Customer service, quality workmanship:
Dial One Windows
by Jody Robinson
A
“Our showroom is actually a design center where customers can browse at their leisure and get ideas and inspiration,” he says. “We are the exclusive source for Renewal by Andersen windows and doors, made by the replacement division of Andersen Corporation, a 109-year-old industry leader.”
“The product we offer is customer service,” says Charlie Gindele, president and founder of the Laguna Hills-based business. “We are a customer-focused business and are always striving to deliver a great customer experience. Residential window and door replacement just happens to be the method by which we deliver our customer service.”
According to Charlie, another defining characteristic that distinguishes Dial One Windows from the competition is its “complete turnkey experience, including opening modifications, its own inhouse door shop, wood working shop and paint shop” so that it truly is a “one stop” experience for the customer.
Some entrepreneurs achieve success by seeking out opportunities within their particular areas of expertise. For others, opportunities present themselves in a seemingly natural progression of growth through experience.
Charlie also attributes his company’s success to “being able to attract and retain quality people in all phases of our business, from sales and installation to administration – individuals who share our philosophy and desire to deliver excellent customer service.
Charlie has apparently capitalized on both. The Philadelphia native started working for his father in the industry at the age of 10. He learned the trade and honed his skills every weekend and during summer vacations through high school. The then-fledgling entrepreneur started his own operation while attending college. After graduation, Charlie “went into the business full-time, eventually working and traveling extensively while in the employ of a large building products manufacturer. Southern California was a frequent destination and it wasn’t long before he “fell in love with Orange County.”
Another source of pride for Charlie is his company's commitment to "never lowering our standards despite other companies that come and go who focus mainly on offering low prices without any regard to the quality of the products or service they offer. They take advantage of uninformed consumers." As a testament to Dial One's unwavering and relentless pursuit of high quality and customer service, this past January they were awarded the Renewal by Andersen ”Best of the Best“ award...given annually to only three locations across the country that demonstrate outstanding homeowner satisfaction scores, operational excellence, leadership, sales growth and giving back to the communities that they work in.
In 1983, Charlie resigned from his corporate job and headed west. The following year, he set up shop in Santa Ana and grew the operation in that location for over a decade. In 1996, the company opened a small showroom off Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills. Seven years later, Dial One Windows had outgrown the small space and relocated again – this time to its current corporate offices and nearby 6,500-square-foot showroom.
“We have our niche in the market,” says Charlie, a “hands on” owner who personally meets with every customer. “We don’t try to be all things to all people. We offer premium products with lots of features and options professionally installed. We are satisfied just working within Orange County and we don’t plan on expanding geographically anytime soon. We’ll add products that complement our current offerings as opportunities arise.”
fter nearly 30 years in operation, Dial One Windows/Renewal by Andersen of Orange County’s success can be credited to its unwavering commitment to customer service and quality workmanship.
Connect with Charlie and his team by visiting their showroom at 23052 Lake Forest Drive in Laguna Hills (Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 12 noon – 4 p.m.), by calling 888.837.7241 or visit www.dialonewindows.com License No. 523043 MAY / JUNE
2012
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SOUTH COUNTY MAGAZINE