Jilco Weathers the Economy in Style

Sitting just beyond the Putnam border on Mahopac Road, is Jilco, a business nearly three decades old that has been installing top-line windows and well designed kitchens and baths throughout the tri-state area. It’s also a business tasting the first sampling of a recovery.

“This January is very encouraging compared with last January,” said sales manager Mark Thompson. “As opposed to kicking tires people are coming in and booking appointments. There is a pentup demand.” A recent appearance at a showcase led to nearly a dozen appointments, and more than 50 serious inquiries, a marked difference from last year.

“We feel that the bottom of the market is in our rear-view mirror,” said Thompson, smiling.

And Jilco is ready to meet the pentup demand. This Westchester jewel has over 30,000 feet of inventory in stock, and carries top-line products, including Anderson and Marvin windows and Omega Cabinetry. “People are ready to upgrade for energy efficiency or aesthetics these days,” said Thompson.

Even during the downturn Jilco found ways to survive. “Even in a down market, almost a depressed situation, the company did well targeting market segments where there were opportunities,” Thompson reported.

It helps that Jilco carries the most desirable home products. “The consumer, because of the Internet, is very well-educated,” said Thompson. Whereas Jilco started out by building relationships with architects, it has increasingly captured the attention of builders out in the field, and of homeowners themselves. Thompson said their philosophy has been simple: “As Wayne Gretzky used to say, you want to go to where the puck is going to be.”

Though Jilco is one of the top names in the Hudson Valley and beyond, it is still a family-owned company. John McDonough began the enterprise selling vinyl windows out of his garage, “and servicing the heck out of builders,” according to Thompson. Since then it has grown into a staff of 25, with a massive warehouse and selection of top products at every price point.

Nearly half of the new business at Jilco has been in kitchens and baths. Jilco has four designers on staff. “It’s important for people to feel comfortable in that process,” said Thompson of remodeling, “and that depends on the designer’s expertise and ability to relate to people.”

Many customers are also taking advantage of generous tax credits for installing energy efficient windows and doors. “With a $1,500 tax rebate, it just makes sense to do it,” said Thompson.

Jilco also provides expertise in millwork. The evolution of the window and door business has brought us from a simple box to very complex systems,” said Thompson. “You have to get these custom orders right, because they can’t be returned.”

Jilco is a natural to see the first signs of an economic recovery. In business for 28 years, combining the professionalism of a large firm with the touch of family-owned business has given them

a great name to trade on. “Being the beaten path here, that reputation what brings people to us,” said Thompson. “We’re proud of what we do.” Showroom hours are Monday, 8am-5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday, 8am- 6pm; Thursday, 8am-8pm; and Saturday by appointment only Visit Jilco on the web at jilcowindow.com.