Thousands of attendees flocked to the VSI booth at the 2009 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas. Visitors were invited to take vinyl siding for a "test spin" to see why it's the smart choice in exterior cladding — and they had the opportunity to win $3,800 toward a lease of a Smart Car.

At the VSI booth, visitors were enticed to spin a wheel to reveal an array of advantages that vinyl siding delivers. Messages included details about design, beauty, durability, sustainability and value.

In addition, a Smart Car was on display to remind visitors to enter the sweepstakes.

The lucky winner of the Smart Car sweepstakes was Bryan Sipple, vice president/chief operating officer of Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee (Wisconsin).

"I was really surprised to learn that I'd won," Bryan said. He commented that he originally stopped by the VSI booth because he wanted to talk to the VSI representatives. When one rep told Bryan he could swipe his show badge and be entered into the sweepstakes, he did so.

"I'm a long-time fan of vinyl siding," Bryan said. "We use vinyl a lot — siding, gable shakes and window wraps, just to name a few ways. We often build homes with stone, stucco or brick fronts and vinyl siding on the other three sides."

Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee does both new construction and remodeling projects. Bryan said their average new construction home is around 3,000 square feet with an average sales price of about $400,000.

And what role does Bryan see for vinyl siding in today's economy?