Five Questions for Randall Renne

© 2005 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2005
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 66

Five Questions for Randall Renne
A Parting Interview With the DASMA President

In January, Randall Renne’s two-year term as DASMA president will end. Before he turns over the gavel, we sought out his thoughts on some key topics.

Renne brought an unusually extensive industry background to his role at DASMA. His career at Raynor has spanned nearly 30 years. He has installed doors on the side and has worked closely with hundreds of door dealers throughout the world. In the last eight years, he has been totally focused on Raynor’s international sales efforts on all continents.

His industry involvement and leadership has been exceeded by few. For more than 15 years, he has been active in the National Association of Garage Door Manufacturers (NAGDM), the American Rolling Door Institute (ARDI), and in DASMA. Few people can claim that kind of broad knowledge of our industry, and few people have logged as many thousands of miles in talking to dealers around the world.

1. You’ve pushed for a closer relationship between DASMA and IDA. How would you describe the current status of that relationship?

I believe the status of the relationship is great! DASMA and IDA share many common concerns, and we are working together to address them as a united industry.

I’ve enjoyed working with IDA past president Garry Stewart and current president, Jim Lett. They are both great guys who bring a sincere desire to better the industry through cooperation and hard work. Additionally, Chris Long of IDA and John Addington of DASMA have greatly assisted the success of each joint project.

During our industry efforts to address the Texas licensing crisis, Randy Oliver was a tireless contributor for IDA, working with DASMA representatives to amend legislation. This was an excellent example of IDA and DASMA teamwork.

2. On the basis of your international experience, do you find that the manufacturer-dealer relationship is much the same around the world?

I think all business relationships are based upon fundamental concepts such as mutual respect, trust, dependability, and treating people the way you want to be treated. Each culture is a little different, but at the end of the day, you must do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it.

3. Throughout your career, you have pushed for professionalism among dealers, a goal shared by IDA and DASMA. Looking back over the years, what do you think has been the most effective way to increase professionalism among dealers?

I don’t think there is one “most effective” way. In my own experience, I was fortunate to run the business planning service for Raynor for many years. This was probably one of the most rewarding activities I have ever had.

That experience taught me that everyone needs training and education on good business practices. It doesn’t usually come naturally. That’s why the training and education efforts of IDA, DASMA, and IDEA are so important for enhancing the level of professionalism for all in our industry.

4. From an association standpoint, what should be the focus of DASMA in the coming years?

DASMA has accomplished so much in so many areas in its 10-year history. We need to stay on course with all our efforts to develop industry standards, increase safety, offer quality training and education, and interact cooperatively with IDA.

5. As you leave your post at the helm of DASMA, if you could deliver one message to the manufacturers of this industry, what would that be?

Thousands of people rely on our products and services to make a living and provide for their families. We have a moral obligation to do what is right to improve and perpetuate the business and provide safety and convenience for the public.

We are often concerned with meeting the needs of today. But we must also constantly act with the future in mind. We have an obligation to continue to enhance this industry for all who will follow us.