Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 24, 1991 TAG: 9103250355
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: E-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY HOMES EDITOR
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The trade show, sponsored by the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, is a good place to speculate, too, that business may be on the way to getting better.
The show opened at 3 p.m. Friday, and immediately had a steady stream of visitors flowing through exhibits of appliances, heating equipment, flooring, closet organizers and various other building products.
The attendance was encouraging, said builder Wilbert Tester, an associate director of the sponsoring group.
"I know there are people out there with money to spend," said Tester. "They've just been sitting on it."
Tester said a tight lending market caused by the problems with savings and loan institutions and banks intensified in the Roanoke Valley when CorEast, a major construction lender, was taken over by the Resolution Trust Co.
But, construction money is available if there is a buyer, said Tester. He said an increase in calls from potential customers has made him optimistic after some tough months.
Chris McDonell, area sales manager for General Electric, said he didn't mean to be flippant, but there's evidence of a turnaround in Northern Virginia and he expects it to "come on down Interstate 81" to the Roanoke Valley.
McDonell, who has an appliance display in Lowe's Home Centers Inc. exhibit, said some Northern Virginia lenders have lowered the requirements for home construction loans, and others indicate they will follow suit.
Everywhere at the show, exhibitors said there are signs of business perking up, but many also said they are offering more and more different services or products so that when business isn't so good in one area, it might be offset by another.
Anchor Sales and Service of Salem began selling gazebos a couple of years ago to diversify its truck accessories business, said Mike Trenor, vice president. It added the $2,500 Victorian gazebo to the line this year.
Trenor said the mild winter also has helped business and he is expecting a record third quarter.
Leonard Buildings & Truck Covers, an Anchor competitor showing nearby, is doing a swift business in metal carports and soon will be selling golf carts, too, said Donny Julian, sales manager.
Julian said the comeback of the metal carport is because of the consumer's search for a car shelter that costs less than a garage.
When one part of a business isn't doing so well, it's good to have another to pick up the slack, said Richard Fitton, salesman for F&S Construction and Four Seasons Greenhouses.
He said the companies he works for can build custom houses, remodel and provide greenhouse-type additions, in addition to representing Continental Homes manufactured housing.
By offering variety, companies can "ride through any business climate," he said.
Terry Dame, a supervisor at SPR Bathtub Refinishing, had a similar observation. Dame said his SPR has a two-week backlog of business, and was able to get through the recent months without having to lay off any employees.
SPR's specialities include repairing and putting new finishes on porcelain, fiberglass, Formica and tile.
In a judging Friday, several exhibitors were recognized for being best in their categories. They were Roanoke Gas Co., Pine Hall Brick & Pipe Co. Inc., Woods Heating & Air Conditioning, Pella Window & Door Co., Carpet Shop-Home Design Center, Holdren's Inc., Cabinet Showcase of Roanoke Inc., Timber Truss Housing Systems and Wholesale Enterprises Inc..
The show continues today from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for senior citizens. Children under 12 get in free.
by CNB