Sue Blatner This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Bathroom faucets | Designer models equal higher profit margins

   www.buildernewsmag.com/viewnew - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/31/2004   Last Visited: 5/10/2006

   "It's all about look and not about function anymore," says Sue Blatner, regional showroom manager, Ferguson Enterprises, Portland, Ore. Faucets today are deck- or wall-mounted, depending on the desired look and the type of basin.
   ...
   Elsewhere, such as in Bend, Ore., or Sun Valley, Idaho, more rustic looks are in favor, Blatner says.
   ...
   Americans want a choice," Blatner explains.
   ...
   It's just a matter of serving the customer and helping them find what works for them," Blatner says.

2. 2. kgw.com | Portland | Oregon Home

   www.kgw.com/homegarden/oregonh - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/18/2002   Last Visited: 6/18/2002

   "I've seen people so frustrated because they have to decide on plumbing in one day," adds Sue Blatner, the showroom manager for the Familian SuperBath Showroom in Beaverton, Ore.
   
   SOLUTION: Browse bathroom and kitchen showrooms on your own to initially figure out what's available, but once you've narrowed down the plumbing possibilities for your house, make an appointment to get the undivided attention of a showroom staffer who's in the know about the products you want to order.
   ...
   Blatner advises that you make a visit or two to a showroom to look at product sizes and shapes, colors, materials and finishes, and to start to get a feel for the products that will work with your construction or remodeling plans. "You have to have a preliminary conversation with yourself-or your husband or wife-to figure out what you like," she says. "I like to remind people that they're going to be picking out things that they'll live with for a long time, things that are going to be expensive. Most people will shop for furniture before they need it, but when it comes to plumbing, homeowners have no idea what's available."
   
   4. Using a soft scrub or bleach product to remove stains from a vintage cast-iron porcelain sink or tub.
   ...
   "There really is no one right or wrong combination of faucet and vessel," says Blatner. "When it comes to pairing a faucet and vessel, just remember that it won't do you much good if your plumbing is attractive but nonfunctional. If, for example, a spout isn't long enough to reach into your basin after both are installed."
   
   SOLUTION: Spend time making all the decisions that will determine how well your plumbing will look and function. "I always try to get to know clients a little and figure out what their particular taste is," says Blatner. "After they select a vessel, they need to decide how it will sit on the counter. On top of it? Partially recessed? Then, they decide on the finish they want-polished chrome? Stainless steel?"
   
   ...
   "The dirty truth is that the 1 1/2-gallon-flush toilet generally doesn't rinse out the bowl very well, so you tend to be left with-and I'm going to use a plumbing term here-'skid marks' in the bowl," says Blatner.
   
   SOLUTION: Keep a toilet brush near the bowl. If you're shopping for a new low-flow toilet, buy a name brand like Kohler, Toto or American Standard. "Toto was one of the first manufacturers who made 1 1/2-gallon flushes," explains Blatner, "which is why they have perfected it. But the Kohlers and American Standards have improved, too. You just have to keep a brush near the bowl."

3. 3. kgw.com | Portland | Oregon Home

   www.kgw.com/homegarden/oregonh - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/17/2002   Last Visited: 5/17/2002

   "I've seen people so frustrated because they have to decide on plumbing in one day," adds Sue Blatner, the showroom manager for the Familian SuperBath Showroom in Beaverton, Ore.
   
   SOLUTION: Browse bathroom and kitchen showrooms on your own to initially figure out what's available, but once you've narrowed down the plumbing possibilities for your house, make an appointment to get the undivided attention of a showroom staffer who's in the know about the products you want to order.
   ...
   Blatner advises that you make a visit or two to a showroom to look at product sizes and shapes, colors, materials and finishes, and to start to get a feel for the products that will work with your construction or remodeling plans. "You have to have a preliminary conversation with yourself-or your husband or wife-to figure out what you like," she says. "I like to remind people that they're going to be picking out things that they'll live with for a long time, things that are going to be expensive. Most people will shop for furniture before they need it, but when it comes to plumbing, homeowners have no idea what's available."
   
   4. Using a soft scrub or bleach product to remove stains from a vintage cast-iron porcelain sink or tub.
   ...
   "There really is no one right or wrong combination of faucet and vessel," says Blatner. "When it comes to pairing a faucet and vessel, just remember that it won't do you much good if your plumbing is attractive but nonfunctional. If, for example, a spout isn't long enough to reach into your basin after both are installed."
   
   SOLUTION: Spend time making all the decisions that will determine how well your plumbing will look and function. "I always try to get to know clients a little and figure out what their particular taste is," says Blatner. "After they select a vessel, they need to decide how it will sit on the counter. On top of it? Partially recessed? Then, they decide on the finish they want-polished chrome? Stainless steel?"
   
   ...
   "The dirty truth is that the 1 1/2-gallon-flush toilet generally doesn't rinse out the bowl very well, so you tend to be left with-and I'm going to use a plumbing term here-'skid marks' in the bowl," says Blatner.
   
   SOLUTION: Keep a toilet brush near the bowl. If you're shopping for a new low-flow toilet, buy a name brand like Kohler, Toto or American Standard. "Toto was one of the first manufacturers who made 1 1/2-gallon flushes," explains Blatner, "which is why they have perfected it. But the Kohlers and American Standards have improved, too. You just have to keep a brush near the bowl."