Dealers Find a Niche with Portable Solutions from TEMP-AIR

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TEMP-AIR has well-established relationships with building managers, engineers and contractors across the country, and the company markets its TOPAZ product line directly to them as a way to drive traffic to the distributors. Advertising in industry publications and on the Web and having a strong presence at trade shows also help to build brand awareness for TEMP-AIR and the TOPAZ product line. In fact, TOPAZ air conditioners received a 2008 Reader's Choice Award from Building Operating Management magazine, recognizing its products as among the most popular among readers.

TEMP-AIR also works with the distributors to help them market the products, providing them with product catalogs and reimbursing them for a certain amount of their annual marketing program. TEMP-AIR's 12 regional offices are separate from its network of independent distributors. While they are two different markets, the offices complement the independent distributors. “That's what makes the distributors so important,” says Grinols.

Brainard points out that when an end-user needs products, “time is of the essence.” Failing to get products to a customer can mean the loss of a sale. “Having distributors with product throughout the country is critical in increasing awareness and meeting customers' needs,” he says. “Because of the nature of our business, we encourage our distributors to carry inventory. If the distributor does not have a specific product on hand, it may be available through one of TEMP-AIR's 12 regional offices and shipped the same day, Brainard adds.

TEMP-AIR may be about products that provide temporary air-conditioning solutions, but the company says they establish permanent relationships with their distributors. The company understands the importance of the distributor who is on the ground and knows his market. “We recognize that we need those partnerships in order to grow our business and reach out to customers throughout the United States,” Brainard says. “We are always looking for new distributors and are willing to talk to anyone who is interested in supplying our product, regardless of how big or small a company they are.”

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Michael Maynard is a business writer based in Providence, R.I. He writes frequently on HVACR, construction and architecture issues. Contact him at michael.maynard@lycos.com

Best Practice

TEMP-AIR provides their customers with custom-engineered solutions for their unique air-management needs.

Definition and Example: Because TEMP-AIR specializes in temporary HVACR, each project brings its own set of unique challenges. From being the leading supplier of temporary heat for the U.S. construction industry to providing supplemental cooling for national TV broadcast suites at the 2008 Republican National Convention, to custom manufacturing equipment for overseas military applications, TEMP-AIR can provide a solution for any application.

Significance: With more than 40 years in business, TEMP-AIR uses their experience to design each project for maximum effectiveness. TEMP-AIR is flexible with a wide variety of equipment types and sizes, and multiple fuel options including natural gas, propane, electric, steam and hot water.

Benefits: When costs of equipment, fuel consumption and electrical usage are all taken into consideration, TEMP-AIR systems can provide their customers with the most efficient and economical results.

Procedure: For each application, TEMP-AIR supplies their customers with an accurate estimation of heat loss, humidity levels and fuel consumption to size the project. Certified service technicians provide equipment delivery, installation, routine site inspections, adjustments and preventive maintenance. Emergency service is available 24/7/365.

People involved: Sales, Engineering, Product Management, Production & Service.

Timing: 24/7/365

Cost: Dependent on the project.

Contact: Jessica Mulinix, marketing manager, Direct: 952/707-5166, Toll-Free: 800/836-7432, e-Mail: jmulinix@TEMP-AIR.com

TEMP-AIR Inc. at a Glance

President & CEO:	Jim Korn
Vice Presidents:	Tom Danley, sales Dan Grinols, engineering Scott Brainard, product development
Headquarters:	Burnsville, MN
Operations:	11 additional regional offices throughout the United States
Employees:	160 companywide
Major Product Lines:	TOPAZ Portable Air Conditioners, TEMP-AIR Rental Services, Thermal Remediation from TEMP-AIR pest management equipment and services
Website:	www.TEMP-AIR.com; www.gotopaz.com; www.thermalremediation.com
Year Founded:	1965