First impressions are everything

It’s important to Sun Valley Community Church that parishioners’ first impression is one of a clean, orderly, neat and inviting place of worship. The Gilbert, Ariz., church had problems keeping its stained concrete floors shiny. Most cleaners would leave a haze on the floor, according to Mike O’Connor, a church volunteer who handles ordering the congregation’s cleaning and maintenance supplies. Mike said Advance Paper and Maintenance Supply suggested using a new product, which restored the floor’s shine and beauty.

Mike was referred to Advance by a church member who had been previously providing supplies and then left the janitorial cleaning business. The referral developed into a five-year business relationship. Mike is happy with the service and consulting he receives. “I can call them up on real short notice and get the materials I need,” he said.

Putting the right sign in the right place

Lloyd Brenden, a member of Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, has ordered the church’s supplies from Advance Paper and Maintenance Supply for 14 years. When the church decided to replace its exit signs, Marc De Rosa, Advance’s representative, was there to help. Brenden said De Rosa researched the types of lights needed, shopped for the best price and even showed church members how to install the lights. Each exit light is designed for its particular need. Some are electric with battery back-up; others are just battery-operated. “They are very good about suggesting products,” Lloyd said.

Superior service saves money

Rick Armstrong’s relationship with Advance Paper and Maintenance Supply spans 13 years, two country clubs, and one company representative, Kevin De Rosa. When Rick started working at Arizona Country Club as the facilities manager nine years ago, he continued to use his preferred vendor, Advance Paper and Maintenance Supply. “The service is the best. I’m not interested in just the low price,” Rick said.

Rick said Kevin often brings new products for the Phoenix country club to try. When the facility needs a piece of equipment, Advance leaves the equipment for a week so Rick can try it and see if it performs as needed. Kevin will demonstrate the machine and teach staff members how to use the machine’s products.

Rick says other suppliers have lower prices, but charge for shipping and delivery. Advance offers free delivery. He can’t calculate the amount of money he has saved over the years, but since he receives two shipments a week, the dollars are significant.

Helping to make a switch

Eleazar Terrazas, shipping coordinator for National Aviation in Tempe, likes Advance Paper and Maintenance Supply’s service, prices and free delivery, which is often the next day. His company is in the market to switch to a degreaser with less fumes. Marc De Rosa brings product samples so National Aviation can test the product and find something that will better suit their needs. Eleazar appreciates the customer service and assistance the company provides.

Service takes center stage

In September of 2008, Vern Weiland, director of maintenance at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Mesa, wasn’t satisfied with his supply vendor’s prices, products or service. He needed a new vendor and quick since several bathroom dispensers needed to be replaced. Enter Advance Paper and Maintenance Supply.

Advance changed out the dispensers and is now supplying the corresponding products. “Kevin De Rosa is very thorough about the products. I know that I can call and they will take care of it. What I like best is that I can get same day service.”

Advance supplies products for the dinner theater, as well as its four condos that house visiting actors. “Lysol, dish soap, I can get everything there,” Vern said.

Making a big splash

Mario Arreola experienced Advance Paper and Maintenance Supply’s customer service when he was the maintenance manager at Big Surf, a waterpark in Tempe. With several pools and 15 water slides, you can imagine the supplies that Mario needed.

“Every Monday, Kevin De Rosa would stop by and look at our inventory,” Mario said. “It helped a lot because I didn’t have to worry about keeping an eye on the supplies.”

The automatic service freed up Mario’s time so he could focus on other important issues.