When I first started at Allan Block, I knew nothing about Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW’s). Fortunately, everyone went out of their way to teach me everything they know about what they do and how it adds to the whole of Allan Block. My co-workers say that every day they learn something new and they always share what they have learned. That is the spirit of Allan Block: Learning, Teaching, Passing it on.

Originally when I was told I would be attending all days of the upcoming ABU, I shrunk back. How much information can one person take in before they start forgetting everything? I felt overwhelmed and honestly, I was not looking forward to it. When the first day of ABU arrived, I dedicated myself to listening and taking lots of notes (just in case my threshold of learning had, in fact, been reached). Something amazing happened! I started to learn about building Allan Block Retaining Walls and Fences, in all their variety of designs and uses. I learned about why geogrid is important and saw first hand the difference it can make. I learned why Allan Blocks are made the way they are and the difference they have made in the market AND we built a wall and a fence together, which meant I got to experience everything we were learning. Most of all, I heard stories from within the trade. Stories of challenges and successes and each one of them achieved their goals with the help of the Allan Block family. That is when so much changed.

Is there anyone in your organization who needs to experience what you are teaching them? Anyone who knows a lot and needs to become more confident? Or, like me, needs to connect all the many different moving parts? That is who you should send to ABU. I would be happy to share more of my experience with anyone having questions about attending our next ABU class, please give me a call or send an email to info@allanblock.com.

Check out the upcoming dates for the next Dealer ABU classes and contact your local Allan Block sales rep about attending.

We have been working on upgrading how the Allan Block distributors are listed on our website. We want to make it easier for the customer to find the best distributor for their needs. As part of these changes we are trying to show which locations cater to all customers or are more contractor customer driven.

We have been working with your local manufacturers' sales reps to update your ratings to find out if your location should be listed as a DIY Service Center. These locations offer events such as DIY installation training, design or estimating assistance and have signage and product displays. If your location offers these services, an extra icon will be shown along with your rating to signify this to the customer.

It is hard to believe we are discussing the end of the 2018 selling season already, but as we enter the fourth quarter we are faced with that reality. We hope you had a successful season and want to thank you for your continued support of Allan Block and our production partners. We also want to throw out a suggestion for finishing your season with a bang!!

Each year we hear about people looking for “gifts” to provide customers during the off season due to holiday’s, trade shows or even customer appreciation events. How about providing them something they can use every day during the season and even remember you by each of those days. What is it you are asking? Allan Block rewards such as dead blows, levels, contractor bags, coolers and more are options that one gets for completing the Allan Block Contractor Certification program and building walls. If they have gone through a class with us in the past, send us the information on the walls they have built. If they haven’t gone through a class, schedule one today with your production partner and get as many contractors to the class as possible so we can send you free rewards to provide your customers!

This has proven to be a great way to further enhance your position with contractors and we look forward to sharing the hundreds of rewards we have with you soon. Call (1-800-899-5309) or email us today to start the process.

It is an interesting question and we understand there are a number of ways to get the word out. There is social media, advertising and reputation along with others. However, when somebody pulls into the yard, what are they greeted with? We have been in yards that have utilized banners, displays and signage effectively, while others keep it a complete mystery.

All the marketing listed above works well, but in our experience the most powerful and effective way to show what you sell and increase sales is to create an outdoor showroom of the products you sell. There are numerous reasons to have an outdoor display or showroom:

• Educational opportunities
• Convenience
• Up selling opportunities
• Raising Consumers confidence
• Create visuals for people to see and touch (rather than just a book)

We are asking for two things:

1. What are your thoughts on what has worked for you?
2. Send us a picture of how you display your Allan Block opportunities in your yard. Send to info@allanblock.com.

Take the upcoming off-season to upgrade your displays to take advantage of a selling opportunity by showing the newest colors and styles available. Look at how much space you have and utilize it.

Sleeve-It – How to Use it to Your Advantage!

As you continue to identify ways to differentiate your business, Sleeve-It may prove to be an item to help you accomplish your goal. Generation two of Sleeve-It was recently launched and the product has never been better. Built with an integral setback and no more need to assemble on site this product has been improved upon and continues to provide a wonderful solution for pedestrian railings and fences behind retaining walls.

Not sure what Sleeve-It is? Check out more online, but in short it is a plastic sonotube designed with a cantilever footing to reduce lateral pressures a typical sonotube and railing/fence foundation often apply to the top of a retaining wall. The best part, it allows one to place the railing/fence post (in many cases) right up behind the retaining wall to maximize space on the site. While not fit for all railing or fence foundations, it is a wonderful design that everyone should become more familiar with. Educate your customers on it today and see how you may help them solve a problem on their next retaining wall project!

U-Save Rockery in San Jose, CA has been providing building materials and landscape supplies to homeowners and contractors alike for over 50 years and in that time, owner Sandy McEwen has learned a few things about building relationships with her customers. She believes that to grow a successful business you need to not only meet your customer’s needs but develop lasting relationships and most importantly – friendships.