Q1: You’ve been with Windows Doors & More for close to 35 years — What has made you stick with the business and what do you love most about the work you do?
I find it incredibly satisfying to help people with their homes and projects. Helping make our customers homes the way they want and seeing them enjoy the final outcome is something that will never get old. Seeing projects come to fruition and then completion for customers who love the work we’ve done is very rewarding. Windows, Doors & More has been around for 39 years and I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of it for 33.
Q2: What do you attribute the longevity and success of Windows Doors & More to and why?
Our commitment to customer satisfaction and to providing some of the very best products available within the industry. We install top-of-the-line product in a very professional manner, but if there’s such a thing as a secret sauce for success, it’s our people. We’ve had employees here for over 20 years and that is very uncommon in our world. We have a great core group of people that have been here for a very long time. In addition to our people, we have a fantastic local manufacturer who is able to get things done for us in a timely fashion. We’re not perfect, but we do everything we can to leave our customers happy. In 2019 we received an award from Window + Door magazine for National Home Improvement Company of the Year, chosen for technology and dedication to customers. That award is given out on a national scale and is the largest we’ve ever received. It’s a testament to the dedicated team we have and the incredible work they do.
Q3: Is there a business mission that you and the employees live by? How do you instill those values in your staff?
Windows Doors & More exists to provide and expertly install high-quality home improvement products for homeowners in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Our company is committed to integrity and excellence, delivering the latest technology in product and design. We are a locally-owned and operated business that impacts our world through dynamic community involvement. Our passionate employees, quality craftsmanship and no-haggle, consistent pricing build long-lasting client relationships. We constantly talk about leaving customers well — even prospective customers. I implore that our employees leave our customers well. If we aren’t doing work for them right now, it could be later. My team probably gets tired of me saying that, but it’s something that is demanded. Our community is a big, small town and we need to leave people completely satisfied. Our future depends on how we treat people and we don’t take that lightly.
Q4: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to fish and I need to do more of it. It reminds me of my dad who passed away last year. Fishing gives me time to reflect, and it’s soothing and relaxing. I’ve gone on a couple fishing trips and charters, and have caught some incredible, huge fish. I’ve caught amazing red snappers in Florida and rainbow trout in Alaska. Those trips are always a great time.
Q5: What do the next five years look like for you?
Business-wise, the next five years will be about transitioning and growing in the technology realm. We want to take our customer experience to another level and explore software that can better show clients our products on their homes. We do everything we can to make sure our customers are satisfied and while we show well in our current showroom, we want to be better. We’re looking at creative ways to show homeowners what they’re going to get. We currently have different styles of homes present in our showroom, but customers want to see and know more about product on their specific home. It’s my job over the next five years to up our game and ensure homeowners know what they’re getting and how it’s going to look. We’ve always prided ourselves on being ahead of the curve and we need to take that even further.
Q6: How has Windows Doors & More grown and evolved over the last 10 years?
Our growth has been phenomenal. We’ve significantly jumped in number of employees and customers. Ten years ago we worked on around 400 homes per year and now we work on 4,000 per year. It’s been a significant increase. We’ve also grown from 30-35 employees to 150 employees and contractors. We are hiring great talent and conduct assessments to ensure we are finding the right people to fit our culture. There are many moving parts to a successful, growing organization, and these assessments help us make sure we’re finding quality candidates. We want to find better doers and individuals who work well with a team, because it truly does take a team. We have a dedicated group of people that are excellent in producing day in and day out.
Q7: What are you most looking forward to this spring and summer?
I’m really looking forward to time with my family. We enjoy going to the lake on the weekends and I appreciate that time to rejuvenate and recharge the batteries. I’m also looking forward to hiking over the summer. We have a trip to Wyoming planned that I’m especially excited about.
