06/ 17/ 2004
Donald A. Gardner Architects Honored at the NFIB National Small Business Summit
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| Dell COO Kevin Rollins presents the Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence in Customer Service Award to Angela Santerini of Donald A. Gardner Architects as NFIB President Jack Faris looks on. |
"I was incredibly excited when I found out we had won," says Santerini, who was presented the award at NFIB’s National Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. "I called all of the employees together in the lobby and personally told them we had won. We applauded and cheered and renewed our commitment to serve our customers through every aspect of our company, including technology."
The history: Santerini's father founded Donald A. Gardner Architects 25 years ago. The Greenville, S.C.-based firm offers award-winning predesigned residential plans, modification services, technical support and marketing/public relations assistance for builders, developers and designers.
The 54-employee business was just one of many impressive entries. But Donald A. Gardner was chosen because it excels in offering customers and employees personalized, easy-to-use information technology.
On technology: "IT has allowed us to connect with and show we care about our customers on multiple levels," says Santerini. "Our Web site gives customers much more than 24/7 access to more than 700 pre-designed home plans. It also helps them find the plan that best suits them, connects them builders in their area and allows them to see where specific homes have been built."
Prizes galore: As the winner, Santerini and her employees will receive $20,000 in Dell equipment. Plans are underway to develop faster online service for customers, purchase a new server and increase the speed of their overall network, says Santerini.
Santerini will also spend a day with Dell to learn best practices from CEO Michael Dell. And the company receives a lifetime membership to NFIB. "Being a lifelong member of NFIB guarantees we'll always be represented in Washington and we'll always have access to a great source of information for small business."
