Monday, September 30, 2013

Introducing the Architectural Series by Ferche Millwork

Mouldings bring value, beauty and character to any home. However, due to the tremendous number of options for crown, casing and base mouldings in the marketplace today, selecting the right mouldings for your house can be a confusing process. The market has asked for an easier method, and Ferche has delivered. We’re proud to introduce to you the Architectural Series.

The Architectural Series is a professionally designed family of mouldings that coordinate with six distinct styles of décor. Now, it’s as easy as knowing what architectural style suites you. For example, if your style is Modern, then you can simply tell your local lumber retailer you’d like to have the family of mouldings that coordinate with the Modern style of Ferche’s Architectural Series. Ferche has already done the tedious work of selecting the crown, chair and base mouldings best suited for that style. Finally, a moulding series designed by Architects but inspired by you!

While the Architectural Series isn’t available until later this year, here’s a sneak peek into the styles:

Art Deco

Southwestern

Rustic

Arts & Crafts


Victorian

Modern

Friday, September 20, 2013

Now Hiring: Architectural Representative


Ferche Millwork is currently hiring for an Architectural Representative position. This individual will be working within the Sales Department in Rice, Minnesota. The candidate that fills this position will be responsible for all sales activities from developing training programs through supplying projects with Ferche Materials. They will also be responsible for tracking & coordinating with Sales Representatives. They will implement agreed upon Marketing Plans which will meet business goals of expanding the customer base in the US & Canada territories.

The Architectural Sales Rep will work closely with the Architectural community, and train them on Ferche manufactured products for the purpose of obtaining master specifications with major Arch firms. Each training needs to be documented for AIA & Ferche, and then followed with repeat visits. The sales goal objective is to place Ferche on all applicable project specification then track the project to the General Contractor & Sub Contractor (installer). After the General Contractor is selected, they will carefully pull materials through specific Ferche distributor or customer (work with Ferche Territory Representative).

Current representatives in similar positions, Mark K. and Jeff C., have said that an important skill to be successful as an Architectural Representative is having the ability to network with this group of professionals. Good communication skills and personal skills are a must. Besides these personal traits, Ferche provides their sales reps with all the necessary tools and training to be successful. Ferche does an outstanding job of preparing their new hires with the training and information they need to be comfortable and confident in their new role. Training doesn't stop during your first couple months, Ferche is known for being a step above the rest when it comes to informing their sales reps with all the latest and greatest information. Mark K. describes Ferche as, "[They] set the industry standard in quality products, on time delivery, customer support and sales tools, and state of the art "new product development."

The support team the Architectural Representative will receive is a great attribute of the position. Based on personal experience, Mark K. says "the architectural rep can rely on an inside sales and support staff that is knowledgeable, experienced, and professional." This support staff will be able to help the Architectural Representative find a product or solution that solves any problem the customers may have.  The Architectural Rep should, however, not rely on this team for everything. Mark K. states that "the Architectural Rep that Ferche hires will have all of their ground work done and in place. They should be able to pursue Architectural Firms with two different presentations that will have interest to all levels of designers." To apply, click here. For a more detailed look at all the responsibilities and specifications required, please see below.


Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for identifying top 10 Architects in major US markets such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Kansas City, Omaha, Des Moines, Boston, Milwaukee, and other major cities in Ferche trade zones. Set appointments for Lunch & Learns focusing on FFRF & Millwork.
  • Demonstrates technical selling / training skills and product knowledge in all areas listed above that allow effective presentation of Ferche Millwork.
  • Develops annual business plan in conjunction with VP of Sales, which details activities to follow during the fiscal year, which will focus on meeting or exceeding goals and sales generated through tracking systems. 
  • Complete understanding of technical specifications, codes, testing and AWI specifications.
  • Demonstrates the ability to carry on a business conversation with Architects, Designers, Contractors, Distributors & Installers.
  • Maximizes all opportunities in the process of educating, resulting in gaining commercial & residential projects. The process starts with Architects & Designers ending with the installer.
  • Sells consultatively and makes recommendations to prospects and clients of the various solutions the company offers to their business issues. 
  • Develops a database of qualified leads through referrals, internet & face to face cold calling on Architects, Designers, Distributors & Contractors with direct mail, and networking. 
  • Assists in the implementation of company marketing plans as needed. 
  • Creates and conducts effective proposal presentations and RFP responses that identify prospects in commercial and residential building industry.. 
  • Responsible for sourcing and developing Architectural & Designer relationships and referrals. 
  • Responsible for presenting and building effective Webinars for distant learning sessions Ferche AIA CEU.
  • Responsible for developing Ferche University training program focused on Distributors, Lumber Yards, Contractors, Architects & Designers.
  • Maintains accurate records of all sales and prospecting activities including sales calls, presentations, closed sales, and follow-up activities within your assigned territory, including the use of Microsoft Outlook & CRM to maintain accurate records to maximize territory potential. 
  • Adheres to all company policies, procedures and business ethics codes and ensures that they are communicated and implemented within the team. 
  • Develop a data base of all Colleges & Universities within the US market that consistently renovate and plan upcoming additions.
  • Register Ferche with all Major US Colleges & Universities purchasing departments, tract all open RFQ on a weekly basis. (internet)

Relationships and Roles:
  • Internal / External Cooperation
  • Maintain contact with all clients in the market area to ensure high levels of Client Satisfaction.
  • Demonstrate ability to interact and cooperate with all company employees. 
  • Build trust, value others, communicate effectively, drive execution, foster innovation, focus on the customer, collaborate with others, solve problems creatively and demonstrate high integrity while hitting all deadlines.
  • Maintain professional internal and external relationships that meet company core values.
  • Proactively establish and maintain effective working team relationships with all support departments. 

Job Specifications:
  • Experience with Microsoft office. 
  • Understanding all aspects of Supplier Relationship Management. 
  • Understanding of customer and market dynamics / requirements. 
  • Willingness to travel 50% of the time and work in team of professionals. 
  • Ability to achieve sales goals (TBD)

To apply for this position, or to learn more about Ferche Millwork, click here.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Proudly Old-Fashioned

As a true entrepreneur, Bob Ferche started Ferche Millwork in 1958 with a simple business model and two helpful brothers. Centrally located in Rice, Minnesota, the company began as a local supplier of boards, simple mouldings, and door jambs. From the start, Bob believed in creating high-quality, dependable products for his customers.



Furthermore, going above and beyond millwork industry requirements has become second nature to Ferche Millwork. By promising the highest quality hardwood mouldings in the industry and a highly sustainable product, Ferche defects out imperfections in multiple stages of the manufacturing process resulting in 100% useable product. Additionally, Ferche strives to create little or no unnecessary waste  from their business practices. For this energy efficiency practice, the Secretary of Energy recognized Ferche by awarding them the “Award for Energy Innovation”.



Regardless of growth and demand, Ferche’s old-fashioned way of doing business has remained the same. Their belief in taking more time and effort than their competitors to create a high-quality, dependable product has and will continue to be their vehicle for success.

Take a look at Ferche’s accomplishments over the years:

1958: Company Founded 
1978: Ferche switches from direct sales to 2-step distribution 
1980: Veneered products added to the solid moulding line 
1983: Ferche purchases first high speed Weinig moulder designed to run hardwoods 
1985: Distribution goes national 
1988: RAF Industries (Philadelphia investment group) purchases Ferche 
1993: Ferche opens air-drying yard in Tennessee 
1998: Ferche initiates an aggressive capital improvement plan to increase capacity and reduce lead times 
2000: Distribution facility expansion completed 
2002: Ferche automates moulder blank production by adding computer driven rough mill 
2003: Company adopts Lean Manufacturing philosophy 
2004: Lead times are reduced to two weeks 
2007: Ferche’s Book of Mouldings concept introduced where profiles are matched in architectural families 
2008: Company celebrates 50 years of business, selling value-laden moulding products across the U.S. and Canada 
2009: Door components category grows substantially as custom manufacturing capabilities increase 
2010: 45-60-90 minute wood FireRated door jambs and frames introduced to commercial market. TN kiln drying capacity increased by 50% 
2012: Innovative ProFile pricing tool introduced. Over 13,000 items produced in over 30 wood species
2013: TN kiln drying capacity increased by 40%