Episode 14: May 24, 2022

DASMA Resources to Advance Garage Door Safety - All Year Round
With Mike Fischer, host, and Dave Monsour, DASMA Technical Director

The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) represents more than 95% of the US Door and Access Systems market; DASMA members are committed to the safety of their installed products. DASMA publishes a library of technical resources aimed at various interests including installing door dealers, designers, home inspectors, contractors, code officials, building owners and occupants, and homeowners. Listen to this special Door-Cast with Dave Monsour, DASMA Technical Director, to learn more about these resources, and how DASMA and IDA work together to promote Garage Door Safety Month and promote safety all year.

 Episode 13: May 3, 2022
Building Codes, High Winds and Garage Doors: How Local Building Departments Can Reset Safety
With Mike Fischer, host, and Michael Wich, CBO Director of Building Code Administration and Chief Building Official South Central Planning and Development Commission

Recent updates to the International Codes requiring labeling of garage doors to include wind pressure ratings will increase the emphasis on code compliance for wind resistance. Join Mike and his guest as they discuss the code requirements for garage doors and openers, and the role that local building departments can play in helping ensure safe, code compliant garage door installations are the norm.
 
 Episode 12: March 22, 2022
Welcome Back to IDAExpo+!
With Mike Fischer, host, and Brenton Cheney, IDA President and Jim McGrath, IDAExpo+ Committee Chair

With two weeks to go before the 2022 IDAExpo+ in Las Vegas, Mike sat down with Brenton Cheney and Jim McGrath to catch up on the exciting offerings that await attendees at IDAExpo+. Listen to hear about the educational events, bigger and better exhibit hall, and networking experiences awaiting you at the reimagined IDAExpo+ in Las Vegas. Make sure to listen to this episode of the IDA Door-Cast to hear why IDAExpo+ is a can't miss event.  

 Episode 11: March 15, 2022
Florida Sales Tax Credit for Impact Rated Doors
With Mike Fischer, host, and Michael J. Fischer, The Legis Group, Tallahassee FL

Join IDA Executive Director Mike Fischer and his guest- Michael J. Fischer of The Legis Group in Tallahassee as they discuss the 2022-23 Florida Budget process- and the two-year sales tax exemption that will go into effect on July 1, 2022. The conversation will talk about the background of how this exemption for impact-rated garage doors moved from an idea to reality over the past several years. Mike and his guest will talk about the next steps in the process and what this means for companies who do business in Florida, and how this Florida legislation could set an example for other states.

 Episode 10: March 8, 2022
Investment Planning and Strategies for Small Businesses
With Mike Fischer, host, and Nick Purchiaroni, Financial Advisor RICP™, and Senior Partner with Integrated Financial Group

Mike’s guest is Nick Purchiaroni, Financial Advisor RICP™, and Senior Partner with Integrated Financial Group.
Listen to this IDA Door-Cast to learn important information about investing in today’s unprecedented times- and how to improve your financial outlook as a small business owner or for your own personal finances.

 Episode 9: March 1, 2022
How IDEA Certification and Accreditation can Help your Door Business Prosper
With Mike Fischer, host, and Roy Bardowell, Certified Door Dealer Consultant

Join Mike and his guest Roy Bardowell, a 50 year veteran of the door business. Roy is a frequent contributor to IDA Magazine, and an IDEA CDDC (Certified Door Dealer Consultant). He will share his perspective on how IDEA certification and accreditation can help elevate the industry and help your business prosper.

Episode 8: February 15, 2022
Life in a Family-Owned Door Dealer Business
With Mike Fischer, host, and Joe Ernst, Sales Manager at D&D Garage Doors, Sarasota, FL

The family-owned door dealer is the backbone of the door business; many IDA dealer members encompass multiple generations of ownership and leadership. The pandemic and related supply issues have had a huge impact on family-owned small businesses, door dealers included. Join Mike and his guest as they talk about the dynamics of working through these challenging times and how to keep workplace issues at work.

​Episode 7: February 2, 2022
SmartHomes for SmartDealers: How today’s garage door systems will connect you to tomorrow’s successes! 
With Mike Fischer, host, and Tom Kerber, Director of Project Management for Connected Platforms for the Genie Company

This episode of the IDA DoorCast is sponsored by the Genie Company. Join your host, IDA Executive Director Mike Fischer and his guest Tom Kerber of Genie. Tom will share his insights about the SmartHome revolution, and how Genie’s products can help door dealers connect with cutting edge home technology. The discussion will include the state of the SmartHome industry, a discussion of the various platforms that enable garage doors to connect with the homeowners, and a look to the future of the value of Smart products for door dealers.

​Episode 6: January 18, 2022
Conversation With IDEA President, Mark McManus
With Mike Fischer, host, and Mark McManus, co-owner of Door Boy

Mark McManus, the co-owner of Door Boy in Berkeley Heights, NJ, and the President of the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA), will join your host, IDA Executive Director Mike Fischer, to share his perspective on operating a family-owned door business during the COVID-19 pandemic. The session will include a discussion about Mark’s role as IDEA president, and the value of IDEA Accreditation for door dealers.

Episode 5: December 14, 2021
Read the Instructions!
With Mike Fischer, host, and Joe Berger, Vice President of JB Garage Doors

Manufacturer installation instructions are part and parcel of product listings for doors and openers. Whether it’s proper installation of photo eyes, wind load reinforcements, or fire door components, codes and standards require adherence to those instructions and installation details. Join IDA Executive Director Mike Fischer as he speaks with Joe Berger, Vice President of JB Garage Doors in Hialeah Gardens, FL, about how to follow drawings and installation instructions to help ensure a safe installation. It’s not just a good idea; in most jurisdictions it’s the law.


Episode 4: December 8, 2021
Dos and Don’ts- Antitrust Law and Door Dealers
With Mike Fischer, host, and Brian Schoolman, Safran Law Offices

In today’s fast-paced world- with the supply-chain issues, tight labor markets, and volatile pricing, door dealers often find themselves in conversations with suppliers and competitors. While navigating this new abnormal is a challenge, it is important to understand the laws that govern communications between companies to stay out of trouble! Join IDA Executive Director Mike Fischer and IDA legal counsel Brian Schoolman from Safran Law Offices in Raleigh, NC for their discussion of antitrust laws affecting associations and individual companies.


Episode 3: December 2, 2021
Supply Chain Disruptions in the New Abnormal
With Mike Fischer, host, and Chad Moutray, NAM's Chief Economist

A collision of natural disasters, a global pandemic, unfavorable policy decisions, and other market forces have caused market place issues including price volatility, production issues, labor and material shortages, delays, and other negative impacts. Chad Moutray, NAM’s Chief Economist, will share NAM’s perspective on how the U.S. manufacturing economy got to this point in time- and how IDA members can navigate the storm.


Episode 2: November 16, 2021
How to Save Money and Protect Your Business!
With Mike Fischer, host, and Andy Stergiou, Executive Vice President for the Commercial Group at Alliant Insurance Services and Manager of IDA Preferred Partner Program: IDAAssurance

Join your DoorCast host, Mike Fischer, as he speaks with Andy Stergiou about how a proper insurance strategy can help door dealers manage risk while optimizing the expense. Andy will explain some common issues facing door dealers and what pitfalls to avoid while making sure their businesses are protected.

Your customers expect you to deliver quality, service and value in every project, whether it is a small residential installation or a large commercial contract. IDAssurance was built by the industry experts at Alliant and is endorsed by the IDA to help you do just that. IDAssurance opens the door to a wealth of benefits, including lower rates, broad coverage and enhanced convenience.


Episode 1: November 9, 2021
Women Open Doors: A Panel Discussion
With Mike Fischer, host, and moderator Flossie Miller of Miller Edge. Also with panelists Melissa Whitacre of Carl’s Door Service and Ranee Patel from Loading Dock Inc.

Women in the door business workforce face challenges common in other trades, but also unique to our industry. Join the panelists as they talk about issues, opportunities, and share insights into how women can best navigate this environment, and how hiring women workers may be the answer to today’s labor shortages.
 

          ICC Pulse Podcast: Episode 41
          Garage Door Safety
          With Mike Fischer & Steve Jones, ICC and Gordon Thomas, DASMA

In this episode, Steve Jones, Code Council Senior Gov’t Relations Regional Manager talks with Mike Fischer, Executive Director of the International Door Association (IDA); and Gordon Thomas, Technical Director at Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) on the importance of garage door safety. They also share safety tips and resources for inspectors and the public on checking garage doors.

Episode 1:  May 18, 2021
Selling in a Post COVID-19 Environment 
With Mike Fischer & Dan Apple, The Apple Group

Supply chain disruptions have affected every part door dealer operations; most important is the impact on customer relations. In this session, Dan Apple will provide insight in how to respond to customer needs and best manage those relationships.

Episode 2: May 25, 2021
Inventory Lead Times and Selecting the Right Door Even if Not Right Now
With Mike Fischer & Brenton Cheney, IDA President

With challenges throughout the supply chain, understanding how to manage inventory has never been more important for door dealers. Brenton Cheney will share strategies to balance the needs of customers and operations while managing cash flow. 

Episode 3: June 1, 2021
Google Scam Listings (Bad Bobs)
With Mike Fischer & Tom Wadsworth and Kevin Pettiette, IDA Past President.

Many service industries have had to deal with their share of bad actors. Whether violating Elder Care laws, performing unneccesary repairs, or price gouging, "Bad Bobs" can give the door industry a bad name. Throw in the issues related to fake Google ads, and the competitive arena is a lot more difficult. Join this discussion to learn more about these issues, and what you can do in your market to fight back.

Episode 4: June 8, 2021
Financial Education for the Industry
With Mike Fischer & Josef Roberts, E Squared Consulting

Understanding your business financials is critical for survival in a hyper competitive market. Door dealers should understand the nuances of markup, margin, and recognizing the key indicators from your balance sheet to help you understand how to benchmark the numbers and gauge your success. Josef Roberts will show you how to understand and evaluate your key financial data points.

Episode 5: June 15, 2021
How to Stay on Top Online
With Mike Fischer & Doug Schatz, Market Hardware

A solid online presence is critical to door dealer's success.  Managing search engine results, social media interaction, and online reviews are all necessary skills. Doug Schatz will walk you though the basic strategies for managing who the internet thinks you are. 

Episode 6: July 6, 2021
Surviving the Cataclysm: How Hurricane Laura Disrupted our Business
With Mike Fischer & Joy Abshire, A-Door Works

When Hurricane Laura hit Lake Charles, LA, in the midst of the Pandemic, the folks at A1-Door Works had to reinvent their business model and their way of life. Join us as we speak with Joy about how they have responded to a laundry list of troubles, and how they know that this family business will make it through- eventually!

Episode 7: July 13, 2021
How to Work with Home Inspectors to Improve Safety and the Bottom Line
With Mike Fischer & Randy Oliver, Crawford Hollywood Door and IDA Past President

The residential resale market is hot, and most buyers hire a home inspector so they can make an informed purchase. Home inspectors should check garage doors and openers to make sure that they are working properly- and safely. Randy will share why you should get to know the home inspectors in your market, and what resources you can provide to make their job easier.

Episode 8: July 20, 2021
Cross Generational Selling
With Mike Fischer & Special Guest Matt Weber

The new abnormal isn't just about COVID-19, it's also about understanding customer needs across different generations. Join Matt for this session and learn some tips for dealing with younger buyers to improve your closing ratio.