Craftsmanship at its Best
We approached DMD after a terrible episode of windows installation that ended in returned product in less than a year. I called Bill to see if someone could come out and help us with an estimate. Lindsay came out timely and evaluated the project. The objective was to change out all opening windows (sliders and hung windows) into casement windows; the rest were fixed.
Lindsay gave estimates on 3 products. We also received estimates from several other companies. DMD stood out among the rest in several ways including clear cost classifications on the estimate sheet so we knew exactly the cost of buying a window, the cost of installation, and the cost of installation materials. There was no second-guessing anything. Also, there was no pressure to force a decision. For example, unlike the other companies I consulted, there were no gimmicky discounts if I made a decision in X amount of time. In addition, Lindsay didn't just come out to sell us windows; she also offered insight that was clearly not offered by the other organizations. She explained why a certain type of window won't be a good fit in certain parts of the house. She also advised us to change one window to a fixed window (previously a slider) so we could have uninterrupted mountain views that lie yonder from our yard. This also established symmetry with all the other windows on that side of the house. Simple, but very effective! Note that this was also cost-effective because short of the advice, the window that would have gone in that particular area by default would have been a casement which is more expensive than a fixed window.
From the outset this is what set DMD above the other 4 companies that we consulted on the project. You are not just getting a programed individual who agrees with you on every window at every turn, DMD provides an expert who gives elements of design and simplicity/ease in what they offer.
Now, enter the installation process: As mentioned earlier, we had had new windows installed less than a year before but we ended up returning them primarily because of the terrible work that was done. DMD installers worked diligently to remove, inspect, and install the 32 windows we purchased through them. I have had windows installed before, but I have never seen such meticulous work. There is a mathematical/sequential tone in how they do their work. They do one thing at a time. I truly believe a lot of organization can learn from DMD. I will be stating the obvious if I told anyone that establishing a sequence in how you approach a job, yields a successful outcome. This applies to any job, any line of work; big or small. DMD has perfected the mantra. I keep referring to DMD as an organization but I can put faces to that organization by referring to the individuals who specifically handled the job: Eric, Ryan, and Zack. These were the masters of their domain. They did the work as if they had nothing else going on. Perfect and in sequence!
What was truly amazing to me was the fact that DMD does not just install a window; they do a thorough inspection of the window area to make sure any kind of damage that has occurred over the life of the prior window, if any, is thoroughly fixed. You cannot buy this; this is something you cannot assign monetary value to. Most installers come in to install a window and you are lucky if they look for damage, let alone notify you if they find it. Most installers I have dealt with rush through the process to get to the next job because that's how they make their money. I know for a fact that DMD installers had other jobs waiting, but under no circumstances did I see any element of rushing. It's as if your job is the last job they cap their master-craftsmanship on before they retire. That is dedication, but beyond dedication it's a culture that most organizations strive to instill throughout their existence and yet fail. This speaks volumes of the organization that DMD has put together. They do remarkable work whether you are looking or not; they work on a place as if it's their own.
Here is the bottom line: I am not just recommending DMD; I'd put it this way, there are very few organizations I would state my reputation on. DMD is one of the very few. They are the kind of organization that I would call to do a project, go on vacation or on a business trip, come back and not bother to look at the work they did because I know it was done right! It was done with integrity and passion and it was done well because this is what they are in business to do. It boils down to this, DMD is a world-class organization! Size has nothing to do with it; organizational culture has everything to do with it!
DMD, you are the best because you have proven that you are truly passionate about what you do. You exhibit business ethics and integrity few organizations can match!
Thank you for an all-round excellent work! read more
