Thanks for inviting Andes Collection

[ScottSears]

Thanks Chris and Mike for inviting Andes Collection to join this group. We import travertine from the Andes Mountains of Peru and go to market thru a network of distributors. At this point we are at around 55-60 distributors up and down the east coast and then some sporatically through the midwest. One of the partners in the company is Peruvian and grew up with all of the people who manufacture the product for us down there. Between David Borden, Myself, and Kirk Wiggs we handle all of the sales and have over 60 years combined in the landscape industry and the natural stone industry. Dave is one of the partners and ran his own high end hardscaping company in Berks County for 15 years prior to starting Andes Collection. My background includes 27 years in the landscape industry with a degree in Environmental Planning and Design - Landscape Architecture Option from Cook College, Rutgers University. In those years (starting when I was 15) I have installed many hardscapes (Natural Stone has always been my favorite) and plantscapes, run my own design business full and part time, managed an exploding design and build firm in the NYC metropolitan area in the Mid 80's, managed a high end tree business in the same area, managed a location for a large rewholesale nursery for 8 years and am now the National Sales Manager for Andes Collection. Kirk comes to us with 15 years in the tile business and promoting travertine for almost that long. He is so happy that people are finally beginning to catch on.

We like to think that we have seen quite a bit and we are always willing to share our knowledge and experience with others. It is also nice to see how other people are approaching the hardscape industry and their solutions to the situations and or opportunities that arise. I think what you have formulated here has been a long time coming and I commend you on "improving the Hardscape Industry and its Professionals".

Again thank you for inviting Andes Collection to participate in this site. I personally have already enjoyed looking at the threads, posts, and especially job photos that you have included in the site.

Scott Sears

[cgland]

Thanks Scott! Your wealth of knowledge and certainly your product line is a welcome addition to both this site and the hardscaping industry in general.

Chris

[CaptainsLS]

Do you have any distributors in my area? (South of Boston)

[ScottSears]

Captain,

It is an area that we are looking at. Who do you currently buy your natural stone and or pavers from in the area. Many times I feel we get better distributors from contractor referral than anything else. You already work with these people and have a feel for their operation and professionalism. Any reccommendations from the members would be appreciated.

Scott

[CaptainsLS]

Let me ask you this first, If I wanted to place a order where is my closest pick up?

[MuirView Design]

Scott,

Do you guys think you will ever get to the point of having Andes Authorized Contractors?

[Mbella]

Scott,

Do you guys think you will ever get to the point of having Andes Authorized Contractors?

Adam, it appears as if Scott is off the site for the night, but they have already started this process. We attended the first session earlier this year and look forward to completing the remainder of the process.

I will PM Scott and make sure he follows up on this thread tomorrow.

[ScottSears]

We have started the ball rolling on an Authorized Contractor Program. I will post details of it soon. We outlined it in the beginning of this year to be a three tier program based upon training and abilities. Authorized, Certified, and Master Authorized Contractor. We will again be holding our "Outdoor Better Living Series" event in March and we will continue the training at that point. I will also be scheduling job site visits as part of the autorization to review installed projects. Our feeling is that as additional training in items like tile, columns, balustrades and other architecural items is achieved then the next level of authorization is attained. Feedback is welcome.

[ScottSears]

Captain,

At this point I have a new distributor opening in the Longmeadow MA area. If you want to drop me a PM I will get you his information. How far are you from Barrington, NH?

Scott

[Colonial]

Hey Scott,

is there any chance you can send me a catalog?

Mike