Jan 11 2011
While many companies in the hardwood and reclaimed flooring industry are looking towards 2011 with great apprehension, given the economic downturn that hit the building industry particularly hard, The Woods Company of Chambersburg, PA, has a positive outlook for the upcoming year.
In 2010 they began taking proactive steps towards positive forward motion for The Woods Company in the coming year. They have invested in resources that have allowed them to evaluate their performance in recent years and strategize for 2011. In addition, two long-time industry professionals, Mark Glover of Catalyst Professional Resource Center and Connie Glover, CMarie Marketing Studio are collaborating with the company to fine-tune the sales and manufacturing operations and reinvigorate the marketing effort.
The Woods Company showroom, Chambersburg, PA
“Sales are strong,” says Barry Stup, The Woods Company owner. “November and December are typically the quietest months of the year in our industry, and we saw an increase in sales and shipped orders. That’s a positive sign as we enter into the new year.” And as a result, two new sales team members have joined The Woods company: Debra Russell, who comes to the company with eight years of reclaimed wood flooring experience and will be covering the mid-Atlantic and southwest regions, and Peter Mazzone, an enthusiastic addition to the sales support effort with a background in the IT/Communications industry.
The Woods also believes in promoting from within: Karen Durning, a loyal and solid sales support associate for over 13 years, was promoted to full time sales focused on Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the northeast. And industry veteran Rick Guynn is being repositioned as the National Dealer Manager, applying his 25 years in the industry towards the development of key retail partnerships.
In order to be more engaged with the customers, The Woods Company is stepping up their social media presence, active on Facebook at The Woods Company, and on Twitter @thewoodscompany.
The company is also investing in research and development for new versions of flooring products, including an engineered line that is scheduled to launch later in the year. A new print ad campaign and educational programs dedicated to the architect profession will raise awareness of the sustainable aspects, eligibility for LEED credits, and applications of their reclaimed timbers as well as flooring.