Granite Countertops Still Remain The Countertop Of Choice…
Today, as I was looking at my February 2010 issue of The Cutting Edge newsletter, produced by the MIA, I came across, the article, “The NKBA Unveils Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2010,” that caught my eye. According to the article, the latest survey information from designers revealed that granite remains at the top of the list when it comes to countertop options. Although I’m not surprised, that’s good news for the natural stone industry. Granite is not only durable, and easy to maintain, but is also beautiful and is available in literally hundreds of different color options.
The survey also revealed that, “Last year saw an increased interest in a neutral color palette (perhaps because of the challenging economy), and the same should also hold true for 2010,” when it comes to kitchens in general. At PGC, neutral colored granites have always been popular, although we sell a variety of colors, and patterns. When it comes to color, it seems to be a personal preference.
Whether you are looking for a neutral tone, or something more dramatic, we are here to help. Please make sure to stop by our showroom. We are happy to help you with your selections.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News on February 16th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Persuasive, Persistant Selling Pays Off…
Today more than ever, it is important to have a good sales force. While closing sales is key in business, having a pushy sales person can sometimes backfire. Often times, a more persistent, persuasive approach is more beneficial in the long run. I recently read, “Don’t Pressure, Persuade,” an article found in the Januray/February 2010 issue of Selling Power magazine that had some interesting information I thought would be useful for those people out there in sales.
- Make sure you listen 80 percent of the time and talk 20 percent. Try and use open ended questions that will keep prospects talking to you.
- While it is important to open new accounts, keep in mind that the close should be the beginning of a long-term selling relationship, not just a one time commission sale.
- Be persistent, and let your prospect know that their business is important, and that you’re ready to serve them now, or later.
- It is important to present product features selectively, based on each individual customers needs.
- Don’t just talk discounts. Real sales professionals talk about value and emphasize how the quality and durability of their product will benefit the customer.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Marketing, Uncategorized on February 12th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Feel At Ease In Your Kitchen With Granite Countertops!
Tonight, as I was cooking in my kitchen, (making stuffed peppers for dinner), I realized how funny some of the granite myths out there really are. We often hear customers in our showroom ask questions about everyday countertop use. Some customers are shocked when we let them know that putting hot pots and pans on their granite countertops will not harm them. I actually do it every time I cook, or bake—including tonight.
As I placed my hot pot of rice, hot frying pan filled with veggies and meat, and hot pot of boiling water with peppers on my granite island, I smiled. With granite countertops, not only do I never worry about having to use a hot plate, I rarely use a cutting board either. Oh—and one more thing…
I forgot to mention they are also beautiful!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen, Granite on February 11th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words…
Most of us have heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” I can’t think of a better way to describe granite! In our showroom, we often get asked the question, “What’s the difference between granite countertops and quartz products?” Well—there’s quite a number of differences, but when you hold one product next to the other, there’s really no comparison, especially when it comes to beauty!
Granite is a product of nature, formed over thousands of years within the earths crust by God. It is composed of a variety of minerals, which makes each color and piece unique. Many granites have flow, movement, or veining, which you will not see with man-made quartz products. The characteristics of granite are all their own, and truly make a kitchen stand out.
Following is a picture I wanted to share:
Mackmiller Design+Build; Super Bordeaux Granite
John Ray Photography
Beautiful isn’t it?
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on February 10th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
I brought this cheesecake to work yesterday, to share as a birthday treat for Leisa, one of our Customer Service Rep’s. If you like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, you’ll love this recipe. I found it the other week, in a Better Homes & Garden magazine. It takes a little prep work to make, but is well worth it.
Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- 18 chocolate graham cracker squares, finely crushed (1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate pieces
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- Peanuts (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine crackers, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press into bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch springform pan; set aside. In bowl beat 1 package cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth. Beat in peanut butter and 1/4 cup sugar until combined. Fold in 1 lightly beaten egg; set aside.
2. In saucepan stir chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Cube remaining cream cheese; add to chocolate. Stir to combine. Stir in milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 2 lightly beaten eggs. Spread half the chocolate mixture into pan. Carefully spread all the peanut butter mixture over layer. Evenly spread remaining chocolate mixture.
3. Bake 45 minutes or until top is set when lightly shaken. Outer 2 inches of the top will be slightly puffed and dry-looking; center will look darker and wet. Cool in pan on rack 15 minutes. Use a small sharp knife to loosen crust from sides; cool completely on rack. Cover; chill 4 hours. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with peanuts. Makes 16 servings.
P.S. I added a chocolate topping before serving, so the peanuts would stick better, and of course for more chocolate.
Chocolate Topping
4 Squares Semi-sweet chocolate melted
1/4 cup butter melted
In a micro-wavable bowl, melt the chocolate and butter. Stir and drizzle over the top of sliced cheesecake. Add the peanuts. Serve.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on February 5th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
