Gary P. Langley

Bidding/designing / welding/fabricating/ training leading and supervising all hands

• Analyzed industry trends to develop competitive strategies.
• Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
• Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
• Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
• Created marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
• Monitored performance of personnel against goals set forth by the company.
• Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities.
• Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
• Provided direction and guidance to employees.
• Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
• Researched potential partners in order to expand services offered.
• Implemented quality assurance processes to ensure product excellence.
• Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Reviewed legal documents related to business operations.
• Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to business operations.
• Employed and managed vendors by negotiating deliverables, cost and expected quality.
• Executed performance reviews to encourage improved productivity for team members.
• Analyzed client business needs and assisted in determining appropriate resources and strategies.
• Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
• Led startup and creation of operational procedures and workflow planning.
• Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship, and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables.
• Developed and implemented successful sales strategies to meet business goals.
• Negotiated with vendors to gain optimal pricing on products resulting in substantial increase in profit margin.
• Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
• Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
• Supervised performance of workers with goals of improving productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
• Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
• Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
• Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
• Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
• Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
• Improved productivity initiatives, managing budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
• Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
• Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
• Forecasted customer demand to set prices or credit terms for goods or services.
• Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
• Directed or coordinated financial or budget activities to fund operations and maximize investments.
• Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
• Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
• Utilized oxyacetylene torches for preheating metals prior to welding or bending them into desired shapes.
• Cleaned joints before beginning any type of welding process by chipping off slag with a hammer or wire brush.
• Adjusted settings on machines such as current level so it matches the specifications outlined in blueprints and drawings.
• Performed gas tungsten arc welding with filler rods as needed.
• Troubleshot problems related to welds including porosity issues caused by improper shielding gas flow rates.
• Conducted flux core arc welding when applicable.
• Ensured that all welds met code requirements through visual inspection methods such as radiography testing where applicable.
• Operated manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment to cut metal for fabrication of products.
• Trained apprentices in safety procedures and use of tools, equipment used during fabrication, welding operations.
• Applied shielded metal arc welding techniques with electrodes in flat, horizontal vertical positions as well as overhead applications.
• Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding progress updates on assigned tasks.
• Inspected completed work for conformance to specifications using various instruments.
• Determined appropriate filler metal type based on joint design and material being joined together.
• Installed new plant equipment per manufacturer's instructions while adhering to safety protocols.
• Performed preventative maintenance on welding tools and equipment.
• Gathered required materials for each project in order to meet production deadlines.
• Repaired broken or cracked parts using cutting torches and welding equipment.
• Set up welding machines based on the job at hand.
• Fabricated and welded components to assemble structural forms, such as machinery frames, tanks, pressure vessels, and furnace shells.
• Maintained a clean working environment by removing scrap metal from work areas.
• Constructed templates and jigs for fabrication according to blueprints.
• Monitored the fitting, burning, and welding processes to avoid overheating of parts or warping, shrinking, distortion, or expansion of material.
• Read blueprints, drawings related to projects in order to determine proper dimensions of components being fabricated, welded together.
• Repaired structures by dismantling, reshaping and reassembling metal components with cutting torches and hand tools.
• Operated manual and semi-automatic welding equipment in vertical, horizontal and overhead positions.
• Heated and dissolved metal parts to obtain molten substance used in welding or extrusion.
• Completed minor torch ups with MIG welders.
• Monitored fitting, burning and welding processes to avoid overheating parts, warping, shrinking, distortion and expansion of materials.
• Read blueprints and drawings and took measurements to plan layout and procedures.
• Prepared broken parts for welding by properly grooving and scarfing surfaces.
• Determined welding strategies using metallurgy knowledge, geometry, and welding techniques.
• Laid out, positioned, aligned and secured parts and assemblies with straightedges, squares and calipers.
• Set up equipment and welded parts according to welding chart specifications and type.
• Scraped off excess spatter using portable grinders and arc-cutting equipment.
• Adjusted gas flow and pressure to create and maintain desired flames.
• Operated manual and semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments together.
• Followed safety guidelines through proper machine guarding and lockout and tagout procedures.
• Conducted x-ray, hydrostatic and tolerance tests on welded parts to verify weld quality and conformance to specification.
• Used welding skills to help repair and maintain heavy-duty machinery.
• Maximized shop organization and equipment lifespan by maintaining equipment.
• Welded fabrication materials, continuously checking for safety and quality.
• Prepared workpiece edges by grinding, cutting, buffing or bending to verify snug fit.
• Cut, contoured and beveled metal and structural shapes to achieve accurate dimensions.
• Safely ignited torches and monitored surroundings to proactively identify hazards.
• Cleaned and inspected parts and assemblies at each production stage and documented production defects.
• Adjusted weld machines to correct settings for precision and waste reduction.
• Positioned and clamped workpieces together and properly assembled in jigs and fixtures.
• Produced work using appropriate welding techniques, metallurgy knowledge and engineering requirements.
• Determined equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry and welding techniques.
• Marked or tagged material with job number, piece marks and other identifying marks.
• Welded components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
• Selected and installed torches, filler rods and flux according to welding chart specifications.
• Positioned and secured workpieces using hoists, wire and banding machines or hand tools.
• Prepared material surfaces for welding by removing scale, rust or other foreign matter.
• Measured workpieces with straightedges or templates to conform with specifications.
• Aligned and clamped workpieces using rules, squares or hand tools.
• Recognized, set up, and operated shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
• Detected faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notified supervisors.
• Connected and turned regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure and obtain desired flames.
• Operated welding machines to fabricate and assemble metal components.
• Repaired worn parts of metal products by welding on extra layers of metal.
• Assisted in the assembly of heavy machinery such as conveyor systems when needed.
• Worked closely with other tradesmen such as pipefitters and electricians during fabrication process.
• Identified defects in welds such as porosity, cracks, slag inclusion.
• Set up jigs, fixtures or other holding devices according to blueprint specifications.
• Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety policies and procedures.
• Loaded, unloaded components onto, from pallets utilizing overhead crane system where applicable.
• Fabricated custom parts from raw materials using manual machining equipment.
• Performed grinding operations using grinders or buffers to smooth surfaces after welding.
• Interpreted blueprints to determine job requirements including dimensions and tolerances.
• Assisted in the design process by providing technical advice regarding fabrication techniques.
• Installed fabricated items in accordance with drawings and specifications.
• Ensured proper maintenance was performed on all shop equipment used in order to maintain efficiency.
• Performed layout, fitting, and welding of structural steel members to specified tolerances.
• Inspected finished welds for conformance with specifications and visually inspected assemblies for quality assurance.
• Cut materials such as steel plates, tubes, bars, angles, channels using hand tools and power saws.
• Measured and marked material for cutting or shaping using measuring tools.
• Used oxy-acetylene torches to cut, bend or straighten metal objects as required.
• Utilized plasma cutter when necessary to cut through thick pieces of metal quickly.
• Assembled components into subassemblies or complete units prior to installation.
• Selected appropriate filler metals based on type of base materials being joined.
• Disposed of faulty, broken and dirty products and reported losses to supervisors.
• Gathered required parts for product assembly and ordered new materials to prevent shortages.
• Performed quality assurance tests on products to adhere to production standards.
• Fitted and aligned parts to fit properly on products.
• Designed and utilized templates to measure and efficiently shape products.
• Used welding and soldering equipment to join sheet metal components following blueprints and job specifications.
• Operated, calibrated and performed preventative maintenance on fabrication machines.
• Set up and operated production equipment according to daily work orders and safety procedures.
• Adhered to production schedules to meet company goals.
• Read and interpreted schematics and drawings for accurate results.
• Reviewed blueprints and schematics to fabricate products according to necessary specifications.
• Created templates for repetitive tasks to expedite fabrication processes.
• Inspected finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications.
• Assembled machinery from component parts, following prescribed instructions to support correct configurations.
• Measured and marked cutting lines on materials and products.
• Adhered to work safety standards, wore protective equipment and removed workplace hazards from job sites.
• Assessed work for errors or compliance issues and made corrections or modifications.
• Installed heat trace tape to tubing and controls and bent large tubing with power bender.
• Fabricated machine parts using lathes, mills and various other powered equipment.
• Retrieved correct materials from product inventory to perform various fabrication duties.
• Assembled complex components after careful review of project specifications and directions.
• Completed preventative maintenance tasks for machinery and scheduled large-scale repairs.
• Powered up, calibrated and shut down fabricating machinery according to company regulations.
• Tracked material inventories and ordered new parts to prevent shortages.
• Assembled and completed products according to production schedules.
• Promoted worksite safety by explaining and enforcing OSHA requirements.
• Recorded and reported product damages and malfunctions for supervisor review.
• Monitored employee productivity levels on a regular basis to identify areas of improvement.
• Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensured compliance with workplace safety regulations by providing training sessions for all staff members.
• Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.
• Conducted weekly meetings with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
• Performed monthly inventory checks to ensure sufficient stock levels for all products.
• Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy of workflows.
• Participated in recruitment efforts by interviewing prospective candidates for open positions.
• Tracked progress on projects and provided timely feedback to staff members.
• Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
• Developed strategies to improve team performance and productivity.
• Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
• Created new strategies for improving customer service standards within the organization.
• Directed and supervised team of 15 employees in daily operations.
• Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
• Addressed and resolved interpersonal conflicts within the team, maintaining a harmonious work environment.
• Negotiated with vendors and suppliers to secure advantageous terms and pricing.
• Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Managed budget for department, ensuring all expenses stayed within allocated funds.
• Coordinated with other department supervisors to ensure smooth workflow and project alignment.
• Acted as a liaison between upper management and staff, facilitating open communication.
• Led weekly team meetings to discuss progress, address issues, and plan future actions.
• Streamlined workflow processes, reducing project completion times.
• Responded to customer questions regarding products, prices and availability.
• Trained new employees on company policies, job duties, and performance expectations.
• Managed scheduling for staff, ensuring adequate coverage during peak times and projects.
• Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and setting individual goals.
• Implemented quality control measures, significantly reducing error rates.
• Negotiated with suppliers to secure cost-effective resources.
• Oversaw inventory management, ensuring adequate stock levels and reducing waste.
• Monitored employee attendance, addressing any punctuality or absenteeism issues.
• Implemented new operational procedures, increasing efficiency.
• Developed and maintained a safe working environment, adhering to all safety protocols and regulations.
• Fostered a positive and motivating work environment, leading to an increase in team morale.
• Complied with company policies, objectives and communication goals.
• Prepared and presented reports on team performance, challenges, and achievements to senior management.
• Managed team of XX employees, ensuring high productivity and quality standards were met.
• Identified opportunities for process improvements, leading to cost reductions and increased productivity.
• Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
• Monitored operations and reviewed records and metrics to understand company performance.
• Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
• Assessed company operations for compliance with safety standards.
• Created plans to propose solutions to problems related to efficiency, costs or profits.
• Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
• Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
• Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
• Analyzed key performance indicators to identify effective strategies.
• Organized client meetings to provide project updates.
• Oversaw quality control to identify inconsistencies and malfunctions.
• Evaluated needs of departments and delegated tasks to optimize overall production.
• Worked closely with human resources to support employee management and organizational planning.
• Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
• Resolved any issues raised by participants during the training session in a timely manner.
• Created multimedia presentations with PowerPoint and video conferencing tools.
• Conducted onboarding sessions to orientate new staff members about company policies and procedures.
• Designed and developed training materials for new employees in the organization.
• Adapted teaching methods according to the needs of individual learners or groups.
• Maintained up-to-date records of trainee progress and provided regular updates to management team.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
• Recommended changes or improvements in existing training processes as needed.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.
• Provided constructive feedback and positive reinforcement to keep trainees motivated.
• Trained newly hired top talent to fill key positions and maximize productivity.
• Negotiated contracts with clients for desired training outcomes, fees or expenses.

• Company Overview: Gas & Oilfield Welding Vessels-Welder Fabrication. Website: Not provided.
• Gas & Oilfield Welding Vessels-Welder Fabrication. Website: Not provided.
• Utilized oxyacetylene torches for preheating metals prior to welding or bending them into desired shapes.
• Ensured that all welds met code requirements through visual inspection methods such as radiography testing where applicable.
• Applied shielded metal arc welding techniques with electrodes in flat, horizontal vertical positions as well as overhead applications.
• Read blueprints, drawings related to projects in order to determine proper dimensions of components being fabricated, welded together.
• Conducted flux core arc welding when applicable.
• Troubleshot problems related to welds including porosity issues caused by improper shielding gas flow rates.
• Fabricated and welded components to assemble structural forms, such as machinery frames, tanks, pressure vessels, and furnace shells.
• Monitored the fitting, burning, and welding processes to avoid overheating of parts or warping, shrinking, distortion, or expansion of material.
• Cleaned joints before beginning any type of welding process by chipping off slag with a hammer or wire brush.
• Gathered required materials for each project in order to meet production deadlines.
• Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding progress updates on assigned tasks.
• Operated manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment to cut metal for fabrication of products.
• Determined appropriate filler metal type based on joint design and material being joined together.
• Inspected completed work for conformance to specifications using various instruments.
• Constructed templates and jigs for fabrication according to blueprints.
• Maintained a clean working environment by removing scrap metal from work areas.
• Adjusted settings on machines such as current level so it matches the specifications outlined in blueprints and drawings.
• Performed preventative maintenance on welding tools and equipment.
• Performed gas tungsten arc welding with filler rods as needed.
• Repaired structures by dismantling, reshaping and reassembling metal components with cutting torches and hand tools.
• Operated manual and semi-automatic welding equipment in vertical, horizontal and overhead positions.
• Heated and dissolved metal parts to obtain molten substance used in welding or extrusion.
• Completed minor torch ups with MIG welders.
• Adjusted gas flow and pressure to create and maintain desired flames.
• Laid out, positioned, aligned and secured parts and assemblies with straightedges, squares and calipers.
• Determined welding strategies using metallurgy knowledge, geometry, and welding techniques.
• Followed safety guidelines through proper machine guarding and lockout and tagout procedures.
• Used welding skills to help repair and maintain heavy-duty machinery.
• Read blueprints and drawings and took measurements to plan layout and procedures.
• Set up equipment and welded parts according to welding chart specifications and type.
• Monitored fitting, burning and welding processes to avoid overheating parts, warping, shrinking, distortion and expansion of materials.
• Maximized shop organization and equipment lifespan by maintaining equipment.
• Conducted x-ray, hydrostatic and tolerance tests on welded parts to verify weld quality and conformance to specification.
• Prepared broken parts for welding by properly grooving and scarfing surfaces.
• Operated manual and semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments together.
• Scraped off excess spatter using portable grinders and arc-cutting equipment.
• Adjusted weld machines to correct settings for precision and waste reduction.
• Produced work using appropriate welding techniques, metallurgy knowledge and engineering requirements.
• Cleaned and inspected parts and assemblies at each production stage and documented production defects.
• Cut, contoured and beveled metal and structural shapes to achieve accurate dimensions.
• Welded fabrication materials, continuously checking for safety and quality.
• Positioned and clamped workpieces together and properly assembled in jigs and fixtures.
• Prepared workpiece edges by grinding, cutting, buffing or bending to verify snug fit.
• Safely ignited torches and monitored surroundings to proactively identify hazards.
• Connected and turned regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure and obtain desired flames.
• Welded components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
• Determined equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry and welding techniques.
• Aligned and clamped workpieces using rules, squares or hand tools.
• Detected faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notified supervisors.
• Measured workpieces with straightedges or templates to conform with specifications.
• Recognized, set up, and operated shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
• Positioned and secured workpieces using hoists, wire and banding machines or hand tools.
• Selected and installed torches, filler rods and flux according to welding chart specifications.
• Melted and applied solder along adjoining edges of workpieces to solder joints.
• Prepared material surfaces for welding by removing scale, rust or other foreign matter.
• Marked or tagged material with job number, piece marks and other identifying marks.
• Inspected finished welds for conformance with specifications and visually inspected assemblies for quality assurance.
• Assembled components into subassemblies or complete units prior to installation.
• Performed layout, fitting, and welding of structural steel members to specified tolerances.
• Repaired worn parts of metal products by welding on extra layers of metal.
• Measured and marked material for cutting or shaping using measuring tools.
• Loaded, unloaded components onto, from pallets utilizing overhead crane system where applicable.
• Assisted in the assembly of heavy machinery such as conveyor systems when needed.
• Utilized plasma cutter when necessary to cut through thick pieces of metal quickly.
• Selected appropriate filler metals based on type of base materials being joined.
• Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety policies and procedures.
• Used oxy-acetylene torches to cut, bend or straighten metal objects as required.
• Installed fabricated items in accordance with drawings and specifications.
• Cut materials such as steel plates, tubes, bars, angles, channels using hand tools and power saws.
• Fabricated custom parts from raw materials using manual machining equipment.
• Set up jigs, fixtures or other holding devices according to blueprint specifications.
• Ensured proper maintenance was performed on all shop equipment used in order to maintain efficiency.
• Interpreted blueprints to determine job requirements including dimensions and tolerances.
• Operated welding machines to fabricate and assemble metal components.
• Performed grinding operations using grinders or buffers to smooth surfaces after welding.
• Identified defects in welds such as porosity, cracks, slag inclusion.
• Worked closely with other tradesmen such as pipefitters and electricians during fabrication process.
• Used hand tools to position, align and secure product components.
• Designed and utilized templates to measure and efficiently shape products.
• Marked cutting lines and measurements on materials.
• Interpreted product assembly instructions from blueprints and manuals.
• Fitted and aligned parts to fit properly on products.
• Adhered to production schedules to meet company goals.
• Used welding and soldering equipment to join sheet metal components following blueprints and job specifications.
• Performed quality assurance tests on products to adhere to production standards.
• Operated, calibrated and performed preventative maintenance on fabrication machines.
• Participated in product development sessions to learn new product specifications and brainstorm new work strategies.
• Set up and operated production equipment according to daily work orders and safety procedures.
• Disposed of faulty, broken and dirty products and reported losses to supervisors.
• Assembled complex components after careful review of project specifications and directions.
• Measured and marked cutting lines on materials and products.
• Recorded and reported product damages and malfunctions for supervisor review.
• Assembled and completed products according to production schedules.
• Inspected finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications.
• Reviewed blueprints and schematics to fabricate products according to necessary specifications.
• Assembled machinery from component parts, following prescribed instructions to support correct configurations.
• Completed preventative maintenance tasks for machinery and scheduled large-scale repairs.
• Utilized furnaces and other heating equipment to weld, shape and fuse materials.
• Fabricated machine parts using lathes, mills and various other powered equipment.
• Created templates for repetitive tasks to expedite fabrication processes.
• Read and interpreted schematics and drawings for accurate results.
• Assessed work for errors or compliance issues and made corrections or modifications.
• Retrieved correct materials from product inventory to perform various fabrication duties.
• Promoted worksite safety by explaining and enforcing OSHA requirements.
• Adhered to work safety standards, wore protective equipment and removed workplace hazards from job sites.
• Powered up, calibrated and shut down fabricating machinery according to company regulations.

• Company Overview: Website: Not provided.
• Website: Not provided.
• Applied shielded metal arc welding techniques with electrodes in flat, horizontal vertical positions as well as overhead applications.
• Fabricated and welded components to assemble structural forms, such as machinery frames, tanks, pressure vessels, and furnace shells.
• Gathered required materials for each project in order to meet production deadlines.
• Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding progress updates on assigned tasks.
• Monitored the fitting, burning, and welding processes to avoid overheating of parts or warping, shrinking, distortion, or expansion of material.
• Maintained a clean working environment by removing scrap metal from work areas.
• Cleaned joints before beginning any type of welding process by chipping off slag with a hammer or wire brush.
• Set up welding machines based on the job at hand.
• Ensured that all welds met code requirements through visual inspection methods such as radiography testing where applicable.
• Troubleshot problems related to welds including porosity issues caused by improper shielding gas flow rates.
• Inspected completed work for conformance to specifications using various instruments.
• Operated manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment to cut metal for fabrication of products.
• Determined appropriate filler metal type based on joint design and material being joined together.
• Utilized oxyacetylene torches for preheating metals prior to welding or bending them into desired shapes.
• Performed gas tungsten arc welding with filler rods as needed.
• Adjusted settings on machines such as current level so it matches the specifications outlined in blueprints and drawings.
• Read blueprints, drawings related to projects in order to determine proper dimensions of components being fabricated, welded together.
• Constructed templates and jigs for fabrication according to blueprints.
• Trained apprentices in safety procedures and use of tools, equipment used during fabrication, welding operations.
• Performed preventative maintenance on welding tools and equipment.
• Conducted flux core arc welding when applicable.
• Operated manual and semi-automatic welding equipment in vertical, horizontal and overhead positions.
• Repaired structures by dismantling, reshaping and reassembling metal components with cutting torches and hand tools.
• Adjusted gas flow and pressure to create and maintain desired flames.
• Laid out, positioned, aligned and secured parts and assemblies with straightedges, squares and calipers.

Running fork lifts Running screw guns and installing sheet metal

• Performed a variety of tasks such as lifting heavy objects, carrying supplies and cleaning up debris.
• Worked closely with management team to ensure proper execution of daily operations.
• Assisted in stocking shelves, unloading merchandise and organizing inventory.
• Gathered and disposed of debris to maintain a clean work environment.
• Maintained clean and organized work areas to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Operated basic hand tools and power tools under guidance.
• Helped in installing various systems under the direction of a skilled technician.
• Loaded or unloaded building materials to distribute machinery or tools.
• Organized and cleaned work area and tools.
• Inspected completed workpieces for conformance to specifications using various gauges and other measuring devices.
• Maintained a clean work area in accordance with safety regulations.
• Fabricated metal components and structures according to blueprints, drawings, and written specifications.
• Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided them with information about products or services available.