Clear Impact Podcast

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: 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. To learn more about No Person Left Behind, click here.

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!