Spotlight
Steve and Cindy Friedman thought they were going to save money constructing and furnishing their dream home through DirectBuy of Rochester, N.Y., a members-only showroom and design center. But the couple was so elated by the tens of thousands of dollars they saved and the outstanding service they received from DirectBuy, that they thanked center owners Marc and Sylvie Nadeau and the entire Rochester team with a reception at their home.
It all started when the Friedman's joined DirectBuy in November of 2005, around the time they broke ground for their home. As the couple purchased virtually everything other than lumber and the incidentals of construction without traditional retail markup, Steve estimates that they saved $40,000 to $50,000 through their DirectBuy membership. And the support from the Nadeau's and the Rochester staff throughout the process was priceless.
"For us, it was a no-brainer," he says. "In my opinion, it's the best investment we've ever made, let alone in the past five years."
Before their home was even complete, the Friedman's began thinking about throwing a party with DirectBuy of Rochester staff members as the guests of honor. "The whole Center is outstanding," says Steve. "We consider them friends as much as we do partners in a business relationship."
The night of the gathering, 20 or so employees and their spouses joined the Friedman's for hors d'oeuvres, drinks and the chance to take a look at the finished home. Franchisee Marc Nadeau says that the Rochester employees wouldn't have missed it for the world.
"It's very gratifying for the team to see the fruits of our labor, to see the results of all the things we do for our members every day," he said. "To see someone enjoying their membership and so proud of their home."
The Friedman's say that they happily continue to spread the word about the benefits of a DirectBuy membership to anyone they know who is considering it. And they're even planning a barbecue for the Rochester team this summer.
"It's the least we can do for them after everything they do to accommodate us," says Steve. "I'd have any one of them – or the whole bunch – over any time."
Steve and Cindy Friedman
DirectBuy of Rochester, N.Y.