Clear Impact Podcast

Quick Summary How do you lead a manufacturing transformation that impacts both people and performance? In this episode, Chris Ruff, Senior Director of Operations at MITER Brands, shares how Florida’s leading impact-resistant window and door manufacturer navigated intense operational change and built a “We Are Florida” culture focused on quality, resilience, and team unity. Listeners will discover how MITER Brands consolidated facilities, moved product lines like the Sparta™ and Scout™ series, and elevated both efficiency and employee morale—all while anchoring its brand in Florida’s hurricane protection legacy. This episode is packed with insights for dealers, coastal homeowners, and industry professionals who want to understand what drives true operational excellence and a people-first approach. What You’ll Learn The inside story of MITER Brands’ “We Are Florida” transformation and how it strengthened team culture and product quality. How impact-resistant windows and doors are designed to protect homes in Florida’s most demanding coastal environments. Practical strategies for improving lead times, on-time delivery, and “as delivered quality” in manufacturing. Why operational excellence, continuous improvement, and a relentless pursuit of 100% matter for both business success and customer trust. Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 01:05 – The challenge and opportunity of integrating MITER Brands and PGT 03:18 – How the “We Are Florida” identity shapes the company’s mission 05:42 – Launching the Sparta™ and Scout™ aluminum lines for coastal protection 07:57 – Improving output, quality, and team morale through daily problem-solving 11:10 – Building a people-first culture and supporting the workforce 12:45 – The meaning of “relentless pursuit of 100%” and lessons from tough decisions Meet the Guest Chris Ruff is the Senior Director of Operations for MITER Brands’ Venice, WinDoor, and Fort Myers facilities. With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, Chris has led teams through major transitions and is passionate about building a culture rooted in quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned MITER Brands University (workforce and dealer education) Sparta™ and Scout™ aluminum product families “We Are Florida” branded framework On-time, in-full (OTIF) and “as delivered quality” (ADQ) performance metrics Closing Insight & Call to Action “Pride, unity, and a relentless pursuit of 100%—that’s what drives us forward every day.” Subscribe to stay connected and never miss an episode packed with operational insights and industry leadership from MITER Brands.

Curious about how the next generation of windows is designed and built? This episode of The Clear Impact Podcast features Brent Wright, Project Manager for New Product Development, sharing the story behind the C700 fiberglass series. Discover how MITER Brands leverages customer insight, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development to deliver modern, energy-efficient window solutions. Episode Summary Host Sherri Connor from MITER Brands University connects with Brent Wright to explore the launch of the C700 fiberglass window series. Together, they reveal how collaborative design, rigorous testing, and automation drive innovation and quality in window manufacturing. The conversation highlights the importance of customer feedback, clean modern aesthetics, and practical energy-saving features. This conversation offers valuable takeaways for anyone interested in home improvement, architecture, or product innovation. What You’ll Learn How customer feedback shapes modern window design and performance Key features and benefits of the C700 fiberglass series The role of automation and operational excellence in manufacturing Practical energy-efficient trends in window technology

How do industry leaders drive innovation and quality in the window and door business? This episode explores how collaboration, dealer feedback, and evolving company culture are delivering superior products and customer experiences. Listeners will hear firsthand about Milgard's C700 Fiberglass product line, dealer-driven improvements, and the unique relationships that fuel success. GUEST: Jared Wright (Open and Close Windows and Doors, Tucson, AZ) GUEST: Bryson Gunter (Utah Window Experts) What You’ll Learn How industry events strengthen dealer networks and business strategies Why dealer feedback is essential for product innovation and quality control The features and benefits of in-house flex screens, casement windows, and smart touch locks How transparent, family-like relationships drive mutual success The positive culture at MITER Brands Episode Highlights 02:00 – Bryson and Jared discuss the value of industry events and networking 06:00 – In-house flex screen production: quality and speed improvements 08:30 – The importance of transparent dealer-manufacturer relationships 10:15 – MITER employee shares insights on cultural evolution and community focus 12:30 – First Impressions of the C700 product 16:30 - Product Improvements vs Previous lines 20:15 - Importance of Dealer feedback

What if you could unlock the secrets behind the window and door industry’s most innovative products and the people who drive them? This episode explores how advanced manufacturing, customer feedback, and transformational leadership are shaping the future of impact-resistant windows and doors. Listeners will discover actionable insights from industry veterans, learn about the launch of the C700 series, and understand what sets MITER Brands apart in quality and customer experience. What You’ll Learn Why customer-centric retail models are changing the window and door landscape How MITER Brands uses automation and RFID technology to elevate product quality Key features of the C700 series and its impact in markets like Seattle, Portland, and fire-affected regions Episode Highlights 02:10 – Lee Brohel’s journey from selling overruns to focusing on retail and customer needs 04:30 – Tai’s career progression at Milgard and the influence of legacy customer standards 06:15 – Factory tour: automation, RFID, and MITER’s upgraded facility 08:00 – Launch of the C700 product: slim design, large sizes, and regional impact 10:30 – John, Linda, and Tony share optimism about C700 in fire-affected and challenging markets 12:00 – Customer feedback leads to seamless screens and advanced packaging Meet the Guest Lee Brohel is the owner of Discount Windows in Oregon, known for his shift to a retail-focused model and commitment to serving both contractors and homeowners. Tai Birch is a senior sales leader at Milgard, recognized for her dedication to customer excellence and leadership in the Pacific Northwest. Jon and Linda from Jon's Window & Awning in Burbank, California, and Tony Quatraro, director of the Southwest for Milgard, share their perspectives on product innovation and market needs.

When Milgard launches a product, they do it right. This episode captures real reactions from the C700 product pre-launch event in Tacoma. Hear how dealers, builders, and industry experts describe the features, installation, and market impact of MITER Brands’ newest fiberglass product line. What You’ll Learn What dealers and builders value most in the C700’s design and performance How new features like Smart Touch locks and improved corners help with installation and durability Why the C700 is seen as a top choice for custom, multifamily, and commercial projects The importance of packaging, color options, and easy handling in product adoption Episode Highlights 03:12 – First impressions of the C700 at the Tacoma event 09:30 – How the C700 enables bigger and more complex building projects 14:50 – The impact of Smart Touch lock and new corner technology 18:40 – Building strong marketing partnerships with Milgard Meet the Guests Nathan & Heidi Boos (Hillsview Building Windows & Doors), Eli Geschwentner (Westin Windows), Larry (Southgate Glass), Todd Ward and Anthony Scales (MITER Brands, Milgard) share their hands-on experiences with the C700.