Home improvement companies in rural locations have a challenge. Without a reputation for great products and service, they swiftly fall to the wayside. McDaniel Window & Door has been in business nearly 50 years, and generates most of its sales from repeat, referral, or reputation, showcasing its success as a company with roots in the community.

McDaniel maintains a referral reward program, but unlike others, it invites referring customers to its showroom to be photographed holding a giant check. “We want it to be a fun experience,” office manager Jennifer Cornelius says. 

The firm helps sponsor Florence Restaurant Week. It also budgets a set amount every year to donate to area non-profits or to sponsor events such as the W.C. Handy Festival, which celebrates the work of the jazz composer.

Takeaways

  • Maintains a referral reward program, but unlike others, McDaniel Window and Door invites referring customers down to its showroom to be photographed holding a giant check. “We want it to be a fun experience,” office manager Jennifer Cornelius says.
  • Has been named the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)’s Contractor of the Year and is the leading area installer of projects earning rebates for homeowners under TVA’s program that encourages energy saving home improvements.
  • Installs with employee crews, who were once subcontracted installers until, four years ago, owner Mike McDaniel determined that he could maintain the most consistent quality levels by making his best subcontractors employees, with benefits and retirement. Crews set out to “make customers feel at ease,” Cornelius says, and make sure the installation experience is a positive. “They move the furniture, take window dressings down, so homeowners aren’t burdened by that.”
  • Sponsors a contest every year as part of Florence Restaurant Week, which has area residents nominating non-profits for a cash donation from McDaniel Window & Door. The top five nominees are put to a vote and the non-profit receiving the most votes gets a $5,000 check from the company. This year’s winner was Safe House, a shelter for battered and abused women and children.
  • McDaniel Window and Door budgets a set amount every year to donate to area non-profits or to sponsor events such as the W.C. Handy Festival, which celebrates the work of that jazz composer. Owner McDaniel, who doesn’t believe in the “gimmicks” window replacement companies often use as offers, lists 14 reasons why local homeowners should think of no other company than his. Among them: 33,000 windows installed, widest area selection, salespeople and installers certified by Installation Masters as well as industry association AAMA.