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Our History: Regal Home Improvement Takes Its Place In History
A chance meeting between Harold Arones and Mark Schneider in 1959 resulted in a half century of rich history for Regal Home Improvement. When the two gentlemen decided to chip in $1000 each to form the new business venture, they envisioned a home improvement company that would become an industry leader by delivering superior customer service and quality products. As Regal celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company takes great pride that it has realized the vision of its forefathers. Today, Regal is indeed Virginia's oldest home improvement company and has delivered its exclusive, high-quality products to over 50,000 well-satisfied customers.
The New Regime:
The Mullian sons learned the home improvement industry from
the ground up at Regal. "Our father made sure we had an
appreciation for the hard labor involved in our industry. Arthur
and I both delivered merchandise and worked in the warehouse
during our college years," remembers Glenn. Glenn began
full-time work at Regal in 1977 as a salesman and proceeded
to hold various sales management positions until his father
retired in 1993. Arthur followed a similar path, beginning as
a salesman in 1989 and following along the same course. "The
first-hand knowledge of the sales process helps us develop better
training and motivation strategies for our salesmen." Arthur
explains. "We can understand our employees because we have
been in their shoes."
Although
the Mullian sons emulate their father's strong leadership
style, they have also brought fresh approaches and strategies
to the company. Glenn has revamped the company's work crew
and quality control systems to ensure that customers receive
timely and high quality service. "Our work product and
customer satisfaction ratings are second to none. We take
great pride in providing quality service to our customers,"
Glenn says. As examples of Regal's dedication to quality work,
Regal has been named in the top 50 home improvement
companies by Remodeling Magazine. Arthur has also led the
charge in re-energizing the company by expanding the company's
marketing efforts and redirected its sales training program.
"I enjoy the everyday challenge of continuing to look
for new methods to market the company so that we can expand
our business," explains Arthur. As a result of these
marketing and training improvements, the company's sales have
tripled during the past several years while sales personnel
retention has improved.Taking
new directions in quality control, marketing and personnel
management, Regal has flourished. "Since
we assumed leadership of the company, our sales have increased
every year, without sacrificing the quality of our work, and
our employees and customers seem to be very happy," comments
Glenn. With such a strong record of success, one might wonder
about that age-old family struggle - sibling rivalry. It isn't
a factor according to each of the brothers. "Although
our personalities are dramatically different, I think the
difference helps us because we complement each other."
explains Arthur.
Employee Dedication Key to Regal's Success:
Although Regal has been fortunate to have had consistently strong management for over 50 years, the real key to the company's success is the team of dedicated employees who have remained loyal to the company for many decades. "We are truly privileged to have many employees who have been with Regal for 20, 30, and even nearly 40 years," Glenn says. "My father, Arthur and I all agree that this strong loyalty has been the true secret to our success - this longevity certainly makes us unique in the industry."The company's deep roots run from the office staff to the product mechanics to the sales personnel. Office Manager Marian Irving had been with Regal for 40 years, and her predecessor Jeanne Baily stayed with the company 37 years before she retired. Siding crew leader Steve Morgan has worked for Regal for over 20 years, following in the footsteps of his father and his grandfather who also led siding crews for the company. Ron Link has led Regal's premiere window crew for over 32 years. While the most seasoned member of the sales staff has been with the company for 33 years, the newest member has put in over four years.In today's mobile society, what has motivated these special employees to remain loyal to Regal? "We treat all of our employees, from secretaries to salesmen, like family," explains Arthur. "We strive to give our employees the appropriate tools and motivation for success - and then recognize and reward them for accomplishing their goals." Employee feedback is another important element of Regal's personnel management philosophy. "We are always open to new ideas from our employees," says Glenn. "We listen to their input and try to implement appropriate change."
Customer Service is a Priority:
Perhaps another reason Regal has retained so many loyal employees
is that everyone shares the same philosophy that customer
service is priority number one. "Quality customer service
is what separates us from the competition," Arthur explains.
"Each Regal employee understands this goal and works
together to serve our customers." When customers interact
with Regal - whether it's meeting a salesman, calling the
office or working with a crewmember - they are served by a
knowledgeable and experienced staff who is dedicated to meeting
the customer's needs. "although our prices are very competitive,
homeowners prefer to do business with Regal because of more than
50-year history of serving our customers." comments Glenn.
Arthur certainly agrees with his brother, "Customer service
is our competitive edge today, and dedication to this philosophy
is what will make us successful for the next half century."