HOST: Tell us a little bit about Lasko, what you guys are doing here at the show, do you have new products? Just give us some general information.
REP: Sure. I'd love to. Well, we got the -- Lasko Bathrooms have got the largest line of acrylic and fiberglass bath fixtures in the industry--everything from your basic tub or shower enclosure (HOST: Right.) to all the way up to a high-end whirlpool. We have an extensive line of product, as well, for the special-needs population--either ADA or assisted living.
HOST: Right. And now -- It is my understanding that you have a new service that you guys are bringing out at the builders' show this year.
REP: Sure. It's a focus for us at this show. It's called our Builders' Services Offering, and we're rolling it out. What we've done is we installed product in certain markets, and we have for many years, but what we're doing now is we're identifying other markets where either installation or services surrounding the installation of our product is beneficial to the builder.
HOST: Right. Now do you see that -- ? Is it a trend -- I mean cause mainly fiberglass tubs and surrounds in a normal situation isn't that tough. But I can see with some of the ADA Compliance Issues--as a builder, I don't know all those codes and regulations--that's where I can really see me using you guys to come in and install.
REP: Absolutely. My product, by nature, is big and heavy and bulky and a little difficult to manipulate, but that's really not where the sweet spot for these services are. It is the ADA applications that necessitates a perfectly level application. Some other product we have that comes in multiple pieces that have to be put together on the jobsite, they're also a little difficult to handle. So the services really come into play in those situations.
HOST: Okay. Is Lasko, you know, do they have any green programs or green initiatives?
REP: Sure. We are -- We are fully EPA-compliant, the only one in our industry that is. As far as our product category, we're very sensitive to green issues, and then that's very important for us, as well. We're trying to offer the builder the full package. We have plants located all across the country within five-hundred miles of every major jobsite out there. So we're able to deliver lead points to our builders, as well, and again, something of value.
HOST: Uh, you know, as a builder and remodeler, I'm seeing that uh -- I guess my question to you -- Are you selling a lot more of the fiberglass tubs to remodelers in this slowdown or do you see more new construction?
REP: The remodeling sites definitely picked up, but we feel it's about fifty-fifty as far as new construction and remodeling. There is still pockets of new construction out there that are happening, and certainly, remodeling is coming into play. Our fixtures are suited equally well for both. It's definitely the best choice for both settings.
HOST: Right. In new construction, are you seeing more and more builders be a little more sensitive to ADA and go ahead and planning one or two bathrooms to meet those compliances usually?
REP: Absolutely, especially as we're getting into more apartment types of situations where certain states specify that ground-floor units have to be ADA and that type of thing. And our full line of compliant and accessible bathing fixtures allow -- you know, give them what they need there, but then we also have everything else they might need for that -- for that type of setting.
HOST: Well, great. Well, I hope this market turns around for you guys and for us, too. (REP: I hope so. I hope so, too.) And we'll keep getting those Lasko Products.
REP: I sure appreciate it.
HOST: Hey, thanks.
REP: Thanks a lot. [END]
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