American WeatherStar Educates Contractors on Fluid-Applied System Techniques

MOBILE, AL – December 2, 2014 – American WeatherStar recently hosted the inaugural FAST (Fluid-Applied System Techniques) Academy at its corporate facility in Mobile, Alabama. The event included traditional in-class courses and hands-on product and system applications using the most advanced coatings equipment on the market. Guests for the two-day conference included 24 contractors from across the country and equipment reps from Graco, Inc. and Rooftop Equipment.

The primary goal of the event was to bring together American WeatherStar dealers, contractors, field representatives and staff members in a fast-paced, hands-on learning environment to expand knowledge of the coatings industry, strengthen skill sets with product application techniques, and share tips on best sales practices.

Day 1

The first day of the Academy began with an inaugural speech by American WeatherStar President Brian O'Donnell, who gave an in-depth review of the coatings industry and presented the pros and cons of standard product chemistry.

Bobby Norrell and Rodney Carter of Casualty Consulting Group of America, Inc. (Dallas, TX) later provided insightful advice on best sales practices, including methods of approaching potential customers and securing deals.

The day continued with attendees receiving hands-on training with fluid-applied product profile rollers from Rooftop Equipment's Bob Burns. Burns gave expert tips on how and when to use roller accessories, as well application techniques. He took attendees through the complete profile roller process, from opening the box, to finishing application, as well as cleanup and equipment care. The process included an application of the Met-A-Guard metal roof coating system (AWS Acrylic 211) to metal roofing panels, followed by an application of Ure-A-Sil flat roof coating system (AWS Urethane 520) to a granulated modified bitumen substrate.

Day 2

During the second day, attendees learned about the components of the core American WeatherStar roof coating systems and situations each system is designed for.

American WeatherStar Business Development Center Director, Kristin Dixon, explained the effectiveness of custom lead generation campaigns available to AWS dealers. She further broke down statistics, proving the outstanding ROI's for contractors, utilizing the program to gain competitive advantages in strategically targeted markets.

Then, Graco, Inc. Rep Ray Radetich gave a step-by-step tutorial on the Graco GH 833 Big Rig Gas Hydraulic Airless Sprayer, along with hose options and available accessories. Contractors were able to demo the gas-powered rig by spraying AWS Red Oxide Rust Prime 912 on the metal roofing panels. which were coated with AWS Acrylic 211 on Day 1. Contractors then completed the application of the Ure-A-Sil system by spraying the AWS Silicone 410 top coat to the dry granulated modified bitumen, which was base-coated with AWS Urethane 520 on Day 1.

For more information about the next FAST Academy at American WeatherStar, please use the contact information and links provided below.

About American WeatherStar: American WeatherStar (AWS), headquartered in Mobile, AL, is an industry-leading supplier of roof coatings, wall coatings, spray foam roofing, and single-ply roofing systems with Approved Dealers and Contractors spread all across America. All AWS roofing systems are energy efficient, reflective white roofing, also known as "cool roofing", that lower building temperature, reduce energy costs, while waterproofing roofs and walls. For more information, please use the information and links provided below.