Meet Janisia & Cori

Janisia Bukowiecki

In every business, there are usually a couple of key individuals that basically run the place. For the Preferred Remodeler program, that's Janisia and Cori. Together, they manage program administration, enrollment and lead tracking as well as the Preferred Remodeler website and Job Tracker web portals. They also order marketing materials, product samples and answer questions from consumers about the Preferred Remodeler Program.

Janisia Bukowiecki has been with James Hardie since June, 2005. She enjoys playing ice and roller hockey and her and her husband just welcomed Ryan Kingston, their second baby boy, into the family.

Cori Stroud

Cori Stroud joined the company in June, 2009. She loves running, walking and training in SoCal's great weather. She's quite the runner, having completed one marathon and several half-marathons.

They offer a couple of tips that might make your lives a bit easier:

When you receive a lead, make sure to update the status within 24-48 hours—have you contacted the lead, do you have an appointment, have you quoted the deal or has it become inactive.

You can quickly download all the latest marketing materials and logos from the Preferred Remodeler website.

And, you can always contact them at repairandremodel@jameshardie.com.

Distributor turned designer launches SturdiMount

Brian McMullen transitioned from Distributor to Designer when he left Mid Atlantic Supply to start SturdiBuild, a North Carolina based company that has just launched its first product. Brian identified an opportunity for a mounting block for fiber-cement sided homes. He created one out of 1-inch thick HardieTrim, found a die-maker, pitched the idea to James Hardie and is now marketing the product to contractors and architects.

Because there has never been a mounting block like this, there was no way to protect homes from water going inside at exterior light or dryer vent penetration. With SturdiMount's water management solution, warranty claims are less likely.

"Our homeowners never wanted vinyl mounting blocks," says Paul Rzasa, owner of Blue Ridge Exteriors in Richmond, Virginia. "SturdiMount products are pre-cut, so they are far less labor intensive than alternatives. They also offer a straight place to hang a light on siding that lays at an angle. Our homeowners like that the mounts are as attractive and durable as the rest of the home's exterior."

SturdiMount products are recommended in the latest James Hardie Best Practices Guide and is available in all 11 HardieTrim colors. They can be found throughout North America at wholesale distributors such as Lumber Products, Boise Cascade and Broadleaf Logistics Company. Get a complete product list.

REdesign Before & Afters

ReDesign is the consumer's guide to thoughtful home improvement and every issue features two Before & After projects from our Preferred Remodelers. If you have a project you'd like featured, send us an email and let us know and we'll interview the homeowner and write the article. You may even be able to use the article on your blog, web site or other marketing materials.

Read the current issue