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Brand Talk: Lessons on being the solution

Unmatched Value Proposition: By Huttig-Grip

 

For more information, visit www.huttig.com/Huttig-GripProducts

With a history spanning more than 130 years, Huttig® Building Products has certainly seen a lot, weathering both booms and busts, to become a leading building products and millwork distributor. Two of the latest additions to the Huttig family are David Fishbein and Bob Furio, executive vice presidents of the Huttig-GripTM division.

Q: You’re no newbies to the building products industry and have seen quite a bit yourselves—with so many options, what attracted you to be a part of Huttig Building Products?
A: We got started more than 30 years ago in this industry. You could even say that building products is in our blood. When you are that immersed into something for that length of time, you look for others who share that kind of bond and connection. Huttig’s commitment to their customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders is a shared core value that cannot be compromised.

Q: It’s probably safe to say most building product dealers in the country have heard of Huttig, if they’re not a customer already. What’s kept the company going for so long?
A: This is a unique company that has continuously found ways to reinvent itself through strong leadership and innovation. It’s a culture that promotes independent thinking and rewards initiative. Huttig is always evolving and looking forward. That’s important when what we’re trying to do is meet the unique needs of our customers.

Q: While that sounds good in theory, how does Huttig put it into practice?
A: The opportunity for a national expansion of the Huttig-Grip brand, which was identified by our CEO Jon Vrabely, is a prime example of that. The ability to supply a diverse mix of products ranging from specialty doors & millwork, to building materials & construction fasteners makes Huttig’s value proposition unparalleled in the industry.

Q: What’s the idea behind the Huttig-Grip brand expansion?
A: Huttig developed the Huttig-Grip brand more than 20 years ago, and has been in the fastener and building products business for decades. With the resources we are investing in the brand, we have the opportunity to exclusively focus on expanding and growing the brand nationally. It is clear that the market wants and needs options and Huttig-Grip is the answer.

We believe Huttig is a better choice because our value proposition is unmatched in the industry.

Q: Introducing a new line of products is a pretty serious undertaking, even in today’s market.
A: With more than 30,000 SKUs being offered, it’s definitely not something we take lightly. We have attracted a team of industry veterans who are excited, committed and determined to make it happen—from product design to packaging to impactful merchandising. Today, our customers can make one call and get a range of products from factory finished doors & millwork, to a full line of construction fasteners, plus building materials from the most reputable manufacturers in the US and the world.

Q: What resources are being invested in the Huttig-Grip national expansion?
A: We have built an all-star team of experienced and successful professionals that know the products and the distribution business. We are also investing tens of millions of dollars in local inventories to support our customers’ needs. This level of expertise and commitment is truly unique, and coupled with Huttig’s legacy business, creates incredible value and opportunities throughout the channel.

Q: What is the one thing that a dealer should take away from this?
A: All customers win because they have more choices. We believe Huttig is a better choice because our value proposition is unmatched in the industry. Huttig Building Products has been a trusted wholesaler distributor for more than 130 years and our future is as bright as it has ever been. We look forward to continuing to help our customers to grow their business.

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