AEC CAD Pro.com Mission Statement and History

This entry was posted on 1/29/2007 10:53 AM and is filed under Opening Statement and History.

Welcome to AECCADPro.com blog.    Our company was recently founded by Jack Zimmer and myself Dave Taylor. This is what  happens when a designer/builder and a technology nut meet.    

My background in CAD started in the tech support for Turbocad.   Eight months later I found myself managing, the Floorplan 3-D product line which at the time was the number 2 top selling software for the residential home design market, behind only 3-D Home Architect.     Things changed once I discovered the power of the Internet in about 1995.  By 1997 my entrepreneurial  desire took over,   as I found myself in the ISP  (Internet service provider) business where I helped to develop an e-commerce engine, which was the roots of the engine currently used in our store.  http://products.ironhorsemedia.com/CatalogDisplay.cfm?cid=6

What happened next is a story which I will save for a different time,   Suffice to say  my company was almost bought  and I ended up with a great paying job as a sales engineer for enterprise solutions.   That was until the declined of the dot-coms.  After some soul-searching and the wanting to get back into CAD,  I was reunited with the then director of Turbocad Robert Berry, with whom I help to start CADCourse.net which is where I was introduced Jack Zimmer.  Actually, I had knowledge of Jack's work at the tail-end of my Floorplan 3-D product management days.   Little did I know then that about 10 years later Jack would be my business partner.  

Jack holds a Masters degree in architecture, but also has 20+ years experience in the construction industry.
This is a unique combination, since many architects seemingly design without the knowledge or concern of the practicality of building what they design.   This being the case,  there is a delicate balance between what architect delivers and what the contractor builds or recommends to the client.   Decisions are constantly being made as to the practicality and cost of a design compared to its artistic beauty.  I feel this gives us a unique perspective in working with builders, designs, contractors, developers, architects and even homeowners.   Couple that with the convenience and accessibility of collaborating online with our clients using the latest technologies and we are able to provide what I hope is the best experience possible for construction drawing and floor plan design marketplace.  

Until next time,
Dave Taylor
dtaylor@aeccadpro.com

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Comments

• 2/10/2007 8:00 AM Jack Zimmer wrote:
  Dave Taylor and I just returned from the Orlando International Builders Show and following are some tips and tricks I wish to share.
  
  Many of your local companies attend such shows. You should make and effort to speak with them at least one month before the show starts and see if they can get you complimentary passes. In many cases this involves going to a website, filling out pre registration forms and then picking up your passes when you get to the show. Lines can be long but registration is relatively quick. Make sure to have an ID along and copy of your preregistration form.
  
  Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to hotels and these can vary from 5 Star to a nice, clean place to crash for the night. Transportations is similar, you can rent a basic car, a Ford Shelby or use cab or local shuttles.
  
  Which ever method of transportation or accommodations you chose, make sure to take advantage of the shows promotional codes for discounts , make sure to check out options like Price Line , Expedia, Hotels.com and be sure to book in advance. The lowest rates are given to those booking in advance.
  
  Some people get hotel very close to the show (at slightly higher prices) but save $$ by using Shuttle Ground Transportation saving gas / car rental and parking fees + the hassle.
  
  I rented a car and booked a nice clean Super 8 room 3 miles away at a lower cost and rented a car for $160 for 5 days. This allowed for a visit to Daytona Beach and the Kennedy Space Center / Ocean and more flexibility, making it a great mix of show and mini vacation. Getting GPS in the car would be a smart time saving move. Getting a full tank of gas at time of pick up worked great as there was no need to 'fill the tank' before starting and returning the car.
  
  Prices for food at the show will be inflated like any captured audience event so plan accordingly. You have spent good money traveling and staying at such an event, so hold on the partying until the night after the attending and get a good night sleep. Get up early, have a good breakfast and head to the show early. You may have to wait to get in as most opening times are around 9am but there is much to do while waiting.
  
  The most important advice is to wear shoes and clothes that are comfortable, looking cool is not important after walking for 5 hours and your feet are already giving out along with your back.
  
  Travel light and carry a bag for pamphlets and samples. Swipe your card at booths to receive further information. Cameras are usually not allowed as booths are customized.
  
  Most shows are huge, you'll get overloaded with info and need to ask direct questions and move on to see everything.
  
  Also bring your Credit Card and try to buy anything of interest at the show as prices are drastically discounted.
  
  Keeping some of these tips in mind will make your trip to such shows successful and they are worth attending.
  
  Jack Zimmer
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• 2/10/2007 11:35 PM Dave Calder wrote:
  Well Dave, at last I get to comment to the third party of the Building muskateers. Rob Berry, I have known since he first started with T.C. I have written briefly and heard Jack Zimmer demonstrate Envisioneer and this blog is an excellent way of sharing to everyone. The building expo that you have experienced must be something that needs seeing to believe from what I gleen. I certainly would like to attend that one sometime in the future.
  I contact Geoff Bindon and call in for a cuppa coffee almost fortnightly as I visit a site in his area frequently. This weekend he happens to be taking a bit of a break and I wanted to speak to him about the specials on Envisioneer that Rob wrote about. Would those specials still apply to South Africa at this late stage?
  Keep up the excellent work. Many folk have bought products from your demonstrating as you do...Dave Calder
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