Extreme Elements, Exceptional Endurance: The Pella Ambassador Experience
In the world of custom home building, few names resonate as strongly as Pella windows – a brand that stands as a symbol of quality, endurance, and innovation. As a proud ambassador for Pella, I love working with this exceptional brand and shedding light on what makes their wood windows and doors a preferred choice for builders across the country and a total peace of mind for our clients.
The Pella Connection
Two years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Brad, a fellow ambassador for Pella, at the Contract Coalition Summit. Brad and I shared more than just a passion for home building; we were both avid fans of Pella. We put our heads together to come up with a unique collaboration that would not only put Pella to the test but also showcase the brand's commitment to excellence and quality products.
The Challenge
Inspired by our geographic differences – my love for the cold of Minnesota and Brad's preference for the heat of Arizona – we came up with the idea of a video series. The challenge was simple yet daring: test Pella products in extreme climates of -20 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, showcasing their durability and resilience.
Behind the Scenes with 515 Productions
We pitched the idea to Pella, who immediately got on board. They partnered with the talented team at 515 Productions, led by Ian Planchon and Lynn Melling. The result was three days of exhilarating filming in Pella, Iowa, where we subjected the beautiful windows to a battery of tests.
Hurricane Simulation: Armed with a fire hose and a 70mph fan, we simulated hurricane-like conditions. The windows stood tall, withstanding the onslaught and leaving me drenched- but thoroughly impressed!
Arctic Endurance: In an ice chamber set at -20 degrees, Brad, bundled in fur and jackets (thanks to his warm-blooded Arizona upbringing), faced off against me in just a T-shirt (hello lifetime of Minnesota winters)– a testament to Pella's insulation and cold-resistance, well beyond industry requirements.
Heat Challenge: Heat lamps turned up the temperature to make Brad feel at home in the heat, while I faced the heat wave like a true Minnesotan (unhappily). Thankfully the windows held up better than I did!
Jungle Exploration: Meeting Pella engineer Dan in the jungle, we explored how Pella treated ponderosa pine to resist mildew and rot, highlighting their commitment to quality craftsmanship. No wonder they can have one of the strongest warranties out there!
One of the best parts of the video series was that Pella let us be ourselves, bringing our unique personalities and ideas to the table. This collaborative spirit is just one of the reasons we love working with them!
The Pella Journey
With nearly two decades of experience in home building, I have used Pella on 95% of the homes I've constructed. The partnership extends beyond product usage; it's a testament to the remarkable customer service and relationship building both locally and nationally.
Being a Pella ambassador goes beyond endorsing high-quality windows; it's about championing quality, durability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The journey with Pella, from testing their incredibly efficient products in extreme conditions to the camaraderie shared during filming, has been a total blast! As I continue to build high-end homes and remodels, Pella remains an indispensable partner, and I am proud to stand alongside them in our shared commitment to craftsmanship that withstands the test of time.
