lsartical1 » Page 1 of 1

Windows Plus, Inc.

Windows, they have a tremedous environmental influence on any home. They affect the light, ventilation and temperature of the interior, not to mention the comfort of the occupants. Choosing the right product is critical. But it's confusing out there in the world of "I'm shopping for windows." Choosing windows and doors for your home, whether in the prosess of building a new home, remodeling, adding a room or renovating that special home just isn't that easy.

Enter Windows Plus - the largest window, door and mirror distributor in the Valley, servicing a region that spans the Bakersfield, Visalia, Fresno and Central Coast areas. The company specializes in custom, residential and commercial windows,mirror, tub and shower enclosures, interior and exterior doors, trim, locks and bath hardware. A 17 - year reputation and recent expansion of services speaks to the success and vision of owner Todd Griffin. A recent interview with Griffin sheds some light on what it takes to keep the door (or window) wide open for a business that could seemingly be swallowed by big box home improvement stores.

The Secret? Service, expertise and More Service.

Although now one of the biggest distributors in the region, Windows Plus started small. Since his humble business beginning in 1989, Griffin has transformed his dream into reality. "I actually went to UOP for four years to become a dentist," Griffin says with a chuckle."

"But I soon realized that wasn't for me."

With a father in the construction business and following his own stint working at Diamond Lumber Company in Visalia, Griffin discovered his talent for selling windows and other related products. He decided to open his own window company, and for a long time delivered products in the back of a horse trailer. A virtual one-man-show back in those days, he delivered, installed and kept the books himself. "With plenty of help from my wife," he adds with a smile.

Today Windows Plus has 31,000 square feet of showroom, manufacturing and warehouse space, over 70 employees, a newly added cabinet shop, and a new Bakersfield showroom in the works. Staff members work on a wide variety of projects, including homes, business buildings, hotels and apartments. Griffin cites a

12,000-square-foot Lake Tahoe home as one of his favorite projects to date. "It's a beautiful home," he says, "with lots of skylights and carved pine doors. We supplied the client with $180,000 in windows alone."

When asked how one transforms a one-person business into a regional tour de force. Griffin talks of the balance between personal and professional commitments with the common denominators of integrity, values and people.

Married in 1989, he and his wife, Dina, have two children, both of whom are students at Central Valley Christian School. As the result of having moved many times during his own childhood (13 moves by third grade), Griffin feels that staying in the area is important for his own family.

Despite the long hours necessary to run and grow a business, he makes an effort to be home at a reasonable hour at the end of each day, which is no small feat for this 13-hour-a-day workingman.

"I start at 4:30 in the morning," he says, and he makes it a habit to be home by 5:30 every evening. "Well, roughly around that time," he laughs, acknowledging the often-unforeseen time demands of the business.

Griffin also credits the expertise of his staff as a key factor to success. "Our service and sales people are very experienced," he says. "Several had owned their own companies for years-in glass and cabinetry for example- with over 100 years in combined service.

Some of our sales representatives have 20-30 years in their field."

With such a qualified staff, Windows Plus considers service the hallmark of the business. Because Griffin is also a general contractor, clients can expect full service coordination of large projects. Working without a contractor can often be a hassle for consumers, Griffin explains, and with ever-increasing product choices on the marketplace, decisions making and coordination can be daunting for some folks. Griffin's staff makes a point of simplifying the information clients need in order to make informed choices. As an example, Griffin explains that energy saving coatings applied to less expensive two-pane windows can sometimes be more cost effective than the more expensive three-pane windows. The consumer can spend less money for a product and also get more energy efficiency in the long run.

A newly acquired cabinet workshop is another example of customized customer service. Using the latest European technology and German equipment, prospective plans are formulated via computer and printed in full color for client perusal. This enables clients to clearly visualize the product and how it will

fit into their home or business with a degree of detail that was not available in the past.

Cabinets, doors, windows - there are a lot of choices on the market, from custom to prefab. Does Griffin have any advice for those in need? "Check out your contractor," he says. "Make sure they are solvent, have been in business for a while, and will be around after your project is done." Griffin recommends checking with the Better Business Bureau if in doubt. "And be very wary of high pressure salesmen. If you 'must close the deal tonight,' don't do it."

Quality service and expertise need not rush. It looks like Windows Plus will be around for quite a while.

This artical was written by Visalia LifeStile Magazine (March 2007)