Door & hardware institute's Electrified Hardware Consultants: speak out.

Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC), Certified Door Consultant (CDC), and Architectural Openings Consultant (AOC) are the certification designations recognized as marks of excellence throughout the industry. These professional certifications attest to the high principles of the individual and that he or she is a professional prepared to provide sound architectural door and hardware specification advice and counsel to architects, contractors and building owners.

DHI awards these credentials to individuals who have successfully completed a prescribed series of training courses and have passed rigorous certification examinations.

NOW, DHI HAS YET ANOTHER professional certification available that will enhance the professional image of this industry's member--Electrified Hardware Consultant (EHC). EHCs specialize in the coordination of architectural door openings with the increased security needs of public buildings in today's society. EHCs are experts at interfacing electrified architectural hardware products into access control monitoring and fire alarm systems, while maintaining compliance with fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements.

Those who have achieved consultant status, or who are working toward that plateau, know the hundreds of hours it takes to learn every aspect of the door and hardware industry, plus the attention and effort required to hone that knowledge into a tool of skill that will satisfy the many different needs of a building.

"As we all know it has been a long time coming, but now we have the EHC certification to distinguish those who have taken the need for advanced electrified hardware and systems to a professional level," says Daniel J. Heinz, DAOC, FDHI, DAHC/CDC/EHC, president of Nelson Holland, Inc. and one of DHI's first graduates of the EHC certification program. "As I meet with Architects, Engineers and End Users it has been a topic of discussion as to what it signifies and why it should be important for them to seek an individual with this to handle their systems needs."

Individuals pursuing certification must complete the core educational curriculum before branching off to follow a particular discipline such as the EHC program. It is important to have a solid foundation on which to build the knowledge necessary to consult, specify, sell, service and support electrical and electric components and systems. But as another recent graduate, Zeke Wolfskehl, DAHC, EHC of Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies discovered, the end result is worth the amount of training involved. "The knowledge base that the EHC credential exemplifies differentiates the individual and his/her employer, and brings real added value to the relationship with the customer," said Wolfskehl. "The relationship developed with the customer goes far beyond the initial furnish and install and results in recurring revenue unheard of when selling the typical hardware job of hinges, locks, closers, and doors."

If you would like more information on how to take advantage of this exciting new certification opportunity, contact DHI today at 703-222-2010, email [e-mail], or visit us on the web at www.dhi.org. This is one industry program you won't want to miss! As Daniel Heinz noted, "It goes without saying that as the years go by this will become as important to have as the AHC designation has become--the sign of excellence and knowledge!"

RELATED ARTICLE: List of Electrified Hardware Consultants:

Anthony A. Boatman, DAHC/EHC

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

Jody Warden Boatman, AHC/EHC

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

David R. Gale, EHC

Consultant

Daniel J. Heinz, DAOC*, FDHI

Nelson Holland, Inc.

Brad Hewlett, AHC/EHC

Omni Tech Systems

Stanley E. Hicks, AHC/EHC

Southern Door and Hardware

James H. Johnson, AHC/EHC

Colorado Doorways, Inc.

John S. Kalnay, EHC

KM Thomas Co., Ltd.

Mark E. Lineberger, AHC/EHC

Valley Doors and Hardware, Inc.

John W. Manes, AHC/EHC, FDHI

Spalding Hardware Systems

Andrew Pope, EHC

jpw systems, Inc.

Scott A. Sabatini, AOC*, CSI, CDT, CCPR

Adams Rite Manufacturing Co., An ASSA ABLOY Group Company

Mark Sorrenti, EHC

Integrated Solutions Specialist

Stephen M. Wilson, AHC/EHC

Western Entrance Technology

Robert S. Wolfskehl, DAHC/EHC

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

J. Paul Wraith, AHC/EHC

jpw systems, Inc.

* A consultant with the AOC credential next to their name designates them as an Architectural Openings Consultant, an individual who has attained each of DHI's three professional certifications: AHC, CDC and EHC. AOCs have mastered all facets of the commercial door and hardware industry and exemplify the highest standards of expertise and professionalism. Want more information about finding a certified consultant in your area? Go to www.dhi.org.