DirectBuy Franchise News

August 16, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Merrillville, Indiana) In late May, DirectBuy celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a weekend of awards, recognition, education and fun at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington DC. Helping commemorate the occasion were some of DirectBuy's top franchisees, including Don Daley from Albany, NY; Naushad Mehta from Suffolk County, NY; Kary Tratner from Toronto, ON; and Stephen Levin from Palm Beach, FL.

Daley, who started working at DirectBuy as a sales rep in the 70's, and worked his way up to club ownership, shared his experience with the more than 1700 DirectBuy employees and manufacturer partners in attendance.

"My belief and my passion in DirectBuy over my 37 years with the company have enabled me to earn a very good living – I can't imagine doing anything else," Daley shared...

DirectBuy Club eyes Wisconsin expansion after Governor signs new bill.

March 01, 2010 // Franchising.com // MERRILLVILLE, Ind., - DirectBuy Club, the home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, has its sights set on Wisconsin after the state's Assembly voted 94-2 to pass a bill designed to create new jobs and increase revenue by opening the door for buying clubs to enter the state.

"[This bill] has expanded the opportunities for DirectBuy Club to grow, and that is very exciting for our company as a whole," said Nathan Press, Franchise Relations Manager. "We've been working on this for nearly two years, and it's great to see our efforts pay off in a way that will benefit everyone."

DirectBuy Club has more than 160 locations throughout the United States and Canada where consumers have access to a wide selection of merchandise at direct insider prices, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers...

Lost amid all the talk of bailouts and other disturbing economic news is the effect it's had on people who are truly in need: the homeless and the hungry.

ROCKLAND, MA, December 10, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In fact, according to a survey by the Greater Boston Food Bank, food banks and food pantries in Eastern Massachusetts are experiencing a 53 percent decrease in donations over the past year. DirectBuy, in an effort to increase awareness, is holding food drives at its Greater Boston showrooms in Rockland, Shrewsbury, and Stoneham.

The food drive will begin on December 8 and run until December 31 at these showrooms. Both DirectBuy members and the general public are welcome and encouraged to bring starch (dry cereal, pasta, etc...

DirectBuy of Gurnee helps raise $30,000 for three young women in need of life changing assistance. Gurnee, IL, --(PR.com)-- On Saturday, October 18, 2008, DirectBuy of Gurnee, in conjunction with the Daisy Resource and Development Center, raised $30,000 for three young women in need of life changing assistance.

DirectBuy Owner Karuna Talwar donated $3,000, along with furniture from both her home and showroom. The owner learned of the program through Mayor of Gurnee Krysti Kovarik, who made it known that this particular charity was in desperate need. Mayor Kovarik also matched all donations made by any contributor on behalf of the Daisy Center.

Many girls that seek help from the center have dysfunctional lives that involve a poor childhood, homelessness, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or an unwanted pregnancy...

DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale helps turn two Habitat Houses into homes. Fort Lauderdale, FL, --(PR.com)-- It didn't matter that they were in the midst of hurricane season nor did it matter that days earlier hurricane Ike threatened to make a destructive path through South Florida. The DirectBuy team of Fort Lauderdale didn't back down from fulfilling the dreams of two families in Oakland Park, Florida.

On Monday, September 15, 2008, DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, worked to complete two kitchens and 4 bathrooms for the homes of TaMeisha Roberts and Aly and Kim Auguste.

Owners Max Eaton and Gail Sanchez-Eaton, donated the cabinetry while their expert kitchen designers Dave Nigro and Ron Bierley designed the layout and functionality of both kitchens and 4 bathrooms...

DirectBuy awards single mom with cash prize. Waterloo, Canada, --(PR.com)-- Winning $25,000 can be a life changing event for most people, but for DirectBuy's Home Makeover Contest winner Michaela Roder, it changed her daughter's future. Upon accepting the winning cash prize, she immediately opened a college fund in her daughter's name.

"Being a single mom is hard and the one thing I want most for my daughter is a college education," said Michaela. "DirectBuy helps people realize their dreams and through the Home Makeover Contest, they helped make my dreams for my daughter come true."

Prior to being named the winner, Michaela wasn't sure how she was going to put her daughter through college on one income. Incredible enough, she was one of the lucky winners to enter and win DirectBuy's 10th Canadian Home Makeover Giveaway...

DirectBuy awards Barryville family $50,000 to complete kitchen renovations in time for Thanksgiving. Wappingers Falls, NY, --(PR.com)-- Can you imagine being in the middle of a kitchen remodel when you realize you have no money left to complete it? This is exactly what happened to Jack and Ann Sardina from Barryville, New York before they won DirectBuy's Home Makeover Contest.

Prior to being announced the $50,000 Home Makeover Contest winners on September 12, 2008, Ann had no plans on hosting this year's Thanksgiving dinner. "My kitchen hasn't been fully functional for over a year now," said Ann. "I am really looking forward to completing the renovation in time for Thanksgiving, so both families can get together."

"As a young couple with two small children, it's not easy to save," said Jack...

DirectBuy helped Habitat for Humanity finish their Blitz Build project in Spokane, WA.

Spokane, WA, September 17, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Whether in the showroom or on a Habitat for Humanity construction site, the staff at DirectBuy of Spokane has the same goal: "Helping people create the home of their dreams."

This past June, Habitat for Humanity finished their Blitz Build project in Spokane, WA, with help from DirectBuy. DirectBuy of Spokane owner Ron Cully involved his staff by offering to pay them half of their regular wages for any time they spent helping build the two duplexes. In addition, he gave them the opportunity to donate their earnings to a charity of their choice. For this event, the staff made a $300 donation to Habitat...

DirectBuy has expert kitchen designer Tim Watkowski on staff to help members with their home renovation projects.

Columbia, MD (PRWEB) September 16, 2008 -- DirectBuy of Columbia, MD is already the place to go when you want to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, but with the addition of expert kitchen designer Tim Watkowski, they raised their profile even higher.

When it comes to kitchen layouts, cabinetry selection and functionality, he is the best-of-the-best. With over 30 years of experience, Watkowski knows all the "ins and outs" of designing, decorating and installing kitchens. Since joining the staff on July 1, 2008, he has already helped more than 80 members with their kitchen remodeling projects.

"Tim is a benefit, as many members greatly appreciate the ability to sit face to face with a seasoned professional in the industry and takes the time to listen to their needs," said co-owner of the Columbia showroom Alexander Wong...

Low-cost alternative to retail is a one-stop shopping destination for consumers furnishing, remodeling or building a new home.

Gurnee, IL, August 05, 2008 --(PR.com)-- DirectBuy of Gurnee, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, recently relocated to a new, state-of-the-art facility on the north side of the city. The full-service design showroom, located at 4081 Ryan Road #107, enables Gurnee-area consumers to purchase brand-name merchandise for their home and family at members-only, manufacturer-direct prices. To celebrate the opening, DirectBuy of Gurnee hosted a grand opening reception and ribbon-cutting. The Mayor of Gurnee, as well as members of Gurnee's Chamber of Commerce were in attendance to take part in and oversee the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony...

Members-only, one-stop shopping destination offers a low-cost alternative for home improvement needs.

Moncton, Canada, July 29, 2008 --(PR.com)-- DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, has opened a full-service design showroom in Moncton – the company's first-ever in New Brunswick. The new 10335 sq.-foot showroom and adjacent warehouse will enable New Brunswick consumers to purchase brand-name merchandise for their home and family at members-only, manufacturer-direct prices.

DirectBuy of New Brunswick, located at 950 Mountain Road, offers area residents thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 500 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers...

After working as a General Manager for DirectBuy of Buffalo, Mark Klinger becomes partner.

Cheektowaga, NY, July 29, 2008 --(PR.com)-- As a former CPA for one of Buffalo's larger public accounting firms, Mark Klinger advised his clients based on the numbers. After serving as DirectBuy of Buffalo's general manager for the last several months, he followed a little of his own advice, as well as his heart, and officially became a partner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

Klinger's relationship with DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, began several years ago when the Buffalo showroom was one of his accounts. Working closely with Owner Brian Cohen, he saw not only a business opportunity but also the tremendous savings DirectBuy gives its members on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by enabling them to buy wholesale, directly from the manufacturer...

Former members open Columbia home improvement design showroom.

Columbia, FL, July 15, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Bryan and Barbara Keller loved being DirectBuy members. They loved DirectBuy so much, that they decided to trade in their membership card for an entire DirectBuy franchise.

"As members, we experienced tremendous savings and were very excited about the DirectBuy concept," said Barbara. "We could tell that DirectBuy was a great business, from both the membership side and the ownership side. Since opening our doors five months ago, we have been able to help so many families just like us."

Once the Kellers decided to become franchisees, their next big decision was to decide where to open their showroom...

Members-only, one-stop shopping destination also sponsoring upcoming Tri-City Water Follies hydroplane race heat.

Richland, WA, July 10, 2008 --(PR.com)-- DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, opened a new full-service design showroom, located at 2630 N. Columbia Center Blvd. in Richland, WA. To celebrate the opening of DirectBuy of Tri-Cities, the franchise owners - Scott and Rachelle Stocum and Ron and Denise Cully - hosted a reception and recognition ceremony in their new 15,000+ sq. foot showroom.

DirectBuy enables consumers to purchase brand-name merchandise – including kitchen cabinets, home furnishings, appliances, flooring, lighting, and much, much more -- at members-only, manufacturer-direct prices...

DirectBuy of Buffalo donated imperfect furniture, fixtures and other items to the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church of Buffalo's benevolent fund.

Buffalo, NY, July 09, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Over the years, DirectBuy has been recognized for giving families the opportunity to buy directly from the manufacturer and save hundreds, even thousands, on home improvement projects, furniture, appliance and many other household items. DirectBuy has also earned a reputation for its generosity in the communities they serve. A fine example of that is DirectBuy of Buffalo donating imperfect furniture, fixtures and other items to the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church of Buffalo's benevolent fund.

"It doesn't happen very often, but once in a while we'll accept a delivery for one of our members where there's an imperfection—a nick or scratch, wrong color, etc...

Pinellas County DirectBuy showroom offers local area residents thousands of items for their homes.

Tampa, FL, July 08, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Even though they've only been DirectBuy owners for one year now, Pete and Debbie Wisniewski have been DirectBuy members for more than 15 years.

As long-time DirectBuy members themselves, they understand and appreciate the benefits of a DirectBuy membership. They also have a tremendous amount of support in their new venture from both of their families.

Actually, Pete and Debbie are the second "Wisniewski" family to own a DirectBuy franchise. Pete's brother, Philip, and sister-in-law, Suzanne, have owned the DirectBuy showroom in Edison, New Jersey, for over 20 years...

Get inspired designing your home office.

Buffalo, NY, July 02, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Not too long ago, the home office used to mean the corporate headquarters of a company. With more and more people running businesses out of their home or telecommuting to their "day job" a day or more a week, the home office has had to become every bit as functional and comfortable as the cube or office at work. Even more so. To that end, DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, has some helpful tips on setting up your home office.

For starters, DirectBuy recommends drawing a floor plan of the room or area where your home office will be. Your floor plan should include markings of where the electrical outlets are and accurate measurements of the heights of the windows, doorways and any closet space to give you additional design options...

DirectBuy Los Angeles launches new website to promote services.

Los Angeles, CA, July 02, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Los Angeles area residents will be surfing more than waves this summer, thanks to DirectBuy. DirectBuy's Los Angeles area showrooms, including South Orange County, Northeast Orange County, West Riverside County, Long Beach, Thousand Oaks, Burbank, South Bay, and Palm Springs, launched a new website to promote the services offered through DirectBuy membership.
The website provides information on DirectBuy's unique business model, product categories, membership privileges, and includes maps and directions to each location.

Additionally, the site features photos of DirectBuy members from each location, as well as their stories of savings, selection, and service with DirectBuy...

Helpful hints on how to set up an outdoor kitchen in your backyard, patio or pool area.

Cheektowaga, NY, June 25, 2008 --(PR.com)-- An "outdoor kitchen" used to mean roughing it over an open fire and sleeping on the ground. Nowadays, what items used to be considered indoor-only are making their debut outside, especially when it comes to outdoor kitchens—a hot new trend that's taken cooking on the grill from a summer activity to a year-round thing. DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, not only sells outdoor kitchen units and other accessories at manufacturer's low prices, but offers some helpful pointers on selecting the right equipment and setup for your home.

For starters, when it comes to selecting a grill, DirectBuy recommends considering:
Stainless steel gas or charcoal grills – outdoor kitchen means just that: outside sun, rain, wind and in some markets, snow...

DirectBuy co-owner of Fairfield County, Connecticut ranked as top business professional for 2008.

Norwalk, CT, June 17, 2008 --(PR.com)-- On June 12, 2008, Kea Chiang, co-owner of DirectBuy of Fairfield County, Conn., was announced as one of the area's top "40 Under 40" business professionals for 2008.

Hosted by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, the competition recognizes the top 40 business professionals under the age of 40 for their extraordinary leadership qualities, ongoing commitment to personal and professional development, and outstanding accomplishments that have made a significant impact on their own businesses.

"Leadership comes first and foremost with an unwavering belief in what you do every day," said Chiang...