AMEK Employees Earn Vinyl Siding Installer Certificates

Two AMEK Exteriors’ employees recently received their certified vinyl siding installer certificates from the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI). Jim Hansel and Brent Ficocello attended the course on proper installation techniques for vinyl siding, soffits, and framing and passed the examination in January 2017. Based in Washington DC, VSI is a national organization representing manufacturers of vinyl and other polymeric siding and suppliers in the industry.

AMEK Vinyl Siding Installers in Bloomington
AMEK CEO Andrew Schmidt congratulates Brent Ficocello and Jim Hansel on earning the Vinyl Siding Institute’s Certified Vinyl Siding Installers certficates.

“This certification adds to their credentials making them more valuable to our company and ultimately to our homeowners we serve,” said Andrew Schmidt, co-owner and CEO of AMEK Inc.

Decades of Experience

Brent and Jim both bring decades of experience in the construction industry to AMEK. In his 25 years in the construction business, Jim has worked in all phases of construction and thoroughly understands how important scheduling, proper installation, and communication are to his clients. Jim is also a Certified Remodeling Project Manager (CRPM) with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and is Lead Certified with the EPA. Brent has been around construction since he was a kid with official jobs starting in 2001. Brent has a solid background in exterior storm restoration as well as new home construction from start to finish. He is extremely knowledgeable about exterior product choices and design options. One of Brent’s strengths is his high client satisfaction ratings.

“A lot of people underestimate how critical it is for siding to be installed and integrated properly with other products like stone, windows and decking,” according to Paul Schmidt, AMEK Co-owner.

“A lot of people underestimate how critical it is for siding to be installed and integrated properly with other products like stone, windows and decking,” according to Paul Schmidt, co-owner and VP of AMEK Exteriors. “That’s why our company regularly provides training and continuing education courses for our employees.”

Preventing Construction Defects

One of the key areas Paul specializes in is fixing construction defects caused by water intrusion due to improper installation techniques used by other construction companies. Water and moisture that enters the wall cavities can cause extensive structural rotting and mold formation.

“AMEK’s goal is protect your investment in your home and your family’s health with very specific installation techniques,” Paul said.