Mention Your Customer Convenience Services!
Have you ever visited a store, only to find out later that they carried a product you normally use—And had you realized they carried it, you would have bought it there all along? This scenario happens more than you think.
A few years ago, in the process of building a new home, we went to a selection center to pick out various items such as tile, carpet, etc. What I didn’t realize at the time was, that they also sold window treatments, so unfortunately, I ended up getting our blinds elsewhere.
When businesses specialize in manufacturing a certain product, such as granite countertops, consumers may focus only on that product. They may not realize your business provides other products, or services, as a convenience to them, unless you tell them.
For your convenience, listed below are some products and services that we provide in addition to our granite countertops:
- Natural Stone Tile
- Granite Tables
- Manufactured and Machine Carved Fireplaces
- Sinks
- Sealer
- Granique Switchplates
- Granite Knobs & Handles
- Laser Etching Service
- Vases & Figurines
- Extended Warranty Service
Are you mentioning your convenience services to your customers?
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company on June 29th, 2007 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Everything Happens For A Reason!
We’ve all heard the saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” I, for one, believe this to be true. Although the answers may not come right away, they eventually reveal themselves. It is hard to know why a parent had to die, why someone got hurt, why a dedicated employee decides to leave, or why my dog got ran over (I am still figuring this one out), but God always has a plan.
Joel, our Sales Representative for almost five years, has made the decision to move on and pursue other career opportunities. We wish him well and want to thank him for his dedication and loyalty.
While Joel was the face of PGC out in the field, and at various organizational meetings (NARI, BATC, etc.) and events over the years, it is important to keep in mind that he was only one member of our team. It takes a team effort to provide great customer service, and produce, deliver, and install a quality product. Please rest assured, we are still here for you and will continue to maintain our objective of being the best natural stone fabricator in the mid-west.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company on June 28th, 2007 by Barb | | 2 Comments
The Great Debate—Fissure Or Crack?
A common problem working with natural stone is, we can’t control what it looks it. As a fabricator, our job is to measure your job, custom cut it to your specifications, polish the edges, and install a beautiful granite island, granite bar top, granite fireplace, granite countertop, or a granite bathroom vanity, etc. in your home.
Even though we try to educate our customers up front, we still get asked many questions in regards to material, including questions about fissures in the stone. Some of you out there may not know what a fissure is, so let’s start by defining it.
The MIA, Marble Institute of America, 
in their 2005 Residential Stone Countertop Installation Guide states that, “Fissures occur naturally in many stone types. A fissure is defined by the American Geological Institute as ‘an extensive crack, break, or fracture in the rock, which may contain mineral-bearing material.’ The term ‘fissure’ is used commerically in the stone industry to describe a visible separation along intercrystalline boundaries. This separation may start and stop within the field of the stone, or extend through and edge. A fissure differs from a crack, in that it is a naturally occurring feature in the stone.”
Fissures are very common in granite. Some granite colors, however, contain more fissures than others. If you notice a fissure in a certain area, more than likely there will be other areas in your granite countertops that contain fissures as well. Depending on the lighting in your home, some fissures may stand out more than others, or look more pronounced.
In the article, “Fissure Cut Bait,” found in the June 2007 issue of Stone Business magazine, they pointed out four ways to determine if an area is a fissure, or crack.
- Fissures are not typically prominent in sink areas. A crack could be caused in a sink area during transportation, or from in-proper handling of the stone.
- Fissures do not change the plane of a surface. If a level was placed across the questionable area, you shouldn’t be able to slide a business card underneath it.
- Fissures will show up in more than one area of the stone, not just in 1 place.
- With fissures, you shouldn’t be able to catch a fingernail, business card, car key, etc. in the area.
Remember to keep in mind that granite is a product of nature. While markings, veining, pitting, and fissures are common, they do not affect the quality of the stone. These characteristics are what makes each piece of granite unique, stand out, and make it “natural.”
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on June 26th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Tomato Basil Shrimp
Here’s a great summer recipe to try for the grill, compliments of Troy, our Lead Installer. When he’s not busy installing granite countertops at PGC, he’s hunting, fishing, or cooking, which he really enjoys.
This recipe is easy to prepare and is delicious.
Tomato Basil Shrimp
1 pound shrimp
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup red wine
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
3 Cloves chopped garlic
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1 Tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Chop the garlic and basil and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, red wine, red wine vinegar and olive oil. Add the garlic, basil, cayenne pepper. Mix well and pour over the shrimp. Marinade for a couple of hours. Place the shrimp on skewers to grill. Brush extra marinade over the shrimp, while grilling.
Serve with rice, bread, or potatos and salad, etc.
Enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on June 25th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
The More You Tell, The More You Sell!
I’ll never forget my first job out of college. I moved the day after I graduated to be with my then, fiance, from a small conservative college town in Minnesota to Detroit…of all places. There I was—no friends, no family, no more college parties, and NO JOB! I was in total culture shock! I knew I had to find a job immediately, so I began sending out resumes left and right. It took awhile, but I eventually found a job working as an Advertising Sales Representative for a company that published several local suburban newspapers in the Detroit area.
My first days at the company were spent with the owner, Gil, going door to door from one business to another business. We’d stop by, bring them the current issue of the paper, and find out if they’d be interested in running an ad in the next issue. Those first days to me, seemed like they were never ending. We just kept going to more and more businesses, well into the evening. Our last stop was either a restaurant, or bar, where Gil and I would finally sit down. He would then start his famous speech, which always began with, “You know Barb, ‘The More You Tell, The More You sell!’ You’ve got to keep beating on those doors, because eventually someone will say yes.”
And so it began…I found myself walking the streets of those Detroit suburbs, pounding on doors from one business to the next, day in and day out. I thought it was grueling and never imagined myself to be doing such a thing, but then something happened. The company was having a sales contest, which I never really paid much attention to. I didn’t even think I was in the running, but funny thing, I won! I couldn’t believe it. Turns out, that Gil was right. I really wasn’t doing anything special. I certainly wasn’t an aggressive seller. I was, however, persistant and beat on a lot of doors.
I recently read, “Prioritize or Perish”, an article found in the June 2007 issue of Selling Power magazine, that reminded me of this story and my sales experience. The article referenced Martin Papper, Vice President of Sales at C&S Distributors, a wholesale building distributor, who admitted to being very obnoxious when it came to setting priorities for his sales rep’s. He apparently, on a frequent basis, leaves a 3-Part voice mail for each sales rep saying: “Make the calls, make the calls, make the calls.”
- The first reference is to make calls to get new accounts.
- The second reference is to make calls to keep receivables under control.
- The second reference is to make calls to stay in touch with inactive and active accounts.
Apparently, this mantra works for him and his reps, just as Gil’s mantra, “The more you tell, the more you sell,” worked for me and others.
How are you keeping your Sales Rep’s active?
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized, Company, Business, Marketing on June 22nd, 2007 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Integrity, Reliability, Ethical, Peace of Mind…
Paramount Granite Company is in its 11th year of business. When Chris and Barb Rodgers started PGC in 1996, there were approximately 10 fabricators in Minnesota, now there are close to 100. Unfortunately, not all fabricators operate under the same standard of quality, service, and dependability as we do.
One indication of the integrity and reliability of a business its commitment to 
organizations such as the Better Business Buearu (BBB). The BBB can be used as a source for consumers in determining their ethics, committment to customer satisfaction, business history, and a non-biased third party when selecting a business for services.
PGC is a member of the BBB, and we stand behind the product that we deliver. When it comes to spending your hard earned money, you want to feel reassured that you are getting what you pay for. Keeping in mind that you get what you pay for, the lowest price does not always mean the best quality. Check out our Reliability Report on the BBB website for peace of mind.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Company, Business on June 21st, 2007 by Angie | | 0 Comments
When Is Support Needed For My Granite?
A common question we hear from customers who visit our showroom is, “Will I need extra support for my granite countertops if I want an extended overhang?” This is a good question, that can have a couple different answers, depending on the desired length, design, stone selection, etc.
First of all, we would need to ask several questions to determine the answer such as:
- How much overhang do you want for your granite island, granite bar top, or peninsula top?
- Will this be a seating area where there will be chairs, or stools ?
- Does the area have any curve to it?
- What is the support system (cabinets, posts, corbels, etc.)?
In our experience, most cabinets can support granite countertops and weight is not an issue. There are circumstances however, when a customer wants to include an overhang and additional support may be required. At PGC, we typically do not recommend any additional support for overhangs up to 12″. When overhangs are 14″, or beyond, we make that determination at the time of measure. We have done some overhangs from 14″-16″ that have required no additional support, and others that have. It really does depend on the customer’s particular circumstances.
If you have questions pertaining to overhangs, please don’t hesitate to our ask our customer service staff, or measuring technician. They would be happy to answer your questions.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on June 20th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Cleaning With Good Old Soap & Water!
I am often amazed at some of the comments I hear, when it comes to granite countertops. It is sad that there are so many myths and misconceptions out there. A recent comment I heard, was from an acquantance of mine, at my health club. He was convinced that he needed to buy some special product, just to clean his granite countertops, and asked me what I would recommend. After asking him a few questions, about how he cleans his granite countertops, I responded with, “I would just use clean, hot soapy water and a dish cloth.” (Dirty water, can sometimes cause streaks.)
His jaw dropped in amazement, and he responded with, “You mean, I don’t need to purchase anything special?” That’s right, although there are products out there marketed just for cleaning granite countertops.
Cleaning and maintenance is one thing I never worry about for my granite countertops. That is one of the perks—they are easy to care for.
If you have questions regarding maintenance & care of your granite countertops, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. You can also print a maintenance & care form from our Forms page on our website.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on June 19th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
New Source For Natural Stone Information
In my last blog, I talked about the importance of branding to stand out from the competition. Funny thing, because this morning as I was paging through the June 2007 issue of Stone World magazine, I came across the article, “Natural Stone Council Develops Web site,” which promotes their new branding message,—
“As Genuine, As You!”
The Natural Stone Council is made up of various businesses and trade organizations within the stone industry and was formed in 2003 to promote the use of natural stone. Their new website was designed specifically for the stone industry and related trades to provide information in regards to stone, and to provide real answers about the myths and misconceptions that are present in the current market.
The site is a great place to send your customers for answers to many of the their questions in regards to stone. It also provides a great branding message for the entire stone industry!
For more information, visit the site at http://www.genuinestone.org/home.php.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Marketing on June 18th, 2007 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Recipe: “Fruit Smoothie” No-Bake Cheesecake
If you are like me, not turning the oven on in the summer time is always a good idea! I came across this recipe in a Kraft cookbook. I made it a couple of weeks ago for my family and they loved it. It is fresh, cool, and tasty!! 
“Fruit Smoothie” No-Bake Cheesecake
Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 4 hr 15 min
Makes: 16 servings, one piece each
1-1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
2 Tbsp. sugar
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 pkg. (12 oz.) frozen mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries), thawed, drained
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
CRUST: Mix graham crumbs, butter and 2 Tbsp. sugar; press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
BEAT: Cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Smash drained berries with fork; stir into cheese mixture. Gently stir in 2 cups of the whipped topping. Spoon over crust; cover.
REFRIGERATE: 4 hours or until firm. Use foil handles to remove cheesecake from pan before cutting into pieces to serve. Top with the remaining whipped topping. Store any leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.
VARIATION:
Omit mixed frozen berries. Add 3 cups fresh mixed berries and additional 1/4 cup sugar to Neufchatel cheese mixture, mixing with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on June 15th, 2007 by Angie | | 1 Comments
