Community Summer Update

So, it's been a while. I'm back now, as things begin to settle back into a rhythm here at Community Home Supply, Co. on Lincoln Ave.  After hosting our 75th Anniversary Party in which we partnered with Designs 4 Dignity, our Community II Opening Party, and a successful Tent Sale, we are pausing to refresh and check stock as we proceed.

It is already halfway through the summer we have been extremely busy here.
New customers and contractors are walking in hourly sharing plumbing stories, jokes, and receiving the help or solutions they require to remedy their kitchen or bathroom plumbing woes.

In fact, we have added two new Design Associates to our showroom staff, as well as an outside sales associate. Annie is a kitchen specialist who has industry experience designing high end kitchen cabinetry. She earned a BFA from Harrington College of Design, in Chicago.  She is a proponent for sustainable materials and recommends them whenever possible. Annie is a smart, sharp addition to our sales staff and we are grateful to have her as part of our Community.

Michael is also relatively new to our staff.  Michael comes to us from sunny California. He earned his interior design degree from the International Academy of Interior Design.  He has spent 20 years in the industry, and returns to Chicago after living in San Diego for several years.  If function and style are concerned, Michael is your man, due to his keen design sense and impeccable sense of style.  With a methodical approach and passion for cohesion, the results of your kitchen or bathroom project are sure to be fabulous.  In the past Michael has worked with professional athletes on projects, and fondly recalls designing themed bathrooms and an indoor/outdoor master bedroom. Michael has a great eye for detail. Set up an appointment, or call.

Joel also joins us at Community Home Supply, Co.  Joel is a 40 year veteran in the industry. His focus are project sales, dealer sales, and general plumbing knowledge. His contacts are many, and he has spent time with Community in the past. Away from Community Home Supply, Co. his interests, are hockey, baseball, basketball, horse racing and a love for dogs.

A Day in the Life of Community Home Supply

DPHA Guest Blog by Eric Richardson 3^rd Generation Community Home Supply

     It is seven thirty on a weekday morning at Community Home Supply on Lincoln Avenue. Rafael, Tom, & Randy are hard at work behind the “Old School” Plumbing Counter. The Chicago El Train can be heard going past a block away as the Brown Line stammers on to the next stop. Wrigley Field sits quietly two miles down the road waiting for players and fans to arrive. Putty, p-traps, and cartridge sales begin trickling out the door, but the real magic happens when someone walks in with a broken piece of a faucet that had been manufactured in the early 1900’s. The part is instantly recognized as if it were an old friend they haven’t seen in decades. Often times a solution to the customer’s plumbing issue is found. Finding the correct part or fitting is the Community goal.

     Since 1938, Customer Service has always been the goal of Community Home Supply. Solving problems related to plumbing and creating beautiful bathrooms is what we do. To the customer, a daunting unsolvable issue, such as a hard to find fitting is easily resolved by our staff who are knowledgeable in their trade. With a friendly smile and a handshake, the counter people make both the plumbers and homeowners feel confident they are receiving the help they require and welcome them when they return.

     By eight in the morning, the showroom is open and the sales associates are beginning to check their messages, while helping walk-in customers and appointments. All are welcomed, and the client’s needs are attended to skillfully. Painstaking care is required and given to make sure drawings are correct, and the proper parts are ordered. Choices of product are plentiful ranging from high end and hard to find items, to reasonably priced budget items.

The Showroom is where the design process takes place.  A rough layout with wall dimensions is transformed into a uniquely beautiful kitchen or bathroom. The result is a room matching or exceeding the client’s expectations. With a good contractor, the end result is a satisfied customer with a remarkable kitchen or bath.

     Customer Service is the key to standing apart from the pack. We have knowledgeable, caring individuals who will aid you when necessary in sorting out issues, setting up deliveries, or troubleshooting.

     For the do-it-yourself shopper our website is now available for shopping 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with products being added daily.

The latest edition of Community Home Supply is Community II on Kinzie Avenue, An ultra-luxurious loft space located across from the Chicago Merchandise Mart. In this fine living showroom space are some of the most unique products being sold in the United States.

     The proof is in the pudding after 75 years of service, generations of Chicagoans have shopped here. Three generations of one family have cared for this Community Home Supply Distributor and treat and service every customer with concern, patience, knowledge and a solution. When your project is completed and looks like the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams, we have done our jobs well and we look forward to seeing you again.

Kitchens, Baths, Plumbing Combats Online Plumbing Sales

The idea is to share information, gain information, talk about solutions and answer questions related to Community Home Supply, Co. and CommunityHomeSupply.com.
Within the plumbing industry there are constant changes, upgrades, and new products regularly. We try to keep up with issues, address problems and help move the industry forward.

For example, The plumbing industry is finally beginning to recognize the advantages and disadvantages websites have made available to us. The sale of plumbing products online is becoming increasingly more popular. Some websites sell plumbing products online at a discounted price which is unmatchable for a normal retailer. What regulations should be placed on these companies? How can we as retailers compete against these prices?

My answer is, "Service." We as the retailer have the ability to service the customer through almost any issue they may run across. The customer must be made to understand by the sales associate, that although they may be saving a dollar here, or a dollar there, the online consumer will be left on their own should there be any problems with their order.

In other words, If we don't know the answer...we must find the answer.
As retailers we have customer service people on location daily who can answer customer questions in a timely fashion and make contact with a manufacturer or their representative if need be to get the answers.