July 2018

58 59 lems during application. Implementing stringent quality control measures puts FGCI in a stronger position to head off any issues before they occur. The company em- ploys 80-plus skilled workers, including chemists, and a technical staff with years of hands-on experience. They take pride in the quality and service they provide to all of their customers. “We have an excellent tabletop epoxy that can be made in thick pours, which is important,” Higman ex- plains by way of example. “We have one of the clearest products in the market today.” FGCI’s inside and outside sales team work with their customers to maximize their return on investment, both of time and money, by help- ing them purchase the correct products and equip them with the knowledge of how to use it. The importance of vendor relationships can’t be un- derstated. Higman mentions Interplastics Corporation, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota –FGCI’s largest vendor. “They’ve been a very good partner.We’ve helped them grow their business down here, and they’ve helped us.We typically deal with national manufacturers; we buy material in bulk and sell those products in smaller FIBERGLASS COATINGS INC. quantities.” In addition, FGCI actively networks with the industry through memberships and trade shows, including ACMA (American Composites Manufacturers Association), CAMX (Composites and Advanced Materials Expo), and IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and At- tractions). The amusement industry, Higman says, is a market they have worked with for years, including popu- lar Orlando theme parks. One of the biggest challenges FGCI has faced is having an IT system capable of servicing its diverse range of cus- tomers, orders, and its vast amount of inventory. In 2017, the company invested in a new computer system that allows it to personalize sales, which increases efficiency, builds great customer relationships, and will last for years to come. The tightening of environmental regulations has a large impact and presents another challenge. FGCI,