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jsr
Citizen
Username: Jsr
Post Number: 11
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 3:09 pm: | 
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To give Arnie some good words: On the recommendation of another message board member, I had Arnie come and give me a quote for windows. The prior customer was pleased with the windows, the savings and comfort, and with his company Arnie was a nice guy-nice to me and my family, but had some of the typical saleman gimics. Why does it always take 1 to 2 hours for someone to sell you windows?
He was not pushy however, and took my no graciously. My problem with the Quantum windows is they are all vinyl-The 'wood laminate' interior finish looks horrible IMO. They certainly seem like a solid window, nonetheless, if the interior esthetics aren't important.
Jeff |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 770
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 3:42 pm: |
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Since we're all putting it on the table, GJ1, I'll admit that my first choice was to rehab all my windows....had a coule quotes, and couldn't get anybody to come out and do it. (10 calls to two-guys from newstead unreturned, among the other usual suspects recommended on MOL)...I gave up eventually. Don't take me TOO literally, because I think there is merrit to that approach if you can find someone to do it well.
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kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 725
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 4:19 pm: |
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I was going to wait for Darren to respond, but....
Here is the address listed on the Master Shield site:
MasterShield NWNJ, LLC
114 Beach Street, Building 1E
Rockaway, NJ 07866
1-973-586-7910
http://drdynamics.com/products/mastershieldnwnj/about.htm
Here is the address listed on the Roeland Home Improvers site:
(their website and phone system was hacked recently)
http://www.roeland.com/OurPeople.asp
and Roeland on MOL:
http://www.maplewoodonline.com/business/counter_results.php?biz_counter=2008
Here is a classic quote from an old thread:
/discus/messages/3131/85541.html?1124835864
"I don't sell Quantum 2's. My research has shown for the money they are the best money can buy under $1,000 a window."
I wonder if we will hear from "Mr. Say Grrrrrrrr" anymore. I actually enjoyed listening to some of the things that Darren, Arnie, or whoever had to say. He helped to keep the debate going on some of these home improvement threads....just wish he was upfront from the beginning....
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kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 726
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 4:44 pm: |
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Travis, I enjoy the knowledge that you bring to the board, but you were hoodwinked.
/discus/messages/3131/95992.html?1133538062
We all were for a while...
BTW Darren, my Pontiac GTO says GRRRRRRR!  |
Darren Say Grrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 438
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:13 pm: |
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I guess a number of you have never read all of my posts.
I do believe that I wrote about how I first came across the Quantum 2 windows (not from Roeland but a long time customer of ours Alure Home Improvement of Long Island, a company that I did 2 Extreme Makeover Home Edition's with.) http://alure.com/dept-roof.html# (look at the picture on the bottom right, Oh, that's my product MasterShield!)
Kevin, if you really did your homework properly, you would know all of this.
Quantum 2 is a dealer program just like the one we run. When you purchase them you have to get it from the person of who's territory that is. Roeland had this territory (northern NJ) and through my contacts at Alure, I was pointed to Roeland Home Improvers since Alure couldn't sell them to me.
After seeing Roeland's work, I was impressed, and offered him a dealership in our program. After he saw that we had a product that worked, he bought in. I've recommended the Quantum 2 based upon the Quantum 2 being what I feel is the best replacement for the money. It would be true no matter who had the dealership in this area. I've recommended Roeland because he does good work. A number of people on this board have found that to also be true and they've made comments about his professionalism, and also that the Quantum 2's are great.
When I make comments regarding my product, MasterShield, I try to make sure people know I'm biased in my opinion because I'm a manufacturer in that industry.
I've NEVER recommended a contractor that I haven't used or reviewed their work first hand, and that will never cease to be. My experience with the home improvement industry goes far beyond many of the weekend warriors that post comments here. I wouldn't recommend Roeland Home Improvers unless everything I knew about him (Arnie) and his company were true because my word and reputation is on the line. I feel very good about recommending Roeland and the Quantum 2's, and I'll continue to pipe in about them every chance I get.
Has anyone ever written one complaint about the Quantum 2, or the professionlism & workmanship of Roeland?
No.
My word stands.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 771
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:32 pm: |
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Darren I think it's time for you to hang it up. You've been nothing but dishonest, and you continue to be dishonest. This is a thread for the Weekend warrior, not for professionals (or in your case, conartists). The only references I've seen for these windows comes from one-two post wonders, that I never see in other threads on this board.
Contrary to your prior post, you've done nothing but misrrepresent yourself, at least for the 2 years that I've been on this thread.
When someone moves to town, and their first or second post is about how much they just "love their Quantum II's", it's clear what is going on....
My suggestion is to recognize when a good thing has come to an end, and quietly call it a day.
Kevin, you should be commended. Thanks for the good work. |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 772
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:44 pm: |
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DReese, while we're at it, since some of us have been bamboozled by this before, and honestly are trying to pitch in and help you out, maybe it's better for you to go to the New member check in and share a little about yourself, which town you are in, what brought you here etc, .... before you go any further posting in the other threads.
If you haven't figured it out, it's common for shady contractors to pretend they are a homeowner and post in the home fix-it to create opportunities to plug themselves. Since this is your first post, that might give people the impression that that is what you are doing, which is why New Members are asked to check-in first at New Member check-in.
I don't mean to be rude in any way. There's tons of free advice, help and tips in this thread, and the people in this town are the friendliest, most willingly/helpful in the world, which is why maintaining the integrity of this board and thread is so critical. Otherwise, the thread will die like many others before it. |
Darren Say Grrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 439
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:22 pm: |
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Smarty,
I've been posting since 2001. You 2005. You're not even up to one year yet are you but your math figures two?
I limit myself to certain areas of Maplewood online because its what interests me. I don't like to get involved in local politics or other aspects of the site. Some people like to, maybe yourself, others like me find what they want in a few places. I don't need to post comments in every place or read every thread on every subject. Just like when I go to the grocery store, I don't need to go down every aile. Maybe you do, and that's fine. I get what I want out of it and I leave. I try not to spend all of my time here at MOL. All of us have a life outside of our virtual community and many forget that. But, if its what you and others enjoy so be it.
This is a website for everyone. Professionals, weekend warriors, everyday Joes, first timers you name it. Its even for people who don't live here, like it or not. If you or anyone else don't share my opinion or view on a product or a company's that's fine. Just like me you're entitled to that opinion. Because you and others chose not to read everything I've ever posted and formulated your own opinion on me is fine. I'm not going to loose any sleep over it.
I don't know much about you and others who post here either. From what I do know though I'll keep to myself.
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kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 728
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:36 pm: |
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Darren, your explanation clears it up for me. You always hyped Roeland for Quantum2 windows and in the same threads said that you were in the gutter filtration business, not the window business. I just thought that it was a bit shady that that in all of those threads, you never mentioned the fact that Roeland is your Northern NJ dealer/installer for your gutter filtration product, Master Shield.
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gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 369
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 9:03 pm: |
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I was always suspicious of darrens pushing of Quantum2's and his blatant unpaid advertisements for his product on the message board. Any plugs for products in which you have a financial interest should always state that fact, and you really shouldn't be placing adverts in the forum, anyway.
Still, I found the sequence of the following quotes from darren somewhat interesting:
Posted on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 3:26 pm:
"for any gutter work I would recommend MasterShield NWNJ. I've seen their work. It's very good."
Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2005 - 10:39 pm:
"I actually manufacture the filtration system for gutters called MasterShield."
Given the MasterShield NWNJ connection with Roeland, Darren seems to have or have had some incentive in plugging both products.
SHADY.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 773
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:09 pm: |
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Darren, the difference between you and I is that I haven't been misrepresenting myself in anyway, nor attempted to manipulate the board by posting under alias', faking customer inquiries, or misrepresenting my purpose/intent. I'm glad you are proud that you've been getting away with it since 2001.
It's over. Quit embarrassing yourself. Further, you are wrong about who can and cannot post on the board. Here are the rules:
Use of this private message board is a privilege, not a right. Please be responsible and follow a few simple rules of use, which are:
+ No personal attacks
+ No shock jocks
+ No obscenities
+ No solicitors
+ No solicitations
+ No commercial offers other than in "Work" and "Classifieds"
+ No not reading these rules
+ No disclosing another poster's identity unless that poster has personally approved it
+ No hate speech
Initially, I would have classified you as No Solictors and No Solicitations. Now I classify under those, and also under No Obsenities... because what you are doing IS obscene, and you are now going to try and defend this behavior?
I've asked you directly over the past year, whether or not you had an axe to grind with these windows, and you lied to me directly. Don't think I've forgotten that.
Go to classifieds and pitch your products the way everyone else is supposed to. |
Southorangemom
Citizen
Username: Southorangemom
Post Number: 333
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:13 pm: |
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I'm a homeowner.
I am not terribly handy.
I rely on the posts I read here for advice and recommendations.
I used Roeland to have windows installed on my home because I feel the Quantum windows were better than what I saw offered by other sales reps.
Have I saved money yet? Too soon to say. But my home was much more comfortable this winter than in the past.
I think Arnie Roeland is a straight, honest contractor. His employees were polite and helpful. I appreciate that kind of service.
SouthOrangeMom |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11856
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 6:23 am: |
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I think Darren has stepped over a line by not revealing that he is the manufacturer of a gutter shield product until late in the game and disclosing that he has a business relationship with Roeland Home Improvements.
Their are a number of contractors who post openly here including MasterPlvmber, Dennis O'Neil, George Berkeley, George H, etc. I don't think any of them would be upset if a poster called them about a job, but they offer a lot of good advice to posters here gratis.
The new West Orange addition of Matters Magazine has a full page ad by Roeland. Half the page advertises Darren's gutter product. The ad refers people to this board for testimonials.
I know next to nothing about gutter shields or vinyl replacement windows. I have no idea if Darren's and Arnie's products are good, bad or indifferent. I also have never done business with Roeland so I don't know what type of work they do.
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Travis
Citizen
Username: Travis
Post Number: 444
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 8:07 am: |
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I want to step in in defence of Darren. I agree that he should have revealed his professional relationship with Arnie Roeland (who is also an occasional poster on this board), that was unfortunate. This wasn't news to me, I saw Roeland's ads touting Darren's products already. I believe the explanation that Darren provided above.
However I hope that Darren does not get driven off this board, I think he brings some very useful expertise and experience to this discussion. These old houses are very high maintenance and frankly the vast majority of the posters on this board do not have a clue. I count myself among those; I'm trying to learn. I've had very bad experience with at least one of the favorite contractors touted on this board; I've gone with someone recommended by Darren here, who has fixed what they can of the garbage work done by the MOL-recommended contractor.
I expect that many times when a contractor is recommended here, the pros lurking on the site roll their eyeballs and think, I can't believe they're recommending that cowboy. You start to recognize the codewords that contractors use to recommend someone without violating the omerta against bad-mouthing colleagues. For example, "workers are bonded and insured."
On windows, I stick with what I've said earlier, when you're thinking window replacement industry, think "Thin Men." I hope Arnie does not take offence, that is not directed at him, I don't know anything about him. I've lurked at window replacement boards where the professionals have complained about the cowboys in their industry. Who was the big game in town on this board for a long time? True Thermal. Sounds like John is a nice guy and I'm sorry his company went bust, but the window he was selling was cheap garbage. Yet True Thermal (and their Thermal Industries windows) got everyone's recommendation. The Quantum2 is a better vinyl window, but it has issues too.
The other game on MOL has been Pella windows, for the high-end buyers. Pella uses rolled rather than extruded aluminium cladding, much more likely to admit moisture and rot out the window. They let their quality slide downhill when they started selling their Proline junk in Lowes (recommended on MOL!), they're trying to turn things around now but they still have a bad name with many installers, and I believe everyone thinks they're overpriced. Even Marvins have their problems as documented above.
I personally would probably go with a combination of wood in strategic locations and fiberglass replacements (either insert or whole-window), if I can find an alternative that works for me. But in the end, for the amount of money that would be spent on window replacement, there's no substitute for doing your homework.
BTW If you're replacing windows for energy efficiency, you should not be looking at double-hungs. They are inherently inefficient for several reasons. |
gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 370
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:54 am: |
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Shill
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A shill is an associate of a person selling goods or services who pretends no association to the seller and assumes the air of an enthusiastic customer. The intention of the shill is, using crowd psychology, to encourage other potential customers unaware of the set-up to purchase said goods or services. Shills are often employed by confidence artists.
Shills in marketing
In marketing, shills are often employed to assume the air of satisfied customers and give testimonials as to the merits of a given product. This type of shilling is illegal and almost impossible to detect.
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Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 35
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 12:28 pm: |
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WOW, I never thought that trying to run an honest business could be so complicated.
gj1, Smarty and all other takers,
I do not care to be in the situation that you are putting Darren into. This is a personal attack on him for just doing something that, in my opinion he believes in. It is obvious that you guys have disagreed in the past on the topic of windows more than once.
The lack of knowledge of the entire window industry is obvious by most here. It is for this educational purpose only, that I signed onto MOL.
I will however Challenge you with this, If you have someone that is a Roeland Quantum2 customer that is dis-Satisfied, or got "Screwed" by my company LET ALL HERE KNOW! You can ruin my business in the Mapelwood, South Orange area.
Be warned though, I am by far one of the most knowledgable people on this site when it comes to the window business, and I take my business very seriously. I WILL RESIGN MY NAME FROM THE BOARD, if you can get me one dis-satisfied Quantum2 customer.
Knock yourself out, PL me if you want help finding them, I will give you an authorized list of ALL my cutomers from 1994, which was the first year of quantum2's being sold by my company.
My apologies to all that are just looking for help on being a more savvy consumer.....
Too Set the record straight;
1. I met Mr. Sager after he found out from ALURE Home improvements who sells the Quantum2 window in his area.
2. He is a proud owner of our Quantum2 windows.
3. He is an honest guy (sometimes too a fault).
4. He has gained o, nothing, Nada, from me or my company for anything he has posted here, nor has any one else.
5. South Orange Mom, Ntricamo, and many more that decided on using us are 100% satisfied.
6. Those that have not liked my window as is "jsr" has spoken to the level of proffesionalism from a NON TIN MAN person (and I do take acception to the NAME CALLING,) and I thank him for the kind words.
7. I am not here on this earth to steal, deceive, or cheat people.
8. DARREN SAGER before all other things is first and foremeost MY CUSTOMER, and just like all that post here if ever my customers are in need I am here for them.
Do a drive by shooting I will be in Maplewood on YAle street at another one of my Satisfied customers giving him a roof estimate. (guess he really likes his Q2's) at 1:30pm
PS
Not ONE of my Quantum 2 customers has Master Shield on there home, so on this site he has not gained anything but some mean hurtfull words.
I do not want to, and was told by people, what the rules of NOT SELLING on the site and have adhered to them, I even am going as far as to fix someones problem for FREE on there cheap replacements purchased from a competitor.
I wish all that want to gain knowledge about windows understand, I am here to help not to sell, and in the end if I gain some business does it really hurt, (after 23 years in the industry) I think I can offer alot to all.
I see someone saw me on chanel 7 eyewitness news, I am a consumer to and know how it feels to be burned.
Again I remain at your service.
BY THE WAY MY NAME IS }Arnie Roeland} and I have nothing to hide, Notice the company and my name are one in the same.
Oh yea QUANTUM2 WINDOWS KICK BUTT! LOL I CAN'T HELP IT |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 775
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 12:45 pm: |
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Window Dr., nothing in this thread was directed at you or your product in any way shape or form, I wish you the best in business here and with anyone who chooses to work with you. At no point did I mention anything about your window product or your company. This isn't even a personal attack on Mr. Sager. The issue here is with Mr. Sager's inappropriate and misleading use on this board. The gig is up. I'm sorry that you have guilt by association, but unfortunately, thats not my problem, thats yours, and I'm sorry that you must now deal with that.
There's a remarkable difference between the info-mercial that Darren posts within any window thread (so many of which have been crafted, or even made up) and the actual advice being provided by the other professionals mentioned. Darren is pushing and promoting a product, not offering generic solutions to Household problems. Many posters have been suspicious of Darren's posts for quite some time now, and various explanations have been offered throughout the years. Now it all seems very clear. Shame on us for being patient and giving the benefit of the doubt.
There are plenty of professional boards (as you mentioned) for people to seek out if they want to interact with professionals, salespeople, etc. Solicitation and forms of solicitation (such as your last sentence) are simply not permitted on this board.
I think gj1's post wraps it up. Careful how much you post in this thread Arnie, or else be painted with the same brush.
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Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 36
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 1:03 pm: |
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Smarty,
I am just here to state facts, not get between you and Mr, Sager.
How is it that what you accuse mr. Sager of is not a personal attack on him and me, by virtue of your statements I am a "dishonest profitier"
I have nothing to be carefull of (I HAVE BEEN HONEST FROM DAY 1)
Mr. Sager was my customer for several months before we had any involvement on a business level, or did you miss that.
Again I want to assure all I run a clean ship, why are you only singling out select parts of my post and disregarding others (selective reading??)
Again I am good at not being late so I bid you all a Fine day I must estimate a roof in Maplewood, and again remain,
"at your service"
PS;
I would like to say that I value this service and wish my community of Rockaway, NJ had such a great tool for homeowners.
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Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 37
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 1:22 pm: |
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Hey Smarty, I commend you on your research, However the problems with Heat Mirror (not heat shield) is still there for all companies other than Quantum2 as they hold the patent on the technologies that keep the film perfect.
As I read above more closely as I was accusing you of not doing so. I found that you call a .1 u rating insignificant. Hmmmm do you really understand what these numbers mean in comparison to other windows?
I am not jus the owner of the company that sells the window I have them for the second home I built (45 windows) and lower fuel bills than ALL MY NEIGHBORS whom all have smaller homes (all new) with less windows and higher bills.
I would love to converse some more on energy efficiency, I understand though and agree with you, before a final purchase is made, as a Maplewood resident should, it is advised that you see the window installed in someones home before deciding. By the way I would love to make believers out of you and your friend why don't you give me a call when you have the time.
I remain at your service. |
Travis
Citizen
Username: Travis
Post Number: 445
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 3:30 pm: |
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Quote:As I read above more closely as I was accusing you of not doing so. I found that you call a .1 u rating insignificant. Hmmmm do you really understand what these numbers mean in comparison to other windows?
Typo, make that .01.
A drop from .4 to .3 would obviously be significant. |
Rod
Citizen
Username: Skimrod
Post Number: 117
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 7:36 pm: |
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Thr best replacement window by far and away is the Uniframe model Great Lakes Window.
http://www.uniframewindow.com/
This is the best window for the money,lifetime guarentee no matter what happens -- period.....
Available at Somerville aluminum in Somerville |
kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 735
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 12:51 am: |
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Window_Doctor,
Since you are "good at not being late", I have to ask.....Assuming that you left from Rockaway, were you late to your 1:30pm appointment on Yale St in Maplewood? Your last post was 1:22pm.
I can't make it from one corner of Maplewood to the other in 8 minutes.
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kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 736
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 1:11 am: |
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Okay, my intention is not to ruin anybody's business. Darren is a Maplewood resident. I have never met him but get the feeling from his posts that he is passionate about home improvement and is very knowledgable.
Even though it seems that all he does is hype Roeland and Quantum2 windows, he does have good input about other products. However, after reading post after post about Roeland, I kept thinking that he wasn't being honest and upfront about something. Once I put two and two together, I felt as though outing this was the correct thing to do.
He is biased and masquerading as a happy customer of one of his business associates - call it what you would like, shady, shill, etc. The fact is that he very well could be extremely happy with his new windows that replaced his "still functioned like the day you purchased them" 8 year old windows, but Roeland is a company that he potentially makes money from. Roeland is the Northern NJ exclusive distributer/installer of Darren's MasterShield gutter filtration system. He should have been clear about this from the first time he started recommending them and there would not have been any questions.
I have nothing against Roeland, who posts here as Window_Doctor. If you look at his history of posts, he never tries to sell anything (Darren takes care of Roeland's advertising on MOL).
Finally, Quantum2 windows are premium private label Kensington windows. They only market these though protected territory dealers. Kensington has been in the window business since 1971. I am not in the position to compare them with other brands.
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Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 38
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 11:21 am: |
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Kevin,
I was very much on time..... KEVIN, Can you say BLACKBERRY????? |
Darren Say Grrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 440
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 11:43 am: |
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There are a lot of people who post on this board behind a cloak of anonymity. Using an alias instead of using their real name because they don't want people to really know who they are or find out that they may be living their true identity online instead of the real world. If people found out who they really are and their views on different subject matters, maybe they wouldn’t have the same associations with their current group of friends.
MOL to some is like playing the virtual game "The Sims." If one really wants to play that game, go out and purchase it.
Every post I put up has my real name associated with it. Why? Because I feel I don't need to hide my opinions, findings, etc. Its because I believe in what I say and post.
Darren Say Grrrr, is how you phonetically say my full name. See my user name.
Going back to 2003, people like Soda (self proclaimed Oracle of MOL) have made posts about my knowledge of gutters, even saying that I've seen it all, of which I was very grateful for his comment. For years I received calls for gutter and gutter protection work, even after I wasn't personally doing installs anymore. I helped a lot of people out just by taking my personal time to visit their homes and just giving them information on what they should do and what to look for. And now years later I still have old customers search me out because they appreciated how detail oriented I am, in trying to make sure a job always goes right.
/discus/messages/129/18819.html
/discus/messages/129/17793.html
Its been known for years on this board that I've been in the gutter protection world. If any of you didn't know that you just didn't read every thread that's ever been posted. I've never hid that fact.
Being a manufacturer, its my job to find good companies to sell our product, of which many of you know by now our leaf filter is MasterShield. We've created a dealer network that extends all the way out to Washington State and we're still growing. As noted above and in other posts I visit national trade shows on building products and the remodeling industry as a whole. This has given me tremendous insight to this industry. My company is also sponsoring for the second year in a row, the Qualified Remodeler Top 500. This is the premier event in the Remodeling industry. The absolute biggest remodeling companies in the industry are given awards for their achievements. Again this year our company will be there on stage in Chicago to present the awards to the largest companies in North America.
http://www.qualifiedremodeler.com/2005Top500.pdf Oh yes, when you click on the link you’ll see my company’s logo to the left of General Electric. Many of these home improvement companies are huge, doing tens to hundreds of millions of dollars a year in remodeling. A number of them on the list are my customers. Even a couple in the top 10.
We visit these home improvement companies. These are much bigger operations that your local contractor who services a few towns, but service vast geographical areas with sales teams, several areas of production, accounting departments, etc. It’s given me exposure to other building products including replacement windows since the replacement window business is a huge part of my customer’s businesses. One could easily figure out with all the different companies I work with and have visited, the number of shows I attend, just how many different brands of replacement windows I’ve seen.
As an average Joe homeowner, when I went to replace my windows years ago before my involvement in the remodeling industry I thought I did my research. However my exposure to the industry proved me very wrong. What I thought was the best rated replacement window on the market (because they said so) was Certainteed. My later discovery found that my replacements were no better than what I could get at Home Depot or Lowes.
The better products fall into the hands of bigger and better home improvement companies. Generally speaking. Travis knows this. He really likes the Shuco replacement because he feels it has the best spacer in the industry. Unfortunately its in the hands of a company that he feels overcharges for it and doesn’t have a good rep with the BBB.
At this point, after interviewing home improvement company after company, I can tell which ones really care about doing a good job for their customers, and those who just want to make a buck. I can walk into company and see rather quickly just what type of operation they are.
I don’t think I’ve made recommendations about many different contractors and companies. I’m choosy. I don't think anyone in this town with a slate roof knew Glenn Roofing Company until I first started talking about his work many years ago. In fact in the last year when I posted another roofing company I believe people actually commented that was I not recommending Glenn anymore?
My experience in this industry goes beyond the weekend warrior. So be it. Most people who post here do have limited knowledge and yet they think they're an expert because they’ve did a few projects around the home or watched a bunch of This Old House. I've sparred with a number of posters here on opinions (Gj1). I'm sure Master Plumber knows I share a much different opinion of tankless water heaters than he does, and that my insight of the remodeling industry shows a different trend than his personal view. But that's what most people post here. Opinions. Most are based upon their limited amount of knowledge. Some people have much more knowledge and experience and share it. I try to be one of those people again not hiding behind the mask of an alias.
I knew full well when posting about Roeland and his work that eventually people would put 2 & 2 together with my company. As Travis noted he’s seen my product advertised right next to Roeland. What, no one else who posts reads Maplewood Matters? Was I concerned? Not in the least because I knew first hand of the professionalism and workmanship they would receive as being his customer first and I’m not on his clock. I don’t care what anyone says, finding a good company to do work on your home is hard and since I see so many I know just how true it is. Not trying to sound arrogant, however I think I can make the judgment call on a good company better than most people here. Do I make money off Roeland selling Quantum 2's? Sorry Kevin I don’t. If he puts on a new roof for someone? Nope. How about siding. Not a penny. Oh, but wait! How about if his dealership MasterShield NWNJ goes out and sells a gutter? Wrong again. Sorry. That company doesn’t purchase gutter coil from me. I know after my experience in putting up gutters and all the jobs I visited that he uses much better quality materials than a guy running a gutter company out of a van. No one here has any idea how many gutter company operations I've seen and reviewed. What allows me to make a recommendation is first hand knowledge of expertise and professionalism. Doing what I do, I can tell the difference. The only time I make money off the MasterShield NWNJ dealership is if he purchases my product, and since we work on a volume basis, its only amounts to a few dollars on a per household basis. Only an uneducated fool would risk his reputation over a couple of dollars. I’m sorry Kevin buy my time on an hourly basis as an owner of a nationally recognized product is far more valuable spending that time on building my dealership network than it is in the time I take “advertising infomercials for Roeland” and posting them on MOL. I post because I care about this community and I want others to benefit from my direct experiences.
I guess you would make the same comments to the new CEO of General Motors who posted and told you which independent mechanic’s shop to go to, so you’ll get your car fixed right and you snapped at him saying he was biased because you later found out that shop only used genuine GM parts. Well, do you want it fixed right the first time? Its really good advise. He really does know because that’s the only place he gets his cars worked on and had used the guy prior to working for GM. His time spent running GM is far more valuable than him posting on a good mechanic, and he’ll earn far more focusing his time on the company than the few dollars or pennies he’ll earn off those parts. Most people would line up for that inside information. I’ll admit, I’m no CEO of GM (nor would I want to be right now), but the analogy is the same.
Travis, thanks very much for the kind words and appreciation for the information I post here. Glad to hear yet AGAIN that someone I recommended DID live up to the quality I believed you would receive if you worked with them. I'm also very happy that many others have had many good experiences with the other contractors I've written about, and possibly some of the products I believe strongly in.
I associate my beliefs in certain products and people to have the same evangelistic approach as the debate that has gone on between Mac and PC users for decades. What, no one else ever read Guy Kawasaki’s book? I was told a long time ago that one man with belief is more powerful and influential than a thousand with interest. People fight for what they believe in. Almost all of my postings are evidence of just that.
Gj, unfortunately your definition from Wikipedia of a shill does not fit me. It says that this person needs to “assume” the air of an enthusiastic satisfied customer. The problem with you calling me that is that I AM an enthusiastic satisfied customer. I don’t need to pretend to be all pumped up about the Quantum 2’s. I have them in my home and I was Roeland’s customer first and foremost. Am I a shill for the Takagi tankless water heater because I don’t have one and yet my sister does? I’ve raved about it countless times for more than a year. I’ve sparred with Master Plumber about them and yet I don’t have it in my house? Or a shill for Eagle windows? I don’t own them, yet I’ve said on numerous posts that if money was no option I found them to be the finest windows are the market and Roeland doesn’t sell them. Face it, you and I have shared a long time opposing view on replacement windows. I believe you’re a purist and on a mission to keep Maplewood/South Orange with wood windows only by having people refurbish them. And that’s fine. You’re entitled to that view. But read all my posts. I did try refurbishing all my windows first. What a complete waste of time that turned out to be.
Smarty, read your rule number one: No personal attacks. I do think everything you've written about me qualifies as so and others agree. Posting in other areas of MOL to come see the "Pile on" in the Windows area of Home Fix it or Gj1 mentioning me associated with someone else on this board could speak volumes about both of your maturity or lack there of. But who am I to say?
I’ve tried to state every time when speak about gutter covers/leaf guards/ what ever you want to call them that I am biased in my opinion because I know that I could potentially make money from it. If I’ve missed that a few times, I apologize. Since all other posts I’m not earning a living from, I’ll continue to do so. Again thank you all who know that when I post an opinion its because I’ve done my research, experienced it first hand, and believe in what I say. I’ll always put my name to that.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 783
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 2:44 pm: |
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Darren- I'm sorry if I offended you, or you took this personally. That makes me feel badly because I'm annonymous and you are not; I'm a consumer, but you are out there trying to earn a real living. My asking folks from the soapbox to 'pile-on' was a little much and I appoligize. I'll admit I was having fun and I really particularly dislike misrepresentation and dishonesty.
The fact remains that many people have grossly misinterpreted your m.o. Perhaps the air is now clear. It is obvious that you feel as if you've not crossed a line in anyway, and that isn't going to change. Perhaps you are right, and this is simply a Maplewood conspiracy to eliminate Vinyl windows from our town.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 784
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 2:46 pm: |
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PS. Final thought for Window Dr. .....Nobody really believes you were blackberrying on the message board....it's extremely difficult to blackberry onto an internet board, and even if you can figure out how to do that, it's extremely challenging to bang out a message that long without typos....
Darren said it properly....on MOL, you can be whatever you want to be....you can even pretend and profess to be honest and hope everyone believes you. |
kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 739
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 7:50 pm: |
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I agree with Smarty. Again, my original intention was linking Darren with Roeland Home Improvers and wanting to get the scoop on Roeland as a contractor, but it got out of hand. I offer my apologies.
Arnie, you have been getting free advertising for a while now, how about giving a little back by supporting our virtual community?
http://www.southorangevillage.com/services/
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Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1114
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 1:51 am: |
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Kevin,
Nice link. OH SNAP!
J.B. |
Travis
Citizen
Username: Travis
Post Number: 447
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:26 am: |
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Darren, thanks for defending yourself. I do think you have to be careful of the appearance of impropriety, I am glad the air is cleared.
A clarification:
Quote:He really likes the Shuco replacement because he feels it has the best spacer in the industry. Unfortunately its in the hands of a company that he feels overcharges for it and doesn’t have a good rep with the BBB.
Not so. If I have tried to communicate anything, it is that there are a lot of different trade-offs in the business, with the products and with the installers. Perhaps the local Schuco dealer got a bum rap, I can't say. Schuco is very highly rated, for many reasons including their spacer. They have virgin vinyl, welded corners, steel reinforced, the best sliding window in the world, triple glazing with krypton with a fill that is as close to 100% as you can get. I would say that at least on paper their window (at least the Corona 400) is better than the Quantum2. As far as price, I don't know that it is less or more expensive than Quantum2, anybody considering spending a large amount of money on windows would be stupid not to price-compare several alternatives.
In any case, I've also expressed strong reservations about vinyl windows in general. Not just on aesthetic grounds, but because the material is questionable (high thermal expansion rate), no matter what the initial energy-ratings are.
I haven't installed replacement windows in my house because I have more important things to spend my money on these days. But I'm trying to inform myself in case I go that route someday.
For those that want to try rehabbing windows DIY, look here. Give them their due, those old windows have lasted a hell of a lot longer than anything that you install today will. |
Darren Say Grrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 441
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 8:45 am: |
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Man, some of you are really up late.
Anyway Travis, I'm sorry if I misread your comments about the Shuco dealer which is Morris. I haven't personally done any research as to their possible complaints that may be registered with the BBB. From what I heard through the grapevine, the windows are on the pricey side.
Smarty, Kevin, apology accepted. I really can understand your point of view. Please remember that just like you I am also a consumer, and I still am. I've stated on previous posts that I hate to do something more than once. If I do it, I want it done right the very first time. It really burns my As* to have to redo a project because like most people here, even though my business is growing, I'm not made of money.
Allthough these boards have given me plenty of opportunity to tout Roeland's other services I don't believe I have. Maybe I've mentioned them? Anyone know if I have? I can't remember off the top of my head as I sip my first cup of coffee this morning however I know I've not been passionate about mentioning them over and over and over again because I haven't used him for the other things he does. I won't even mention what they are even though at this point in my business relationship with him I've seen most of them first hand and I know he does good work. Only if he does some other product or service for my home I'll say something and going forward for all I'll put a disclaimer in that the work took place after our business relationship started so the casual user of these boards knows.
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Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 39
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:28 am: |
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KEVIN,
I believe I started supporting this virtual community the second Mr. Sager informed me of the site after purchasing his Quantum2 windows. I recognized what a great community was, and how important the asthetics are to the residents. I immediately signed up for a 1 year contract to advertise in the Matters Magazine back cover. This is a great piece of literature that goes hand in hand with the community.
I think I understand what it is you all are looking for IMHO, honest answers not solicited or self serving, opinions that are fact based, and just someone to give the assistance that is so hard to find in my industry.
Example;
I went to a lovely lady's home in Maplewood, she was looking for Pellican Bay Siding (a real wood looking Polypropelene siding) that resembles wood shakes. I spent 2 hours with her getting to understand her motives, listening to he concerns, and forming a plan.
Well the end result is I did NOT sell her siding, I reccomended we test an area under her ASBESTOS siding, she chose 2 areas, we found the shakes under her old siding to be in real good shape. I then agreed to remove and dispose of all the asbestos siding, and had her call Rutgers Painting (no I do not know, nor have I met anyone from RUTGERS Painting, for all those CONSPIRACY THEORIES), however hearing all the priases on the site and knowing the industry as I do I felt confident they would handle this job proper.
Moral;
I am a knowledgable person, given the chance. I must say though I will not give something that my client does not really need, nor will I do something to depreciate the value of there home. I did not sell this customer I helped her do what was right for her home and situation.
Kevin if you can think of other ways that we as a company can help give back to the community let me know. I beleive you have my contact info...... |
Micheale
Citizen
Username: Micheale
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 12:57 pm: |
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Just had Roeland install a dozen Q2 windows in our home. The end result is that we have excellent noise reduction (which was our main goal) and I think the appearance and operability of the windows is great. We're very happy.
I have to say, the installers were the most polite, professional installers we've had at the house so far. They went out of their way to actually cater to the fact that we had a 3 mo old baby trying to rest in various parts of the house while they were doing the work. They cleaned up well after themselves and the quality of the window and moulding installations was top notch.
Regarding all this mess I see on MOL, it seems to me (IMHO, of course) that Darren and Arnie mean well but should probably a step back and defer to the intricacies of online etiquette, which we all know can take some finesse. Extra carefulness about disclosure, civility, and graciousness are the rule online. Good old fashioned, untainted apologies can go a long way in the faceless e-world we inhabit here.
Bottom line: I'd recommend the product and the service.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 848
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 2:47 pm: |
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Micheala....let me guess....your first post on MOL was "I just moved to town and need some new windows...can anybody recommend somebody to me?".......
Arnie/Darren/whoever you are, would you please let this lie?
I need 6 more windows replaced, and despite all the on-line sillyness, was actually going to give you a call....but your on-line contortions are completely freiking me out, and I think my fleeting interest has quickly passed.
This has moved from funny, to interesting, to annoying, to now completely BIZARRE. |
Micheale
Citizen
Username: Micheale
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 3:21 pm: |
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Oh boy. I see how things have devolved on this thread. 
Well, anyway... In case its useful to someone who is looking for information, here's a link to the pics of my house. We just had the installation done Mon and Tue this week.
http://houseupgrades.blogspot.com/
Good luck! |
tb0010
Citizen
Username: Tb0010
Post Number: 29
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 3:45 pm: |
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OK at the risk of opening another Pandora's box, I'm going to try to turn this thread back to asking technical questions.
We're probably going to put in some Marvin Infinity replacement windows in the main areas of the house, with vinyls in peripheral areas like basement & garage. I've been asked about whether we want to have the wood exterior sills capped with aluminum. I haven't the faintest idea of whether this would nicely protect the wood and make it maintenance free vs creating new problems where moisture can get trapped. (Note: our house still has original 1920s wood shingles.)
Does anybody have any ideas? Window_Doctor, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts. |
Micheale
Citizen
Username: Micheale
Post Number: 4
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 3:54 pm: |
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tb0010 - We opted not to do the aluminum capping, to better preserve the look of the outside of the windows. I did see an example with the capping, and I could kind of see the seams at the corners of the windows, which I wasn't crazy about. We haven't repainted the house yet, but I personally think it will look better without capping once we've done that. |
george H
Citizen
Username: Georgieboy
Post Number: 236
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 4:07 pm: |
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Normally,in addition to capping the sills,they also cap the head pc. and the 2 side casings,which sit on top of the sill to add to the overall integrity vs.water intrusion.If done correctly,they look great right away but kind of lose their luster as time and the elements take their toll.IMHO,you'd be better off resigning yourself to the fact of painting them to keep with the character of the house and to be able to freshen them up every few years. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11990
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 8:46 am: |
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.....and since you are going to have to have the house painted regularly the addtional work with painting the window trim is minimal.
Micheale, thanks for sharing your Blog pictures.
One of my criticisms of vinyl windows is that the sash (mullions and stiles) is usually so thick as to destroy the look and block even more light than a replacement does to start with. The Q2s used here are very thin, almost to thin to keep with the original look of the house. Interesting. |
Androniki
Citizen
Username: Saintfriday
Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 2:15 pm: |
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We recently had Quantum 2 windows installed through Arnie Roeland and have been very happy. His crew was excellent- polite, clean, and fast. They replaced all our windows in 2 days. We're really happy with the way they look. It's nice to be able to easily open and close them as we wish. Arnie has been really pleasant to deal with- so all in all we're happy with our decision. We decided not to wrap the exterior in aluminum. We'll be painting the exterior soon and figured we would just have the wood restored when we paint. |
Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 43
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 3:15 pm: |
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Thanks guys for the kind words.... |
kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 753
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 3:16 pm: |
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I thought that this thread was going to wither away....All of a sudden there are brand new posters raving about Roeland.
Arnie,
I have not seen your ad in Matters Magazine. Unless you plug Maplewood Online in your ad, this virtual community does not benefit from your ad. Matters is an independent, yet local publication.
I am not quite sure how you are supporting this virtual community by giving ad revenue to someone else.
http://www.maplewoodonline.com/sponsorship/#advertising
Serious question: Do people still purchase aluminum siding? |
Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 45
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 3:28 pm: |
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Hey Kevin I am on the Back inside cover, and I do make reference to Maplewood online, also Kevin just FYI, the Man who runs this site is I beleive a principle in Matters Magazine.
Yes some people still do purchase aluminum siding but mostly for repairs, National Building Supply in Bellville, Roselle and Dover still carries the old 8" white.
Kevin feel free to call me with any questions I promise a call back within 24-48 hours, 973 586 7910
Thanks for the link, look for me in the near future to honor the MOL community with some sponsership and advertisiments.... |
kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 754
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 4:13 pm: |
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Arnie -
Just to clarify, I wasn't doubting that you had an advertisement in Matters, only that I have not looked for nor seen it.
Before I posted, I emailed Dave Ross (runs site) and asked if MOL receives any ad revenue from Matters....He says no.
Thanks for answering the question about the aluminum siding.
I'm just going to back out of this thread now.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 852
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 8:40 am: |
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Kevin- I'm with you, I'm done with this thread too....basically, it's been you, Me, Bob K, George H posting and replying to Arnie/Darren and their multiple new on-line personalities. It's unfortunate that somebody has insisted on taking fake customer referrals to all-new levels, particularly in this thread. |
Travis
Citizen
Username: Travis
Post Number: 458
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 11:18 am: |
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Smarty,
What Dick Cheney said to Patrick Leahy. |
Androniki
Citizen
Username: Saintfriday
Post Number: 2
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 7:36 pm: |
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no no, I'm real. We are a family of 5 in maplewood. If you contact Arnie for references, he'll give you my #. I know it looked like he created a profile as a fake customer, but I am real. I have been reading the posts for a while, but never posted. Since I have used Arnie, I created a profile so I could chime in since I really think he is an honest businessman. I hestitated to get involved here because it's so heated, but I am real. |
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