10 YEARS AGO 1997: First Dealers Journey Toward IDEA Accreditation

© 2007 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2007
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 70

10 YEARS AGO
1997

First Dealers Journey Toward IDEA Accreditation

At Expo 1997, held May 14-17 in Nashville, about 40 door and operator dealers were the first to take examinations toward becoming dealers accredited by the Institute for Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA). About 30 dealers, or 79 percent of those who took all six exams, passed them all on the first try.

The IDEA exams, developed over many months, cover key areas of running a professional business, such as accounting, general business principles, legal and insurance matters, safety, and sales/marketing management. Accredited dealers earned the right to display the IDEA symbol, designed to stand for quality of product, workmanship, and professionalism.

In 1997, the IDEA marketing committee was developing a variety of ways for accredited dealers to promote their achievements, including wall plaques, lapel pins, breast and shoulder patches, window decals, and truck decals. The committee also prepared a press release, a consumer brochure, and more.

Update: At the beginning of 2007, IDEA had 237 accredited dealers, 242 certified residential installers, 27 certified rolling steel fire door installers, and 278 sanctioned trainers. At Expo 2007, IDEA will launch a Certified Door Dealer Consultant program and announce a certification program for commercial sectional door installers. For more information, go to www.dooreducation.com.