If you’re an architect in Texas, you’re familiar with John Polchin. But if not, an introduction isn’t far off. As an architectural product representative (APR), he helps design firms choose the right rolling and sectional doors for their projects. He works alongside architects in every part of the project phase, including design through bid, to award and the final shipment of Clopay doors to the job site.
"My main focus is on educating design teams about the great benefits of our sectional and rolling doors and building trust to work together during the project design phase,” John said. “The first win is when our products and options are included in project contract documents, giving our installing dealers a better shot at winning the project. Ultimate success is when a Clopay dealer is awarded and installs our products on the project."When John isn’t collaborating on projects he’s helping architects earn their AIA credentials.
“Scheduling and facilitating AIA accredited presentations allows us to connect with lots of architects at once. While these presentations are educational and non-manufacturer specific, we simultaneously build credibility and foster relationships with architectural design team members,” John explained. “We aim to be a trusted resource for product recommendations and for the firm to use our details and specifications in project contracts.”
How did you become an APR for Clopay Corporation?
I have worked for Clopay Corporation for over 37 years. Since joining the company in 1986, I have served in a variety of roles, including marketing, regional sales, architectural design support, and contractual engineering. During my tenure, I have contributed to enhancing the company's technical offerings and architecturally accredited educational programs. The experience has been immensely fulfilling, and I take pride in now serving the architectural community in Central Texas and its surrounding regions.What part of your job is the most rewarding?
Knowing that you made it to the “trusted advisor” level with one or more members of an architectural firm is pretty fulfilling. It’s contagious. When you do a great job for an architect or specification writer, they rely on you. Word eventually gets around, and before you know it, many architects at the firm are calling you for help with the doors that they are working on.How do you keep up on project progress and maintain communication with architects?
The design community in a product representative’s territory is very large, with some architectural firms employing over 100 design professionals in a single office location. Architectural companies are constantly moving, being acquired, or architects are changing from one firm to another, or retiring. Additionally, large design projects can span several years from the design to the construction phases. From start to finish, our team tracks the progress of each project, overseeing every step, from designing and bidding to awarding the contract and ensuring the successful shipment of sectional and rolling doors. Our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system enables us to efficiently record and monitor various changes, including firms, contacts, meetings, presentations, design work, bid dates, and dealer awarded projects and product deliveries.
