Friday Things 1-1-19
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Happy New Year! Check out this post to see what Steve the Window Guy has been up to these last few weeks.
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Friday Things 12-21-18
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Do you know how it feels when you’re on a speeding roller coaster ride and then it slowly creeps to a halt as it approaches the station? That is exactly how this week before the Holidays has felt. But don’t worry. We kept busy. Here are a few highlights…..
Read MoreFriday Things... 12-14-18
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Sneak a peek behind the curtain for a look at what this family business did this week! Tis the season… SANTA made the top of the list.
Read MoreFriday Things... 12-7-2018
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Highlights of the week include a very special birthday cake made by Steve the Window Guy and our darling daughter.
Read MoreVinyl Windows, Siding and other great investments for your Home.
/You’ve just bought the worst house in the best neighborhood. Now it’s time to spruce the place up a bit. But deciding how to split up your budget could make a lasting impact.
Kitchen & Bath.
Remodeling your Kitchen or bath is sure fire way to WOW guests and also give you a pretty nice return. Kitchen and Bath remodels are usually the most expensive when comes to construction with an average recouped cost of 66.75%. So what are the best investments when redoing your Kitchen or Bathroom? Keep the finishes traditional with all-wood cabinets and stone countertops. Save square footage by skipping the whirlpool tub and going for a walk-in shower. If you recently purchased an old home with a lot of charm but only one bathroom, it is a smart investment to add more Bathrooms rather than remodel your current one.
Home maintenance.
The major thing that homeowners often overlook is the structural things like windows, roofing, and a front door. Although choosing the right windows might not be as glamorous as choosing colors of granite countertops, it will improve the livability of the home as well as increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. Investing in Home maintenance like windows or doors will give you the largest cost recouped in the metro with an average of 73%. It is important to remember that not all windows are created equal. Universal Direct windows are custom made for each home, while other window providers have one size fits all windows, Universal Windows Direct windows look like they were original to the home. An effective replacement window will keep the inner pane of glass warmer to the touch during winter and cooler to the touch during the summer. Our exclusive UniShield® system has been proven to be more effective than comparable products on the market today, which in turn, means more energy savings for the homeowner.
Curb appeal.
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions count. If the exterior of your home is lackluster, it doesn’t matter how nice the inside is, most buyers won’t get past the front door. That’s why siding has a recouped cost of 74.9%. Make smart decisions when it comes to siding, Vinyl siding looks great and is guaranteed to be maintenance free. Our exclusive UniShield Vinyl Siding offers endearing looks and enduring performance, making your vision for your home a reality. All of our vinyl siding delivers the warmth and quality appearance of wood without the costly, time-consuming maintenance and repairs. Superior panel thickness and an advanced lock design provide superior rigidity and exceptional holding power, keeping panels straight and tight in the most extreme of conditions. UniShield siding has been tested extensively and rated to withstand virtually anything that Mother Nature may throw at, including Gale-force winds, hail, as well as snow and ice during the winter.
Extra space.
A common problem for homeowners is running out of space. If you are living in a booming housing market, it might be to be too expensive to stay in your desired neighborhood while increasing your square footage. Make your current home, your dream home by investing in additions like extras bedrooms or bathrooms. Every 1,000 square feet added to a home boosts the sale price by more than 30 percent, according to the 2005 study for the National Association of Realtors. A new trend for home additions is hobby rooms. Whether it's an exercise room or room devoted solely to your antique stamp collection, it will increase the value of your home. The average cost recouped for home additions 53.4% But don't go square footage crazy, you don't want to price yourself out of your current neighborhood.
Call today Steve for a free in-home estimate
(612) 866-2888
Window Replacement: Do you Check the Contractor's Insurance Before You Sign a Contract?
/Replacing Windows in your home can be a long and confusing process. Once a decision is made on a window purchase, contractor details can be overlooked.
The results are not surprising. If you're like most people you care about the level of liability insurance your contractor carries, but when you're in the thick of decision making on windows you don't think of it. You and your window buying partner are choosing styles, colors, glass upgrades, and often trying to fit the windows you want replaced in to your budget. By the time you've come to decisions on all of that, it can be hard to remember if your contractor carries insurance. Did it come up when you first met him? Did you ask to see it? Did he say he had it but you didn't see it? Suddenly, the excitement of buying new windows can be clouded by panic that you may not have hired the right person for the job.
Next time you meet with a contractor to discuss a project, arm yourself with information. Download our FREE eBook on "9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor" and feel confident in your decision to hire.
Replacement Windows: Now or Later?
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Replacement Windows: To replace Now or later? That is the question.
People like you ask us all the time… do I need to replace my windows now or should I wait until later? How do I know if now the right time is? I don’t want to regret my decision; but I have a lot of projects going on right now. Should I do my ___________________ (insert project here) first, or replace my windows first?
If you listen to any window salesman talk he will say NOW NOW NOW! Every radio commercial you hear and every advertisement you see might make it look like you absolutely need to drop everything and get your windows replaced immediately.
Guess what? You don’t. There are situations with every homeowner in every home where you can wait to replace them. Maybe your windows are old, but still seem to be working just fine. Maybe the seal has failed but the window is in a back bedroom that sits empty. Maybe starting with the windows in your main living space would make you more comfortable. Maybe you really WANT new windows to make a space look fresh but realistically you know they aren’t dire and you can save money by waiting. Here is the thing. Maybe you’re right.
Download our FREE infographic on “Replacement Windows: Now or later?“ and see for yourself.
When you’re ready, contact us. We’ll give you a free, no obligation quote, talk to you about interest free financing AND even introduce our Guaranteed Price Program.
Author: Melissa Brager
Related Article:
9 Questions to ask before you hire a contractor
Steve the Window Guy and Universal Windows Direct, MN earn Angie's List Super Service Award 2014
/Universal Windows Direct Earns Esteemed 2014 Angie’s List Super Service Award
Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service
Universal Windows Direct has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014.
Steve the Window Guy, owner of Universal Windows Direct said, “As a family owned business, earning the trust and the praise of our customers is the most important thing to us.We are honored to once again receive this award.It lets us know that our hard work and determination is paying off.”
“Only about 5 percent of the Window companies in Twin Cities have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a really high standard.”
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2014 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.
Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.
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Angie's List helps facilitate happy transactions between nearly 3 million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly-rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie's List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.
Be Confident Hiring A Contractor
/Replacing windows, siding, doors, and roofing is a scary idea for a lot of people. It can be scary if you've never done it before and you don't know where to start. It can even more scary if you have done it before... but had a bad experience. Guess what? It doesn't have to be. Knowing the right questions to ask when you're hiring a contractor is a great first step in a successful home improvement. Not only that, but feeling confident in your decision and knowing that your contractor is professional will give you the peace of mind you need.
Steve the Window Guy, with Universal Windows Direct MN, can help. Download this free eBook today and get started. You'll be glad you did! We would love the opportunity to earn your business. Call us at 612-866-2888 to schedule a free, no obligation estimate. Or, contact us via email and we'll call you to schedule. Happy home improvements!
Author: Melissa Brager
Replacement Window Cost: What does it cost to replace a window?
/What does a window cost?
You know you need to replace some windows but you really feel you need to get an idea of what windows cost before you let a sales guy into your home. You do a quick web search, you call a few places, and find you aren’t really getting a straight answer. Frustrating! What does a window cost? It seems like it should be a straight answer. But it isn’t. You wouldn’t call a car dealership and ask what a car costs would you? The last time you wanted a house did you call a Realtor and ask what a house costs? No – because with those purchases you’ve made them before and you understand that quality, options, brand, and features all make a difference in the bottom line price.
Guess what? Windows are the same way. {gallery}double hung{/gallery}
Sure, you can buy a window for $189 but you can also buy a window for $1500 or more. That is a wide range and not particularly helpful. So when you call and ask us what a window costs we can't tell you. We aren’t trying to be rude. We need to understand what you’re shopping for so we can be helpful. The answer to each of the questions below will impact the price of the window.
How big is the window?
What style is the window?
Are you looking at vinyl, fiberglass, wood, aluminum clad, a composite or a mix?
Do you want the window unfinished, primed, stained, painted, an upgraded vinyl color?
Do you want double pane or triple pane glass?
Do you care about energy efficiency? You can have air, argon or krypton in the panes of glass
How many coats of Low E do you want?
Which spacer do you want in the glass package?
Does the window need to be tempered glass or egress size to meet code?
Do want the glass obscured?
Do you want to upgrade your screen to a full screen or a smaller weave?
Do you want grids or etched glass?
What is the condition of the existing window frame? Does the sill need to be rebuilt?
Are we doing the install or are you?
Is the install a pocket / retrofit / replacement or is it a full frame install?
Is nailing fin required?
Will new stops, sills and jamb need to be built? If yes, are we looking at pine or oak? Will you paint or stain when we’re done?
How does the interior casing look? Can we re-use it?
You don't have to know all of these answers right now. The purpose of an in-home estimate is to help you and your window buying partner understand what these options mean, and decide what you're really buying so we can give you a price.
Every window replacement job is going to be different, and different factors and decisions will play into the cost. If you know you need to replace windows in your home and you want to get an idea on what it will cost you, an in-home estimate is the only way. Let a window consultant come into your home and help you and your window buying partner decide what you want in your home. In -home estimates should be free, and should not come with an obligation to buy.
Contact Steve the Window Guy today and get started with that quote.
Author: Melissa Brager
Want more info? Check out these blogs:
Choosing window colors and options
Now Hiring: Marketing Manager
/Marketing Manager needed to work in our Bloomington, MN office.
Who we are:
We are a local, family – owned company with offices in Bloomington, MN.
Steve the Window Guy is a brand of our business. Universal Windows Direct is our company name, and ties us to a pretty awesome group of dealers and resources throughout the country.
We work hard, we take our work seriously, and we laugh a lot.
We love cheeseburgers & popcorn and some days we have a toddler in the office.
What we do:
We make homes warmer, cozier, and prettier.
We sell and install windows, siding, roofing, front doors, patio doors, and attic insulation
We do what we say we’re going to do and we take pride in our work.
We all pitch in. We all share ideas. We all work together to meet our goals.
What you’ll do:
You’ll make sure we have appointments in the books for our sales guys to run.
You’ll hire, train, and manage a small staff of people who will set appointments by
Working home shows and events
Marketing our products door to door
Working in a call center
You’ll work shows, you’ll market door to door, and you’ll make phone calls, too
You’ll work tirelessly to help the team meet our goals.
Your background will include:
College degree in business, management, marketing, or similar field.
2+ years in a customer service field;
1+ years supervising staff
1+ years working in a call center or canvassing preferred
Proficiency with Microsoft word, excel, and internet programs.
You will need to be able to lift 50-75 pounds.
You will need to be able to stand on your feet for up to 8 hours a day.
To apply: Send resume and letter of interest with salary requirements to Melissa at mbrager@universalwindowsdirect.com.
To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.SteveTheWindowGuy.com or www.UniversalWindowsMN.com
Friday Things.. Weekly Recap from Steve the Window Guy
/Happy Halloween from your favorite window guy!
Enjoy this blog post showing our top 8 highlights from the past week!
We are blessed with an incredible team of installers - from windows and doors to siding to roofing. This week we blessed them right back with the addition of a fenced in dumpster on site by our warehouse.
Installs include not one but two amazing bay windows, several houses full of windows, and a patio door.
The siding on the duplex was completed and Jamie and the boys rolled right into their next house.
Our warehouse is taking shape with the addition of a wall to really clarify our space. It's been a long time coming and we're thrilled.
We joined Instagram! Follow us at StevetheWindowGuy for a behind the scenes look at our business.
We somehow managed to return calls and run all of our appointments even though Steve the Window Guy lost his voice. Nothing creepier than a sales guy who shows up and just whispers, right?
We are loading up for a show in Maple Grove as we speak.
And... we managed to find time for pumpkin carving. Our little window toddler didn't like it so much. It was too messy for her. Who does that sound like?
We hope your week was grand! Have a safe and SWEET Halloween. Don't forget to turn your clocks back on Saturday night!
Replacement Windows Save Lives
/You already know that new windows can increase the curb appeal of your home, save you money on energy costs, and reduce drafts…I mean, doesn’t EVERY window guy tell you that?(Yes. They do.)Look at any window ad and that is the main story. BUT… what they don’t tell you is that replacement windows can also save lives.
Here is how.
Most cities require a building permit for replacing windows in your home.So after they are installed an inspector needs to come out and inspect them.While he is there, he will walk through your house and make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are installed, placed correctly and in working condition.
What this means to you is that you could have perfectly installed and insualted windows but FAIL your building inspection if you don’t have batteries in your smoke detectors.Why, you ask?Because your city officials really want you to stay safe.They want you and your home to be there for a long, long time.Go ahead, be cynical and say it is just because they want to keep collecting your taxes.Who cares?As long as you are alive life is good.And my point is proven.Replacement windows save lives.
Want to read that actual?MN Building Code on that topic?Click here.
Are you reading this and thinking that now you have just one more thing to worry about when you replace your windows? Don’t worry.Steve the Window Guy will give you all the information you need to make sure your home is protected and all the smoke detectors and fire alarms are in working condition. Not only that, but he will give you windows that will increase the curb appeal of your home, save you money on energy costs and reduce drafts. Call him.
Author: Melissa Brager
Recent Articles:
Halloween Fun with Universal Windows Direct
/Here is a quick joke for you from Steve the Window Guy.
What do old windows and Halloween have in common?
They are both scary!
HA HA HA HA! Happy Halloween!
Window Replacement: Choosing a Glass Package
/Imagine sitting at the table with your spouse and the window salesman when you get the question... "Do you want double pane or triple pane glass?" ACK!! I don't know! Panic! What do I want? What do I need? HELP!
If you're going to replace your windows you want to choose the window that is right for you and glass package is a big part of that. The decisions you need to make about glass package are both panes of glass and type of insulating gas. But how are you supposed to know what is right? This blog will give you a few things to think about as you make that decision.
Decision #1:Is double pane enough or would triple pane be better? Here are some things to think about. Is your home exposed to lots of wind? Do you live by a busy road? Are you near a school with lots of bus traffic? Do you have airport noise? If so, the triple pane upgrade is a great option because it can really reduce outside noise. Are you just sick of being cold and you want the most energy efficient window possible? With an extra pane of glass and a second insulating chamber the triple pane window will give you a higher energy rating than a double pane. Not only that, but the overall glass width is typically wider with triple pane so it provides lots of room in the glass to fill with insulating argon or krypton gas. All of that said, in reality, the majority of windows we sell are double pane glass.
Decision #2: "Do you want Argon or Krypton?" Both are odorless, non-toxic gasses used in window construction. They are the gasses that hang out between the outer and inner panes of glass to insulate the unit and slow down the outside air temps from getting inside. Argon gas is the most common insulating gas. Krypton gas is more dense, more energy efficient and more expensive. You can get argon or krypton gas in either the double pane or the triple pane.
So what is the different, really? Just cost? Nope. Should we dive deep into numbers for a second? Energy Star rated windows for MN require that the U-Value is .26 or below. For a double hung window, double pane windows with argon are .26 and triple pane with Krypton are at a .17. (The lower the number the better). So there is absolutely a difference in the glass package you choose. As you make your decision you need to know if the energy efficiency and overall glass package performance is the most important to you, or if budget is. Krypton gas in a triple pane is far and away the nicest window we have, and it is also the most expensive.
Finally, your return on investment is another part of your decision. How long will you live in your house? Is the plan to move in 3-5 years or are you making improvements to your forever house? Upgrades to windows are an investment that will absolutely pay for themselves in energy savings and comfort. Butif you are moving in a few years will you get enough of that investment back? Maybe not. Will the upgrades be awesome selling features? For sure. Will they be enough of a selling feature to command a higher asking price? Not necessarily.
Glass package is just one of the many options you have when choosing your replacement windows.
We are a shop at home company specializing in replacing windows, siding, roofs and front entry doors. As we sit with you and learn about what you want to change on your home we can provide the best product and color options to you. You can expect lots of questions from us as we try to understand what you're looking for. For that reason, it is best if both homeowners are there. We commit to giving you a detailed, same day estimate.
Author: Melissa Brager
Good Stuff? Check out some of our other recent blog posts!
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Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is owned and operated in Bloomington, MN by Steve and Melissa Brager. Steve and his team are experts at working with people just like you to create a plan for updating and enhancing your home exterior to create beauty, warmth and the curb appeal you dreamed about; at a price within your budget. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted the company to the 16th remodeler in the Nation*. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints and have won the Angie's Super Service Award 5 consecutive years. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of The Year three different times for his hard work and dedication. Updating your home can be easy. Contact us today!
*Source: 2017 Qualified Remodeler Top 500 list
Window Replacement: Choosing a Window Style
/Choosing replacement window colors and grid patterns
Read this blog for a quick overview to choosing a style on your replacement window purchase with Universal Windows Direct, MN.
What style of window do you want to choose?
Do you want to replace your windows with the exact same style? You know, sliders where you had sliders, casements where you had casements, etc? Do you think you have to do it that way? Guess what? You don’t!. When your windows are being replaced, the first step is to remove the old window which leaves you with a window frame. You can put any window you want back into that frame. Ooh, the possibilities!!
Do you hate your casement windows? Pop a slider in there! Do you want to change the look of your house? Go to all Double Hung Windows! Are you dreaming of a Bay Window in the front of your house? Go for it! Do you want to replace those weird windows in that one room that you never open with a picture window? Go for it!
Disclaimer… Of course, you do need your bedroom windows to meet fire code so if you have a casement in your bedroom that one may need to stay. Building Code requires a certain opening size in your bedroom windows for escape if needed. Depending on the size, a slider could meet that size requirement but often if a casement is in there, a casement needs to stay. If you think you want to switch out the style in your bedrooms, Steve the Window Guy can help you figure out your options.
No matter what you want, it s important for you to have thought about what style of windows you want so was you gather your quotes you are truly comparing apples to apples when you look at their totals.
Ready to get started? Call Steve the Window Guy at Universal Windows Direct, MN today schedule a free, no obligation in-home estimate. We will talk to you about the available options, and will help you design the perfect windows for your home. Quote are free, and you are never obligated to move forward with the job. To get started, Contact Us today at 612-866-2888.
Related Articles:
Choosing a glass package in replacement windows
Roofing Quote - What to expect when getting a quote for a new roof
/Roofing quotes can be crazy. Here is a story about one of them.
We recently met with some homeowners; we'll call them John and Mary. They know it is time to get their roof replaced and have started the processing of talking to roofing contractors and getting quotes.
Moss growing on roof
Each contractor that came to their home gave them a very different experience.
1. One guy was there two weeks ago and still hasn't given them a price.
2. Another guy jotted down a number on the back of a business card and told them to call when they were ready.
3. A third guy asked what the jotted down price was and then gave them a lower bid - verbally.
None of these guys talked to them about the condition of their current roof, the process to replace it or the materials they were quoted. Even though John and Mary had been at 3 meetings about their roof they had no idea what was included or excluded from the quote. They never saw any shingle samples, and they certainly didn't pick out a color. So they felt they were moving forward with the process, but only because of the amount of activity... not because of the information they had gained.
Enter Steve the Window Guy. Cartoon come to life!
He does roofs, too!
He started by going up on to their roof so he could really see the current condition of it. That way, when he talked to John and Mary he could tell them what he saw and how the install of the new roof would eliminate those visible issues. He even took pictures so he could show them what he was talking about.
Next he went into their attic to look at the insulation. Having an insulated - and well ventilated attic is key to helping your roof perform. Not only that, but it also helps to prevent ice dams.
When he sat down at the table with John and Mary he talked about product. He explained to them why the system of products work together to give them the strongest roof possible. He pulled out several shingles color samples so they could make a choice. He talked about warranty. He explained to them what would happen during the roofing tear off and install. He was specific about possible issues that could be discovered during the tear off and exactly what would need to happen to repair them.
He was the most thorough, and provided the most piece of mind to John and Mary. We'll be starting their roof in a few weeks and we can't wait to show you the pictures of their before and after.
Concerned about your roof? Contact us today to schedule your free, no obligation estimate.
You can call us, too at 612-866-2888.
Cheers!
Melissa Brager
Operations Manager
County Fairs: Universal Windows Direct works the County Fair
/Read this blog for a behind the scenes look at Universal Windows Direct working the Anoka County Fair.
It’s a glamorous life. County fairs.
The view from my booth today is much the same as it has been every day with one small exception. Today there is a cheese curd sitting in the doorway.
I am fortunate to have a great spot. We are the first booth you can see when you enter the building and our display spreads out across the entire wall. This allows us to display windows, siding, asphalt shingles, steel roofing, entry doors and we even have a little patio door sample here!
During the day I love watching the 4H kids come through here. The wild messy hair, the dirty jeans and the cowboy boots are perfectly accessorized by the pride those kids have and their super confident walks. When a group of kids walks through you can always tell which kid is the 4H kid and which ones are friends and family here for a visit. They just carry themselves differently.
Have you ever been to a county fair? If you have, I bet you went at night. Or over the weekend. Day times at the fair are slow. People meander. They stroll. They generally look around at what the fair has to offer, then they indulge in a corn dog. Or mini donuts. Well, and cheese curds. Always cheese curds.
I think most people check out the animal buildings. Then they walk through the midway, and then MAYBE… just MAYBE they decide to go into the commercial buildings.(Just to get out of the sun for a minute or two.) Very seldom do daytime fair people come in to the commercial building with the intent to truly visit with the vendors, to learn about products or to schedule appointments. The meandering county fair crowd is not known for having an agenda.
County Fairs get exciting at night time. That is when they have bands play, the grandstand hosts their festivities and the Midway lights up. The energy is just different. Crowds flood the streets and people want to stay and soak it all in. This includes the commercial buildings. And talking to vendors. And scheduling appointments. Nights and weekends at the fair... that’s where it’s at.
As I write this it occurs to me that when you staff a county fair you want to do it in a way that is opposite of how you train a horse. You do not want to “break” your best sales people early. You don't want them to be so bored and hot and burned out from the week that they are worthless all weekend.
Those employees that are the best at working with people and asking for the appointment should only work nights and weekends. For example, Steve the Window Guy will be here Friday night and all day Saturday. He will burst into this building like a game show contestant - smiling from ear to ear and clapping. He will infuse the building with energy. That is perfect. You should really save the boring early week day time hours for other people. Like me.
I love working the slow daytime hours. My typical days look like this. The fair opens at 10am. I walk into the building and set up the booth. I greet the same handful of people that have been around me all week. We exchange quips about our night. We speculate on the weather. We comment that it is at least 15 muggy degrees warmer in the building than it is outside. We see the other vendors wandering around doing their thing too.
Side note: If it is 10:20 am and a single man in a polo shirt slowly walks by the booth looking curious he is working at the fair. At another home improvement company. Without exception. They aren’t sneaky. They are all nosy. I hope they like our booth. I think it looks amazing. I like that they notice.
I bring a laptop. Most everyone has their phones, or puzzles or a newspaper or novel to keep them occupied. The fair has been open for 90 minutes right now and there is only one person in this building. I can get some work done. I am accessible if needed, but I am productive.
Later this afternoon I will wander and find a snack. Maybe a Dole Whip and maybe some Kettle Korn. I promised the girls at Tessie’s Daycare Cotton Candy. A bit of fresh air will do me good. In the meantime, I sit. I hold down the fort. I am proud that I am keeping my sales guys fresh so when the crowds arrive and the buyers flock in they can work their magic. We are poised to have a great Fair.
If you are at the fair this year, stop out and say HI. We'd love to see you! Reporting live from the Anoka County Fair… peace out.
Author: Melissa Brager
