Safety First
I make it a regular practice to read various trade publications for the stone industry, remodeling and builders journals, etc. to keep up to speed as to what is happening in the industry. I happened to be paging through the May 2007 issue of Stone World magazine today, and read Michael Reis’ Stone Column, “How Many Times Does This Have To Happen?” This column unfortunately, talked about a tragic occurence that happened in a New York stone shop. A 19 year worker from Ecuador was moving slabs, when several slabs of marble toppled over on him and pinned him underneath. He, sadly, was killed.
The handling of stone slabs is very dangerous. Workers need constant education on safety and reminders on the proper handling of stone in order to prevent injuries and tragedies. Consumers also need to be educated about the fact that stone fabrication facilities are not always the best place to bring small children to. At PGC, we encourage parents to have their children stay in the showroom where they can sit quietly and color, etc. If they choose to bring their child, or children out into the shop area, we make sure they know up front that they need to monitor their kids and have them stay by their side.
Recently, our Customer Service Manager, Angie, stayed for an after-hours appointment with a customer to view slabs for their granite countertops. Although she mentioned to the customer several times that they needed to keep their child from running off on their own, the customer neglected to say anything to the child, or scold him. Finally after several failed requests, Angie had to go find the child herself and make him sit down.
Parents, please be assured that we are keeping you and your childrens safety in mind. Children are often curious and don’t often see danger. Help us keep our shop safe by following our rules. They are in place for a reason.
Thanks for reading and your cooperation!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on May 22nd, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatos
Here’s a recipe I thought I’d share for all of those potato lovers out there. This is a good recipe to go along with the up-coming summer barbeques. It is easy to make and tastes great!
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
8 cups cooked potatoes
1 cup mayonnaise
1 pound American Cheese
1 small onion chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
6 slices thick cut bacon
1/2 cup olives
Peel and boil enough potatoes for approximately 8 cups when cut and cubed. Let the potatoes cool and then cut and cube them on your granite countertop. Place the potatoes in a greased 13″ x 9″ baking pan. Spread the mayonnaise on top and then sprinkle on the cheese. Add chopped onion, salt & pepper, and chopped bacon. Top with the olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let stand a bit to cool and serve.
Enjoy and happy barbequing!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on May 21st, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Learning Links 05/17/07
Today’s consumers want more information than ever before and are doing their homework. Many consumers use the internet to research information about a product before they buy. At PGC, we offer a lot of information about granite countertops, edges, maintenance and care, etc. on our website, but consumers often want to visit several sites to gather their information and educate themselves.
Below are some blog sites I found with useful consumer information on granite and natural stone:
Kitchen Product Review: Granite Countertops
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Learning Links on May 17th, 2007 by Barb | | 2 Comments
There’s Something Wrong With This Picture!
OK…so it happened to me again. I was driving to work and realized the tank was empty, so I stopped for gas. I waited patiently for the gas to pump and then heard the click. The pump shut off, so I got back in my car and got back on the interstate. I just happened to look down at the gauge and realized the tank was only 3/4 full again. I couldn’t believe it. I told myself before that I need to look at the gauge before I leave, but you know how it is when you’re in a hurry. So there I was driving down the highway wondering, “What is with these gas stations that don’t adjust their pumps to accomodate the higher prices? Their pumps just shut off when it gets to a certain price? What is with the high price of gas? It is over $3.00 a gallon now.”
Is it my imagination, or does everything these days seem to cost more? Last weekend was my sixteen year old daughters prom. I told myself that I wasn’t going to complain about the cost of these dances anymore and just accept it, but it sometimes helps to vent.
Typical Girls Expenses:
(This list doesn’t cover the guys expenses, which would include tux rental, corsage, dinner for himself and his date, limo ride, etc.)
Prom dress……………………………………… $300.00
Professional Pictures……………………….. $ 30.00
Boutineere……………………………………….. $ 15.00
Hair…………………………………………………$ 75.00
Nails………………………………………………..$ 25.00
Shoes………………………………………………$ 50.00
Jewelry……………………………………………..$ 30.00
Borrowed gas money to get to school
on Monday because spent portion of
their money to help cover prom costs…………..$ 20.00
Memories to last a life-time……………………Priceless
As pulled into work, I realized again, this is just another situation where there is nothing I can do. I just need to accept it.
What it means:
- A few more deep cleansing breaths.
- More stops to gas station for me because tank shuts off too soon.
- More stops to gas station for PGC install truck, PGC measure van, and PGC PT Cruiser sales vehicle because tank shuts off too soon and more gas is needed.
- More beautiful granite countertops sold, delivered and installed.
- More satisfied customers…Priceless!
Thanks for reading and listening to me complain!
Barb
Here’s a few photos of kids having fun creating lasting memories:
Posted in Company, Granite on May 16th, 2007 by Barb | | 4 Comments
Marketing Your Way To Success
Since we opened our doors, over 10 years ago, we have always strived to be the best at what we do…fabricating and installing natural stone countertops. We are always looking for ways to improve our processes, customer service, and quality to stay on the cutting edge and stand out from the competition. From the beginning, we realized the importance of marketing, and focused on ways to build relationships and identify ourselves in the market to get recognized and bring in new business.
I recently read ” The Marketing Top 10,” a commentary by Linda Case, published in the May 2007 issue of Remodeling Magazine that listed the Top 10 forms of marketing that work best for remodelers, which I felt were great points. 
I am happy to say PGC uses them all. Read through the list below and see how your company fares.
List in Letterman-style (from the bottom.)
10. Direct Mail—Especially postcards that use professional photography.
9. Association membership—Join various associations to network, get referrals, share ideas, etc.
8. Home tours—Show off your work!
7. Publicity—Enter competitions and publicize the wins.
6. Community Profile—Take what you enjoy and let it work to be an advantage for your company. e.g. Go to a golf outing, biking, etc. and meet others with common interests and share what you do for a living.
5. Jobsite presence—Introduce your company to a neighborhood via a postcard, etc.
4. Your website—Use your website to show photos of your work, tell your story, etc.
3. A great image—Design a great logo and use it everywhere! e.g. business cards, signs, letterhead, website, vehicles.
2. Sterling customer service—Constantly strive for improvements for your clients experience.
1. A system for staying in touch—Contact customers, suppliers, trade partners, etc. several times a year. Give them information and a reminder of you. e.g. Newsletters, cards, invitations.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Company, Marketing on May 15th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
