Editorial
Front Page - Friday, January 22, 2010
Hullco protects homeowners, businesses from elements
Stephanie Coward
Since its inception, Hullco Exteriors has strived to provide the most energy efficient products to its clients. Servicing both homeowners and business owners alike, Hullco ensures that the client receives the most aesthetically pleasing equipment that will also help save money on energy bills.
President and owner Matt Hullander said the bulk of the company’s business – about two thirds – is in replacement windows. The $1,500 federal tax credit on replacement windows that began in 2009 has encouraged even more people to change out their windows. Hullander said that only certain windows qualify for the tax credit, but those who use Hullco can rest assured, as all the company’s windows qualify for the credit.
Hullander’s father Bill started the company in 1977, and Hullander began working at Hullco part time while in high school. “My dad focused on energy conservation products when he started,” Hullander said. “TVA had a program then where they would help homeowners with heat and air and different products, and we were on their list of people to use to get storm windows.” Back then, the company was selling woodstoves and storm windows.
Hullco began manufacturing its own storm windows in the mid-80s, which eventually led to manufacturing a replacement window as well. As technology changed and glass became more efficient, there were different aspects to the window that could no longer be manufactured in- house. The company’s growth and an increased demand also made it impossible to continue. So, Hullco partnered with Sunrise, a Michigan-based window manufacturing plant and ended its in-house manufacturing in 2000.
“The majority of window companies only do windows or they only do one kind,” Hullander said. “We do a lot.” The majority of the company’s windows are vinyl replacement but it also offers a high-end clad window as well.
Hullander steadily rose through the company ranks and then, about 12 years ago, became president when his dad entered politics. Soon after, he bought out his father. Bill Hullander just finished his third term as county commissioner and is now running for county trustee while Hullander is working to increase his still growing business.
“We grew 5 percent in 2008,” Hullander said. This is in part due to the constant advertising and marketing. Not letting the recession stand in its way, Hullco continues advertising as if it was 1999. Hullander said that while scary at times – monetarily speaking – it’s something that the company will continue in the years to come. “We’re not letting up.”
Today, Hullco is a full service remodeler. The company offers doors, gutters, windows and siding – insulated and hollow back. Hullander is a licensed general contractor for residential and small commercial as well as a licensed Tennessee state remodeler. “The majority of our work is remode, though; we don’t do a lot of new construction unless it’s just an addition to an existing home,” Hullander said. The company also offers sunroom construction, porch enclosures, room additions and more.
“We try to focus on quality with our products and installation,” Hullander said. This mindset clearly shines through to others as the company and its owner were recipients of several awards last year, including: the Better Business Bureau Torch award; the Big 50 award from Remodeling Magazine; being named one of the top 200 remodelers in the nation by Qualified Remodeler, and the company placed 248 in Replacement Magazine’s top 500 in the nation. Hullander was named Outstanding Young Business Man for Hamilton County in 2009.
Part of what has made the company so successful is that Hullander and his employees work as a cohesive unit. The teamwork isn’t just in the office, either, as they all enjoy giving back often. “We try to stay real active in the community,” Hullander said.
Last year, Hullco partnered with Habitat for Humanity and sponsored a home on Olive Street in Chattanooga. “It’s being built in memory of my late brother in law, who died in a car wreck,” Hullander said. “It’s called the Chris Horne House.” All the Hullco employees have volunteered their time to work on the house, and Hullander along with others have donated money and supplies to aid in the building. The house should be finished around February and Hullander’s sister will present the homeowner with the keys soon after.
Hullander co-hosts “House Chatt,” on WDEF Channel 12, with meteorologist Brian Smith. The program airs Wednesdays in the early morning and again at noon. During the program, Hullander answers viewers’ questions e-mailed to the station. Some days, there is time to answer only one question, while other days, he may answer three or four. Also, WDEF Radio now airs “Matt’s Tip of the Day” every day.
Hullander’s wife, Jenny, shares an office with him, working as the business manager. The Apison, Tenn. couple has been married for almost nine years and has a 5-year-old daughter, Reese.
E-mail “HouseChatt” questions to housechatt@wdef.com. To learn more about Hullco Exteriors visit the newly launched Web site at www.hullcoexteriors.com.
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