Architectural Series Spotlight: Southwestern

Over the past four months, Ferche Millwork has introduced and highlighted the new and unique moulding styles of our Architectural Series. This week we are showcasing the sixth and final moulding family of the series: Southwestern.

Southwestern design is influenced by the Native American and Mexican cultures, and is defined by organic design elements infused with bright colors and geometric patterns. If this style appeals to you, incorporating Ferche’s Southwestern style mouldings might be the perfect way to spice up your home.

To achieve a Southwestern feel, keep in mind the following elements:

• Stone floors
• Textured walls
•  Exposed beams and raw wood
• Brightly colored woven accents
•  Hand-painted tiles
•  Pottery

From stain colors, to design, to wood species- Ferche will work with you to create and customize the perfect mouldings for you and your home. Exploring the possibilities is achievable in three simple steps:

1. Visit your local lumber retailer.

2. Explain you would like the family of moldings that coordinate with the “Southwestern” style in Ferche’s Architectural Series.

3. You’re done!

Here’s a closer look at the different mouldings within the Southwestern family. Keep in mind that although they are showcased in painted poplar, you have the option of choosing other wood species.

Base

Rail

Casing

Crown

Architectural Series Spotlight: Arts & Crafts

Alright homeowners. We all know the overwhelming feel that can come when looking at remodeling a room in your house. What design should you try to achieve? After all, there are so many! If you see the Victorian style and think it’s too excessive, you might opt for the more modern route that evokes simplicity. But what about something in the middle of the spectrum? This is where ‘Arts & Crafts’ architecture comes into play.

This type of architecture refers to a type of design that seeks to create a look like that of the pre-industrial, handmade society. It melds simple design with a handcrafted look. Pictures below display the simple, square edges that are like that of the modern design, but wait! Before the mouldings are done, handcrafted details are implemented to add that “just right” amount of charm and embellishment.

If the Arts & Crafts style of décor sounds like it fits your decorating style, starting the remodel process just became a lot easier. First, use the architect approved set of mouldings for this style in Ferche’s Architectural Series as a base for your home. Here is how you can go about finding these mouldings:

1. Visit your local lumber retailer.
2. Explain you would like the family of moldings that coordinate with the “Arts & Crafts” style in Ferche’s Architectural Series.
3. You’re done!

To spread the “Arts & Crafts” architecture throughout your entire home, remember these key elements:

· Natural materials throughout the home
· Built-in furniture and light fixtures
· Fireplace
· Porches
· Low-pitched roofs
· Exposed beams
· Open floor plan

If you are still not sure if this style is for you, take a look at the below sample of ‘Arts & Crafts’ mouldings that can easily be integrated into an Arts & Crafts style home. Keep in mind different wood species can be used, the sample below is displayed in Natural Cherry:

Base

Rail

Crown

Casing

Architectural Series Spotlight: Modern

Recently, Ferche Millwork has introduced the Architectural Series, a professionally designed family of mouldings that coordinate with six distinct styles of décor for the home. We now invite you to learn about the third style in this product line: Modern design!

The modern style is often described as clean with simple lines. It strives to avoid excess in design that is apparent in other styles. Our modern mouldings promote simplicity, serenity, and a sense of cleanliness to your home.

If you feel that this look is what you wish to create in your home, do not forget about the design pairings that will help enhance your modern look. This means remembering simplicity in every aspect of the room. Industrial materials, open floor plans, and clean-lined furniture will complete this look.

But simplicity does not just lie in the style itself – remember that Ferche Millwork has made the process of finding the moldings easier. Follow these steps and you will be set:

1. Visit your local lumber retailer.
2. Explain you would like the family of moldings that coordinate with the “Modern” style in Ferche’s Architectural Series.
3. You’re done!

If you are not convinced yet, take a look at the family of modern mouldings that have been created to be paired with a modern home:

Rail

Base

Crown

Casing

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

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.