Clear Impact Podcast

MITER Brands
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Management
  • Updated Daily

As the manufacturing leader in the fenestration industry, we are bringing our expertise to you. Listen to learn more about windows and doors, the components, running a successful business, and other related topics.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 259: How Manufacturing Leaders Build Trust, Safety, and Operational Excellence

    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...

  2. 4d ago

    Episode 258: Gold Star Family Stories, Navy SEAL Service, and Patriotism with Aaron and LuAnn Shadle

    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...

  3. Oct 1

    Episode 257: How Supplier Partnerships Drive Innovation at MITER Brands

    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...

  4. Sep 24

    Episode 256: Inside the Western Architectural Openings Brand Transformation

    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.

  5. Sep 21

    Episode 255: Building Better Partnerships in the Window and Door Industry with Joe Altieri

    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...

  6. Sep 17

    Episode 254: Customer-Driven Innovation in Modern Multi-Slide Doors with Monte Del Rio

    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,

  7. Sep 14

    Episode 253: Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small Businesses and Dealers with Matt Meyer

    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.

  8. Sep 10

    Episode 252: How One Family Turned Childhood Cancer Into a Mission to Help Others with Scott Van Almen

    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...

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

As the manufacturing leader in the fenestration industry, we are bringing our expertise to you. Listen to learn more about windows and doors, the components, running a successful business, and other related topics.

Information

  • Creator
    MITER Brands
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Clear Impact Podcast

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