The name may have changed, but the goal hasn’t. The California Operator and Door Association’s (CODA) regional conference in sunny San Diego was bigger and better than ever. There were plenty of new faces—and familiar ones—for the two-day event at the Town & Country Resort, Sept. 29-30. “It’s going to be a great weekend and we’re going to have a blast,” says Tony Badalamenti, western regional sales manager for Janus International.

The buzz of conversation mixed with hearty laughter filled the first hours of the show as manufacturers eagerly greeted dealers. “We saw 150 new faces come through the door before 7 p.m.” says CODA Vice President Chuck Van Sickle. “We served 225 meals at dinner. It was a great turnout.”

Van Sickle attributes the high attendance in part to the timing of this year’s show. “CODA decided to move the show up a month while we’re all still in what I call ‘summer mode.’ We also wanted to use San Diego’s sunny weather to draw a crowd.”

In Attendance

CODA’s strategy seemed to work. A steady stream of door dealers from around California strolled down aisles packed with new products and old standbys. “I like to see what’s out there,” says Michael Wasserman of Home Security Doors and Gates in San Diego. “I’m always looking for new products so I can stay ahead of my competition.”

Dealers also enjoyed a Mexican dinner Friday before heading over to another ballroom for an after-hours party complete with a DJ, dancing and delectable desserts. “What industry gives back to its dealers like CODA and the manufacturers represented here?” Van Sickle asked. “This is a great value, and it’s free.”

Manufacturers, suppliers, CODA and International Door Association members gathered bright and early Saturday morning for a breakfast meeting. “A big thank you to all the manufacturers for participating,” CODA President Byron Burland told the crowd of more than 100. “The attendance was the best attendance on a first day that we’ve ever had. We were 100 percent sold out for exhibits, and we actually had some manufacturers who wanted booths and couldn’t get them.”

Burland also presented long-time CODA members Wes and Sharon Day with the prestigious President’s Award. Van Sickle gave Burland, owner of Safe ‘N Secure, with a plaque to commemorate his two-year term as president, which ends this year.

In addition, CODA members elected six new officers to serve on the board from January 2007 through 2009. The elected include:

Hollianne Hall, First United Door Technologies 
Nicole Robbins, Besser Bros.
Byran Burland, Safe ‘N Secure 
Bret McMillan, The Chamberlain Group 
Mike Saxby, Professional Door Dealer 
Walter Gibson, Wayne-Dalton Corp.

More Products

Saturday’s show hours proved to be just as busy as the first day. Manufacturers displayed new and familiar products. Marantec America’s sales reps talked up the company’s M-4500 and M-4700 residential operators. “It’s extremely quiet,” says Angel Fletcher, distribution manager. “The response from dealers has been very good, and customers are satisfied with the line that we carry. “ 

Just a few booths down, Carriage House Door Co.’s Jeff Battles talked to dealers about authentic wood doors. “Most people have steel,” he says of the CODA exhibitors. “We’re showing dealers wood doors are still popular and people are still buying them.”

Wayne-Dalton displayed a garage door that looks like a wood door. The 9800 fiberglass-clad door combines the realism and design flexibility of wood with the insulation benefits of its steel inner shell. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Bill Doyle, territory sales manager for Southern California. “They love the look, the low maintenance, and it’s really easy to install.”

National Door Industries is hoping to find success with its newest product, a tool-belt with a specially designed holster and battery system for drills. The 2nd Cell ToolBelt includes a holster for a drill and a 12V, 14.4V or 18V power belt. The battery pack is compatible with all brands, and can charge in about 30 minutes. “Dealers can carry fewer batteries in their trucks,” notes James Webb, vice president of sales and marketing.

Linear displayed several products, including the company’s new AE-1000 Telephone Entry System. Linear’s international status led to the design of the AE-100, which includes four languages —English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. It also has 125 directory or personal entry codes, an easy-to-ready LCD display and an optional, field upgradeable color camera. “It takes the simple telephone directory system in an electronic direction,” says Chad Luker, production manager-access/radio systems. “It’s easy to install and easy to incorporate.”

Rasco Industries displayed a TV airing a short clip on the company’s overhead screen door system. The door combines pest control and security, says Rick Brown, vice president of sales and marketing. The doors can be used in food distribution centers, food processing plants and other areas where keeping pests out is crucial. “What’s really driving sales is the requirements by inspectors,” Brown notes. “Homeland security is also becoming a factor.”

The crew from Chamberlain Professional Products added a touch of flair to their booth this year with a Tiki theme. “Everyone knows our products,” says Chamberlain’s Bob Rainey. “We wanted everyone to have a good time while showcasing our products.”

Mixed in with the thatched roofs, palm tree blow-ups and beach-themed promotional products were Chamberlain’s signature products including the popular laser park, wireless wall control, and the new 3800 Residential Jackshaft Operator (RJO).

Chamberlain also had the 3850 DC operator on hand. The operator has a number of new features including an integrated Evercharge™ battery backup and side-to-side lighting.

Multi-Sales also promoted Chamberlain’s RJO. “Everyone is talking about it,” says Cesar Bran, sales/tech support. “It’s a special operator for places with limited room.”

Arrow Tru-Line’s Paul Nowak fielded questions about the company’s adjustable operator brackets. “They’re really starting to catch on,” says Nowak, western regional sales manager. ATL has had tremendous growth this year. The company recently purchased Collier, a Canada-based manufacturer of springs, and plans to open a new facility later this year.

Fehr Bros. is also experiencing growth. The company will be expanding its facility in San Francisco early next year. “We’re doubling our size,” notes Matt Nolan, account manager for the West Coast. “We’re expanding and growing rapidly.” Industry newcomer Kelly Hedegard from Miller Edge talked with dealers about the company’s extensive line of products. As Miller Edge’s new Tempe branch manager, it was Hedegard’s first industry show. “I am thrilled with the potential,” says Hedegard, who has 25 years of manufacturing experience. “This is an industry that is ripe to take hold of new technologies and put them to use.”

Just before the show ended, there was a drawing for numerous prizes donated by the manufacturers and distributors. Dealers and exhibitors walked away with standard giveaways like tshirts and hats. A few lucky winners received bigger prizes including a CD player, cordless phone system, tool set, suitcase and drill pack. “I can’t say enough about the manufacturers,” Van Sickle says. “They really helped make this the best show ever.”

Service Spring’s Craig Radabaugh praised CODA board members for drawing so many diverse dealers. “The show was very well attended, and we really appreciate the CODA officers’ extra efforts to publicize the show,” he says. “We obtained a good number of quality prospects.”

Share this article: Email, Slashdot, Digg, Del.icio.us, Yahoo!MyWeb, Windows Live Favorites, Furl
Add this article feed to: RSS, My Yahoo, Newsgator, Bloglines

Read Comments [0]