Al Priest and Brad Brown
have a simple philosophy that has sustained Salem Stained Glass for nearly
25 years: Give customers a better product. Their long-held philosophy is a
way of life that they have put to work every day since 1985. The result is
a base of satisfied stained glass clients and a reputation for "being
the best."
"Nobody around can do the fine detail work that we can," says Brown,
SSG's vice president and the man who keeps the studio humming. "There's
a small handful of other stained glass studios in the area that often compete
for projects -- strictly on price," he acknowledged, "but they don't
have our reputation or our people. Put our work and theirs side by side,"
he says, "and you can see the difference." Our lines are straighter.
Our solder joints are tighter, cleaner and less visible. Our colors are more
vibrant and consistent. Our restorations seem to have more life in them. That's
why the most discerning clients are willing to pay a small premium for our
work.
"And the reason why," he says, "is that we hire career craftspeople
who are dedicated to this art and invest themselves in it -- vs. just having
a job. We have learned, like other small businesses, that there's no substitute
for long-term commitment by local people who are true stained glass artists.
They are career people, and most of them will still be with us another 20
years down the road, maybe even taking my place. That's what makes a business
work -- and keeps it growing. That's why clients trust us. And tell others
about our work."
"People do make the difference," agrees Priest, the company president.
"It doesn't matter whether we're talking about the artist who creates
our original images, the independent sales person who represents us, or the
person who packs our work for shipment. We're all in the same boat, and that
boat keeps floating because of all of us, not just one or two of us."
If you would like to experience the Salem difference, give Al Priest a call
toll free at 1-888-724-2559.