What?! A Salesman with Integrity?! In this Economy?!

Business: Owens Corning Basement Finishing System/Frank Zanti
Location: Leesburg, VA, 703.932.5014
Date of incident: August 26, 2006

Quick Hit
Frank Zanti (frankzanti@adelphia.net), an Owens Corning Basement Finishing System salesman, drove all the way from Leesburg, Virginia to our Beltsville home to give us an estimate on new Owens Corning replacement walls and ceilings, but when it came time for brass tacks, he readily admitted that he didn't need to sell us anything!

The Run-up
Admittedly, Frank's base of operation is far beyond the purview of Beltsville Vicinity Shoppers, the blog, but technically he was peddling his wares in our jurisdiction, if you will, and his integrity in this matter was so refreshing that I just felt compelled to shout it from the rooftop. We connected with the OC people about three weeks ago at the Howard County Fair. They had an elaborate camper-like display set up to show off their very cool, very elegant wall-panel and ceiling systems. My wife filled out a contact card for the nice gentleman manning the place, and a few days later they called to set up today's home evaluation and demonstration. And Frank was right on time, in more ways than just chronologically.

The Beef
None whatsoever. I mean, we've been called on by sales-folk for every home application, from one of those high-powered circulating-water vacuum cleaners (which we purchased and love, by the way), to replacement vinyl windows (which at $40K we did not purchase), and from kitchen and bathroom remodeling (what a nightmare that was), to closet system installation (best investment we ever made here). And Frank, well, frankly speaking, had the most refreshing disposition, not displaying even a modicum of disappointment or chagrin in today's no-sale. He took his time to evaluate our situation thoroughly, and commented several times, "What a nice space you've got here!" (which I initially assumed was merely to soften us up for the close, but which turned out to be his earnest sentiment). Frank even voluntarily removed his shoes when he came in the front door, made it a point to speak to all my three children--on the way in and out--and was genuinely engaging during his visit.

Epilogue
Frank admitted that the OC system ain't cheap, but it comes with a life-time, one-time-transferable guarantee, and it looks absolutely beautiful. But I just had to publicly congratulate Frank on his unruffled manner and his refreshing candor, especially considering the high cost of gas (for him to drive all the way here), the current downturn in home sales, and, subsequently, sales of all the complementary stuff that people invest in along with a home purchase...like walls and ceilings.

I don't know what kind of experiences others have had with OC (actually, that's not exactly true, 'cause in the interest of balanced reporting I read this), but our experience with Frank seems to bode well, even though we're not, you know, buying what he's selling this time around.