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Editorial Advertising General Information |
| Joe Palmer's Screen Machine is a Workshop on Wheels By Ofelia Saenz, Signal Tribune staff writer 
When Joe Palmer drives down the street in his big red pick-up truck, he usually gets a few waves, nods and honks. Although not everyone may know him by his first name, they know the Screen Machine truck. Screen Machine is a mobile screen-service company that installs and repairs window screens, heavy-duty sliding or swinging doors, retractable awnings, pet-resistant screens and sunshades. They also do various custom jobs, such as rebuilding crawl-hole spaces in older homes and custom fitting them with screens. Whether it's replacing complete frames or just re-screening an existing frame, they're committed to providing attentive, friendly service and quality craftsmanship, and do it by bringing their quick, convenient work right to the homeowner's front door. "The truck is like a rolling work shop," said Palmer. "I have the vast majority of my materials on it." The apple colored truck is recognizable mainly because of the huge, flat trailer, which Palmer uses as a work area. "I have a generator and a saw [on the truck] so I have all the tools of the trade to be able to take care of most needs." Palmer believes the time the client saves by not having to leave their home can be better spent on learning about the various products available to them. He comes out to a client's home with the intention of giving them options, helping them understand their needs as well as finding a solution. In some cases the solutions are simple-adding a pet door, changing out a traditional security gate for something more attractive, or installing sunshades that block out light without blocking out the view. Other times the problem is a little less obvious. For example, a once square doorway that becomes a trapezoid after the house has settled will always cause the door to drag a little unless the measurements are compensated. Palmer also emphasizes the importance of using quality materials. He points out that, although prices vary, it usually doesn't cost too much more to ensure a good product. All the doors installed by Screen Machine are made with extruded aluminum, ball-bearing wheels and metal handles. Although his first priority is giving the customer what they want, he's not afraid to give his client an honest opinion. "If the homeowner is not happy with it, what good is that for me," asked Palmer. "It really isn't, and they appreciate that. They trust me." For more information about Screen Machine, contact Joe Palmer at (562) 498-1393. |