TAG | Bottle Service Accessories
2
Global FF
1 Comment | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
In the past few weeks, we have begun shipping assorted product internationally and the abroad orders are certainly continuing. We have a drink cart going to Puerto Rico, 100 tables in Hungary, and we have bars and several tables on their way to Tahiti. In the coming weeks, we have bars/tables going to Austria, Switzerland, Slovak Republic, and the Czech Republic. We also have bottle service in Lebanon in which they will be purchasing in bulk to distribute all across the Middle East. It’s rare these days that the United States actually exports; however when it comes to bottle service, portable bars, tables, drink carts, etc. Fry Fabrications is the epicenter of it all.
16
Damages…
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
I think one of the most frustrating things that come along with my job has to do with items getting damaged in freight. We often hussle to meet deadlines, and do our very best to exceed our customer’s expectations only to have the freight carrier damage them. It doesn’t happen too often, but it seems to be happening more and more and its troublesome. Is it time to switch carriers? Perhaps; however unfortunately this will happen everwhere and whichever service we choose to go with. There has to be a way to leverage some accountability – beyond their tedious claims process.
One of the thoughts going through your head must be, “Well, maybe they are not properly packaging?” Not true, each one of our bars sits on a custom made skid, wrapped in foam, wrapped in carboard, then wrapped in vinyl and showered with “Fragile” and “DO NOT STACK” stickers. Our tables are packaged in heavy duty custom made boxes sewn shut with pneumatic staples. Our bottle service sets are packaged in custom made boxes, then palletized, wrapped, and also showered in warning lables.
When each piece leaves Fry Fabrications its in brand new prestine condition and we expect it to arrive in its given destination in that same condition. What must be going on to cause these damages to our product are things that would give nightmares and cause me to stay up at night (which seems to happen anyway).
Our freight rep is coming for a visit today and I’ll be reading him the riot act…stand by for updates.
14
Kudos!
2 Comments | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
Today I just wanted to give a special thanks to both the fab shop and shipping warehouse for making amazing things happen. They both have been delivering and firing on all cylinders lately to assist with some of these deadline that literally come down to the wire. We had a table and (4) stools that needed to go out yesterday in which we were forced into a late start and the assembly, vinyl wrap, packaging and palletizing literally was done as the truck making the pickup pulled up. The 110+ degree heat wasn’t helping either. The hustle from Lawrence made it happen.
Also, I want to give a special thanks to Dave in the shop. There was a complicated build in which he figured out ways to make the build streamline and knock out the order quickly which I am confident that will exceed the customer’s expectations. His attitude is always so positive and despite the fact that he’s only 22 years old, he has the skills and the talent that make the experienced veterans look like novices. It’s not every day that you have a Lawrence, or a Dave do what they do for a company and although I’m just the sales guy (and not their boss), I can certainly recognize their abilities, and their efforts certainly make my job run a little smoother when I get to give that customer the good news that their piece(s) are on their way and that they look awesome!
When it comes to employees, a company is nothing without them. I once had a man in a very high position of a very large company that I worked for, once tell me that “You don’t work for your supervisor, or me, we work for you.” That statement stayed with me over the years because he was so right, things will ultimately lead to success with employess that are happy and loyal, and that success through employees is passed on to the company.
Until next time…
12
Summer Special 2010
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
Take advantage of our Summer 2010 incentive program for bottle service pieces:
For every (10) pieces purchased (or ordered) from July 12 – August 31, 2010 you’ll get additional piece at no charge. Example: Purchase 70 units, and an additional (7) more will be included at no additional charge*
*Purchaser will still be responsible for the additional freight charges, program is not retroactive to orders placed prior to July 12.
sales@fryfab.com or (602) 454-0701
9
Meaningless post…
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
Believe it or not, I enjoy blogging. I’m not a highly talented individual when it comes to many things – especially where Fry Fabrications’ manufacturing is concerned. I can’t weld very well at all, I’m for the most part unfamiliar with many of the tools used on a daily basis, and I lack the skills when it comes to solving problems related to a build, or building technique. What I can do is spell somewhat decently, and also formulate a few sentences when necessary therefore the bulk of my job involves speaking to customers both in email and telphonic forms for sales and managing the projects that I sell from start to finish.
The most frustrating thing about my position here is since I lack those skills as mentioned above, I solely rely on others to get what needs to be done in the timely fashion and relying on others is and can be a daunting task. I think when people see my blood begin to boil around here they must look at me like I belong in a looney-bin; however the way I see it, is that I represent the customer’s interests and I seem to be the only one (which is appropriate given everyone’s different job duties), thus when there are projects out there that need completion, if it’s solely on the shop’s term – that will likely result in lost customers and lost revenue. What I’ve experienced is following through on delivery promises and exceeding customer’s expectations is what not only retains customers, but leads into new ones – and it’s those type of happy endings that turn a company into a mult-million dollar powerhouse of the industry. Sometimes, I feel like I’m the only one who has that passion and who sees that drive and potential for us. Or, like I was saying earlier – perhaps the looney-bin is really where I belong.
7
99 Problems, But The “Tube Table” Aint One
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
People love our tubular steel bistro tables. Why? For starters they are cool looking. Then there is the fact that the are all steel, structural like concrete, and have branding area visibility no matter what height you are or what angle you view. To top it all off, they come in a custom made heavy duty cardboard box for easy transport or storage. The other caviat to these tables is that, although popular with some branding and some color they have the ability to look unique and take their own form into one’s own. This week was a little different because not only do we have tables on order, but also matching tubular branded stools to complete the set. They are in production now and I’m excited to see the results…and more excited to see what the client thinks of them.
28
Here comes the next mountain to cross…
1 Comment | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
I am going to start off this blog posting to say that I’m not sure who all reads these – and whomever does shouldn’t take what I say and my opinions are not a direct reflection of the company in general. Most of these post are my thoughts, a window into what is going on with Fry Fabrications from “my” point of view. Furthermore, I look forward to these blog postings, in a sense its thearapeutic to jot down my inner-most emotions and feelings about what goes on here both as a company and in my position here as a whole. The moral to this paragraph ultimately a disclaimer that although I may come accross one way or another in a given day – it could be my personality coming through in which if you haven’t determined what that is by now – I am OCD with a sprinkle of on-edge paranoia. Now onto today’s news:
Project X is officially a go. I wish I could reveal at this point who Project X is, but after we are an addition to their catalog and when are ordering on a consistent basis. The design is solidified and they are making their first run order. I’m excited to see the birth of this new account, yet its complex design will certainly serve as a challenge to the shop and this is pushing the metal-working bar to the next level.
We are busy again. We received a large order for clothing retail racks/shelving, and we are midway on some caddy projects. Tables, bars, DJ Booths, all are on tap for the shop in the coming weeks, but there is a hurdle out there looming that wasn’t an issue a few months ago. The Arizona summer heat. It’s been hovering at 110 farenheit lately and welding and grinding in a convection oven isn’t the most comfortable environment to be in even with as much work to do as there is. All I can really say at this moment to the heat is: When you’re already on fire like our shop has been, 110 degrees ‘aint nothin’!
24
The sweetness of a day off…
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
Just when I think about getting caught up and take a day off this Monday, it seems that day off comes always in the worst possible timing ever. Project X is very very close to becoming an actual order. There are a few minor details that are taking some time to get right. I hope to have that wrapped up today. Aside from that, we have received an escalated design request from a prominent Vegas hotel/casino for pool service. We also are on the brink of a decent size table order for a midwestern company who is in the crop growing business. On top of all of this, our on-premise accounts are starting to gain steam. Then suddenly is a rush bar order. As busy as I am, our industrial designer is beyond swamped and must hate me at a dangerous level by now.
Last week was rather rough for me personally. Facilitating (100) tables to be shipped to Hungary was not an easy task, not to mention getting the truck loaded and on its way to meet the port docking deadline. There’s only so much one person can do before they begin to mentally and physically break-down which leads to mistakes, flared tempers, and utter exhaustion. Over the past 6 months, I’ve put my heart and soul into this company because I have an interest in its success, and also because I believe in the importance of customer service, getting things done (in time for deadlines), and my confidence in growing side-by-side along with the company. After last week, I need to take a step back and let it not become my life anymore. It’s my job to do my job – but it’s not my responsibility to take it to extraordinary places – that’s a team effort that can only be designated by the owner/president and it’s ultimately his choice of we direction we wants this ship steered.
This position that I am in now I inherited from someone who was instrumental in shaping the company and with its growth from infancy in prior years. He is/was also a talented individual who had both his strenghs and weaknesses like anyone; however being in his shoes ‘here’ has presented some challenges for me as having first-hand experience of the obstacles that he faced both external and internal. Ultimately he decided on other ways to acheive his dreams and who can blame him for that? What is certain is that I need to look at and approach this position differently that he did so I don’t fall into the same path he did that led to his departure leaving a wake of fury for someone else to pick up.
I’ll be taking some more days off here in the future and not making work my life…spending time with family is the number 1 priority and being able to come to work with a clear head and energy will ultimatley lead to less tempers, and less mistakes. One day I’ll be chasing my own dreams and perhaps it will be sooner than later…but for now, I’ll just pay the mortgage.
Yesterday we completed a 360 degree bar along with a side kiosk style bar for Mountain Dew for the Green Experience Dew Tour that starts the 19th. The bar looks amazing and was completed…in the nick of time! I mean, when I mean cutting close the freight truck arrived as the last bar was getting it’s protective wrapping and it HAD to go out yesterday or the deadline would have been compromised.
This close call moment has put our heads together to meet so these close calls don’t happen therefore the task is to find ways to expedite production without the reduction of quality and ultimately to further streamline projects from start to finish. We were very lucky, yet should something have happened that delayed us even one hour this would have been either a disaster, or we’d have to pay expedited freight and have eaten the cost.
Here at Fry Fabrications, the customer is the number one priority. Whether it be a mobile drink cart, bottle service, or huge 5 piece 360 bar when there is a deadline that can realistically be met, we’re going to take the approriate steps to make sure it gets done. One of the largest dilemas that we face here at the moment is that yes we are growing and are on the cusp of needing a larger building and more staffiing, yet in the wake of an unstable economy that’s a bigger step to take than what would have been thought of three years ago. I just read an article this morning that a one time $10m grossing local consignment franchise just filed for Chapter 7 on the grounds of growing too fast, too quick. Certainly we’re in a much different business than consignment; however the moral of the story is the same. Growing means more cost with a potential rewarding outcome…or it can be the push over the edge to make the house of cards fall.
We’re very lucky in our current house of cards. The owner “Mr. Fry” is very talented in not only knowing the ins and outs of everything of the shop, but by coming up with creative solutions for just about any scenario. The industrial designer has really been stepping up with the new catalog (complete – about to be launched) and has been doing so much on his computer as far as design is concerned that I literally see smoke coming from it. The head man in the shop has been cranking out product and also is very good at facilitating his guys and finding ways to make builds easier and quicker. Our new shipping personnel have been proven to be a valuable commodity and seeing him in action has solidified my respect for what he does and how he does it in relation to shipping on a daily basis.
Somehow, everything will come together…our House of Cards are stronger than fused together steel.
7
Bottle service of the complexity kind!
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Bar Products, Bottle Locks, Bottle Service, Bottle Service Setup, Bottle Service Trays, Hotel Products, Indoor Bars, Nightclub Products, Outdoor Bars, Portable Bars, Portable Indoor Bars, Portable Outdoor Bars, Push Carts, Retail Display Cases, Uncategorized
Over the past few weeks we have been developing a bottle service piece for Patron Tequila in which we were given the green light for (500) of these pieces. What makes these pieces special is the “bee” laser cut branding. The detail that a laser can cut is unbelievable although on this part they take 11 minutes to cut. Although the extended cutting time, it is absolutely worth it and they are going to look amazing when complete. It was important that their brand be “exactly” represented on these pieces and no items of detail should be left out. This is another reason why Fry Fabrications is among the best when it comes to quality – not just our pricing and service.
In other news, our large Australia order is going out today so if you’re ever “down under” there’s a good chance that you’ll see (or use) our bistro tables in action. Hopefully we can fit everything on the alloted shipping container provided.
Also adding the finishing touches on the new catalog which should be complete this week. I very much look forward to be able to send it out to thousands and get their take, opinions and translate those contacts into further sales.
