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Tips for protecting your business from cyber attacks

Protecting your business against cyber attacks can seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a dedicated IT staff. Scott Buehler, Director of Information Systems at L.E. Smith, has a few tips that can help businesses of all sizes ensure their information and assets remain safe. Hackers prefer it if you simply give them information Unlike what you see in the movies, cyber attacks don’t often involve complex, password cracking software designed to break through sophisticated firewalls. In reality, hackers use a more straight-forward approach to gaining access to confidential information. They simply ask an employee to hand it over. Seems…

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Fitting big remodeling dreams into real life possibilities

When it comes to designing or remodeling a residential or commercial space, we know your customers can have some pretty big dreams. Sometimes those dreams fit right into their budget and lifestyle, but other times you are left watching a sale walk right out the door because of unrealistic expectations. What if we told you that there was a way to save that sale by using value engineering to make your customers’ dreams come true? Value engineering in action Mike and Samantha are homeowners who are remodeling their kitchen. They have binge-watched the HGTV channel for months and scoured every…

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Is the Reign of Granite Surfaces coming to an end?

It is no surprise that granite, a stone that once graced the homes of wealthy nobility and lined the walls of royal palaces, became one of the most sought-after surface materials for the kitchen and bath. For decades, granite countertops have been a popular choice for homeowners and remodelers alike, but according to a 2019 U.S Houzz Kitchen Trends Study,  granite’s reign may have finally come to an end. Granite countertops face increased competition Although we aren’t quite ready to believe that granite countertops have become yesterday’s trend, we wholeheartedly agree that there are quality surface options out there that…

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B2B marketing strategies for the slow season

The ups and downs of the construction industry can be enough to give anyone a few grey hairs. The stress over how to keep up during your busy times is only outweighed by worry over how long your business can survive during the slow times. While no single solution can make all of your worries disappear, having a solid marketing strategy can go a long way toward increasing your revenue and minimizing those peaks and valleys that challenge your business throughout the year. While we don’t recommend that you wait until business is slow to begin marketing, the extra time…

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Affordable luxury for all Bathroom Projects

Homeowners and contractors alike know that bathroom renovations that include quartz, granite or cultured marble provide an opportunity to increase the long-term value and aesthetic appeal to any home. As one of the most commonly used spaces, both within the private and public sector, the appearance and durability of a bathroom vanity has the potential to make or break any first impression. Unfortunately, it also has the potential to make or break any budget. Quartz, granite and cultured marble vanities can be expensive and beyond the budget for many projects. Unless, of course, you have already found The L.E. Smith…

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Product Differentiation Ensures Your Business Delivers Value and...

In today’s market, it is no longer enough to be the best at what you do. To stay ahead of the competition, you must constantly be innovating and differentiating your products and services. A business known only for one specific product or service will likely be a business that closes its doors. If that makes you feel overwhelmed, just remember that you are not alone. The L.E. Smith Company is committed to ensuring that you have a wide variety of surface products to offer your customers. Best of all, we do the work for you! No Longer Limited to Laminate…

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You are never left waiting when the SQUAD at L.E. Smith has your back

We live in a world of instant gratification. Virtually everything we need is available at the push of a button or can be shipped overnight. While this has obvious benefits, it does not apply to remodeling or construction projects. After all, you can’t expect to have a new kitchen or bathroom quoted with the click of the button. Or can you? When you partner with The L.E. Smith Company, you can. For years, our customers asked for a tool that would offer quoting in real time. In response, our team developed SQUAD, an online web-based solution for quoting on all…

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Facing the Challenge of Completing Complex Projects with Fewer...

In the construction industry, advances in technology and current trends have driven the need for innovation and change. For an industry that has long been resistant to change, this is challenge that is slowly being overcome. To add to the difficulties, contractors are being asked to tackle more complex projects with fewer resources than ever before. As the 2018 busy season quickly approaches, contractors are dealing with tighter budgets, shorter timelines and a shortage of skilled laborers to do the work. Workforce Gap This is a challenge that that has changed over the past three years. According to Oldcastle Building…

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Construction Industry Data and Trends

At L.E. Smith, we are always keeping an eye on industry trends and marketing solutions that may impact you, our valued clients and partners in the construction field. Recently, we came across some information that we believe is worth sharing. Oldcastle Building Solutions has been providing industry insights to the construction community for nearly 80 years. Their team of experts compile a biweekly, comprehensive report that helps companies in the construction industry better understand current trends and make preparations for future projections. Plan Ahead The report posted below is from February 2nd and highlights data that reflects a decline in the construction…

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For the Love of Laminate: Eco-Friendly Countertops That Are Easy on...

In the past, laminate countertops have been given some unfair abuse. You’ve seen the retro countertops that were very grandma’s-house-in-the-50s-esque. That’s understandable, but the designs of old have long since evolved. Your customers might be holding on to conjured images of ugly countertops and passing on an opportunity that’s well designed, environmentally conscious, inexpensive, and beautiful. Let’s take a look at the lauds of laminate countertops. Banish Those Old Memories This isn’t grandma’s house anymore. The unsightly countertops of days long passed have changed a great deal. Leaving behind gaudy colors, well-designed laminate countertops look like polished wood or stone for a…

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