Garage door industry magazine for garage door dealers, garage door manufacturers, garage door distributors, garage door installers, loading docks, garage door operators and openers, gates, and tools for the door industry.
Issue link: https://idoi.epubxp.com/i/84102
MANUFACTURERSCORNER (continued from page 40) "Our partnership with our dealers is the reason we enjoy success," The DeWitt family purchased Crawford Door in 1966 and began with four employees including Steve, his wife Jenny, and his father, Paul. In 1970, the company began building wood doors, and continued to grow and prosper. Today, Northwest Door operates six Distribution Centers located in Portland, Spokane, Salt Lake City, Denver, San Jose, and Boise. Not to lose its touch with door dealer operations, the original door business continues to operate separately in Tacoma. It was brought to my attention that the name Northwest Door is widely accepted as a name that describes a quality product from one of the major lumber production sections of the United States. The company is without question the benefi ciary of a core quality that comes from a long heritage of wood craftsmen. I learned that the company has achieved its growth and support from more than 1,000 door dealers located primarily in the 11 western states. However, all four men were quick to point out that their products are sold in the East, Midwest, and Southwest markets of the United States. In addition, their export business now includes Canada, Asia Pacifi c, and the Middle East. Tony Lopez Pascual Alonzo Speaking of dealers, Steve and his team stressed the point several times that dealers are the backbone and most critical element of their business. "Our partnership with our dealers is the reason we enjoy success," he asserted. The company markets its products exclusively through independent door dealers. When I inquired about how the company serves its dealer network, Scott DeWitt noted that the fi rm's customer service personnel average twenty years of service, and have fi eld experience...they are people who have actually installed a door. In addition, he stressed the ability of the fast product turnaround due to stock availability on many of their products. They provide local and regional delivery from their DC's and plant. And, as with most manufacturers, the company employs a seasoned team of sales personnel. Being a family-owned business, the group stressed the point that having the ability to make a decision quickly is a signifi cant benefi t to their dealers. There's just not a lot of red tape to go through if a unique request is received from a customer. "We can and do respond to dealer requests Continued on page 44 42 International Door & Operator Industry™