Our Year in Review

 
As the Celebrations of our 50th year in business come to an end, Cathy and I are left feeling more grateful than ever for what the Willis family has accomplished with the support from each and every one of you. We are truly blessed.

This year has seen many challenges. Not just from an internal perspective with the unimaginable loss of a friend and dear member of our Willis family, but from around the country and around the globe as we continue the fight for peace, love and respect.

But amidst all of the negative news headlines, we truly believe that there is so much good in the world.  It is our collective responsibility to see that it spreads.

Though Willis has continued to spread our wings in our relatively newly-acquired territories - including our first-ever major sponsorship in the Palm Springs Modernism Week festival - this is not the most important work that we've accomplished. We've remembered our roots; we've remembered that giving back is, and should always be, at the core of everything we do.

Our Pinball Clemons Fundraising Efforts

As you are likely aware, we have been aiming to raise $50,000 for the Pinball Clemons Foundation (PCF) in honor of our 50th year in business. We've coordinated several prize draws, received generous donations from several business partners and customers, and we have, all-in-all, done a great job at raising awareness for this extraordinary foundation.

But let's aim for even more.

At the time of year when it is often needed most, we invite you to help us close off 2017 by joining us in giving back.

With that said, Willis will match - dollar for dollar - all donations received through the end of the year in order to help the PCF continue to empower youth through education by taking them from the Margins to the Mainstream.

Should you choose to give back, please visit our donation site by clicking here.

Thank you for your love, support, and continued partnership.

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas.

Mike & Cathy Hetherman

Celebrating 50 Years

It's hard to believe that Willis is celebrating a half century in business.  So much has happened over the past 50 years that has shaped our company into what it is today.  We are thrilled to share with you our excitement about this milestone.

Our founder, Ron Willis, began with a small Provincial territory but had the vision to see what Willis could offer to the marketplace.  He introduced a new surfacing material - DuPont™ Corian® - to the Canadian marketplace and watched this product, and Willis, find success in the years that followed.

Today, we are proud to be an international force in the building materials market, proudly representing DuPont™ Corian®, DuPont™ Zodiaq®, Arpa HPL, Fenix NTM® and Artisan sinks & faucets.  Willis has become home to over 80 employees across Canada and the US - employees who represent excellence in all that they do.  It has always been our dream to represent premium brands and to service our customers with the greatest care; the entire Willis family has helped us achieve just that.

As owners of Willis, we are celebrating our 25th work anniversary with this incredible company.  We could not be more proud of the leadership team and staff at Willis.  Together, we have built an organization worthy of celebrating - an organization that not only focuses on the improvement of our company and our customer service, but on our communities as a whole. Giving back is inherent in what we do; we take pride in sharing our blessings as a company.


On that note, we invite you to join us in our effort to give back.

We have set the ambitious goal of raising $50,000 for the Pinball Clemons Foundation during our 50th year in business.  This amazing foundation does necessary, life-altering work for disadvantaged youth both locally and internationally.  The money that we raise will help fund the construction of schools and youth centers, provide hot meals for youth in shelters and provide a wide range of educational and athletic programs for the most vulnerable in our society.

In lieu of congratulatory flowers and/or well wishes, we challenge you to join us on our mission to raise money for these amazing causes.  Any contribution, big or small, will help us create an impact through this foundation: PCF Donation Page

As we close, we recognize that we would not be sitting here today, writing this message, were it not for the support and partnership from each and every one of you.  You have all had a profound impact in shaping Willis into what it is today.  Thank you for being a part of our 50-year journey.

With gratitude,
Mike & Cathy Hetherman

Willis Supplies Key Materials in Alaska Native Medical Center Housing Project

For those who live in rural Alaska, quick and easy access to healthcare is not usually a viable option.  Many have to travel long distances to a centralized healthcare center to receive the care that they need – especially when that care exceeds the services of a basic urgent care clinic.

Specifically managed by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) in Anchorage, Alaska is one such centralized healthcare center.  In the 60+ years since its doors have opened, Alaska Natives and American Indian people have been traveling from across the state to access this facility’s medical services.  In 2013, when the ANMC began planning the construction of a new patient housing facility, they wanted to create a welcoming environment, with durable materials, to accommodate their patients traveling from outlying areas.

According to the ANMC website, the ANTHC Patient Housing facility is intended to be a “home away from home” for rural Alaska Natives traveling to the ANMC.  The facility, which is slated to launch in early 2017, will include 202 guest rooms, gathering areas, dining and communal kitchens, and a business center – all designed to create a home-like ambiance.  According to Interior Designer Alisha Weiss from KPB Architects, “The guest rooms are also intended to have an organic feel that reflect natural elements found in the Alaska wilderness.”  To reach these design goals, the selection of appropriate building materials was critical. 

DuPont™ Corian® and FENIX NTM® were two such materials.

With its hygienic properties, durability, and timeless appeal, DuPont™ Corian® was chosen for a variety of applications within the guest rooms including desktops, floating shelves, and picture frames.  According to Willis’ local sales representative, Ted Lambert, “Corian® has long been recognized as having outstanding longevity and performance in commercial, high traffic environments.  This, in addition to the clean look of the Glacier White color, was precisely why Corian® was the perfect material for these applications.”

A relatively new player in the world of surfacing materials, FENIX NTM has gained much attention as a high-performance material that offers never-before-seen aesthetics.  As Weiss stated, “FENIX NTM was specified for the casework throughout the facility due to the low light reflectivity, the thermal healing of micro-scratches, its soft touch and enhanced anti-bacterial properties.”  The end result?  Stunning - and equally resilient - casework.

Said Lambert, “Corian® has been, and will continue to be, a go-to material for applications such as this.  FENIX NTM is gaining buzz as a new, ultra matte, on-trend material.  In seeing how well these materials pair together, I am excited to showcase this project as a great example of how Corian® and FENIX NTM can bring elevated style and durability to a variety of commercial projects.” 

Project Details:

DuPont™ Corian® colors used:

• Sheet material: Glacier White
• 8254 ADA-Compliant Lavatory: White Frost 

FENIX NTM color used:

• Zinco Doha 2628 - .9mm with matching edge band

Corian® Fabricator: PAC WEST

FENIX NTM Fabricator:

• Panels were laid up by Patrick Industries in Portland, OR
• Final cutting and installation completed by Neeser Construction

WILLIS AND DUPONT SURFACES SECURE EXCLUSIVE 3-YEAR SPONSORSHIP AT MODERNISM WEEK

Burlington, Ontario, November 9, 2016 - DuPont Surfaces and Willis have secured their role as Major Sponsors at the Palm Springs-based Modernism Week festival.

Modernism Week is an annual celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. Featuring a variety of events including home tours, films, lectures and lively social gatherings, Modernism Week has quickly become the hub for the exploration and celebration of the mid-century modern movement. Modernism Week takes place in February in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. For more information, visit www.modernismweek.com.

DuPont Surfaces (manufacturers of DuPont™ Corian^® and Zodiaq^®) and Willis are one of just two Major Sponsors for Modernism Week 2017; this sponsorship commitment will continue through 2019, securing both organizations’ dedication to bringing a fresh perspective to the Corian^® and Zodiaq^® brands through one of the most innovative design events in North America. Corian^® and Zodiaq^® are the only surfacing materials to be represented amongst the variety of sponsors at Modernism Week, bringing an exciting element of exclusivity.

As part of this sponsorship, the Willis and DuPont teams will be key partners in building awareness of the Modernism Week festival as well as adding value through exclusive events and inventive product applications & displays. As a focal point for their sponsorship contributions, Willis created the all-new “Learning Lab” – a centralized area which will feature interactive Corian^® and Zodiaq^® fixtures and an all-day CEU speaker series

The CEU speaker series, which will be available to a limited number of Modernism Week attendees, will feature top designers and architects from across North America, including Willis’ own President & CEO and 25-year CKD, Mike Hetherman. Having traveled across North America on various speaking tours, Hetherman is excited to be a part of creating this new, comprehensive educational experience. “Our educational tracks will bring renewed perspectives to a variety of architectural and design-related topics. I can’t wait to engage in thought-provoking conversations with some of the brightest minds from across North America,” said Hetherman.

In addition to this all-day educational event, Willis and DuPont have provided Corian^® and Zodiaq^® material to be put on display in real-world applications at all six of the Modernism Week show homes. These show homes are all stops on the Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours which run the duration of the 11-day festival. Notable for their innovative designs and versatile product applications, Corian^® and Zodiaq^® were the perfect fit for a variety of horizontal and vertical applications in each home. In addition, the vision behind these homes is being honed by some of the top developers and designers in North America, including:

• KUD Properties
• ThomBoy Properties, Inc.
• Christopher Kennedy
• Lance O'Donnell, O2 Architecture

By working directly with Modernism Week and these show home partners, Willis and DuPont are solidifying partnerships to expand their brands' global presence.

About Willis
Since 1967, Willis has been providing sales, marketing and distribution for global brands across North America.  These brands include DuPont™ Corian^® Solid Surfaces, DuPont™ Zodiaq^® Quartz Surfaces, Arpa Italian Laminate, FENIX NTM^®, Insinkerator^® and Artisan sinks & faucets - which together provide a diverse product offering to their customers. With distribution centers located in both Canada and the US, Willis provides its customers with efficient product delivery and service. Willis' focus on downstream demand creation is driven up through their network of builders, developers, fabricators, millworkers and other partners in their fabrication network that spans across Canada and the US. For more information, visit www.4willis.com.

Contact Information:
John Topic
National Marketing Manager
1149 Pioneer Rd
Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7M 1K5 
johnt@4willis.com

Passing of Willis Founder

It is with great sadness that we announce that our Founder, Ron Willis, passed away on June 29th, 2016.

For the veterans of the Willis team as well as our long-time customers and partners, we were truly blessed to work closely with Ron. For those who had the pleasure of spending some time with Ron, they know that he, with his vision and talent, built a great platform for Willis' success.

Following his family's wishes, there will be a private service held in his home town of Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

A "celebration of life" will be held at the Willis Corporate office in Burlington, Ontario in the near future. All will be welcomed to join us when a date has been confirmed.

We now celebrate the amazing life of Ron Willis.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Willis Expands Presence in the US Market

Willis Named Full Service Distributor for DuPont™ Corian® and DuPont™ Zodiaq® in Southern California and Hawaii.

Burlington, Ontario, January 28, 2016 – DuPont Building Innovations has named Willis the exclusive and full service Distributor for DuPont™ Corian® Solid Surfaces and DuPont™ Zodiaq® Quartz Surfaces in Southern California and Hawaii effective April 1, 2016. Willis will be responsible for all sales, marketing and physical distribution of these globally-branded products in this territory in addition to their existing markets in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Canada which Willis has managed for over 48 years.

“Willis has continued to grow our brand's exposure with unique sales and marketing initiatives in all its current markets, most recently in Northern California and Nevada,” said Tom Kearns, Americas Sales Manager. “In addition, Willis continues to deliver unique and superior customer experiences to meet the needs of our customers, partners and DuPont shareholders”.

“As we expand our territory, market influence and brand exposure, we remain committed to our vision and strategy,” said Willis President & CEO, Mike Hetherman, CKD. “Our company culture – ‘The Willis Way’ – centers around nurturing relationships, opportunities, character and knowledge – which is exactly what we’re going to bring to this newly-acquired territory. The Willis leadership team will drive unprecedented growth and profit for the value chain”.

“DuPont™ Corian® and DuPont™ Zodiaq® are two of our premier brands which we are proud to represent” said North American Marketing Manager, John Topic. “We will apply our proven sales and marketing strategies within this market and continue to grow DuPont’s brand and market share in both the commercial and residential channels in which we participate”.

Willis will be securing a new distribution facility in Southern California in early 2016 to effectively service this market. The facility will complement our five current distribution centers located in Tracy, California; Lakewood, Washington; Burlington, Ontario; Vancouver, British Columbia and Calgary, Alberta.

About Willis
Since 1967, Willis has been providing sales, marketing and distribution for global brands across North America. These brands include DuPont™ Corian® Solid Surfaces, DuPont™ Zodiaq® Quartz Surfaces, Arpa Italian Laminate, FENIX NTM®, Insinkerator® and Artisan sinks & faucets - which together provide a diverse product offering to their customers. With distribution centers located in both Canada and the US, Willis provides its customers with efficient product delivery and service. Willis’ focus on downstream demand creation is driven up through their network of builders, developers, fabricators, millworkers and other partners in their fabrication network that spans across Canada and the US. For more information, visit www.4willis.com.

About DuPont Building Innovations
DuPont Building Innovations, a strategic business unit of DuPont, is a driving force in the transformation of the building and construction industry through its use of building and materials science to solve emerging needs and create value for its commercial and residential customers. The company maintains its industry-leading position by applying innovative thinking to the development of energy-saving weatherization systems and beautiful and long-lasting surfacing solutions. DuPont Building Innovations' best-known products and premier brands include: DuPont™ Corian® solid surface, DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surface, DuPont™ Tyvek® Weatherization Systems and a broad portfolio of garden and landscaping products.

Contact Information:
John Topic
Willis - NA Marketing Manager
1149 Pioneer Rd, Burlington Ontario, L7M 1K5 Canada
johnt@4willis.com
www.4willis.com

Willis and Triple E Celebrate 26 years of Partnership

With their Milestone 50^th anniversary happening in 2015, Triple E has much to celebrate.  From the manufacture of their first travel trailer in 1965 to today’s reputation as being a leading RV manufacturer, Triple E has had a long and prosperous journey filled with growth by way of both product line and partnerships.

One such partnership formed in 1989 when the team at Triple E began to search further for reliable building materials to use in their ever-diversifying range of RVs.  As their search led them to discover one of the most reliable products in the market – DuPont™ Corian® - so began the partnership between Triple E and a growing Ontario-based distributor called Willis.

The two companies saw many changes come in their respective markets over the past 26 years, with changing product lines and economic challenges.  But one thing never changed: both companies’ commitment to quality products and dedicated service, and their shared vision of how to best serve the end consumer.

To now celebrate the milestone of reaching 50 years in business, Triple E launched a 50^th anniversary Espresso Brown Glamour Décor package for their “Unity” model which features two of Willis’ staple products: DuPont™ Corian® and the new, cutting edge FENIX NTM®.

With Willis’ 50-year anniversary just around the corner, there are certainly many more exciting things in store for both companies who have proven they have a lasting presence in their respective industries.

The stunning Glamour Décor Package includes FENIX NTM® upper cabinets and DuPont™ Corian® countertops.

DuPont™ Corian® countertops are featured in both the kitchen and bathroom.

One of several floor plans for the Unity model.


For more information on these and other leisure travel vans, visit www.tripleerv.com.