Here's to the New Year!

With the new year kicking in, I find myself always analyzing and redefining current processes and recruiting methods and even personal habits and methods in my life too! Over the past year, due to the economy not yielding as much business as usual, I've had more time to redefine my business and recruitment focus. Many of you know that my recruiting focus has expanded beyond just windows and I've branched out into some other business focuses too. With the window industry being my niche market and passion, I have found some industry products and segments to compliment my recruiting focus. While I will never not recruit in the window industry, expanding that focus has been a wonderful experience for me in many ways.

One of my newer approaches that fell into place almost by accident last year was not advertising. No jobs, no online pay resources...no nothing! Down to the bare bones and basic good old recruiting. It was a great lesson for me and as tough as the past year has been economically for many of us, it has also yielded many strong business and also personal lessons for me. I know many of you have echoed that same experience when we have spoken. The craziest thing about not beinga fan of advertising now is that I used to be such a proponent of one! Thinking that candidates and companies would only find me or use me if I had an ad out there all the time. I strongly believe by not advertising it has helped gain in so many areas. Who knew?! lol!

I just think it's amazing to learn and grow during what seems like a down and negative time! In my personal life, one of the biggest personal successes I had came from quitting smoking. No better feeling in the world to have finally kicked the habit...one that I never thought I would let go of or succeed at. And one that came much easier than I had anticipated! After that, the sky was the limit and I discovered a newfound zest for recruiting and so many other things as well - both professionally and personally. Having a success when you need one, especially in down economic times can be inspirational and incredibly motivating!

Sharing all this with you all, as chances are if you read this blog you have followed me for the past several years and probably know me fairly well. As such, most of you know that I like to get to know the people I work with so every so often I like to share something of a personal nature with you all. So, having said all that...here's to a great new year...one that many of us anticipate being stronger and better than the year that has passed...and one that will be even better going forward! To all our personal and professional successes (and of course and almost more inportantly failures too!) that we have learned from and to all those that we will experience going forward! Here's to a great and successful year!

Review of the International Builders Show 2010

Having spoken to many of you who attended he International Builders Show, it was interesting to get the mixed reviews from those who attended this year. I had particular interest in hearing first hand about all the new tech type products and new products. Having expanded my recruiting focus into building materials and with a special interest in home automation products, it was great to get your reviews on all the new tech products that premiered at the IBS! Other good news is with as slow as hiring has been this past year, I have noticed a more than welcome incline in job needs from employers over the past few weeks. It is always a great sign when company's are contacing and hiring recruiters to hire talent!

Here is an article that summed up some reviews of the overall tone and products of the IBS this year - source: on the house website...enjoy!

Builders Show Off Product and Progress.

We recently attended the annual International Builders Show presented by the National Association of Home Builders. We were among more than 100,000 attendees from around the world who converged on Orlando, Fla., for a peek at the latest in building products, technology and allied services.

Billed as the world's largest building industry event, there were some 1,600 exhibitors who came out to showcase their wares in more than one-and-one-half million square feet of exhibit space. Appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, cabinets, counters, decking, windows, doors, siding, roofing, fireplaces, building materials and tools are just a small sampling of the more than 300 product and service categories represented.

Chances are if it has to do with building, it could be found at this event. Missing from this year's show, however, was the obvious leap in new product development and technology that had been featured at the exhibition event for the last several years. As far as we are concerned, that's a good thing. We suspect that manufacturers are offering builders and consumers a bit of a breather, an opportunity to catch up with the major advancements that have been made over the last several years.

Rather than launching new product, manufacturer focus has shifted to making good product better. They want it to look better, last longer, be easier to install (for both the builder and consumer), and require less maintenance -- all with an eye toward comfort and convenience.

No less visible this year is the emphasis toward the production of "green" building materials designed to reduce demand on natural resources and as a means of improving indoor air quality and family health. Building products are getting better in this regard. Arsenic has been replaced by a less toxic compound as the active ingredient in pressure-treated lumber and a leading insulation manufacturer has omitted formaldehyde from the product and in turn added a compound to prevent the growth of toxic mold.

Speaking of mold, it's no secret that it thrives on moisture -- the same moisture that is produced from cooking, bathing, doing laundry or just plain breathing. Ventilation fan manufacturers have come to the rescue with products that move more air yet make less noise. They are more attractive than ever and some models contain space heaters and energy efficient fluorescent lighting.

To further combat indoor air quality and mold problems, comfort system manufacturers are turning out systems that "sanitize" indoor air, using electronic and ultraviolet air cleaning systems. Dehumidification systems and central vacuum systems are gaining momentum as effective ways to improve indoor air quality.

Super energy efficient building materials and products that reduce demand on natural resources and improve home comfort, lower utility bills and help save the Earth generated lots of interest at the show. A new generation of expanding foam sealants, super caulks, radiant barriers, insulated foundation systems, windows, doors and insulation are contributing to the most energy efficient homes in the history of construction.

Helping fuel the energy efficient trend are appliances that use less water and power and that carry the Energy Star label. Home automation systems are hot. They control lighting, heating and air conditioning, home entertainment and security. A couple of products that no "hip" home should be without are a combination oven-refrigerator and a refrigerator with a built-in computer. With the refrigerator-oven combo, a meal can be prepared in the morning and placed in the refrigerated oven, which will keep it cool until the oven is activated at a predetermined time. Change in plans? Need to work late, stuck in traffic or decide that you want to eat out? Simply log on via the Internet or dial up with your cell phone and keep things cool or change the cooking program.

Thought that your new low-profile, side-by-side fridge with ice and water in the door was as good as it gets? You apparently haven't seen the refrigerator with a built-in computer monitor. Now, while you're waiting and filling your glass with ice and water you can check your e-mail or surf the Net. You also can scan your groceries to create a shopping list, order online and have them delivered to your home.

Home safety and security products continue to be big at the builder's show. They are less complex, more affordable and easier to use. Windows with unbreakable glass, exterior doors with multi-point locking systems, keyless door locks, and remote controlled lighting, and security-minded home automation systems are a sampling of this steadily growing category.

Home automation systems aren't just for controlling lighting and entertainment anymore. These state-of-the-art systems now permit homeowners to control interior and exterior lighting and monitor their home by using strategically placed video cameras via the Internet from virtually anywhere in the world. Now, in addition to notifying a contracted security monitoring company, a "smart" security system can digitally record unexpected activity and immediately fire you off an e-mail with an embedded video attachment.

Some systems will also detect smoke and fire and notify local authorities or call you on your cell phone. Still other systems will detect plumbing leaks, running water and allow you to adjust the thermostat.

Composite building materials have been the rage for the last several years. What's different now is that manufacturers are perfecting the process and turning out products that look more realistic, last longer and require less maintenance. Such is the case with a new vinyl siding product that has fade resistant properties, a wider lap profile and comes with a foam backing for a stronger, more energy efficient installation. Even the trim is more realistic.

The same holds true for fiberglass doors. Fiberglass is more stable than wood. It won't expand, contract, twist or crack. The new generation of fiberglass door looks every bit as real as natural wood with none of the maintenance woes. It can be stained or painted and will stand up to tough weather.

Builders' Show Expects a Better Year - Boosts Expectations

Article courtesy of window and door.net

With the housing market expected to begin a tepid recovery in 2010, exhibitors and attendees alike will be looking for signs of life when they gather for the International Builders’ Show. The National Association of Home Builders' annual show runs January 19-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Attendance itself will serve as a barometer. Last year’s event drew about 60,000 people, down from 90,000 in 2008. The decrease came as no surprise, however. During the show itself, the government announcing that housing starts had hit a 50-year low, and most expected the numbers to go down further. With the housing market now bottoming, NAHB is looking for some improvement in attendance, hoping that more builders will be coming to help position themselves for the recovery.

While traffic was down last year, attendees still made their way to window and door manufacturers' exhibits. The downturn in attendance was matched with a downturn in the number of exhibitors at the 2009 show as many building product suppliers looked to cut costs. Down from highs of more than 2,000 companies during the boom years, last year’s show featured only 1,600 exhibitors. Among those not coming were numerous window and door manufacturers—including some that previously were among the show’s largest exhibitors. Jeld-Wen, Therma-Tru, Loewen, MI and Atrium passed and are not on the 2010 list (as of press time). They will be joined this year by Semco and Weather Shield, two more traditional large exhibitors that are not on this year’s list.

IBS remains a huge show, however, and the industry will still be well represented in Las Vegas. More than 100 window and door manufacturers and suppliers of related products scheduled to be on hand. Among the large manufacturers, Andersen, Kolbe & Kolbe, Marvin, Masonite, Milgard, Pella, Plastpro, Ply Gem and Velux will be exhibiting at the show.

The list of industry exhibitors, available for download, also includes numerous regional manufacturers, such as Cascade and PGT. Once again, a strong Canadian contingent will be on hand, including Allsco, Inline Fiberglass, Innotech Windows, Mastergrain, and Omniglass. Hardware suppliers, including Centor, Emtek, G-U, Hoppe, Schlage, Siegenia-Aubi and Winkhaus, will be well represented as well.

Product Trends

Despite the subdued nature of last year’s show, the event did highlight some product trends. Wide-opening door systems gained new prominence, as they were showcased by both established manufacturers bringing out new designs and new manufacturers entering the business making their way to the event as well. Pella, Kolbe & Kolbe, Andersen’s Eagle Window, Windsor Windows and Weather Shield were among the large wood window and door makers showcasing new lift-and-slide systems, including pocket systems in which the panels could retract into the walls. Showing even larger doors, including both folding and sliding systems, were numerous companies specializing in these products, including Fleetwood, Nana Wall, Panda and Weiland and a handful of other producers, most of which appear to be returning for this year’s show.

Another trend evident last year was an uptick in composite and fiberglass products. Andersen Windows featured its 100 Series builder line, manufactured with the same Fibrex wood plastic composite used in the company’s Renewal line. On the fiberglass window front, manufacturers were highlighting more new options, reporting that demand for these products continues to grow. Milgard Windows was showing a new mahogany veneer option on its Woodclad line of products. Marvin was highlighting expanded SDL options, as well as a new black exterior for its Integrity line. Weather Shield also officially introduced its new fiberglass window and door line last year.

National Sales Manager Needed!

Fantastic opportunity for an experienced W&D National Sales Manager! Must be able to relocate! I have several of you in mind to start calling this week to run the opportunity by, but wanted to post this quickly here too in case any of you know anyone with this experience looking at this level. If you are interested in discussing this opportunity, please be sure to get me your most recent resume so I have it when we talk! Thanks!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and best wishes to you all for a successful and spectacular 2010!!! : ) We'll be sending out candidate update forms via email over the next few months. With many of you still unemployed and actively seeking a new career opportunity, we want to ensure we have the most current updates on your job search status. This helps us match you with any new opportunities we receive to work on that may interest and fit what you are seeking. Things remain a bit slow, but there are jobs out there to be filled! Hang in there! : )

Feel Like Giving Up On Your Job Search - 5 Ways to Shake Things Up

Article worthy of sharing...from CareeBuilder by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com Enjoy! Happy New Year! : )

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 36 percent of unemployed people -- or 5.4 million -- had been without a job for 27 weeks or more in September 2009. Whether you're out of work for five days, five weeks, five months or five years, any period of unexpected unemployment can be frustrating -- especially when it seems to go on forever. Although the economy seems to be showing signs of recovery, any job seeker who has been out of work for a long time will tell you: It's still not easy to find a job.

"Even though there are positive indicators, companies aren't adding jobs now at the rate they cut jobs over the last year," says Noah Blumenthal, best-selling author of "Be the Hero: Three Powerful Ways to Overcome Challenges in Work and Life." Despite that, Blumenthal reminds us that economic activities are cyclical. "Every boom feels like it will last forever and so does every bust. But none of them do. Know that things will turn around. The jobs will come back."

Laura Torres, a 28-year-old development associate in Boston, knows firsthand about being frustrated with a job search. She was laid off in December 2008 and didn't find a job for about nine months. "The most frustrating aspect was not feeling totally in control of the process -- particularly once you started interviewing at a job," she recalls. "Obviously you can play the game and even play it well, but your fate is still up to a small group of people. The agonizing wait between the interview and the follow-up is eerily reminiscent of trying to date someone who 'just isn't that into you.'"

If you do reach a breaking point, Blumenthal says it's important to switch things up and try something new in your job search. Doing so will reinvigorate you and help you stay motivated. "When you've been searching [for a job] for a long time, it can wear you out. You need to do things to keep you excited about your job search so that you keep going," he says. "The most important thing you can do is keep yourself eager, motivated and energized to continue the search."

If you (and your job search) are stuck in a rut, here are five ways Blumenthal suggests to rejuvenate your job search and mix things up a bit:

1. Go online
"You've sent out more résumés than you can count. But have you tweeted? It's a social networking world. Build your online connections on services like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Then use that platform to make value-added observations about your line of work and job searching. You never know where your electronic connections can lead," he says.

2. Separate yourself

"Hiring managers and recruiters receive tons of résumés. Some are better than others, but frankly, none of them stand out. You need something else," he says. "Try writing an article or two about your field. Print them up on glossy paper with a nice graphic design. Add a professional bio, and put it all together in a nice folder. Now, instead of sending a résumé, you're sending a press kit on you. That stands out."

3. Have fun
"I know a woman who once sent her résumé folded up and stuffed inside of a baby sneaker. Her note said she was sure to be a 'shoe-in' for the job," he recalls. "If you are bored with your job search, it will show in your materials, your applications and your interviews. So have some fun." (And yes, the 'shoe-in' did get the job.)

4. Set a big goal

"You've already met 100, 200, 500 people? Set a goal to meet and have one-on-one conversations with 100 new people this month. Is it possible? Can you do it? Use Facebook. Go to professional meetings. Ask 10 friends to introduce you to 10 new people. It doesn't matter if they are in your field. This is the "Six Degrees of Separation" game. Meet up and let the new connections take you where they will," he says.

5. Go to work
"Volunteer at a local charity or political organization. You have the time, and this helps you in so many ways," he says. How? It feels good to help; you're using your skills; you're meeting new people; you're getting off the couch and out of the house; and you will build your stockpile of stories. "When you meet people or interview, the connections you make are through your stories. What better story to tell than something that happened while you were helping make the world a better place?"

Ultimately, Blumenthal reminds job seekers to treat their job search like a job, and like a project that has a long-term objective. "Do what you would do if this were such a project. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments along the way. Appreciate what you love about this job. After all, you can work in your pajamas, set your own hours, work from Starbucks and pick your kids up from school."