Grand Mark Solutions, a new affiliate of HighMark Digital Inc., has been started to establish a dealer network to offer entry and interior door replacement services. The program combines Highmark's technology for electronically measuring exising door openings with marketing and an infrastructure that enables dealers to efficiently meet homeowner needs, executives state.

“We have the proven, market-tested technology through our relationship with HighMark Digital,” says Dave Winter, Grand Mark president. “Now we’re building upon this technology and our 15 years of experience to offer a complete business plan and marketing solution for our dealers. Our program has, at its core, a compelling, well-researched brand designed to appeal to homeowners who are considering door replacement. The goal is for each dealer to create demand and drive sales with an approach that offers customers a quick, easy, stress-free home improvement project.”

HighMark Digital, co-founded by Winter in 2007, provides its One-Cut door technology to several large door manufacturers, distributors and retailers, including The Home Depot. Designed to ensure that entry and interior doors fit properly the first time, every time, the technology incorporates a  a high-tech measuring unit that begins by quickly capturing a 3D electronic image of the door (without removing the existing door). Next, the image data for the new door is uploaded to a dedicated One-Cut machining center where, within a few minutes, a new door is custom-milled for the existing door frame. When the new door arrives at the local dealer’s facility, it is ready to install with just a few basic tools. The technology was recognized in 2008 with a Window & Door Crystal Achievement Award.

“While it is essential, great technology alone does not make a business successful,” Winter states. “Marketing, sales and a smart business model are equally–if not more–important to the success of our dealers. Our 15 years in the industry have given us the experience that is required to nail these key components of the business.”

Based in Rocklin, Calif., the new Grand Mark business traces its roots back to the Interior Door Replacement Co. founded in 1997.  IDRC, which was featured in a 2006 Window & Door article, carved a successful niche in the home remodeling industry by providing direct-to-consumer interior door replacement services in several California cities. In 2001, IDRC Franchising was created to replicate the business model elsewhere. The One-Cut technology, later offered by HighMark, was initially developed to address the production and installation challenges faced by the company's franchisees.

In targeting new dealers, Grand Mark foresees stand-alone units focused on door replacement.  The business model may accommodate dealers providing other brands of window, door or building product operations, but the current concept and plans are for locations to be operated as Grand Mark entities, officials note. The company is currently in the process of signing on door manufacturers to act as sources for dealers, it is reported, with announcements expected to come shortly.