Sticking Together In OSI/JELD-WEN Partnership

“It’s the idea of two powerful companies coming together creating something bigger than us doing it alone,” explains Bozich, vice president of business development for Henkel.

And Jim Lovisco, director, JELD-WEN, Architectural Services agrees, “By combining our strengths, this partnership closes the circle and guarantees the best possible window performance for our homeowners.”

In 2014, the two firms made their alliance official. But the relationship actually began in 2008 when JELD-WEN identified a need to address a high volume of installation failures.

The problems were not unique to JELD-WEN. In fact, it’s an issue all window and door manufacturers face. But JELD-WEN recognized it needed a solution that would protect its brand equity, reduce call-backs from customers and ensure dealer and homeowner satisfaction. So the company tackled the problem head-on and turned to OSI for help.

“Because over 98 percent of failures are typically due to faulty installation, not the actual window or door, the alliance will help to ensure contractors install all of JELD-WEN’s windows and doors properly using OSI’s QUAD Window & Door System,” said Bozich.

As part of the partnership, contractors also receive hands-on training that covers proper fenestration management and installation protocol for windows and doors through the OSI QUAD Window & Door Installation Training program. While building material dealers typically are the catalyst and serve as the location for training, it also can take place on a jobsite, said Bozich.

Although there are various levels of training available, the most common are bronze and silver. Once an installer completes one of these programs, he or she becomes OSI Certified.

This certification equips contractors with the know-how to install windows and doors properly. Equally important, however, is that it allows them to activate the 15-year QUAD Window & Door System Warranty on new construction projects.

Over the last six years, OSI has trained more than 14,000 contractors and, so far, more than 1,000 have received the certification in conjunction with the JELD-WEN partnership. Bozich anticipates this number to rise steadily because of the benefits to the contractor.

“It builds his or her skill set, adds the warranty to their war chest, gives them a differentiating factor in a competitive marketplace and reduces call backs,” he explained.

Once the initial training is complete, however, the education isn’t over. “Together with OSI, JELD-WEN will continue to expand its efforts to provide contractors with the necessary tools to support their customers, be effective in their businesses and manage their turnover,” said Lovisco.

“The commitment to training is never-ending,” said Bozich. “That knowledge and know-how is not a one-and-done approach. It’s on ongoing relationship that we set forth as we look to the future. It’s an ongoing, relentless effort.”