 

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