Plumbing Showroom Stresses Personal Attention

Plumbing Showroom Stresses Personal Attention

by Barbara Capella Loehr
FREEHOLD, NJ - Personal attention is the hallmark of the latest Aaron Bath Center showroom, which opened its doors here in October, garnering the attention of builders, remodeling and plumbing contractors and architects, according to parent company Aaron & Co.

For almost 70 years Aaron & Co. has served its clientele - consist-ing mainly of contractors - with its "high-end kitchen and bath plumbing fixtures, fittings and accessories," says Jeffrey Aaron, v.p./secretary of the company.

Product offerings include Jacuzzi, American Standard, Mr. Steam, Elkay, Porcher, American China, St. Thomas Creations, DuPont Corian, Moen, Grohe, Delta, Alsons, In-Sink-Erator, Cuno and Everpure. "All fixtures, faucets and accessories for the bath and kitchen are available, as well as bath vanities and other cabinetry, by manufacturers such as Aristokraft," notes Aaron.

He - along with president Barry Portnoy, v.p. Frank Laudino, Jr. and v.p./treasurer Richard Laudino - runs Aaron & Co.'s six locations, emphasizing the idea that homeowners are more comfortable placing orders through their contractors - which is why the company opened its first trade-oriented showroom in New Brunswick, NJ in 1979.

"The purpose of this was mainly to enable the trade to bring or send their homeowner customers in to see what products were available, in what styles and colors, and with what features," notes Aaron. "Maintaining this business philosophy as a basis, the showroom design consultants work with the homeowner's contractor in ways that relieve the homeowner of such concerns as timing deliveries from rough plumbing to the finish products," explains Aaron.

"[Each] showroom specializes in personal attention for both the homeowner and the contractor. The unhurried personal attention paid to the homeowner by showroom attendants fills the vacuum left by a contractor who is not available all day, six days a week, and who may not be as unhurried and as patient with the needs of the homeowner," adds Aaron.

The showroom staff at the 1,500-sq.-ft. Freehold facility is overseen by showrooms manager Diane Bradley, Freehold branch manager Peter Clark and Freehold showroom supervisor Judy Litt. In addition to them, professional design consultants Brenda DiCaro, Allisa Perle and Cathy Marko "may be on-duty from time to time in Freehold, [and] there is a full crew of seven additional personnel at the attached trade sales counter and warehouse," notes Aaron.

With CAD and other related design software on hand, the staff usually works with the hand-drawn layouts or architectural drawings homeowners have, says Aaron. Other services include technical and design help, care tips and demonstrations. A Web site is also on the way.

Among the attractions at the facility are the working steam bath, two working whirlpool baths and a "'shower room,' with many different working showerheads to try, notes Aaron. "Customers are encouraged to 'play' with these working units to experience their various functions and the differences among them," adds Aaron.