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.

Curious how top manufacturers design the next generation of fiberglass windows and doors? In this episode, you will hear how MITER Brands brought the Milgard C700 fiberglass window line to life. The conversation explores practical innovations, the role of automation, and how teamwork creates better products for both dealers and homeowners. What You’ll Learn How the C700 was designed to meet real customer needs using advanced fiberglass technology Why automation is important for safety and production efficiency in window manufacturing How engineering and operations teams worked together to improve both product quality and workplace safety Simple ways manufacturing teams can use feedback to drive continuous improvement Episode Highlights 02:15 – Why fiberglass windows require different manufacturing methods 06:40 – How the C700 project started and what problems it solves 15:05 – What automation looks like in a modern factory 21:30 – How new corner designs prevent water leaks Meet the Guests Viktor Stantsiyer leads product engineering at Milgard. Mike Barton directs operations at Tacoma Manufacturing. They both have experience launching new products and improving manufacturing processes. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Pultrusion and hot melt injection for fiberglass Mechanically joined corners Sturtz line automation MITER Brands University for ongoing training

Want to know how a new window product changes the market? This episode tells the story of the C700 fiberglass window launch from the inside. Listeners get a clear look at how MITER Brands works with dealers, uses customer feedback, and builds lasting value through automation and innovation. What You’ll Learn Why the C700 is designed for new construction, replacement, and multifamily projects How MITER Brands uses automation to deliver consistent quality The steps MITER takes to support dealers before and after a product launch How customer input shapes both product and service at MITER Episode Highlights 01:50 – Stephen Moore’s experience with product launches at Milgard 07:30 – How the C700 meets the needs of modern homes and buildings Meet the Guest Stephen Moore is a veteran in window and door sales and product development. He shares practical knowledge and lessons from decades in the industry.

Discover how operational excellence and community-driven innovation are shaping Florida’s window and door industry in this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast featuring Chris Hewitt. Chris Hewitt shares his journey from Midwest manufacturing to leading quality and operations at MITER Brands’ Southeast facilities. Learn how MITER Brands is simplifying its product lines, investing in workforce development, and launching customer-focused innovations like protective films for vinyl finishes—all under the “We Are Florida” ethos. This episode reveals how a bias for action, continuous improvement, and local collaboration drive industry-leading quality and resilience.

Discover the power of Florida-made impact windows and doors in this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, featuring Tony Prummel, a seasoned industry expert. Our host, Sherri Connor, sits down with Tony Prummel, whose journey began in 2003 and has taken him from warehouse management to senior sales leadership MITER Brands. Tony shares firsthand insights on navigating product transitions, building customer trust, and driving innovation in Florida’s window and door manufacturing sector. What You'll Learn: How MITER Brands and PGT are redefining impact-resistant windows and doors for Florida communities The evolution of the Wingard line and its role as an industry leader Real stories of customer relationships, product verification, and adapting to change How streamlined operations and strategic decisions shape the future of Florida’s window and door industry Why Listen? This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for window and door dealers, coastal homeowners, architects, and anyone passionate about quality, energy efficiency, and hurricane protection. Discover how MITER Brands’ “We Are Florida” campaign reflects a commitment to local communities, and how innovation is creating safer, more efficient homes. Tune in for expert advice, industry authority, and the latest trends in indoor-outdoor living and energy-efficient design.

Join host Sherri Connor as she welcomes Craig Nath, manufacturing leader at MITER Brands, for an insightful conversation about operational excellence, innovation, and collaboration in the window and door industry. Craig shares his journey from production supervisor to leading manufacturing across 14 U.S. campuses, highlighting the successful integration of MITER Brands and PGT Innovations. Discover how MITER Brands combines MI’s manufacturing prowess, Milgard’s sales and marketing expertise, and Florida’s innovation culture to deliver industry-leading products—like the modern C-700 fiberglass window. Learn about advancements in automation and new glass technologies that drive both safety and job satisfaction. This episode explores: The importance of balancing automation with human expertise The launch of new products that meet evolving customer needs The value of humility, teamwork, and cross-functional collaboration Tune in to hear how MITER Brands is shaping the future of the window and door industry. Recorded before Craig’s trip to the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, this episode is a must-listen for dealers, coastal homeowners, architects, and anyone passionate about operational excellence and industry innovation.

What happens when you blend technical expertise, engineering know-how, business acumen, and a standout personality? You get Dean Ruark, Senior Vice President of Engineering at MITER Brands. In this episode, Dean discusses our approach to developing and enhancing our product portfolio. He explains how we leverage customer feedback and embrace new technologies to stay ahead of market demands.

Evaluating what works and what doesn’t work is something we all need to do from time to time. This past year has held a lot of evaluating and changing for our Florida partners – and all leading to a better future for all of us. Today’s episode brings A.J. Wells and Meggie Francisco, our Florida Sales Directors to chat about these changes. We also mention llamas, cleaning out closets, speaking Spanish, violin lessons, and the New England Patriots. You’ll have to listen to this fun conversation for yourself!

Today’s conversation is a real treat! Chris Curwood shares not only his impressive history with PGT, but also what he and his team are doing in the Ft. Myers Manufacturing facility. They are up to BIG things there- literally. Assembling 5 x 12 sliding glass door panels safely and with excellence, requires planning and teamwork. You’ll enjoy this conversation with Chris.

Human trafficking is devastating and complex, and we are thankful for organizations like More Too Living. We met with Dr. Brook Bello and Dawn Sakes after our day on the golf course to learn more about this impactful organization. Not only do they address the legal system and address prevention, they also help victims to overcome the trauma they’ve endured. MITER Foundation is proud to help support this amazing organization. To learn more about their work, click here.

Tragedy can often be used for the good of others. In this episode, we meet Patrick and Holly Wright of the Payton Wright Foundation. They share how they carry on the legacy of their daughter by helping other families who are dealing with pediatric brain cancer. Their loss has allowed them to give back by providing time and memories for others. The Payton Wright Foundation Financially assists families who have children being treated for cancer of the brain and spinal cord. Learn more here.

We all have our reasons for wanting to give back and support others less fortunate. Jared and his customers from Naples, FL share a bit of their background and what inspires them to help others. Then in the final conversation of that evening, we hear from Grady DeSoto about his own fundraising goals for the Hershey Golf Outing. Note: he was very successful!

Facing challenges is what most of us do, but these three men take it to new heights. Adam and Cameron, both veterans with physical disabilities, now help fellow veterans reconnect with nature through the nonprofit No Person Left Behind (NPLB), whose mission is “Welcoming Heroes Home Through The Outdoors.” Joining them is Kenyon, a MITER Brands territory rep from Dallas, who shares his first-hand story from their recent adventure climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Learn more about No Person Left Behind.

Go Bucs! Whether or not you’re a football fan, you’ll appreciate this marketing insight with Jason Rosenberg. PGT is a Pewter Partner for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and we chat about this mutually beneficial partnership. From “The Beach” to the stadium, to radio and TV commercials, it’s clear that both brands are proud to call Florida home.

When good people gather to help others, it’s worth talking about. This episode features Chris Bowers from Leashes of Valor, Jimmy Schambach from M28, and Jordan Evans of PGT – MITER Brands. All have hearts that are true to the mission of serving others, and you’ll learn how each of them lives this out. Leashes of Valor – “One Leash Saves Two Lives” Founded by a combat-wounded veteran in 2017, Leashes of Valor provides service dogs at no cost to wounded and disabled post-9/11 veterans. Whenever possible, dogs are sourced from animal shelters and rescue groups, improving the lives of both veterans and dogs. Learn more here. M28 – M28 is dedicated to guiding individuals in recovery toward lasting sobriety by providing authentic community, unwavering support, and practical needs. Learn more here.

Big missions require big hearts, and big commitments. That’s what we learn about in this episode as we meet Sandra from CCA and Patricia from MITER Brands in Flower Mound, Texas. CCA provide many necessities for their clients, including bringing lunch to 1000 kids a day during the summer break. With proximity to one another, Patricia helps organize MITER Team members to serve their VTO hours at this amazing organization. CCA – Christian Community Action – ministers to the poor by providing comprehensive services that alleviate suffering, bring hope and change lives. They have been serving their neighbors in their greatest time of need since 1973. You can learn more at ccahelps.org.

We enjoyed many conversations recently in Hershey, Pennsylvania, at the annual MITER Foundation Golf Tournament and Fundraiser. This fun episode highlights some of the folks that helped from the stage. Cody is a professional speed painter, and the Kellers are professional auctioneers. All have worked with MITER Foundation for many years and are glad to bring their professional talents to help raise funds and bring excitement to the event. You can learn more about Cody here. Learn more about Andy and Tim Keller here.

With deep roots in both Florida and the window and door industry, today’s guest brings invaluable insights to our conversation. Join us as we sit down with Steven Starkey, our dynamic VP of Sales in Florida, whose energy and positivity light up every room. In this episode, Steven shares why streamlining our product portfolio is a smart move—and how focusing on dealer success drives our business forward.

Navigating building codes, energy regulations, design pressures, and glass configurations can be daunting, especially for large commercial projects in Florida. Liz Rodriguez, from the PGT Commercial team, is dedicated to assisting customers in overcoming these challenges. In this episode, she discusses the advantages for architects, developers, and contractors of partnering with experienced professionals (like those on her team) to ensure project success.

Getting injured at work is something that we all want to avoid. But how? Believe it or not, that is why OSHA exists: to help American workers stay safe while on the job. This episode features Amanda Wood Laihow, who was the Acting Secretary of OSHA through October and is currently the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. We discuss the various programs that OSHA employs, recent modifications to their penalties, their education component, and their overall goal of sending people home safely at the end of the workday.

Customer satisfaction is a critical part of our business, and Josh believes in empowering his team to do that very thing. Josh Williard, VP of Customer & Warranty Services, addresses how we will continue to support our customers through upcoming product changes in the Florida market. We also chat briefly about the MITER Foundation Golf Event in Hershey, where this episode was recorded.

Making changes can be tough, and sometimes uncomfortable, kind of like pruning the bushes. Today we hear from Benji Hershberger who shares about his background and his new role in Product Management. We discuss the product changes happening in our Florida product portfolio and how this will enhance business efficiency and growth. Additionally, Benji walks us through the MITER Brands Guiding Principles and how these pillars impact our business decisions, every day, everywhere.

There is something special about great people having great conversations - and that is what you've got with these two MI sales professionals. Micah and Chris (aka Big Cat) share a bit about their history, current roles, and what they connect with the most in the MITER acronym. While Relationships is a big part of the sales role, they chose to elaborate beyond the single letter R. Listen and enjoy.

How does one begin as a chemical engineer in Australia and become our Vice President of Operations for Florida? Chris shares a bit of his leadership journey - hard work, dedication, and working well with his teams to achieve results. We also learn about some of the improvements that have been happening in our South Florida Operations. For reference, the MITER way of operations includes five quality pillars: Safety, Integrity, Creativity, Continuous Improvement, and Profitable Partnerships.

Shawn led 12 of us through the sales training event in Tacoma, and Benji, our VP, joined in as well. We spent time reflecting on the MITER acronym and how all of the letters connect to our work of MITER Brands University. This short conversation provides an inside peek at what the learning team is learning about!

People first is more than just a nice slogan; it's truly how MITER does business. Karen Watson popped in to say hello to her fellow colleagues, and shared a bit about her nearly 30 year career on the Milgard side. With territories in Western Canada, Alaska, Washington State, and Hawaii, there is never a dull moment for this industry pro.

Sales training events allow colleagues a chance to sharpen their skills and connect with each other. These three all work in the sales side for Western Window Systems, and our conversation reflects their energy and personalities. You'll hear why building relationships is a natural thing for them to do, and why customers appreciate connecting with them.

Sometimes our experiences elsewhere helps us see how wonderful our present circumstances are. Eric has spent time in large organizations, and he has been instrumental in getting our companies integrated. As an HR professional, Eric appreciates the "people-first" attitudes that prevail with MITER Brands leadership.

Customer service is a critical piece of any successful business, and great leaders come from the ground up. Jillian began 17 years ago on the manufacturing floor and now leads the teams taking care of customer and warranty services for the western side of MITER Brands. With the tremendous legacy to uphold, Jillian appreciates the opportunity to embrace new technologies that allow for improvements in the customer experience.

As the Operations Manager for Internal Supply, overseeing nearly 200 team members, Marc is a wealth of knowledge! He understands the process as someone who began 31 years ago on the production floor. He and his team are continually working to innovate and improve how we manufacture our extrusions in Tacoma. Like others, he is learning more about AI to expand our capabilities.

When people love what they do, it's been said they don't work a day of their life. After 22 years at MITER Brands, Tim enjoys working in his current role as Pricing Manager for Milgard. It provides a great opportunity for him to leverage his years of experience across various roles. Tim is also involved with the MITER Foundation and appreciating the teamwork involved in that effort.

Meeting colleagues on the other side of the country is such a fun thing to do! And then learning how their expertise supports the business. Jeremiah (a fellow Iowa native) shares about his various roles in the business over a 20+ year tenure. He now serves as VP of Marketing Operations. Joanie is working on a major puzzle, blending two different SalesForce platforms across our enterprise. She began as an intern and has grown tremendously in her career at MITER Brands, always focusing on what is possible.

What makes a company innovative? Is it the people, the products, or their process? Maybe it's a magical mix of all three. Kevin and Erik share a bit about their roles in researching and developing products for our Western brands (Milgard, Western Window Systems, and Anlin Windows & Doors). The collaboration between product marketing and engineering allows for growth of this market share and profitability.

Some folks just inspire others to greatness - and Dave Alexander is definitely one of those people. His enthusiasm for leading our Manufacturing Excellence Teams is evident - and a bit contagious! With the challenge of 20 manufacturing sites, and thousands of products manufactured daily, Dave remains humble while in the relentless pursuit of 100%. You'll learn about the attitude and mindset around the quality initiatives across all of the MITER Brands product portfolios.

Building relationships is an intentional component of our business, and the ETP trip allows for that very thing. Today we peek behind the curtain and chat about what goes into planning this trip, the criteria for going, and why we continue to provide this amazing trip for our partners. Brian and Katie share a bit about their experience and why it's so valuable to our customers, and to us.

Helping a non-profit organization AND taking a tropical vacation to Mexico? This combo was too good to pass up for Rick Cross with Paradigm, a MITER Brands vendor partner. When he attended a MITER Foundation event last year, and the ETP trip came up for bid, Rick raised his paddle. On the trip, he enjoyed networking with our teams and our customers, and his wife enjoyed some pool time. A win for them, and a win for the MITER Foundation.

Whenever you go on a trip, you’re sure to make memories. Imagine catching your first fish ever and it’s a 140lb Marlin! That’s what happened when Jesus Castro (and his wife) attended the ETP trip in Los Cabos this year. Jesus is the Senior Director of Operations for The Window Depot based in Tuscon. They have been a Milgard dealer since 2011 and have ten retail locations throughout the SW Region of the US.

With 14 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Lezzer Lumber has been in business since 1927. They began selling MI products in the late 70’s, originally purchasing screens to go with a competitor’s windows. As a third-generation business, K.C. grew up in it, and is now VP of Sales. Relationships with their customers are what their focus is, and what lends to their success, and ours.