Thicker Than Solar
Rich Ciota spent his weekend pitching Division 7's state-of-the-art solar-energy services.
By Z
Homeowners in all stages of remodeling, and those just dreaming the dream, came in droves this weekend to Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood campus for the Long Island Fall Home Show.
Presented by American Consumer Shows (America’s No. 1 home-show producer) and Findapro.com (ACS’s online division), the three-day extravaganza featured hundreds of Long Island’s top remodeling, landscaping and decorating firms in a massive home-improvement smorgasbord. This was the scene for anyone considering any level of home renovation; everyone from Alure Home Improvements to the Long Island Builders Institute was there, and right in the middle was Uncle Richie.
Well, he’s Uncle Richie to our man Graz. To everyone else, he’s Managing Partner Rich Ciota of Division 7, a Stony Brook-based provider of roofing and solar energy solutions. A registered Woman-Owned Business (Aunt Kerry, Kerry Ciota to you, is the boss), Division 7 is re-tasking over 40 years of roofing expertise and emerging as the Island’s new solar authority – and the Ciotas were thrilled to spend their weekend in Brentwood showcasing their cutting-edge wares and services.
Uncle Richie (left) shares his solar knowledge with customers at the Long Island Fall Home Show.
“We have so much wonderful solar-energy and efficiency knowledge to share with customers,” Rich said during the show. “We’re still the Island’s best source for residential and commercial roofing, single-ply roofing, built-up and modified bitumen roofing, all of that. But now our expertise includes solar thermal and solar PV solutions, and the Home Show was the perfect place to share that with thousands of homeowners.”
Now, lest you think the Power of New Media blog has eschewed all professional standards and devolved into a nepotistic love-in, please note Division 7 is also one of New Media’s hottest new clients (our blatant favoritism remains reserved for customers, thank you). This summer we designed their new logo and smart new business cards; we’ve helped hone their new message, assisting Rich and Kerry in their transition to major solar players; we even produced their display booth for the Home Show. Next, we’re developing Division 7’s website, which is good now and begging to be great.
The fact that Graz spends half his weekends wolfing down Uncle Richie’s world-class barbecue will have absolutely no bearing on the negotiations.