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DirectBuy of Minneapolis awarded Service Center of the Year honors

Minneapolis, MN – DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers, is proud to announce that franchise owners Darryn and Dana Fossand recently were the recipients of the highest honor for service excellence awarded to franchisees – Service Center of the Year.

“Working to constantly improve customer service is something our service staff takes very seriously,” said co-owner Darryn Fossand. “We strive to elevate the shopping experience for our members while continuing to provide them with tremendous selection and savings.”

DirectBuy centers had the opportunity to qualify for the company’s most prestigious service award, Service Center of the Year, by excelling in several key areas during a 12-month qualification period. To earn this award, centers were graded and awarded points in the areas of Merchandise Dollar volume, Purchase Order Volume, Renewal and New Member Purchase Percentages, Customer Service Rating, and individual staff performance recognition.

DirectBuy of Minneapolis received on-stage recognition at the International Sales & Service Conference, a plaque commemorating their achievement, a video production shown at the conference celebrating their honor and recognition in BuyLines – the company’s network wide newsletter.

“It was exciting to watch our staff build meaningful relationships with our members as they helped them complete their projects,” co-owner Dana Fossand continued. “It is truly rewarding to see the hard work and dedication of our service staff pay off with recognition as Service Center of the Year.”

DirectBuy of Minneapolis, conveniently located at 2090 W. 98th Street in Bloomington, is a 12,000 sq. foot showroom that offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

“DirectBuy of Minneapolis sets itself apart from traditional retailers by providing consumers with a low-cost, ‘one-stop shopping’ destination where they can furnish, build or renovate their home,” Darryn explained. “Members enjoy personalized service as they navigate through our extensive selection of brand-name, top-of-the-line merchandise.”

DirectBuy of Minneapolis offers area residents thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 700 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. 

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishing, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design.  An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Minneapolis are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call 1-952-835-0790 or visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

 

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DirectBuy of the Palm Beaches awarded coveted “Rising Star” award

WEST PALM BEACH, FL…

On November 24, 2008 at DirectBuy’s International Sales and Service Conference in San Francisco, DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches Owners Stephen and Jenny Levin were awarded with DirectBuy’s highest honor for new franchisees – they were named the company’s 2008 Rising Star Award recipients.

“We are extremely proud to have received this prestigious award. Helping our members to realize their dreams is remarkably rewarding for us as DirectBuy franchise owners,” said Stephen Levin. “However, we would not have accomplished these lofty goals without the support of our knowledgeable and devoted staff. We would like to share this award with each and every one of our employees.”

DirectBuy annually awards Rising Star honors to the franchise that achieves elite levels of effectiveness in membership production, service excellence and business practices within their first six full months of operation. Eligible franchise owners are evaluated on their leadership abilities, staff retention, facility image and business practices. Recipients receive a Crystal Award and recognition at the annual DirectBuy International Sales & Service Conference for all DirectBuy owners and employees.

DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches team member Miranda Martin believes the culture put in place by the owners is a paramount reason behind the enthusiasm and service delivered to members. “Working for Stephen and Jenny is a real honor and I am truly blessed to be part of the successful team at DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches,” she explains. “Each and every day, we come to work motivated to provide our valued members with the absolute best service, selection and savings possible.”

The 13,250 sq. foot West Palm Beach showroom and adjacent warehouse opened in June 2007, and was among the company’s top membership producers over the past year. Additionally, their members purchased more than $5 million in merchandise through The Palm Beaches showroom and the location ranked in the top ten percent in the network for service excellence. 

“We buy just like the retailers buy and then we pass the savings right on to our members,” Co-owner Jenny Levin explains. “Our hope is to elevate the shopping experience for our members while continuing to provide them with tremendous service and savings on the more than 700 manufacturers and authorized suppliers we carry.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches is conveniently located at 6076 Okeechobee Blvd, Suite 16 in West Palm Beach, and offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches carries a large selection of brand-name furniture at wholesale prices direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design.  An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design concept keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

For more information on DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches, call (561) 909-0111 or visit www.directbuypalmbeach.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundred of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more. DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help to make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. 

Consumers interested in learning more about DirectBuy can request a free “Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass by calling (561) 909-0111 or visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy of the Palm Beaches awarded coveted “Rising Star” awardRead More

Doing good does some good…Evans named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s November “Do-Gooder” of the month.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, established the “Do-Gooder of the Month” award to recognize employees, vendors and even members going above and beyond the call of duty—either on the job or in their everyday lives. November’s winner was Lee Ann Evans, marketing manager at DirectBuy of Buffalo, for being recognized at DirectBuy’s international conference in San Francisco last month.

Evans received Career Level 500 honors for the number of families she has personally helped join DirectBuy during her nearly three years working for the Buffalo location. For this distinction, she received a certificate and plaque from DirectBuy Corporate officers as well as luggage made of fine leather.

“Lee Ann does a great job in our marketing department and Corporate’s recognition of her accomplishments bears that out. But we wanted to recognize those accomplishments on a more personal and local level. That’s why Lee Ann is our Do-Gooder for the month of November,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

As for DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month, beyond the recognition, the recipient receives a restaurant gift certificate. For Evans, an East Amherst resident and graduate of Canisius College in Buffalo, working at DirectBuy means quite a bit more than a free meal.

“Just about three years ago, before I took the job with DirectBuy of Buffalo, I had another offer that I strongly considered. The owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo made a very compelling case for me to come work here. It’s turned out to be the best decision I ever made,” said Evans. “Quite simply, I love this company and love what we can do for families by helping them create the homes of their dreams.”

DirectBuy franchises across the United States and Canada are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army and other South Shore YMCA, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospital. Besides the Habitat for Humanity, DirectBuy of Buffalo was a sponsor of the first annual Kevin Everett Golf Weekend Classic and donates slightly damaged items that manufacturers will not exchange to the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church in Buffalo.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy showrooms throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

  

Doing good does some good…Evans named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s November “Do-Gooder” of the month.Read More

DirectBuy of Fresno awarded coveted “Rising Star” award

FRESNO, CA…

On November 24, 2008 at DirectBuy’s International Sales and Service Conference in San Francisco, DirectBuy of Fresno Owners Troy and Lisa Seavers were awarded DirectBuy’s highest honor for new franchisees – they were named the company’s 2008 Rising Star Award recipients.

DirectBuy annually awards Rising Star honors to the franchise that achieves elite levels of effectiveness in membership production, service excellence and business practices within their first six full months of operation. Eligible franchise owners are evaluated on their leadership abilities, staff retention, facility image and business practices. Recipients receive a Crystal Award and recognition at the annual DirectBuy International Sales & Service Conference for all DirectBuy owners and employees.

“We feel very proud and blessed to have been chosen for this award. Witnessing the excitement of members realizing their dreams is incredibly fulfilling for us as DirectBuy franchise owners,” said Troy Seavers. “But, we could not have accomplished our business goals without the assistance of a knowledgeable and dedicated staff. We would like to share this award with each and every one of our employees.”

The 29,000 sq. foot Fresno showroom opened in July of 2007 and was among the company’s top membership producers over the past year, with members purchasing more than $3.5 million in merchandise through DirectBuy.

DirectBuy of Fresno team member Crystal Swanson believes the culture put in place by the owners is a paramount reason behind the enthusiasm and service delivered to members. “It is an honor to work for Troy and Lisa and to be a part of the successful DirectBuy of Fresno team,” Swanson explains. “We are dedicated to providing our members with outstanding service, selection and savings every day.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. DirectBuy of Fresno is conveniently located at 4150 W. Shaw Avenue in Fresno and offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

DirectBuy of Fresno carries a large selection of brand-name furniture at wholesale prices direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design.  An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design concept keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

For more information on DirectBuy of Fresno, call 559-476-2300 or visit www.directbuy-fresno.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more. DirectBuy of Fresno prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help to make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. 

Consumers interested in learning more about DirectBuy can request a free “Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass by calling 559-476-2300 or visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com. .

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DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver attends international conference

COQUITLAM, BC…

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver recently sent 11 members of its staff and three owners to DirectBuy’s international sales and service conference last month in San Francisco.

Held from November 22 to 25, 2008, at the San Francisco Marriott, DirectBuy’s conference, appropriately titled Brilliance by the Bay, brought DirectBuy center owners, staff and vendors from across the U.S. and Canada. Besides awards banquets and keynote speakers, the conference provided a team-building opportunity.

“It’s great to attend DirectBuy’s international conference for a lot of reasons: new ideas, as well as meeting other center owners and staff. Perhaps the best benefit is it gives our staff a chance to bond outside the showroom,” said Peter Ruetz, owner of DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver. “That not only improves morale at work but gets our staff even more excited about what we do here at DirectBuy.”

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver staff attending the conference included:

 

  • Pat Churcher – Membership Director, Burnaby resident
  • Patrick McLean – Membership Director, Burnaby resident
  • Janine Pippy – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Carol Norris – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Gillian Zado – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Karen Kuhn – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Iris Gul – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Alana Hadley – Phone Room Supervisor, Surrey resident
  • Megan Taylor – Showroom Manager, Pitt Meadows resident
  • Adam Ruetz – Warehouse Supervisor, Coquitlam resident
  • Tyson Ruetz – Receiver, Coquitlam resident
  • Maggy Pippy = Owner, Surrey resident
  • Steve Pippy – Owner, Surrey resident
  • Peter Ruetz – Owner, Coquitlam resident

As the leading members-only showroom and home design center, DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver offers low insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

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Consumers turn to wood and coal-burning stoves as alternative energy solutions.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

While the price of oil has come down in recent weeks, how long those prices will stay that way has many consumers seeking cleaner, more affordable and, in some cases, more effective heating solutions. Surprisingly, those choices include two “old school” options: wood and coal-burning stoves.

“Wood pellet stoves have always been a popular items with our members but it was more for aesthetics than actually saving money. With the uncertainty of oil and natural gas prices, more of our members are buying wood pellet stoves to save money,” said Sara Shragal of DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center. “What’s even more interesting has been the popularity of coal-burning stoves with the advent of clean-burning anthracite coal.”

Anthracite coal comes in three sizes: rice, pea and nut. Some sources report being able to heat a 3,000 square-foot room for as little as $3 per day. Unlike its predecessor, bituminous coal, anthracite burns cleanly.

Wood pellet-burning stoves provide a similar benefit in price and heat. While the increasing popularity of wood-burning stoves has seen the price of wood pellets range from as low as $209 to $299 per ton, two tons of pellets can heat an average-sized home through the winter.

“The beauty of the wood-burning and coal-burning stoves is that you’re not a slave to your thermostat anymore. And because it’s more affordable, you can heat your home to a temperature you’re comfortable in, not what the thermostat says,” adds Shragal.

DirectBuy offers both coal- and wood-burning stoves through its 160-plus showrooms across North America. In addition, DirectBuy also boasts a rolodex of local installation professionals who can help safely install wood and coal-burning stoves, often at a discounted rate for members.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

 

Consumers turn to wood and coal-burning stoves as alternative energy solutions.Read More

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver recognized at international conference

COQUITLAM, BC and SAN FRANCISCO, CA…

Peter Ruetz and Steve Pippy, owners of  DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, didn’t necessarily leave their hearts in San Francisco. Yet it’s quite likely both will remember San Francisco for quite some time after receiving several honors at DirectBuy’s international sales and conference last month in the city by the bay.

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver was recognized for merchandise purchased by its members in 2008—totaling more than $6.2 million—and new memberships in 2008. For new memberships, DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver earned the 600 level, the prize being a one-year lease of a Mercedes Benz. This marks the 10th consecutive year DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver has achieved the Mercedes honor.

“It’s great to attend DirectBuy’s international conference for a lot of reasons: new ideas, meeting other center owners and employees and just a whole lot of fun in usually a great location. To be recognized by Corporate for doing what we love to do at DirectBuy is just icing on the cake,” said Ruetz.

Held from November 22 to 25 at the San Francisco Marriott, DirectBuy’s conference, appropriately titled the Brilliance by the Bay, brought DirectBuy center owners from across the U.S. and Canada. Besides fun and festivities, the conference included an awards banquet, where DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver received these honors.

As the leading members-only showroom and home design center, DirectBuy offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

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Mercedes Zoldos a “star” at DirectBuy’s international conference

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY and SAN FRANCISCO, CA…

Mercedes Zoldos, Orchard Park resident and service manager at DirectBuy of Buffalo, didn’t necessarily leave her heart in San Francisco. Yet it’s quite likely she will remember San Francisco for quite some time after being recognized as one of DirectBuy’s “service stars” at DirectBuy’s international sales and conference last month in the city by the bay.

DirectBuy’s “Service Star” honors are based on a number of criteria, including merchandise volume, star ratings, member polls, personal accomplishment and years of service. Zoldos finished eighth out of literally hundreds of service professionals at the more than 160 DirectBuy showrooms across the U.S. and Canada.

“It’s great to attend DirectBuy’s international conference for a lot of reasons: new ideas, meeting other center owners and employees and just a whole lot of fun in a great location. To be recognized by Corporate as one of the top 10 among your peers is really icing on the cake and a tremendous honor,” said Zoldos.

Held from November 22 to 25 at the San Francisco Marriott, DirectBuy’s conference, appropriately titled the Brilliance by the Bay, brought DirectBuy center owners from across the U.S. and Canada. Besides fun and festivities, the conference included an awards banquet, where Zoldos received this distinction.

“I’ve run out of superlatives to use when describing the job Mercedes does for our organization. When it comes to serving our customers, staff and the community, she really is a service star,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

A former veterinarian technician, Zoldos has worked for DirectBuy for the past three and a half years, first in Houston and for the past two years at DirectBuy of Buffalo. Married and the mother of two grown sons, Shawn and Eric, she lives in Orchard Park with her husband Darb.

As the leading members-only showroom and home design center, DirectBuy offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit

www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy showrooms throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

 

 

Mercedes Zoldos a “star” at DirectBuy’s international conferenceRead More

Tips for Creating Your Dream Home: Tried and True Tile Tips For Your Home

Want to make your master bath dazzle with enhanced tile designs, but aren’t sure where to begin? Careful planning and smart spending is important because it can get you the look you want for a price that won’t bust your budget. Let’s face it…renovating your master bathroom or any room is about a lot more than just stone or ceramic, so planning and getting creative with your budget is an important step.

If you’re thinking about replacing the tile in your kitchen or master bath and don’t know where to begin, here’s a little tutorial to help bring you up to speed.

Tile 101: Not all tiles are created equal. Sure, all tile feels hard to the touch, but some types are more durable than others. Tile is rated using a hardness scale, which you can use as a guide in determining how your room usage will affect your chosen tile.

            Tile Hardness Ratings

Group I – Tiles with a hardness rating in the first group are designed to hold up only to light usage. Use these tiles where traffic will be light and consist mostly of bare feet.

 Group II – These tiles can stand the wear and tear of normal traffic, however they will not last if placed in entryways.

 Group III – Tiles of this hardness rating can generally be used anywhere within the home and withstand a heavy degree of traffic.

 Group IV & V – Most likely you will not use these tiles in your home, as they are truly designed for extra-heavy, high-abrasion traffic.

Mosaic stone tile is the latest emerging trend. Available in a multitude of colors, these tiles can range in shapes and sizes, and may contain precious metals or stones. Mosaics fit nicely into both modern and traditional bathroom layouts. Feel free to mix it up by combining sizes, styles and shapes. And – while white stone tile is growing in popularity because of its ability to hide dirt and mildew and create a “clean and sanitary” look – be sure to use gray grout when installing the tile to achieve the best results. There are also several other materials and styles for you to choose from:

–         Brick

–         Cement

–         Ceramic

–         Pavers

–         Porcelain

–         Quarry

–         Saltillo

–         Terra Cotta

–         Terrazzo

The styles and colors you pick usually set the tone for the rest of the room’s accessories and mood so keep this in mind when choosing both color and materials.

Shop Wisely. Consumers with small budgets will be happy to hear that, generally speaking, larger stone tile is less expensive than smaller versions because it is cheaper to manufacture – and obviously that cost savings translates to you through the suggested retail price. The last piece of advice you should heed – plan ahead and make sure to add shipping time for products into your overall remodeling plan. This can be particularly important if you’re hiring an installer to do the work. A week delay in delivery can sometimes mean much more of a delay in the installation if that vendor has a full plate.

Sara Shragal is a staff writer for DirectBuy. For more information or other helpful tips for your home, visit www.directbuycares.com. You can send suggestions for future columns to questions@directbuycares.com.

Tips for Creating Your Dream Home: Tried and True Tile Tips For Your HomeRead More