August 20, 2010

Artistic Digital Services, Inc., a graphic arts and web development firm based in Evanston, IL, launched its new website today - www.artisticdigital.com. Included is a more robust portfolio, electronic print and website quoting, links to it’s Collab2 project management system, vendor uploading and company bios and corporate capabilities. “We’re tweaking some content and polishing but she’s ready for business. Additional SEO/SEM and a bit of code to facilitate mobile devices is up next.” said Brian Whyers, CEO of the company since it’s inception in 1994.

PRESENTATION VIEW OPTIONS - when on the site, if you’re on a good “hook” as far as speed, simply view the .SWF. If not, I would suggest downloading one of the .flv’s

Brian Whyers - Artistic Digital Services, Inc.

This event showed us in our best light through the closeness of the group, effective lead and project sharing, smooth running of the event, charitable nature, fun (the Sox / Cubs caskets were too much Larry). More guests would have been better but, all in all, a job very well done!

Brian Whyers - ADS

With these in mind, as well as visitors / new members per our new Presidential Directive (make sure to check with Ira)…. we should be able to help one another through the rough spot in the road. Cheers everyone!

Brian Whyers - ADS

The two courses were Certified Green Remodeler, CGR given by The National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  This is an all-encompassing green course designed to bring awareness to Green Remodeling. The second was Installation Masters designed originally by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and administered by Architectural Testing.  This course was designed specifically to teach the newest techniques in window and door installation.

What I found interesting was even though these courses were different they both had a strong focus on eliminating air & water infiltration into peoples homes.  Air infiltration is the biggest drain on our heating and cooling systems costing us $$$, and also makes certain parts of the house uncomfortable by having cold spots.  Water is without a doubt the biggest source for decay in our homes and is usually hard to detect since it is in the walls, so we usually don’t know the extent of the damage until it is too late.  More $$$.  So how do we stop them?

First we need to know where the source is.  Windows and doors are the most likely candidate, but there are other areas to look, such as fireplaces, basements, and box sills (the area between the floors on the outside wall) just to name a few.
Once you know where the source is you can plan on remedying the problem. My recommendation is hire a professional to help you look.

Second, don’t make problems worse then they already are.  I can’t tell you how many projects we have worked on that were made worse by the previous company trying to fix them or possibly the original builder just doing it wrong.  Additionally there probably are new techniques in installation today that may not have been there before.  Like the new flashing detail around windows.  Companies that are progressive send their people to educational courses all the time.  Hire the right company.  This may take a little research, and a list of questions that you can ask in the initial interview.  IE: Does the company know the difference between Air sealing and Insulation.  Do they know what a membrane drainage system as apposed to a surface barrier system? This may take a little work on your part but in the end you will have a project done right the first time and maybe have a better remodeling experience because of it.

For more info on hiring a contractor go to http://narichicago.org/select.html

For more information on flashing go to www.graceathome.com.

Maurice Forde (http://fordewindows.com)

Edie’s email yesterday reminded me that I’m a little tardy with an important “thank you” myself.

Brian Whyers Rules!!

So, if you haven’t already done so, please support Artistic Digital Services. 

Last month was the 4^th year running that I was lucky enough to help the River North Association with their Annual Meeting.  In addition to other details, our main responsibility was creating a Power Point presentation to highlight the evening’s agenda.  Guest speakers, award winners, incoming board members, etc. were all featured in full Technicolor on the BIG SCREEN as they spoke from the podium.

Brian produced the entire presentation personally, and he was on-site at the event to ensure that everything went smoothly…and it did!!  Brian’s attention to detail, professionalism, and easy going nature made it a true pleasure to work with him.The magic he creates with a couple mouse clicks (and a handful of late nights) is spectacular!!  Additionally, the fact that he’s handed a 50-hour-project with only 48 hours until the deadline doesn’t seem to faze him at all.

So, thank you Brian; just like the last couple years, you did a great job this year!  You made me look good, which in itself is appreciated, but in front of a roomful of 200 potential clients is a great coup.

Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also thank Leslie Stern.  Leslie referred me to a different client in 2003, which ultimately referred me to the River North Association, and they’ve been a great, long-standing client ever since then.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Go Go Sox!!

Stuart

I will be happy to sit with any Guild Member or referral at no cost, to go ove a plan for the future.  Please call Edie Jerome of Metro Mortgage at 847 853 7150. 

Company owners should talk to their CPA and bankers reviewing their financial statements to first ensure the financial health of the company and second, to take advantage of market opportunity when available. If your company does not have a good net worth position and little net worth, then talk to your professionals to help you get to that point. Often small changes in strategy or operations can make big differences in results. Contact Michael Moran at 312-492-1104, or mmoran@americanchartered with questions.