l

Stay Current In Less Time

2012-03-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

Keeping up to date on the latest industry news and happenings can be time consuming. Follow these simple tricks to streamline and save time:

•	Set up a free Gmail (Google email) account to receive "Google Alerts." Google Alerts allow you to track stories of interest by topic, like your industry's key terms or competitors. When Google finds a story containing that term, it will arrive in your Gmail inbox as an alert.
•	Search for industry-specific news sites or blogs and sign up for their free RSS feeds, which will be sent directly to your email address.
•	Get news you choose directly on your smart phone with popular apps like Pulse or TipB.

Source: www.manta.com

Charging The Human Battery

2012-03-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we need to find ways to motivate ourselves and realize what is really important. This book from Simple Truths show us how. Click here to view

Source: www.simpletruths.com

Business Tip Of The Day - What Keywords Tell You

2012-03-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

What Keywords Tell You

Keywords aren't just for SEO geeks. They are a powerful tool for understanding how your customers look for your services - how they think and talk about your products and services - and about your business and industry. Get the details in this video

Source: http://www.manta.com/

Quote Of The Week

2012-02-29T06:02:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Week: "It's choice, not chance, that determines your destiny." - Jean Nidetch

Custom Components Appears In designandbuildwithmetal.com's Ezine

2012-02-28T06:06:00.000-08:00

Custom Components appears in designandbuildwithmetal.com's ezine. Click here to view

http://tinyurl.com/6loaftp

Business Tip of the Day

2012-02-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

Start Small with Pay Per Click Advertising

New to Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising? The best way to get started is to start small, iterate, and expand. Being able to effectively track and manage progress within your campaigns is critical, and there is a very real management cost to building out an overly large campaign out of the gate. Pick a subset of the products you sell, the locations you can target, or the terms you can use within your campaign and start there. Iterate within that smaller subset, then start to apply your early findings to the creation of new parts of your campaign.

Source www.manta.com

View Our Latest Newsletter

2012-02-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

View our latest newsletter at http://tinyurl.com/7uhe8uo

How Do You Spend Your Time?

2012-02-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

I don't think I have ever heard anyone complain that they don't have enough to do.. Somebody once said that we spend approximately 40,000 hours of our lifetime in the workplace. How do we make that time productive?

A few years ago, I was introduced to a time management philosophy that made sense, and really seems to work. It is based on the Pareto principle that basically says "80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts."

Another way to look at this is to divide your work tasks into three groups (A, B and C), based upon the impact those tasks will have on your or your company's success. The "A" items will have the biggest impact, the "B" items will have a lesser impact, and the "C" items the least impact. Let me tell you right now however, the irony in this system. Typically, the "A" items are the most difficult and take the most time to complete, the "B" items, are less difficult, and take less time complete. The "C" tasks are generally the easiest and take the least amount of time to complete.

An example of an "A" task is a large project or complicated quote that can bring in millions of dollars. An example of a "C" item is clearing out the spam from your email inbox. Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, and wanting a sense of accomplishing something (I do it on occasion), people will fall into the habit of focusing on those "C" items, with very little return.

The real focus should be on spending most of your time each day on your "A" tasks,then your "B" tasks, and the least amount of time on your "C" tasks. A physical aid for this process is to have your "A" tasks in a prominent position on your desk and your "B" tasks nearby. Take your "C" tasks and put them in a desk drawer, out of sight. After six months, take a look at those "C" tasks in the drawer. If no one has asked you about them, throw them out, as chances are no one will ask about them.

Like I said, it's a process that seems to work and improve productivity. It's not easy, at first, because it involves changing habits. But give a try. I think you'll improve your productivity, impact and results.

Dave Janosz

Marketing Manager

Custom Components Company

Quote Of The Week

2012-02-21T05:12:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Week: "Excellence is not an act...it's a habit." - Aristotle

Respond Promptly to Requests for Information

2012-02-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

When customers request information about your company via email, a website form, over the phone or through some other means, they expect a quick response. When a company fails to respond--due to poor organization, incorrect contacts or a busy schedule--customers are left feeling abandoned and likely won't do business with you now or in the future.

Source: http://www.manta.com/

Vince Lombardi On Winning

2012-02-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

"Winning is not a some time thing, it is an all the time thing. You don't do things right once in a while...you do them right all the time." What does it take to be number one? Winner of five NFL Championships and Super Bowls I and II, Green Bay Packer Coach Vince Lombardi was at the top of his game, both on and off the field. His secrets to winning are captured in this video..

View the video

Source: http://www.simpletruths.com/

Construction Humor

2012-02-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

Make The Most Of Your Business Cards

2012-02-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Business Tip of the Day:

Business cards are a great tool for marketing because they're easy to deliver and most people keep them. Some ideas to enhance their value: Include a QR code that links to a video, testimonials from satisfied customers or an irresistible offer. And remember to use the back of the card as well as the front.

Source: http://www.manta.com/

Custom Components Company Announces New Project - University of Florida Stadium Club

2012-02-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

Custom Components Company just finished a new project, the University of Florida Stadium Club in Gainesville, FL. The Stadium Club is a newly constructed building designed to take advantage of Florida's outdoor lifestyle by providing maximum street exposure to college students, community residents, and sports fans alike. It is located directly across from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida. The building is a mixed use venture that features shops and restaurants, as well as luxury condos. Lugert Development Corp. of Ocala, FL is the general contractor.

Custom Components Company supplied and installed a custom designed and fabricated aluminum trellis structure that dominates the rooftop of the building. The beams for the trellis are 3" x 8" x 22', fabricated of stretch formed aluminum from Southern Stretch Forming in Denton, TX, and powder coated in an AAMA 2605 Spraylat Newlar powder coat finish. The beams were then placed in a specially designed transport and positioning jig that was "flown" up to the rooftop, by crane, for installation.

Quote Of The Week

2012-02-14T05:09:00.000-08:00

"It's not the circumstances in which you find yourself; it's the choices you make that define the person you become." - Nido Qubein

Be Quick When Making Decisions

2012-02-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

How fast or slow does your company make decisions? Rapidly growing businesses have tied the speed of their decision making to their success. There are not a lot of examples that show success from slow or drawn out decisions. Business owners need to be quick, smart and able to change their view based upon new facts.

Source: http://www.manta.com/

Strive To Exceed Expectations

2012-02-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

You should always deliver on your customers' expectations, but you can achieve even greater success if you exceed those expectations. Stay in touch before, during and after a job and inform customers about deliverable dates and any delays. These actions go a long way to build customer loyalty, repeat business and word of mouth referrals.

Source: www.manta.com

Don't Try To Hide Negative Feedback

2012-02-07T05:12:00.000-08:00

Business Tip of the Day

Don't Try to Hide Negative Feedback

Face negative feedback head on instead of shying away from it. Addressing customer concerns builds trust, helps diffuse a tense situation and can help you win back an upset customer. Even better, it gives your brand advocates a chance to come to your defense.

Source: http://www.manta.com/

Gateway Arch - Optical Illusion?

2012-02-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Gateway Arch or Gateway to the West is an arch that is the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri. It was built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. At 630 feet, it is the tallest man-made monument in the United States, Missouri’s tallest accessible building, and the largest architectural structure designed as a weighted or flattened catenary arch. The Gateway Arch looks taller than it is wider, but it is exactly 630 feet by 630 feet.

Beat The Competition With Better Service

2012-02-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

Contrary to popular opinion, most purchasing is not based on the lowest price. Service is a key component in many buying decisions and can take many forms: shorter turnaround in shipping, a customer-friendly website, dealing with problems quickly, admitting, correcting, and paying for mistakes. Excellent service almost always wins out in the end.

More Trivia

2012-02-01T05:48:00.000-08:00

The extended right arm of the Statue of Liberty is 42 feet long.

Construction Trivia

2012-01-31T06:52:00.000-08:00

Construction Trivia:

Hoover Dam is 726 feet tall and 660 feet thick at its base. Enough rock was excavated in its construction to build the Great Wall of China. Contrary to old wives' tales, no workers were buried in the dam's concrete

Focus On Your Products And Services

2012-01-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

People search for products and services, not company names. You need to focus your marketing—your website, paid search, advertising, etc.--on the products and services you offer.

Spread the Message Over & Over Again

2012-01-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

Experts say potential customers need to hear about your business up to 12 times before they are ready to do business with you. So keep marketing and use as many venues as possible (especially the free ones) to get your message in front of the right people as often as possible.

Source: http://www.manta.com/

30 Story Window Helps Skyscraper Breathe

2012-01-26T05:53:00.000-08:00

Chicago architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP has designed a building with a lung. You might prefer to call it a 30-story operable window, or a sky atrium. Read more

Quote Of The Week

2012-01-26T05:36:00.001-08:00

Quote of the Week: "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... it's about learning how to dance in the rain." - Vivian Greene

Glass Industry Executives Weigh In With Their 2012 Forecasts

2012-01-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

Glass industry executives weigh in with their 2012 industry forecasts. Their opinions are as varied as they are. Click here to read more

View Our Latest Newsletter

2012-01-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

View our latest newsletter Click here

Stay Inspired All Year Long

2012-01-17T06:13:00.000-08:00

It's the new year. People are inspired to begin anew and accomplish great things in their lives. To make sure that that inspiration doesn't fade all to soon, watch this video. It contains quotes that will help you to stay inspired all year long.

Click here to view the video

Business Resolutions For 2012

2012-01-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

This is a great time to set new goals and resolutions for your business. Unlike our personal resolutions that may involve dropping a few pounds or organizing the garage, following through (or failing to follow through) with business resolutions can have a major impact on your organization. Please consider one of the following resolutions and how it might work for you.
Read more

Source: www.manta.com

Custom Components Interview

2012-01-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

Read an interview with Custom Components Company Principal Jim Ellsworth regarding the recent acquisition by Grey Mountain Partners. Click here

Grey Mountain Partners Acquires Custom Components Company

2012-01-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

TAMPA, FL-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Grey Mountain Partners ("Grey Mountain") has acquired Custom Components Company ("Custom Components"). Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Custom Components is a niche building materials manufacturer, fabricator and supplier of aluminum, stainless steel and glass architectural engineered products including interior and exterior railing systems, interior aluminum office fronts, and stile and rail doors.

Beth Lesniak, Vice President of Grey Mountain, said, "Custom Components' niche product line, value-added services, technical leadership, and strong management team are a critical part of our go-to-market and acquisition strategy in the glass sector."

"The combination of Global Security Glazing and Custom Components Company will enhance our security- and commercial-focused products and open up new end markets and geographies," said Lesniak. "We are excited about this investment and the opportunity to cross-sell and grow Custom Components' product offerings and services."

ABOUT CUSTOM COMPONENTS COMPANY

Custom Components Company manufacturers, fabricates and distributes aluminum, stainless steel and glass architectural engineered products that are sold to general contractors, architectural firms, door, frame and hardware distributors, and glass and glazing contractors. Custom Components also provides technical drawings, engineering, in-house powder coating, and other value-added services. It serves commercial and institutional customers in major geographic markets, including: Texas, California, New York, and Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.cc-aep.com.

ABOUT GREY MOUNTAIN PARTNERS

Grey Mountain Partners is a Boulder, Colo.-based private equity firm that focuses on partnering with management to create lasting value through operational improvements and buy and build strategies in fragmented markets. Grey Mountain invests in lower middle-market companies across a wide range of industries and in transactions with enterprise values between $30 million and $150 million. For more information, please visit www.greymountain.com.

Contacts

Grey Mountain Partners

Jason Urband, 303-449-0269

Senior Associate

Quote Of The Week

2012-01-10T05:12:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Week: "Innovation distingushes a leader from a follower." - Steve Jobs

Business Tip Of The Day

2012-01-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

Have A Plan for 2012 and Write It Down

You don't need a new 50-page business plan. But you do need some clear, measurable goals with specific "actions" you need to take to achieve them. Written goals provide you with focus and clarity. So take the time to write down what you WANT (results or outcomes) and what you need to DO (actions) to make it happen this year.

Source: www.manta.com

Quote Of The Week

2012-01-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Week: "You'll only find success through other people, not in spite of other people." - John Rovi

Business Tip Of The Day

2012-01-04T05:24:00.000-08:00

Introduce a "New and Improved" Version of a Previously Successful Offering

As your product or service finds a home with a growing number of clients, look for ways to make it better. This gives you the ability to market new features and benefits to existing clients while offering them an upgrade at a reduced price. Since you have less of an investment in the newer version, it becomes a win-win for you both.

Business Tip Of The Day - Get Mobile

2012-01-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

If you want customers to find you in 2012, you must be found on the mobile web. Converting your business website to display and operate correctly on smartphones needs to be a top priority in 2012. If you don’t know how to do this, get help.

Does Anybody Care Anymore?

2011-12-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

The last time I looked, there was some pretty intense competition out there, no matter what industry you're in. I guess that's why it is so hard for me to understand why some people and companies don't seem to care very much anymore about how they treat their customers or potential customers.

The potential loss of revenue due to losing a customer is sizable. And here's the best thing 81% of customers don't tell you they are leaving. They just leave. Add to that the cost to acquire a new customer, and we're talking some serious dollars here. Then, why the apparent apathy?

Let me give you two personal examples. We have a landscaper that we have been with for seven years. We have had our issues from time to time, but he generally does a good job and is quite reasonable. On the last issue we had, regarding the replacement of some bad (and guaranteed) sod, this guy has proven totally unresponsive. After numerous phone calls and notes on his invoices (I know he looks at them!). We still are waiting for a response. In the last note, I even threatened him with the loss of my business. I'm still waiting! I can't believe he has that much business that he can afford to throw away long time customers.

Recently, we found ourselves less than pleased with the quality of our house cleaning service (not we're not rich, we both work full time). Being action oriented we began to look elsewhere and contacted a prospective new service. The owner made an appointment to visit us and give us an estimate. She never showed up and never even called! Again, I can't believe it.

I was raised in the Midwest where a very strong work ethic was instilled in me at a very early age. I guess I just can't understand the way some people and companies approach their businesses. A former boss had a phrase for this type of behavior. He called it "satisfactory underperformance."

There is another side to this. Run your business like you care about your customers and potential customers. From what I've observed lately, you'll be miles ahead of most of your competition.

Dave Janosz

Marketing Manager

Custom Components Company

At Our Core

2011-12-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

A lot of companies talk about their core capabilities. Custom Components has many. Two of our greatest strengths are fabrication and powder coating. As we like to say, "we can build anything", and then we can also paint it in an environmentally friendly way. We can provide full design, engineering and fabrication of aluminum and stainless steel, including laser or water jet cutting, forming, bending and welding.

Once the fabrication process is complete, we introduce our electrostatic powder coating capability. All products receive a pretreatment that ensures that the electrostatic powder coat products that you receive from us will stand the test of time. We use Spraylat Newlar™ fluorocarbon based eco-friendly powder coatings that meet AAMA specs and offer 5 to 20 year warranties.

Our powder coating process emits zero volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and produces no hazardous waste, allowing us to stay true to our commitment of pursing environmentally sustainable initiatives and reducing our impact on the environment.

If you have a project that needs expert fabrication or if you already have something built that requires painting, please contact us at 1-800-516-9474. We have the capabilities to supply your needs.

Construction Humor - Strong Young Man

2011-12-28T05:24:00.000-08:00

The strong young man at the construction site was bragging that he could out do anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen. After several minutes, the older worker had had enough.

"Why don't you put your money where your mouth is," he said. "I will bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won't be able to wheel back."

"You're on, old man," the braggart replied. "Let's see what you got."

The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said, "All right. Get in."

Source: www.contractorcity.com

Quote Of The Week

2011-12-27T05:43:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Week: The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney

Do You Sell Price Or Value?

2011-12-21T05:10:00.000-08:00

A while ago I attended a seminar where a very wise man said, "Remember this, never again will you have a long term competitive advantage in product or price." As I said, this was some time ago with very different market conditions. Today the marketplace has changed with extremely intense competition, in comparison. Those in our industry are finding, that because of the decreased number of available projects, they are forced to cut prices and margins to get any work and keep their doors open. They soon find themselves participating in the "no-win" game of price competition. Why "no-win". Please refer above to my opening statement.

How do you say I don't want to play this game anymore and make it work? You have got to sell value - not price. It's scary and not easy, but it's the long term solution. In survey after survey, over the last thirty years, price always comes up sixth or seventh in importance in the purchase of a product or service. Then why does it always seem to come up? Number one: because you haven't established the value of your product or service, and number two, it's the easiest aspect to focus on. But do your clients really want the cheapest they can get? I doubt it. As another wise man once said, "the bitter taste of poor quality lingers long after the allure of a cheap price fades." What they want is a good or fair value for their money.

To establish that value in the client's mind don't focus on price. If you do, the client will too. Focus on what you or your company can do to fulfill the client's needs or solve his problems. Most people will be more than willing to pay a fair price if you can solve their problems. Secondly, if your price is too low, the quality of your product or service will be suspect. In a recent survey of our own client base, price was a distant fifth in importance after quality, responsiveness, on time delivery and problem resolution.

Finally, people buy from people they like and trust, regardless of price. Establish relationships with your clients that puts them first, and watch your value and profitability soar.

Dave Janosz

Marketing Manager

Custom Components Company

Will It Ever Get Better? Take Our Poll

2011-12-20T06:07:00.000-08:00

Everyone is prognosticating about what we can look forward to in 2012. The economists and other industry experts are publishing their forecasts for 2012. Based upon 2011 results, it seems the industry will not rebound as quickly as originally predicted. Here's your chance to share your own prediction for 2012. Take our poll and instantly see what you and others in the industry feel will happen. Click here to take the poll

Progress Report - Lynn University Project

2011-12-20T05:32:00.000-08:00

As reported in the July edition of our newsletter, Custom Components Company was awarded the Lynn University Remembrance Plaza project. The new structure pictured here will tell the story of four university students and two professors who lost their lives on January 12, 2010 when a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti. The memorial was designed by Sousa Architecture of Miramar, FL and Gerrits Construction, Inc. of Boca Raton, FL is the general contractor.

Custom Components Company is supplying the glass and railing requirements for the project, including the structural laminated glass prisms and stainless steel cable railings. The glass prisms will be made from nearly a quarter of a million dollars of Narima™ dichroic color effect glass from Schott North America, a unique glass that produces dazzling variable color effects. The glass was sent to TriView Glass Industries, LLC (City of Industry, CA) for lettering, fabrication, laminating and tempering.

Currently TriView is fabricating the 48" x 96" high glass prisms that will consist of two layers of glass sandwiched around the Narima™ inner layer with a matching top. Each prism contains a printed memorial statement about each of the students and professors. The six prisms will have accent lights and sit on a concrete base that appears to float in the middle of a reflective pool. Each glass panel in the prisms is retained by custom stainless steel point mount connectors. As a contribution to the Remembrance Plaza, Custom Components Company supplied our engineering and design services, through our Engineered Services™ division, at no cost. Installation will begin in early February 2012.

Business Tip Of The Day - Make Personal Phone Calls

2011-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

Whenever possible, make personal phone calls to your customers. If your customer hears your voice, they will feel like your company really cares. In a world where email and other quick forms of communication are popular, you can make your small business stand out by making personal phone calls in addition to your usual communication methods.

Custom Components Company New Project Award – Palazzo Apartments at Vitruvian Park – Addison, TX

2011-12-16T06:59:00.000-08:00

Custom Components Company announces the award of a new project, Palazzo Apartments at Vitruvian Park in Addison, TX. Vituvian Park is located just north and west of two of the most important arterials in the Dallas metropolitan area, LBJ Freeway and the Dallas North Toll Road. The development will be delivered in phases to carefully create an inviting neighborhood with a variety of luxury housing options.

Designed on an appealing human scale, mindful of the ancient principles of Vitruvius – the renowned Roman architect… and of Leonardo da Vinci’s study of man – the development will put urbanites within a few minute’s walk to work, play and home. To be executed in an environmentally responsible and thoughtful way, Vitruvian Park will become a model for sustainable urban development.

The community will include a 12 acre park built around a spring-fed creek and connected to area bicycle and jogging trails, a second neighborhood park with an amphitheater and a third park for a variety of outdoor games, establishing Vitruvian Park as a community for active urban dwellers.

The project architect is Good, Fulton & Farrell Architects and the general contractor is Andres Construction Services, both of Dallas, TX.

Custom Components Company is supplying over $850,000 of our Series 525 and Series 650 aluminum railing with 3/8” tempered and laminated glass infill with DuPont’s SGP® interlayer.

Custom Components Has Fasteners On Sale

2011-12-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

Custom Components online store has fasteners on sale at 30% off. Click here to go to our online store

Interior Design Magazine

2011-12-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

Check out our page at interiordesign.net Click here

Quote Of The Week

2011-12-15T05:06:00.001-08:00

Quote of the Week: "The will to win...the will to achieve...goes dry without continuous reinforcement." - Vince Lombardi

Be An Energetic & Enthusiastic Leader

2011-12-13T05:20:00.000-08:00

Business Tip of the Day: Negative attitudes can bring the whole team down. Adopting a can-do attitiude and implementing enthusiasm in your day-to-day interactions will energize your team and encourage them to look for the positive in even the most challenging situations presented.

Source: www.manta.com

Learn From Your Competitors

2011-12-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Business Tip of the Day: Learn From Your Competitors

If a competitor is handily beating you in a certain area of business, don't get mad. Understand that they found a smart practice and that you may want to emulate certain things they do. Of course, it's not a good idea to outright copy our competitors, but in the world of capitalism, emulation is rife. If you see a good idea that you can use, make it even better and use it yourself.

Source: www.manta.com

Get Serious About IT Support

2011-12-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

Too many small businesses lean on an employee or friend "who knows a bit about computers" to manage their IT needs. But if you're serious about your business's growth and longevity, you need to get serious about IT support by either hiring an IT professional or using an outsourcing firm. The cost will pay off the first time you get the blue screen of death.

Source: http://www.manta.com/

Sanford Consortium Project In The News

2011-12-02T05:27:00.000-08:00

Custom Components Sanford Consortium project is in the news. Click here

Business Tip Of The Day

2011-12-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

Stay in touch with current customers. They are your most important revenue stream. Contact them monthly or weekly. The most important part of any sale is the relationship you establish and maintain. It will keep them from straying to the competition.

Construction Humor

2011-12-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

While carpenters were working outside the old house she had just bought, a lady busied herself with indoor cleaning.

She had just finished washing the floor when one of the workmen asked to use the bathroom.

With dismay, the lady looked from his muddy boots to her newly scrubbed floors.
"Just a minute," she said, thinking of a quick solution. "I'll put down newspapers."

"That's all right, lady," said the carpenter. "I'm already housetrained."

Source: http://www.contractorcity.com/

Use Your Invoices For Marketing

2011-11-30T06:33:00.000-08:00

If you send your customers an invoice in print or electronically, use the invoice to promote your product or service. This is also a valuable touch point to thank your customers and prompt them to learn about other things you offer. Some effective messaging for your next invoice might be; "Thank you for your business. Give us a call to learn more about our frequent shopper program." Source: http://www.manta.com/

October Construction Jumps 12 Percent

2011-11-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

The value of new construction starts advanced 12 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $469.8 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction (MHC) in New York, a division of The McGraw-Hill Cos. Much of the upward push came from nonresidential building, which was lifted by the start of a massive manufacturing project, as well as by broader strengthening across several structure types. Also contributing to the total construction gain in October was a slight increase for the housing sector. Meanwhile, nonbuilding construction in October stayed even with its elevated September amount, helped by the start of several large electric power plants. Through the first 10 months of 2011, total construction on an unadjusted basis came in at $355.6 billion, down 3 percent from the same period a year ago. Read more

Quote Of The Week

2011-11-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Week: The greatest accomplishment is not in never failing, but in rising again after you fail." - Vince Lombardi

Happy Thanksgiving from Custom Components Company

2011-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. At this time of year it's customary to reflect and acknowledge those things that we are thankful for. We at Custom Components Company are thankful for our customers, employees and partners and for your support throughout the year.

All the best to you and your family.

Custom Components Company

Great Customer Service

2011-11-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

The difference between satisfactory customer service and great customer service is one degree. Watch this informative video http://www.212servicemovie.com/

Quote Of The Week

2011-11-18T06:05:00.001-08:00

Quote of the Week: "Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not." - Thomas Huxley

Hurry! Offer Ends Soon!

2011-11-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hurry! Offer ends soon. Get 10% off your first online order at http://www.cc-aeponline.com/

Check Out Our New Line Of Sunshades

2011-11-14T05:44:00.000-08:00

Sunshades provide both sun control functionality and aesthetic quality allowing varying amounts of light to enter the building. In doing so they contribute to a reduction in energy consumption, offering a sustainable environmental solution, while providing an architectural statement for your building. They can be attached to curtain wall or the structure through a variety of methods. Available in clear anodized or powder coated aluminum in three different sizes. Each sunshade is pre-assembled for faster and easier installation. Custom designs and colors are also available. Click here for more information

Quote of the Week

2011-11-10T05:21:00.001-08:00

Quote of the Week: "All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, then success is sure." - Mark Twain

Get 10% Off Your First Online Order!

2011-11-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

As a special incentive to try our new online store, get 10% off your first online order. Enter Coupon Code CCSTORE at checkout.

Custom Components Company New Project Award – Alta Centrum Apartments – San Diego, CA

2011-11-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

Custom Components Company announces the award of a new project, Alta Centrum Apartments in San Diego, CA. The new $90 million project is a 379 unit luxury apartment community consisting of two separate four story apartment buildings over two levels of basement garage with 750 parking spaces which is being developed by Wood Partners LLC. The property is located in the master-planned San Diego Spectrum business and residential site. The new apartment community will be centered around an expansive pool area with cabanas, a spa, barbeque pits, a waterfall and trellises that take advantage of the area’s temperate weather. A two-story club house with reclaimed teak flooring will feature a glass wall and an outdoor deck that overlooks the pool scene, in addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center and wireless Internet access. The project architect is Thomas P. Cox Architects, Inc. of Irvine, Ca and the general contractor is Cobalt Construction of Simi Valley, CA. The project has an anticipated completion date of September 2012.

Custom Components Company is supplying powder coated aluminum canopies with a custom egg crate infill and tubular aluminum frames.

The World's First "Earthscraper"

2011-11-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

A team of Mexican architects have designed a 65-story glass and steel pyramid to sit in the middle of Mexico City's most historic plaza. But, if it ever gets built, you won't see it anywhere on the skyline.

That's because it would be the world's first ever "earthscraper" -- a 300-meter deep office and living space with ambitions to turn the modern high-rise, quite literally, on its head.

"There is very little room for any more buildings in Mexico City, and the law says we cannot go above eight stories, so the only way is down" explains Esteban Suarez, co-founder of BNKR Arquitectura, the firm behind the proposals.

"This would be a practical way of conserving the built environment while creating much-needed new space for commerce and living," he added. Read more

Source: http://www.cnn.com/

Check Out Our New E-Commerce Site!

2011-11-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company, LLC, the premier manufacturer, fabricator and supplier of architectural engineered products has announced the launch of their new e-commerce site. The new site www.cc-aeponline.com has been completely redesigned and upgraded. We've added more products, more photos, a better shopping cart and loads of other features to enhance the online buying experience. According to Marketing Manager Dave Janosz, "Our new online store was designed to provide several improvements over our old e-commerce site. It's clearer, cleaner and easier to navigate. We have also incorporated several new features to make for a better shopping experience." Some of the new features include:

- A new home page that shows a quick glance of our products

- Larger photos with a zoom capability

- Estimated shipping by zip code

- Shopping cart that displays when adding products

- Simple one page checkout

- Related item displays on each product page

- The ability to attach a drawing

- A category index and a product index

As a special incentive, we are offering 10% off your first online order.

Give it a try at www.cc-aeponline.com

Follow Up & Follow Through

2011-10-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

Be sure to follow through and do what you promise to do. Better yet, strive to exceed your customer's expectations. Communicate before, during and after a job. Be sure deliverables are on time and inform customers regarding delays and rescheduling. This goes a long way to build customer loyalty, repeat business and word of mouth referrals. Source: http://www.manta.com/

Custom Components Supplies Sunshades For Largo Medical Office Building Restoration

2011-10-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company recently supplied over 1,700 LF of clear anodized aluminum sunshades for the Largo Medical Office Building restoration (Largo, FL). The sunshades are 30" in depth with 6" airfoils. Gobbell Hays Partners, Inc. (Nashville, TN) was the architect on the project and Wallace Associates LLC ( St. Petersburg, FL) was the general contractor.

AIA To Launch Database Of Stalled Projects In Need Of Investors

2011-10-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Following in the well-trod path of Match.com and other online dating services, the American Institute of Architects thinks it has found a way to attract investors to the thousands of industry projects put on hold—send the potential suitors to cyberspace for a database of the good-lookers. That is, the AIA is compiling a list of stalled projects nationwide that “make sense” to move forward but for lack of financing, and a list of the types of projects that financial entities specialize in. Click here to read more

Quote Of The Week

2011-10-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Week: "Customer service is not a department...it's an attitude." - Mac Anderson

Stay In Touch With Your Current Customers

2011-10-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

It's vital to provide ongoing communication with your current customer base. You've spent valuable time and money acquiring new customers and according to statistics, 20% of them will purchase from you again. Make sure you communicate with customers on a regular basis, solicit their feedback and provide value to them over the long - term. Source: http://www.manta.com/.

Quote of the Week

2011-10-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Week: "Before we buld a better mousetrap, we need to find out if there are any mice out there." - Yogi Berra

View Our October Newsletter

2011-10-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

To view our October Newsletter Click here

Coming Soon! Our New Online Store

2011-10-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

Watch for our new online store coming soon! We've added more products, more photos, a better shopping cart and loads of other features to enhance your online buying experience.

Customer Service - Where Have You Gone?

2011-10-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was reading an article from Kris Vockler's blog in the USGNN Newsletter entitled "Why Is Customer Service So Difficult? It really got me to thinking. Lack of, or poor customer service, is a real pet peeve of mine. As Kris said in her article, how is it that some companies "get it" and others don't seem to have a clue? I will site an example from a trip my wife and I took recently to attend a wedding of the daughter of a long time friend in North Carolina. We flew a prominent airline, and to put it mildly, they made what should have been a pleasant experience a nightmare. The flight from Tampa was scheduled to leave at 6:45AM, and ended up departing 45 minutes late, due to a mechanical issue. OK, I know things happen, but during the entire delay, the pilot came on only one time to let us know what was happening and the progress being made, or lack of it. Now I'm becoming concerned that we are going to miss our connecting flight in Charlotte to take us to our ultimate destination in Asheville. We get to Charlotte in enough time to make our connecting flight only to find that it was delayed twice and then cancelled! I should mention here that the wedding was at 4:00PM the same day.

When I asked why the flight was cancelled, I was told "maintenance", and instructed to go to the other end of the terminal and to get "re-booked" on another flight. A number of disinterested looking booking agents informed us that they get get us on the 4:30PM flight to Asheville. When I told them that wouldn't work because the wedding was at 4:00PM, they looked at me with a blank "oh, well" stare.

I should add that this prominent airline recently ranked second in airlines with the most complaints. I wonder why?

Tired of dealing with people who simply did not care about customer service, I decided to take control of the situation. I whisked my wife down to Enterprise and rented a car for the two hour drive time trip to Asheville. What a difference! A young lady named Lea showed genuine interest in our plight , got us on our way in 10 minutes, with a free upgrade.

Enough of my ranting. The point is, both of these companies are going to get letters from me. What do you think each one is going to say? With competition as fierce as it is today, and companies both large and small going out of business, you had better take care of your most important commodity, the customer. Somebody once said that it is ten times more difficult to get a customer back than it is to get them the first time. Someone also said" the customer is the reason we exist." Both are good business mantras to live by.

Customer service where have you gone? I miss you.

2011-10-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

Check out the 10 phrases that will make your customer feel loved. Click here

Quote of the Week

2011-10-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Week: "If you help enough other people get what they want, you can get everything you want." - Zig Ziglar

New Project Award - Mesa College - San Diego,CA

2011-10-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company announces the award of a new project in San Diego, CA, the Mesa College Math and Science Building. The new structure is a $92 million, 180,000 square foot, four story facility in the Clairemont area of San Diego. The new building houses four floors of classrooms, laboratory space and offices for the departments of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physical sciences. Additionally, several faculty/student interaction areas have been incorporated into the building’s design. The new Math and Science Building will be constructed of structural steel with concrete shear walls and exterior curtain wall. The building’s design incorporates numerous sustainable features, with the project team targeting LEED Silver certification by the US Green Building Council. All classrooms, teaching laboratories, and the majority of the staff offices will optimize the use of natural daylight. The windows will utilize high performance, low “E” glazing that will allow natural daylight to enter the building, while rejecting unwanted ultraviolet and infrared light waves. This, in turn, will help reduce the amount of energy required to condition the building. The roofing will consist of cool-roof material, which also will reflect unwanted energy and reduce the amount of energy consumed. The project will add much needed academic and teaching space to the Mesa College Campus, supporting the math and physical science curriculums. The teaching spaces extend beyond the classrooms and into the surrounding landscape to include an outdoor teaching courtyard, geology demonstration courtyard and a 100+ species botanical collection. The Architects for the project are Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker and the general contractor is McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., both of San Diego.

Custom Components Company is supplying exterior and interior stainless steel and glass railing, monumental stair railing and roof railing for the project to Enclos Corporation (San Juan Capistrano, CA). They will coordinate the delivery and installation of the product. Custom Components Company’s independent sales agency for this region is Architectural Glazing Solutions. Mike Varney from this firm was instrumental in securing this contract on behalf of Custom Components Company.

Check Out Our Latest Projects On The Behance Network

2011-10-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Check out some of our latest projects on the Behance Network Click here

Be Speedy In Your Decision Making

2011-10-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Architectural Billings Index Up Sharply in August

2011-10-04T05:28:00.000-07:00

The Architectural Billings Index (ABI) took a surprising sudden upturn in August. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architectural billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI score was 51.4, following a very weak score of 45.1 in July. This score indicates an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.9, up sharply from a reading of 53.7 the previous month.

Ask Every Customer This Question

2011-10-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

Ask every customer this question: How did you hear about us? It will help you to effectively target your marketing efforts and dollars.

August New Construction Starts Up 8%

2011-09-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $424.7 billion, new construction starts in August advanced 8%, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. The gain followed a 10% decline in July, and continued the fluctuating pattern that’s been present in recent months. The pickup for total construction in August was the result of greater activity for each of construction’s three main sectors – nonresidential building, residential building, and nonbuilding construction. For the first eight months of 2011, total construction on an unadjusted basis was reported at $274.8 billion, down 6% from the same period a year ago. Read more

Quote of the Week

2011-09-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

"It's easier for companies to come up with new ideas than to let go of old ones." - Peter Drucker

Custom Components Mentioned on Thomas Jefferson School of Law Website

2011-09-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company earned a mention on the Thomas Jefferson School of Law website. Click here for details

Custom Components Company Completes SCRM Sanford Consortium Project – San Diego, CA

2011-09-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company recently completed a project in San Diego, CA, the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM). The new $104 million project is a 144,000 sq. ft. facility and laboratory for stem cell research built adjacent to the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) campus in Torrey Pines, California. SCRM combines the intellectual resources of four of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions to pursue collaborative research projects that advance the search for breakthrough cures. The facility includes innovative architectural elements and mechanical systems that not only drive collaboration and scientific productivity, but also improve the building’s functional and operating economy. The site totals 7.5 acres and is owned by the University of California and is designated for academic use by the University’s overall development plan. The SCRM facility will achieve the principal functional purpose by incorporating design features such as horizontally and vertically open laboratories, and strategically placed informal and formal meeting and education spaces, all intended to maximize face-to-face interactions among SCRM resident and non-resident scientists. Movable features on a traditional model add functionality to a building designed to serve more rapid team science in a field with constantly changing technologies. It also includes state-of-the-art cyber-linked education and conference facilities.

SCRM’s project team included the San Diego based architectural firm Lankford and Associates. The general contractor was Hensel Phelps Construction Company.

Custom Components Company supplied and installed custom design 700 Series railing, which incorporates ½” clear tempered glass, stainless steel components and extensive stainless steel cladding systems.

What's Your Business Look Like Now?

2011-09-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

What's your business look like now, given the state of the economy? Take our poll and see what you and others in the industry think now. Click here to take the survey

View Our September Newsletter

2011-09-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

To view our September newsletter Click here

The Simple Truths of Service

2011-09-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Create memories for your customers to motivate them to come back. Watch this video

Three Skills a Business Owner Needs to Succeed

2011-09-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

As an entrepreneur in the dynamic world of business, it is vital to stay informed on the things that impact your company. The factors may vary but several things are common among them all. There is always more to learn about business, and consistent development is a component of success. Savvy business owners recognize that internal improvements are not limited to how the business runs but also who is running the business. That is why it is important to create opportunities to update your skills so that you can enhance business performance.

Let's take a look at three skills that are common to successful business owners. Read more

Custom Components Company New Project Award – 135 W. 45th Street – New York, NY

2011-09-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company announces the award of a new project in New York City, 135 West 45th Street. The new project is a major new Midtown hotel by Extell Development Co., the Hyatt Times Square. The new structure will be a 53 story hotel with a high-end ground-floor restaurant, a luxury spa and a rooftop bar. Estimated construction cost is above $300 million. The hotel will enjoy a privileged site near the east side of Times Square. The project architect is SLCE Architects and the general contractor is Bovis Lend Lease, both of New York City. Custom Components Company is supplying stainless steel glass railing with point mounted 13/16" laminated glass, stainless steel LED lighted hand rail and glass and stainless steel dividers to American Industries Corporation of Westbury, NY, who will handle the installation.

Custom Components Company Wins 2011 Crystal Achievement Award

2011-09-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company was recently awarded Glass Magazine's prestigious Crystal Achievement Award for 2011. The award winners are selected by a panel of judges representing all segments of the glass industry. The awards recognize the best products, glass applications and innovations in the commercial, retail and fabrication markets.

"The level of competition this year...shows a tremendous effort within our industry to continue to push the boundaries, while still providing quality on all levels to satisfy the architectural community, as well as building ownership," said 2011 Crystal Achievement Award Judge, Les Young, project manager, W&W Glass LLC, Nanuet, NY.

"I'm really glad to see the unique qualities of glass being used in so many different ways," said fellow Judge John Stevenson, design director, Richard Wittschiebe Hand Architects, Atlanta. "It is great to know the [glass industry's] innovation, technology and special expertise is continuing at a rapid pace."

Click here for the full story

This bracket can be found on our e-commerce site http://www.cc-aepcatalog.com/, part number 78003.

Quote of the Week

2011-09-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

"In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

Custom Components Company New Project Award – University of Hawaii Cancer Center

2011-08-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company announces the award of a new project at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The new 150,000 sq. ft., $120 million center is one of Oahu's largest construction projects. The building is being constructed to the highest standards and will feature state-of-the-art technology and optimal design for inspiring innovation and discovery. The project will be a focal point of the UH medical campus in Kaka'ako, next to UH Manoa's John A. Burns School of Medicine. The new center will be home to some of the nation's leading scientists, united in their quest to combat and cure cancer. The architect is Shimokawa Makamura and the general contractor is A.C. Kobayashi Construction, both of Honolulu. The new facility is scheduled to open in early 2013.

Custom Components Company is supplying nearly 1,700 linear feet of 700 Series glass railing, stainless steel cladding and stainless steel handrail to Kula Glass Company, Inc. of Wailuku, HI, who will handle the installation.

Check Out Our New Series 500 Component Railing System

2011-08-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Custom Components announces our new Series 500 Component Railing System. Choose from 2, 3, 4, or 5 foot panels with round or square top rail in core, stanchion or fascia mount applications. Available in six standard powder coat colors (Standard Black, Apollo White, Regal Brown, Silver, Greystone and Quaker Bronze). Custom colors are available. Call for quote. Click here for more information

Custom Components Company Completes BioInnovation Center – New Orleans, LA

2011-08-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Custom Components Company recently completed a project in New Orleans, the BioInnovation Center, which will open its doors for the first time this September, and welcome a new generation of innovators from Louisiana's burgeoning life science community. Situated between the Greater New Orleans Biosciences Economic Development District and the New Orleans Medical District, on the 1400 block of Canal, the center offers 66,000 square feet of state-of-the-art wet lab, office and conference space. Designed to cultivate and conceive new ideas for bio-innovation, the Center exists among a community made up of hospitals, medical universities, research centers and biotech businesses. The project was designed by architects Eskew, Dumez, Ripple of New Orleans. Turner Construction Company was the general contractor. A 3,000 sq. ft. interior courtyard will be visible from the Canal Street side through the center's transparent glass facade. The building will be protected by operable sunscreens to limit energy costs, create comfortable lighting for its occupants and provide storm protection. Interior public amenities include a flexible 100-person conferencing center with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment; a 2,000 sq .ft. retail/food service area open to Canal Street; and an interior atrium facing the courtyard, with public break areas at each level. Upper floor amenities include protected exterior balconies facing Canal Street, to provide occupants and visitors with opportunities for interaction with the outdoors

PLAN THE WORK AND WORK THE PLAN... That is what made this one of the most challenging projects to date, and a huge success for Custom Components Company. The scope of work included a 700 Series fascia mounted glass railing system on the exterior balconies and a custom stainless steel point supported glass railing and sidewalls on the interior stairs and mezzanine locations. Planning, preparation and coordination with Turner Construction Company, the general contractor, was paramount to the success of the project. This process began prior to the erection of the structural steel on the project. The challenge was all in the logistics. Getting the exceptionally large pieces of glass to the point of installation was the most difficult aspect. Custom Components built, in coordination with Turner, a substructure of steel supports behind the drywall to support these extra heavy glass panels via the use of a minimum amount of stainless steel point mount fittings.

The 13/16" laminate glass panels arrived individually crated at the construction site from XYG Glass in a special open top container. XYG Glass (North America) is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. Their parent company and glass manufacturer is XinYi Glass Engineering, Humen Town, Dongguan, China. All order coordination was managed by Glass 3 Enterprises, also of Vancouver. The largest piece of glass measured 44" x 240" and weighed approximately 880 lbs. per piece. The site logistics involved providing a means to transport the glass to its point of installation. To accomplish this, special steel support rigging systems were utilized for lifting and manipulating the glass from the first floor up to the second and fourth floor mezzanine areas. After it was hoisted, it was hand wheeled into position to be set. The glass was set on the second floor by hoisting each piece in the air from the custom cantilevered beam and trolley system Custom Components designed and installed on the fourth floor. The glass was set on the fourth floor by hoisting each piece and lowering it in the stair opening, where there was only 3" of space to lower it into position. Additionally, the finished product, which is visible from the outside, serves as both a guard rail on the mezzanine area and glass enclosure on the main stairway between the 3rd and 4th floors.

View Our August 2011 Newsletter

2011-08-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

View our August 2011 Newsletter Click here

RACO's Gone. We Have Frames and Doors!

2011-08-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

The AL Tech™ division of Custom Components Company is fully prepared and positioned to supply the needs of the marketplace created by the closing of RACO Interior Products. We offer the building and design professional an extensive line of high quality standard and custom aluminum frames, doors and office fronts. Click here for a larger version of the above announcement

Click on the link below to view complete specs and details:

http://www.arcat.com/details/customco/prod0985.html

Visit our website at http://www.cc-aep.com/

Check out our online store athttp://www.cc-aepcatalog.com/