Certifications and Training Building Blocks of Excellence

By Christopher Wittmann, CR

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Tom and Phil Callen have believed in this philosophy since 1986.  This is also the reason so many of our installers and sales people have certifications and training related to the specific fields they work in.

Building practices are ever evolving.  Years ago, a carpenter learned by doing, or they were taught by their father or grandfather on the methods of constructing a building or installing materials on a house.  Through the years, professional courses were developed to aid in the education of those practices.  While this teaching is still prevalent today, it doesn’t offer the continual education, requirements, and recommendations for installing residential building products.  This is why many manufacturers and organizations are taking an additional approach when it comes to ensuring accuracy and client satisfaction by the ways of installer certifications and training.

Our siding crew takes advantage of the numerous certifications available through companies like James Hardie (fiber cement products), Mastic (vinyl siding, aluminum trim, and gutters) and the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI).  These courses help our installers learn the best methods and practices of not only installing the numerous products, but also troubleshooting situations that can help ensure future problems are avoided.  Callen was recently again recognized by Angie’s List with the Super Service Award for siding.

Our carpenters that install windows and doors also have many certifications.  As one of the leading Infinity from Marvin Fiberglass Window companies in the nation, our installers have received the factory installation standards training.  This is performed at Marvin’s Warroad, MN facility, in conjunction with the Installation Masters certification through the American Architectural Manufactures Associations (AAMA).  Again, Angie’s List recognized Callen for window installations with the Super Service Award.

Speaking of carpenters, over the past few years, four of our lead carpenters earned the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) status.  This designation promotes the highest standards of carpentry remodeling through credentialing of remodeling professionals.  It assesses and improves the level of knowledge demonstrated by the carpenter and ensures professional growth and development.

Finally, the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or an EPA authorized state, use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.  All of our lead carpenters have been trained under these rules and continue to receive updates on the methods used to perform all projects in a lead-safe manner.

This time spent learning ensures that not only do our clients receive the best possible installation, but also the best possible experience.  Becoming an expert is not only in our best interest as a company, it’s also undeniably the best way to keep up!  Our repeat business and referral rate proves this.