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What separates a good manufacturing operation from a great one? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor sits down with Bill Webster, Nathan Spencer, and Chris Rothermel from the Gratz manufacturing facility to explore how safety, Continuous Improvement, leadership accountability, and team member engagement shape operational excellence at MITER Brands. The Gratz operations team shares real-world stories about manufacturing culture, process improvements, safety transformation, and profitable partnerships. The conversation highlights how MITER DNA, Every Detail, Every Day operational discipline, and Experience Is Everything influence daily decisions throughout the facility. What You’ll Learn • How strong safety cultures are built through accountability and communication • Why small operational improvements can create major manufacturing results • How leadership credibility impacts team performance and engagement • The role Continuous Improvement plays beyond productivity metrics • Why employee ownership is critical for sustaining operational success Episode Highlights 01:40 – Meet the leaders behind the Gratz manufacturing facility 03:14 – What a strong safety culture looks like on the manufacturing floor 04:08 – The moment that transformed safety culture at Gratz 07:50 – How leadership behaviors build trust and credibility 9:56 – Why innovation in manufacturing does not always require major technology 11:27 – How a simple idea improved operational traffic flow and safety 13:54 – A small Continuous Improvement change that reduced IG remakes 14:36 – Why ownership is critical for sustaining improvements 16:03 – What customers value most from manufacturing partners today Meet the Guests Bill Webster is the Technical Services Manager at the Gratz manufacturing facility and has spent nearly two decades in manufacturing leadership roles across shipping, production, and operations. Nathan Spencer leads Continuous Improvement initiatives at Gratz and focuses on operational efficiency, cost savings, and employee-driven process improvements. Chris Rothermel is the Operations Manager at Gratz and brings more than 40 years of manufacturing leadership experience to the organization. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned • Continuous Improvement • MITER DNA • Every Detail, Every Day • On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) • VPP Star Safety Certification • QR code employee idea system • Team member ownership strategies • Operational Standardization Closing Insight “Creating ownership towards an improvement can be the difference between success and failure.” This episode offers an inside look at how manufacturing leaders cre...

What do builders, dealers, and homeowners need to know about the upcoming Florida Building Code changes? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor sits down with code compliance engineers Lisa Wilson and Lynn Miller to break down the most important updates coming to the 9th Edition of the Florida Building Code and how those changes will impact windows, doors, product approvals, coastal construction, and Energy Efficiency requirements across Florida. Lisa and Lynn explain the real-world implications of updated water infiltration testing, corrosion-resistant fastener requirements, energy performance standards, and new HVHZ Florida Product Approvals. The conversation also highlights the importance of permit timing during code cycle changes, and how to stay informed. What You’ll Learn • How the new Florida Building Code impacts sliding glass doors and water infiltration requirements • Why stainless steel fasteners are becoming mandatory near Florida coastlines • What builders need to know about updated Energy Efficiency requirements • How Miami-Dade NOAs are transitioning to HVHZ Florida Product Approvals • Why dealers should carefully track permit timelines during the code transition Episode Highlights 02:50 – How the Florida Building Code update process works 05:34 – What is changing with water infiltration requirements for sliding doors 5:51 – How the new overhang rules affect covered patio installations 11:42 – New coastal anchorage and stainless steel fastener requirements 14:32 – How Energy Efficiency requirements are changing for new construction 20:26 – What builders and dealers need to know about product approval updates 24:30 – Why permit timing matters during the code transition 28:51 – The risks of relying on AI for building code information 30:34 – Practical ways dealers can prepare for the 2027 code cycle Meet the Guests Lisa Wilson is a Code Compliance Engineer at PGT Innovations with more than 30 years of experience in product approvals, code interpretation, and Florida building compliance. Lynn Miller is the Code Compliance Manager at PGT Innovations and a former structural engineer specializing in building codes, standards development, and fenestration compliance. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned • Florida Building Code • HVHZ Florida Product Approvals • Miami-Dade NOAs • Energy Efficiency performance path calculations • Hurricane Preparedness standards • Water infiltration testing • Standardization processes • MITER Brands University educational resources Closing Insight “It’s always best to double check those sources with the actual building code.” This episode offers practical guidance for builders, dealers,...

What happens behind the scenes before a window or door system ever reaches production? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor sits down with Matt Riland, Director of Product Engineering at MITER Brands, to explore how engineering teams improve product performance, support manufacturing operations, and drive Continuous Improvement across the organization. Matt shares how product engineering teams collaborate with operations, supply chain, service, and quality teams to create better products and stronger customer experiences. The conversation also covers simulation technology, Product Innovation, Standardization, and how MITER DNA influences engineering decisions throughout the product lifecycle. What You’ll Learn • How product engineering teams evaluate windows and doors before production • Why Continuous Improvement depends on cross-functional collaboration • How simulation tools help reduce testing time and improve product performance • The role trust and communication play in profitable partnerships • Why customer experience and manufacturing efficiency must work together Episode Highlights 02:29 – What product engineering looks like inside the window and door industry 03:34 – How engineering teams validate product performance before launch 05:21 – Why small design changes can impact manufacturing operations 07:38 – How teams across multiple facilities collaborate on product improvements 10:06 – Why feedback loops are critical for Continuous Improvement 12:02 – How simulation technology improves engineering decisions 13:39 – The importance of document control and engineering systems 15:18 – Why profitable partnerships are built on trust and communication 16:27 – Matt Riland’s favorite MITER DNA principle and why it matters Meet the Guest Matt Riland is the Director of Product Engineering for MI Windows and Doors and the Sunrise Collection at MITER Brands. He brings more than two decades of experience in product engineering, customer engineering, operational collaboration, and manufacturing support. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned • Continuous Improvement • MITER DNA • Product Innovation • CAD simulation tools • Engineering product data management systems • Standardization processes • Cross-functional engineering collaboration • Every Detail, Every Day operational mindset Closing Insight “Everybody’s feedback is critical to getting to a really good solution.” In this episode, Matt Riland explains how engineering, collaboration, and Continuous Improvement work together to create stronger products, better operational outcomes, and a better customer experience. Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations ab...

What does it really take to build a safer, stronger manufacturing culture where people feel heard, valued, and motivated to improve every day? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor sits down with Bryan Richie and Matt Klimchak from MI Window and Door’s Hegins campus to explore how leadership, safety, continuous improvement, and team member engagement drive operational excellence. Bryan and Matt share practical insights from the manufacturing floor, including how behavioral-based safety programs create better accountability, why listening builds credibility, and how creativity shows up in day-to-day operations. The conversation also highlights how MITER DNA and the belief that Experience Is Everything influence leadership decisions, quality systems, and the overall team member experience. Whether you work in manufacturing leadership, operations management, quality, safety, or organizational development, this episode offers actionable ideas for building a more engaged and high-performing workplace culture. What You’ll Learn • How behavioral-based safety programs improve communication and accountability on the manufacturing floor • Why Continuous Improvement goes beyond productivity metrics and impacts culture, quality, and employee experience • How leadership credibility is built through listening, follow-up, and trust • The role creativity plays in manufacturing, process improvement, and Product Innovation • Why team member experience directly affects operational performance and long-term growth Episode Highlights 01:34 – Matt Klemchak shares his background of process engineering and continuous improvement. 02:57 - Bryan Richie shares his education in chemistry and now covers a wide range of areas in manufacturing leadership. 3:56 – Matt Klimchak explains the scale and operational focus of the Hegins campus 04:46 – What a strong safety culture looks like in modern manufacturing 6:16 – How the Hegins facility evolved into a behavioral-based safety environment 9:39 – Why peer-to-peer engagement creates stronger safety outcomes 11:14 – How listening and follow-up build leadership credibility 13:26 – The connection between creativity and manufacturing problem-solving 15:05 – How the Manufacturers Leadership Institute encourages innovative thinking 18:23 – Why Continuous Improvement is about more than production metrics 22:05- Matt shares a story of partnership that was strengthened by solving problems together 23:51 – Advice for someone just starting out in a manufacturing career 28:17 – Matt’s favorite DNA point 28:45 – Brian’s favorite DNA point Meet the Guests Bryan Richie supports quality, training, and Continuous Improvement initiatives at the Hegins campus. His background includes chemistry, operational quality systems, and cross-functional manufacturing leadership. Matt Klimchak serves as Operations Manager for the Hegins campus at MITER Brands. His experience includes process engineering, operational leadership, sa...

What does service, sacrifice, and patriotism look like inside a modern American family? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast brought to you by MITER Brands University, host Sherri Connor sits down with Aaron and LuAnn Shadle to share a deeply personal conversation about military service, Gold Star families, leadership, resilience, and the values that shape strong communities. Aaron Shadle, a CNC machinist at MI’s Gratz Operations and former Navy SEAL radio operator, joins his mother LuAnn Shadle to reflect on their family’s connection to military service and the loss of Aaron’s brother, Brett Shadle of SEAL Team 6. Together, they discuss patriotism, workforce discipline, community support, first responders, and the role organizations like the MITER Foundation and Navy SEAL Foundation play in supporting veterans and their families. This episode offers meaningful insight for manufacturing professionals, workforce leaders, veterans, first responders, and anyone interested in leadership, service culture, and community impact. What You’ll Learn - What it means to be part of a Gold Star family - How military service shapes leadership, discipline, and work ethic - Why community support matters for veterans and first responders - How the MITER Foundation supported Navy SEAL Foundation fundraising efforts -How the MITER Foundation helped establish the Gold Star Monument in Harrisburg PA - Why younger generations benefit from understanding sacrifice, service, and patriotism Episode Highlights 01:12 – Aaron and LuAnn Shadle introduce their family’s military background 02:16 – What it means to become a Gold Star family 02:31 – How the Navy SEAL Foundation supported the Shadle family after loss 03:19– Aaron explains the physical challenge of the Navy SEAL Foundation Hudson Swim 04:00 – How the MITER Foundation supported veteran fundraising efforts 05:13 – Aaron shares how patriotism changed after military service and personal loss 06:48 – LuAnn reflects on supporting military families and first responders 8:20 – Why Arlington National Cemetery left a lasting impact on local students 10:39 – The value of military service, skilled trades, and workforce development for young adults 11:41- The impact of the work of MITER Foundation for their communities Meet the Guests Aaron Shadle Aaron Shadle is a CNC machinist at MI’s Gratz Operations and a former U.S. Navy SEAL radio operator who served with SEAL Team One. He brings firsthand perspective on military service, leadership, resilience, and workforce discipline. LuAnn Shadle LuAnn Shadle is a Gold Star mother whose family has a deep history of military service. She shares powerful insights on sacrifice, patriotism, community support, and honoring those who serve. Tools, Frameworks, and Organizations Mentioned - MITER Brands University - MITER Foundation - Navy SEAL Foundation - Gold Star Family support systems - Workforce development and skilled trades - Community leadership and people-first culture Closing Insight “Freedom is not simply handed to us. It is protected through service, sacrifice, and the people wi...

What happens when supply chain teams become innovation partners instead of just material buyers? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, Sherri Connor speaks with Mario Ferrucci about supplier collaboration, strategic procurement, product innovation, and how cross-industry partnerships help improve manufacturing, customer experience, and operational efficiency across the window and door industry. Mario shares how trusted supplier relationships, emerging technologies, and collaborative problem solving help MITER Brands stay competitive while creating better products for dealers and homeowners. What You’ll Learn ● How supplier partnerships create competitive advantages ● Why customer feedback influences product innovation ● How cross-industry technologies improve window and door products ● Why supply chain teams are becoming strategic innovation partners ● How MITER Brands approaches collaboration, confidentiality, and product development Episode Highlights 0:54 – Mario Ferrucci explains his role in strategic procurement and new product development 02:01 – How supplier collaboration creates new ways to solve industry challenges 02:55 – Balancing innovation speed with intellectual property protection 03:47 – The story behind Milgard’s SmartTouch lock evolution 04:54 – Why customer perception impacts product decisions 06:21 – How emerging technologies succeed only when they solve practical problems 09:06 – Cross-industry innovation from aerospace, coatings, and consumer electronics 11:36 – Why supply chain is evolving into a strategic business function 13:17 – Mario explains why “Bias for Action” is his favorite MITER DNA principle Meet the Guest Mario Ferrucci is Commodity Manager for New Product Development within the strategic procurement team at MITER Brands. He specializes in supplier partnerships, international trade, product innovation, and manufacturing collaboration. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned ● Strategic procurement ● Supplier collaboration ● SmartTouch lock innovation ● Cross-industry product development ● Supply chain optimization ● MITER DNA principles ● Product iteration and customer feedback loops Closing Insight “Supplier innovation and collaboration really is just adding another lever to your toolkit.” – Mario Ferrucci This episode highlights how collaboration, creativity, and strategic partnerships continue to shape the future of manufacturing and innovation across MITER Brands. Visit Milgard Windows and Doors Visit MITER Brands Visit MITER Brands University Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University for...

What does it take to transform an established window and door brand into a luxury architectural experience? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor sits down with Anita Holman and Crystal Perez to discuss the strategic rebrand of Western Window Systems into Western Architectural Openings. The conversation explores luxury brand positioning, customer experience strategy, architectural branding, and how Western is redefining indoor-outdoor living through design, service, and innovation. What You’ll Learn - Why Western evolved into Western Architectural Openings - How customer research shaped the rebrand strategy - What luxury branding means in the window and door industry - How architects, dealers, and homeowners influenced the new direction - Why customer experience is central to modern brand growth Episode Highlights 03:07 – The research and strategy behind the Western rebrand 04:11 – Why luxury positioning created a major opportunity in the market 06:28 – How customer experience became a defining part of the new brand 08:57 – The meaning behind the four Western brand pillars 10:02 – What “Widen Your Horizon” represents beyond the product 10:58 – Why the name changed to Western Architectural Openings 12:34 – The symbolism behind the new logo and architectural identity 16:09 – MITER Brands DNA statements that shape leadership and growth Meet the Guests Anita Holman is the Vice President of Brand and Channel Marketing at MITER Brands and has spent years helping shape branding strategy across the organization. Crystal Perez is the Brand Manager for Western Architectural Openings and has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the Western brand experience. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned - Luxury brand positioning strategy - Customer experience mapping - Western brand pillars - “Widen Your Horizon” core purpose - Architectural branding strategy - Dealer showroom activation support Closing Insight Great brands are built through vision, alignment, and customer experience. As Anita Holman and Crystal Perez explain throughout this episode, the Western Architectural Openings rebrand reflects more than a visual update. It represents a strategic commitment to luxury design, architectural innovation, and meaningful customer relationships. Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations on innovation, leadership, branding, and the future of the window and door industry.

What does it really take to turn a garage-built idea into a nationally recognized innovation in the window and door industry? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor talks with Joe Altieri, founder and inventor of FlexScreen, to explore innovation, manufacturing automation, supplier partnerships, leadership culture, and the future of AI in manufacturing. Joe shares the real story behind FlexScreen’s growth, the importance of profitable partnerships, and why companies that embrace automation and intelligent risk-taking are positioned to lead the future of the building products industry. What You’ll Learn - How FlexScreen evolved from a garage prototype into a scalable manufacturing innovation - Why strong supplier-manufacturer partnerships drive long-term growth - The role automation plays in modern window and door manufacturing - How innovation cultures encourage intelligent risk-taking and healthy disagreement - Why AI and operational technology will reshape the future of manufacturing Episode Highlights 02:07 – How frustration with traditional window screens inspired FlexScreen 04:26 – Why landing the first national manufacturing partner changed everything 06:20 – Encouragement from Pete DeSoto that is still visible today 10:50 – The operational shift from manufacturing to licensed production systems 15:19 – What makes supplier and vendor partnerships actually successful 17:13 – Why innovation requires a culture that supports failure and experimentation 19:00 – The “10th Man” strategy for avoiding groupthink in leadership teams 23:01 – How automation is transforming manufacturing scalability 24:01 – Why AI will define the next generation of manufacturing companies Meet the Guest Joe Altieri is the founder and inventor of FlexScreen, an innovative flexible window screen system that transformed traditional screen manufacturing and automation processes within the window and door industry. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned - FlexScreen manufacturing system - Licensed manufacturing model - Erdman Automation production systems - “10th Man” decision-making framework - Profitable partnership philosophy - AI-driven manufacturing operations Closing Insight Strong partnerships, intelligent risk-taking, and operational innovation are often the foundation behind industry-changing ideas. As Joe Altieri explains throughout the conversation, organizations that embrace collaboration, automation, and continuous learning will be best positioned for long-term success. Visit FlexScreen to learn more. Visit MITER Brands to learn more. Visit MITER Brands University to learn more. Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for mo...

What happens when a window and door manufacturer builds a product directly from customer feedback? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, Sherri Connor speaks with Monte Del Rio from Western Architectural Openings about the launch of the Vantage Series, the evolution of the Western brand, and how customer input helped shape the next generation of multi-slide doors. Monte shares insights into architectural design trends, indoor outdoor living, energy-efficient door systems, flush sill technology, operational excellence, and how collaboration across engineering, sales, marketing, and manufacturing drives product innovation in the window and door industry. What You’ll Learn ● How customer feedback directly shaped the Western Vantage Series ● Why energy efficiency and design flexibility are driving modern architectural openings ● The differences between the Vantage Series and Performance Series ● How flush sill systems improve indoor outdoor living experiences ● Why collaboration across departments improves product innovation and dealer success Episode Highlights 01:23 – Monte Del Rio shares his background in the window and door industry 02:47 – Why Western changed from Western Window Systems to Western Architectural Openings 04:28 – How customers are responding to the new Vantage Series 05:22 – Why energy performance matters in modern multi-slide doors 05:58 – How flush sill systems improve indoor outdoor living design 07:03 – The importance of cross-brand collaboration inside MITER Brands 9:01 – How customer feedback shaped the Vantage product launch 9:50 – Key differences between the Vantage Series and Performance Series 11:51 – Monte’s favorite MITER DNA principle and how it applies to sales leadership Meet the Guest Monte Del Rio is Regional Sales Manager for the Western United States at Western Architectural Openings. With more than 22 years of experience in the window and door industry, Monte leads sales and architectural consulting teams across California, the Pacific Northwest, Mountain States, and Hawaii. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned ● Western Architectural Openings ● Vantage Series multi-slide doors ● Performance Series ● Flush sill door systems ● Indoor outdoor living design ● MITER DNA principles ● Customer-driven product development Closing Insight “The Vantage product really just checks those customer requests.” – Monte Del Rio This episode highlights how customer collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence continue to shape the future of architectural openings and modern home design. To learn more about Western Architectural Openings, visit us here. To learn more about MITER Brands,

Could your business recognize a phishing email before it caused financial damage? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, Sherri Connor speaks with Matt Meyer, Director of Cybersecurity at MITER Brands, about how small businesses, dealers, suppliers, and customers can protect themselves from ransomware, phishing scams, business email compromise, and AI-powered cyber threats. Matt shares practical cybersecurity advice for organizations that may not have large IT departments but still need strong digital protection strategies. The conversation covers phishing awareness, multi-factor authentication, ransomware recovery, cyber insurance, and how to build a stronger cybersecurity culture. What You’ll Learn • How phishing scams and business email compromise attacks work • Why AI is making cyber threats more sophisticated • What “Stop, Think, and Report” means in cybersecurity • Why multi-factor authentication is essential • How ransomware attacks impact small businesses Episode Highlights 01:51 – Why small businesses are major cybersecurity targets 02:47 – How AI is changing phishing and cybercrime 04:03 – What business email compromise looks like 04:26 – How to identify suspicious email domains and scams 06:20 – Why cybersecurity training matters for every employee 08:48 – The importance of software updates and malware protection 10:38 – What to do immediately after spotting suspicious activity 15:01 – How ransomware attacks happen and how businesses recover 18:10 – Matt Meyer’s most important highlights regarding cybersecurity Meet the Guest Matt Meyer is the Director of Cybersecurity at MITER Brands and has more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity operations, cyber risk management, ransomware defense, and enterprise security strategy. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned • Stop, Think, and Report • Spot the Phish cybersecurity training • Multi-factor authentication • Cybersecurity insurance • Business email compromise prevention • Ransomware recovery planning Closing Insight “Every time you mature your security posture, the better.” – Matt Meyer Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University for more conversations focused on customer education, operational excellence, technology, and industry leadership.

What happens when a family facing childhood leukemia chooses to serve others in the middle of their own crisis? In this powerful episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, host Sherri Connor speaks with Scott Van Almen, founder of The InVINCEable Foundation, about his son Vince’s leukemia diagnosis, the emotional reality of pediatric cancer treatment, and how one family transformed fear and uncertainty into nationwide community impact. Scott shares how The InVINCEable Foundation now supports families across the United States through financial assistance, grief counseling, emotional support, and compassionate outreach. This conversation explores resilience, servant leadership, family advocacy, mental health, and the importance of people-first culture during life’s most difficult moments. Whether you are navigating hardship yourself, supporting a loved one, or looking for examples of meaningful community leadership, this episode offers perspective, empathy, and hope. --- What You’ll Learn ● What pediatric leukemia treatment really looks like for families over multiple years ● How Scott Van Almen and his family created The InVINCEable Foundation during Vince’s cancer journey ● Why emotional support and grief counseling are essential for families facing childhood cancer ● How MITER Foundation partnerships help expand community impact and nonprofit outreach ● Why service, empathy, and perspective can become anchors during uncertainty and fear --- Episode Highlights 01:15 – Scott shares the moment his family learned Vince had leukemia 02:49 – Why helping other families became part of the healing process 05:58 – How childhood cancer impacts parents, siblings, finances, and emotional health 08:12 – Vince’s remission, relapse, and second treatment journey 9:43  – How The InVINCEable Foundation has supported families across the United States 10:12 – The creation of InVINCEable Solace and grief counseling support for parents 12:18 – Scott explains how MITER Foundation and Jason Cecco became key supporters 18:04 – The role of empathy, perspective, and servant leadership during suffering 19:22 – Why Scott believes people are called to help others without expecting anything in return --- Meet the Guest Scott Van Almen is the founder of The InVINCEable Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting families navigating childhood cancer treatment across the United States. Inspired by his son Vince’s leukemia journey, Scott and his family have helped more than 100 families through financial support, emotional care, grief counseling, and community advocacy. --- Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned ● The InVINCEable Foundation ● InVINCEable Solace grief counseling initiative ● Pediatric cancer family support systems ● Community-based nonprofit outreach ● Compass...

What does military service teach about leadership, sacrifice, and purpose that lasts far beyond active duty? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, host Sherri Connor speaks with MITER Brands CFO and Navy veteran Joe Person about patriotism, military leadership, veteran support, and the life-changing impact of serving something greater than yourself. Joe shares how growing up in a military family shaped his values, how 9/11 influenced his decision to serve, and why the MITER Foundation’s commitment to veterans, military families, and community outreach continues to inspire him today. Listeners will gain insight into leadership development, service-driven culture, and the role organizations can play in creating authentic community impact. What You’ll Learn How military service helps develop leadership, resilience, and accountability Why family influence and patriotism shaped Joe Person’s path to the Naval Academy and the U.S. Navy What it means to support veterans and active military members through the MITER Foundation How purpose-driven organizations create meaningful community impact Why exposing future generations to military values and servant leadership matters Episode Highlights 01:29 – Joe Person shares his role as a Naval Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy 02:03 – Growing up in a military family and learning leadership through service 03:40 – How the events of 9/11 strengthened Joe’s commitment to serving the country 04:25 – Why military service builds future leaders and strengthens communities 5:15 – Passing military values and patriotism to the next generation 6:04 – Joe’s first experience with the MITER Foundation and why it became a defining moment 6:38 – How the MITER Foundation supports veterans, military families, and community causes in meaningful ways Meet the Guest Joe Person is the Chief Financial Officer at MITER Brands and a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Naval Intelligence Officer. His background in military leadership, national defense, and community service gives him a unique perspective on leadership, patriotism, and the importance of supporting veterans and military families. Tools, Frameworks, and Organizations Mentioned MITER Foundation MITER Brands University Clear Impact Podcast United States Naval Academy National Security Agency (NSA) Office of Naval Intelligence Veteran outreach and heroes support initiatives Leadership through service philosophy Closing Insight “The military provides such a great framework for the youth of our nation to develop into leaders of the future.” This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership begins with service, sacrifice, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves. Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations on leadership, community impact, workforce development, and the people shaping the future at MITER Brands.

What are the real warning signs of human trafficking, and how can parents and communities recognize them before it is too late? In this special episode of the Clear Impact Podcast presented by MITER Brands University and supported by the MITER Foundation, host Sherri Connor sits down with Sue and Mike Thompson of Shared Hope International to discuss human trafficking awareness, online grooming, child safety, and community education efforts across Florida and nationwide. The conversation explores how traffickers use gaming apps, social media, and emotional manipulation to target vulnerable children, and why education, collaboration, and awareness matter more than ever. What You’ll Learn - How online grooming often begins through gaming apps and social media - The warning signs parents, teachers, and community leaders should recognize - Why Florida remains a high-risk area for trafficking activity - How Shared Hope International supports prevention, education, and survivor advocacy - Practical ways families can improve digital safety and awareness Episode Highlights 02:37 – How Mike and Sue Thompson became involved with Shared Hope International 4:04 – The beginning of Shared Hope International    08:01 – Why airports and major sporting events are connected to trafficking activity 10:24 – Behavior changes to watch out for 15:42 – The warning signs parents should watch for online 16:05 – Why gaming apps and chat platforms create risks for children 17:03 – Why education and awareness are the strongest prevention tools 19:52 – A real trafficking story involving a teenager in Venice, Florida 26:30 – Resources, reporting tools, and how to support Shared Hope International https://sharedhope.org/ https://www.miterfoundation.org/ To Report Suspicious Activity - text 233-733 or Call 888-733-7888 Meet the Guests Sue Thompson is a Florida Regional Coordinator for Shared Hope International and a dedicated advocate for human trafficking awareness, prevention, and community education. Mike Thompson is a Shared Hope International ambassador and MITER Brands employee at PGT, who works alongside anti-trafficking organizations to educate communities and support prevention initiatives throughout Florida. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned - Shared Hope International Ambassador Program - Human trafficking awareness education - Parent digital safety monitoring tools - Bark parental monitoring app - Community outreach and prevention training - The “Five Whys” communication technique Closing Insight “Education is the key.” That message sits at the center of this important conversation about protecting children, supporting communities, and increasing awareness around human tra...

What does the future of energy-efficient windows and doors look like, and how are manufacturers preparing for the next generation of building performance standards? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor sits down with Kevin Vilhauer, Vice President of Product Engineering at MITER Brands, to discuss California Title 24 energy codes, thermal performance, low-E glass technology, and the future of energy-efficient glazing. Kevin explains how MITER Brands and Western Architectural Openings are designing future-ready products that balance comfort, sustainability, customer experience, and long-term durability. Listeners will gain insight into how window and door dealers, architects, builders, and homeowners can better understand U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and the evolving standards shaping the future of residential construction. What You’ll Learn How California Title 24 impacts windows and doors What U-factor and SHGC mean for energy efficiency Why low-E glass and thermal performance matter in different climates How MITER Brands engineers products for future code requirements Why customer education and market feedback drive product innovation Episode Highlights 01:15 – Kevin Vilhauer explains his role in product engineering across MITER Brands 03:08 – What California Title 24 means for energy-efficient windows and doors 05:42 – Understanding U-factor and why lower numbers matter 07:36 – How SHGC impacts comfort and cooling performance 09:58 – Why California uses 16 climate zones for energy requirements 12:11 – How low-E glass coatings improve thermal performance 14:45 – Designing future-ready products for tomorrow’s energy codes 17:20 – The evolution of Western Architectural Openings and luxury product positioning 19:08 – Kevin shares his favorite MITER Brands DNA statement and leadership philosophy Meet the Guest Kevin Vilhauer is the Vice President of Product Engineering at MITER Brands. He works across multiple MITER Brands divisions including Western Architectural Openings, Milgard, MI, PGT, and Anlin, helping lead innovation in energy-efficient windows and doors, thermal performance, and future-focused product engineering. https://www.westernao.com/ Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned California Title 24 energy standards U-factor performance measurement Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Low-E glass technology Triple glazing solutions New Product Development (NPD) Thermal performance engineering Energy-efficient glazing systems Closing Insight “Windows and doors have a very long product cycle life, so we want to make sure they’re future-proofed.” – Kevin Vilhauer This episode highlights how MITER Brands continues its relentless pursuit of 100% through customer education, operational excellence, and innovative engineering that supports long-term energy efficiency and homeowner comfort. Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations about window and door innovation, building performance, and the future of the industry through MITER Brands University. Clear Impact Podcast MITER Brands University Western Architectural Openings energy-efficient windows and doors thermal performance low-E glass Title 24 energy-efficient glazing window and door dealers architects and builders luxury residential windows customer education operational excell...

What happens when accessible housing restores not only independence for injured veterans, but also hope for entire families and communities? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, host Sherri Connor speaks with retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Tom Landwermeyer from Homes For Our Troops about the mission to build specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. The conversation explores how adaptive home design, community volunteerism, and long-term nonprofit partnerships are helping veterans regain independence, dignity, and connection. Listeners will hear powerful stories about accessible living solutions, caregiver support, and the lasting impact of the partnership between MITER Brands, the MITER Foundation, and Homes For Our Troops. This episode highlights how people-first culture and community engagement can create meaningful change for veterans and their families nationwide. Episode Length: 26:52 --- What You’ll Learn - How specially adapted homes improve independence for severely injured veterans - Why accessible home design impacts caregivers, spouses, and children - How MITER Brands products support adaptive housing solutions - The role community volunteerism plays in rebuilding lives - Why corporate philanthropy and nonprofit partnerships matter for long-term impact --- Episode Highlights 02:10 – What is Homes For Our Troops and how does the organization support veterans? 05:12 – Why specially adapted homes are life-changing for injured veterans and families 08:34 – How MITER Brands became a long-term Homes For Our Troops partner 11:48 – Why accessible windows, doors, and locking systems matter in adaptive housing 15:02 – The emotional impact these homes have on spouses and children 18:41 – Stories of restored independence and dignity through adaptive home design 22:03 – How communities and volunteers help veterans rebuild their lives 24:56 – Ways listeners can support Homes For Our Troops nationwide --- Meet the Guest Brigadier General Tom Landwermeyer is a retired U.S. Army General and CEO with Homes For Our Troops, a national nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans across the United States. https://www.hfotusa.org/ https://www.miterfoundation.org/ --- Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned - Homes For Our Troops adaptive housing model - Accessible home design principles - Wheelchair-friendly home adaptations - Community volunteer engagement - MITER Foundation partnerships - Sliding window and accessible locking systems - Veteran caregiv...