A few years ago, I was in the audience at a paint convention listening to a vendor talk about all the reasons his new paint product was superior. After fielding a few questions about color and basic uses, the vendor pointed to my upraised hand, and I asked, "Could you explain more about how the chemistry of this new product affects the performance and makes it superior to your competitors?"
He paused, and then said, "You must be the one from Los Alamos, the one who asks difficult questions."
His reaction is not unusual. I have a reputation with my vendors of asking "weird" questions, questions they have never before been asked---what controls were established when testing the energy efficiency of shades, what is the chemical composition of paint, or why does a particular carpet pad work over radiant heat flooring? I need to know because my customers want to know.
So, if I don't know the answer I research it or call the vendor with another weird question.
I appreciate living and working in a scientific community where purchasing decisions are based on research, fact, and practical application. Los Alamos is indeed a different kind of community, where people have high expectations and are particularly insistent on knowing exactly what they are purchasing. The questions they ask are challenging and interesting. It keeps us on our toes, makes us better at what we do, and has made the last 34 years at The Finishing Touch a lot more fun!
This need to know approach led to a product improvement several years ago. An engineer who purchased some skylight shades from us had an idea on how to improve the operating mechanism of those shades. We passed it along to the vendor who incorporated it in their next design change.
At The Finishing Touch we value the reputation we've developed with our vendors and customers over these last 34 years. In fact, it's become a challenge to try to get the answers before the questions are asked.
This newsletter is a way to keep in touch. We will provide ideas and updates about our products and services. I invite you to ask questions about products, interior design, and home improvement projects. We will answer.
We're here to help.
Call 662-3388, email me at design@thefinishingtouch-nm.com, or reply to this email.
