American HomePro Moves to Top in Ranking for Remodeling Industry.

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 1998--Pittsburgh-based American Home Improvement Products Inc. is recognized as the top-grossing remodeling company in America in annual rankings of home remodelers published in the September issue of Qualified Remodeler, a leading trade magazine in the home improvement industry.

With total 1997 sales volume of $125,264,124, the company moved up two positions from number three in last year's review.

Headquartered in Monroeville and operating sales and telemarketing offices and manufacturing facilities in the Pittsburgh area, American HomePro has 66 sales branches, 26 service hubs, 13 automated telemarketing centers, a kitchen fabrication shop and a 100,000 square-foot window and door manufacturing plant.

In an accompanying article entitled "Money Follows Method," the magazine described American HomePro as "a monster-sized operation," and atypical for remodeling companies in that "it is run on the strictest of business management principles."

The rankings are based on the annual Qualified Remodeler "Top 500 survey" of the remodeling industry, which ranks the top companies by annual dollar volume and offers a snapshot of the remodeling industry as a whole. American HomePro has nearly doubled its sales volume in two years, with its 1997 performance reflecting a 14 percent increase over its 1996 volume.

Number-two Pacesetter reported 1997 volume of $122,844,680, and third-ranked Spray-Tech Inc. of Longwood, Florida reported $66,195,168.

Commenting for the article, HomePro Chairman and CEO Gary J. Iskra said a lot of factors, including the company's status as a licensee of Sears, Roebuck and Company, have contributed to its success. He said he also takes pride in the fact that training and management development systems have been key supports for the business's growth.

"Our ability to replicate an operational culture in remote markets and then maintain control over those operations has been a driver of our growth," he was quoted as saying. The article also applauds American HomePro's strong lines of communication between departments.

In terms of challenges, Iskra told QR that helping customers finance the work they want done is a major obstacle, especially with the high level of consumer debt many homeowners have accumulated.

"Continuing to develop a professional image in the remodeling industry in order to attract new talent is another challenge," said the article. It noted that, like most remodeling contractors, training is always a top priority at American HomePro.

The article concluded that, if American HomePro continues to address the challenges it faces by adhering to a business methodology that has brought rich rewards, "the remodeling contractor will not only continue to grow in sales, but also will continue to be Sears' top quality rated program."