APCO Industries, Inc. is a distributor of high-performing exterior building products that amplify a home’s curb appeal — and do an outstanding job of protecting it from the elements. But siding, windows and doors, aren’t the only areas where APCO excels. The company is also top-of-the-line when it comes to relationships and customer service.
“Our customers depend on us to be the experts and to stand behind our products — and we come through,” says Mark Mason, owner and president of APCO. “Our relationships with our customers are everything.”
APCO supplies and installs windows, siding, doors, gutters, roofing, decking and sunrooms. The company carries outstanding product lines from trusted manufacturers they have worked with for years.
“We have best-in-class products and installation practices,” says Mason. “There’s no compromise, it has to be right.”
In business for more than 50 years, APCO brings a depth of product knowledge and experience to every job. Their personnel don’t just deliver architectural products — they also size them accurately and provide the expertise customers need for optimum performance. APCO is a distributor, unique in their business, which helps with price, lead time and warranty situations.
“We know what products will stand up long term, which is critical,” says Mason. “We have the experience to know what works and what doesn’t work, and we stay on top of changing technologies. We know which manufactures stand behind their products.”
Precision installation is a company specialty, and one of the ways APCO excels is that individual work crews specialize in APCO’s different products. This gives installers a depth of proficiency in the specific products they handle, ensuring that the installation process goes smoothly and correctly.
An important plus for builders and remodelers is that APCO can provide turnkey service. Builders have the ability to turn over every part of their exterior product work, and have their projects completed expertly and on-time.
Says Mason: “The key in working with builders is making sure that you have all the products accounted for, and you can deliver them on time and complete and free of any defects.”
A family-run business, APCO was founded by Bill Clarkin, Sr., Mason’s father-in-law and the father of APCO partner Bill Clarkin, Jr.
In 1961, Bill Clarkin Sr., came up with a brilliant idea: operating out of a barn in his back yard, he started selling installed aluminum siding packages to central Ohio builders. Previously, builders had to buy siding from a distributor and then hire workers to install it. Clarkin was the first in Columbus to offer siding and labor in one convenient package.
“My father-in-law was a classic entrepreneur,” says Mason. “He was the first person in this market to combine materials with installation and offer them as a package deal.”
Clarkin’s bold concept became the foundation of his operation’s long-running success story. The organization that became APCO Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1962 as The Aluminum Products Company.
Through the years, APCO added to its product offerings. For example in 1965, Clarkin, Sr. purchased a seamless gutter machine and began providing a greater range of home improvement items. In 1976 APCO expanded to include a window and door division, making it one of Columbus’s leading exterior building product suppliers.
An innovator, Clarkin, Sr., continually tried to offer solutions for consumer problems. For example, observing the many problems homeowners have with water intrusion, he was resourceful in providing effective flashing techniques.
Right from the start, Clarkin, Sr. was an active and loyal member of the Columbus area building industry. A longtime BIA member, APCO was even an advertiser in the first issue of Builder Update.
Clarkin, Sr. set in motion the keen commitment to local builders and the enthusiasm for creating positive customer relationships, that are still strongly evident at APCO today.
“He was devoted to relationship building with builders and remodelers, and part of that relationship building is delivering a high level of service,” says Mason. “The other part of it is accuracy — making sure everything is pinpoint accurate.”
Clarkin, Sr.’s passion for accuracy continues to be top priority at APCO. Correct product measurements and cost estimates are just a few ways that company personnel deliver the precision that is their hallmark.
The product that launched APCO — siding — remains a key part of their business. APCO offers James Hardie Fiber Cement Products, known for its beauty and durability, as well as RMC siding and Exterior Portfolio by Crane, manufactured here in central Ohio.
APCO calls itself Columbus’s window central — with good reason. They provide an especially wide range of windows, including vinyl, fiberglass and wood, as well as the most wind resistant double hung window styles available. APCO carries windows and patio doors from Marvin Windows, Jeld-Wen Windows, Weather Shield Windows, Ply Gem Windows, Simonton Windows, Sprouse Windows and Soft-Lite Windows.
The company offers beautiful exterior doors, in many styles and price points, from manufacturers like Milliken Millwork and ProVia.
APCO also offers gutters, including those protected by Gutter Guard, plus roofing from companies such as TAMKO, GAF, CertainTeed and Owens Corning. APCO additionally provides decking and sunrooms.
No matter what products they deliver, APCO backs them up with outstanding customer service. The company has won numerous awards for their customer service and they are designated by Angie’s List as a Super Service Provider.
“We have a commitment to service our customers and we care very much about them,” explains Mason. “We’re there to make sure the product is installed properly, is in great working order and is going to be functional for many, many years to come.”
With showrooms and offices in Westerville and the Short North area, APCO is easily accessible to its customers. Both planning centers are staffed with experienced, knowledgeable personnel who can help builders and their buyers understand product capabilities and make the selections that are right for their projects.
At their beautiful new APCO Pro Exteriors showroom on Polaris Parkway, APCO helps customers’ imaginations run free. Architectural products from Marvin Windows & Doors and James Hardie Siding & Trim are on display, making it easy for buyers to find inspiration and ideas.
The APCO Pro Exteriors design center features 1,700 square feet of siding window and door displays as well as lots of flexible conferencing space.
“The design center is a touchpoint resource for builders to bring in homeowners and prospects to go through product selection,” says Mason. “They can touch and feel products and make decisions within a nicely appointed design center.”
Originally from Marengo, Ohio, Mason graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in agricultural economics. He worked at Aetna for a year before joining the sales staff at APCO. During his 30-year career at APCO, Mason has been involved in every aspect of the business.
Under Mason and Clarkin, Jr.’s leadership, APCO regularly wins consumer awards. The company has been selected three consecutive times for the Best of Columbus Award in the Home Products Distribution and Installation category by the U.S. Commerce Association which recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.
It’s all part of APCO’s deep commitment to their customers. “I like to have fun with my customers and get to know them,” says Mason. “I care about the business and I care about doing a good job for them.”
777 Michigan Avenue
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 224-2345
markmason@apco.com
www.apco.com