Did you know: 70% of iron railings are coated with paint systems designed to allow rust within 24 months. 85% of the cost of recoating railings is contained in the labor Traditional metal coatings did not slow rust down, they just covered it up. High performance coatings have 10 times the ability to slow the growth of rust By using high performance coatings, you can triple the lifespan of a metal coating.
In August of 2010 and again in December of 2010, PPG and Sherwin Williams instituted across the board price increases of 6%. They based this on increasing prices for titanium dioxide. The price increase applied to all paint and sundries, even ones that did not contain titanium. Likely the primary reason behind the price increase is the falling strength of the dollar. Most construction materials are now purchased on a world market. Prices for titanium, gypsum, copper, aluminum, petroleum, acrylic, etc all rise and fall with world supply and demand, but also on the strength of the local currency. A falling dollar will buy you less titanium from China, even as overall demand has not risen significantly. The same applies to oil, which explains why we are paying $3. per gallon at the pump. As the world economy recovers, demand will likely compound this effect. At Schoenfelder Renovations, once a … Continued
Originally written for New Concepts Management Newsletter Other than attorneys, contractors do not have a very good reputation for customer service. This reputation is mostly caused by the public’s buying habits. Price is the easiest factor to compare, and too often this is where the decision is made. When hiring a contractor to work on your association or your home, there are several areas that are consistently forgotten. You are purchasing both a product (the materials) and a service (the service and installation of the materials). Buyers gather the bids and then decide based on the easiest factors to compare. By far the easiest factor to compare is the price. Everything else is more complex and involves time and effort, so the decision often comes down strictly to price. The associations choose the lowest price bidder and then are frustrated by the scheduling, professionalism and lack of customer service that … Continued
Attention: Was your home built before 1978? If yes, the EPA has come out with new regulations that affect you. The EPA has come out with new regulations for lead based paint that took effect in April of 2010. The regulations apply to anyone who hires or is paid to renovate, repair or disturb lead based paint in a residential property or child occupied facility. This specifically includes property managers, painters, electricians, drywallers, and plumbers. Homeowners working on their own homes are exempted from the regulations, but anyone they hire is included. An association board would be included as well. The regulations require that all renovations that involve lead need to be performed by an EPA Certified Firm using Certified Renovators or employees who are trained and supervised by the Certified Renovator. Lead was used as a paint additive for hundreds of years even though it is toxic to humans. … Continued
I would like announce that Jon Edin of Levin and Stein, has stepped down from his position as chair of the education committee. Jon has served as Chair for 3 years and built the Managers Meetings program from nothing to the amazing success of consecutive sold out shows. Jon will continue to serve on the committee and on the board of directors. Mark Johnson of Arcstone, has resigned from chairing the Communication Committee but will continue to contribute on the committee as board liaison. Mr. Johnson has overseen the rapid growth in our magazine and of the CAI-MN website. Thank you to both Mark and Jon for all of your continuing contributions. Joe Crawford of Community Development has agreed to accept the Education Committee chair and Steve Hoogenakker of Taylormade Landscape Management will be the new Communication Committee chair. They both are long standing contributors and will bring new energy … Continued
Times are tough. Everyone is wants more for their money. It is good to ask ourselves, why we are worth our client’s next dollar. At CAI-MN, our first ever HOTT program had standing room only. Then only 2 weeks later, the CAI Happy Hour drew over 110 attendees. These are brand new events. Our long standing Managers Luncheons are averaging 80 attendees this year. I was asked by Debby Causton of SmartStreet, “Why is CAI-MN so alive and growing?” I was tempted to respond, “because it is very resilient and I haven’t been able to kill yet!” however since I had just met her, I wasn’t sure she would understand that to be a joke. I asked a few of our hardworking committee members why CAI is growing so much and here are their abbreviated responses. CAI is growing because: Mary Felix of Gassen Management responded, “There is a need … Continued
I would like to thank the committee members for all of their hard work. It is incredible to see the amount of growth taking place at CAI-MN. Jon Edin of Levin and Stein, and the Education Committee have continued to do an excellent job by continuing to grow the Managers Meetings, Vision Awards and the upcoming Vendor Appreciation event. The Golf Event was a huge success and all golf and sponsor spots will all be filled next year. The Legislative Action committee let by John Dorgan continues to be very active. Mark Johnson of Arcstone was excited to announce that the previous issue of Community Living was the largest ever in CAI’s history. One of the most exciting committees is the Membership committee. We reached out to Mike Laukka of Laukka Management to chair this committee and he has brought new energy and vision to the committee. They set lofty … Continued
Summers gone and here comes Fall: Wow, what a busy summer! I hope you made the most of it. CAI-MN had an incredible summer. We started with the Vision Awards in June which continues to grow in attendance, nominations and stature. Thank you to Melinda Johnson and Holly Johnson and the rest of the committee for all of your hard work on the evening. In July, we had a huge success with the Golf Tournament. We grew from 70 golfers to 112 and we sold sponsorships for every hole. We are confident that next year, we will sell out the entire tournament early. Tom Engblom, Tosh Tricas and the golf committee did a terrific job. Over the past 2 years, CAI-MN has had a committee looking into the licensing of property managers. The committee led by Alice Finley worked very hard and presented their findings to the board. The board … Continued
Published in Community Living Magazine Summer 2008 I would like to thank Sara Lassila, the former President, Paul Hanscom of Ewald and all of the volunteers of CAI for the tremendous work they do behind the scenes. The more I have become involved with CAI over the years, the more my respect and gratitude has grown for all that you have done and continue to do for CAI. Thank you! I was recently asked why I became involved in CAI, since I am not a property manager or a town home owner. I became involved because CAI brings together the experts in the industry to educate and work together for the mutual benefit of all parties. CAI represents and benefits board members, property managers, service professionals and homeowners. I am an attorney by training and am often asked, if I am able to represent my company in legal matters. I … Continued
Over the past few years CAI has grown in membership, educational advancement, and business opportunities. In 2009, CAI took a greater role in giving back to those in need. Based on suggestions from Mark Gittleman, CAI President and Mary Felix of Gassen Companies, Schoenfelder Painting spear headed an effort to start an annual tradition for members to give of their time to a worthwhile charity. After looking at options throughout the Twin Cities area, Feed My Starving Children was selected. Feed My Starving Children was chosen because it is a well run organization that not only distributes one of the necessities of life to those in need around the world, but also because of the hands on experience it provides those that volunteer together. To those unfamiliar with the process as a volunteer, it consists of 2 hours sessions that include measuring ingredients, packaging meals, and preparing the boxes to … Continued
