Company: National Nail Corp., Grand Rapids, MI
Company Description: National Nail Corp. has been serving businesses since 1963. We are an employee-owned manufacturer and distributor of high quality, innovative building product and service solutions for the residential and commercial construction industries.
Nomination Category: Products & Product Management Categories
Nomination Sub Category: New Product or Service of the Year - Consumer Products

Nomination Title: National Nail Corp.'s CAMO Hidden Deck Fastening System

Tell the story about this nominated product or service (up to 500 words). Describe its function, features, benefits, and performance to date.

We set out to create a better deck fastening solution for wood decks. Face fasteners are inexpensive, fast, and easy to install; but they splinter, pop and aren’t hidden. Biscuits are hidden, but are labor intensive and complex to install. What if…there was a fastener alternative that provided all the advantages of both with none of the disadvantages?

The CAMO Hidden Deck Fastening System is that alternative - versatile, affordable, easy-to-install. Great for wood decks, CAMO Hidden Fasteners deliver a beautiful, fastener-free surface and work in solid or grooved composite and PVC decking. The patented system includes Hidden Fasteners, Marksman™ tools and Driver Bits. Together, they enable fasteners to penetrate the side of the deckboard, allowing screws to be hidden and securing deckboards directly to the joist.

National Nail Corp. introduced CAMO at the 2011 NAHB International Builders’ Show. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and in a short time, this unknown “CAMO thing” has become one of the most sought-after deck fastening solutions of 2011.

The magic is in the screw. The reverse rake tip removes deck material as it bores, allowing the screw to penetrate the board without splitting. No pre-drilling is typically required, and screws back out easily if a board needs replacement. The trimhead design provides a less visible point of entry, and the star drive offers more points of contact for better performance. Fasteners come in 1-7/8” and 2-3/8” lengths, and in ProTech coated and 316 Stainless Steel, both ACQ-compatible. A Limited Lifetime Warranty provides peace of mind.

CAMO Marksman tools position CAMO deck screws to penetrate the deckboard, providing the right angle of entry and automatic 3/16” spacing between boards.

The Marksman Pro™ and Marksman Pro– NB are designed to fit 5 ¼” – 5 ¾” and 3¼” – 5” deckboards. Tools clamp securely to the deckboard, and dual screw guides enable both sides of the board to be fastened with single tool placement.

CAMO Driver Bits and Grooved Board Driver Bits are engineered specifically for use with the CAMO system. The built-in shoulder sets automatic depth of drive for maximum holding power, and prevents over-driving the screw. Driver Bits are included in all Hidden Fastener pails and are also sold separately.

Since its market launch April 1, 2011, CAMO is not only Changing the FACE of Decking™, it’s changing our business. Immediate results include:

• Market share growth - a recent study by “Professional Deck Builder” shows nearly 1 in 5 deck builders expect to use CAMO in 2012
• Channel growth – an “asked for” brand of Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards; added 250 new independents and chains
• Geographic expansion through new distribution partners: 10 national /5 international
• Increased brand awareness - received a “Home Improvement Executive” 2011 Innovation Award, and “LBM Journal’s” 2011 Hot Products Award; featured by This Old House® in print, online and on television, and by Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford® online and on television.

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Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader(s) of the team that developed this nominated product or service:

W. Scott Baker is President/CEO of National Nail Corp. (NNC), a 100% employee-owned building materials manufacturer and distributor, headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI. NNC serves the residential construction industry from four locations, and customers residing in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. Scott joined NNC in 1997. Under his leadership, the company has nearly tripled in size, expanded nationally and internationally, and developed a global sourcing and supply chain process. Focused on innovation, Scott led the development of four unique brands: Pro-Fit® Fasteners, STINGER® Cap Systems, Impressions Storm Doors & Windows, and most recently, CAMO Hidden Fasteners and Exterior Screws.