Fresh off the GlassBuild floor, we dig into the real story behind AI, sales momentum, and the future of windows, doors, and glass. Industry veteran Rick Cross, Account Executive at Paradigm, joins us to separate signal from noise, arguing that the biggest wins don’t come from shiny tools, but from teams that trust each other and processes built to carry weight. We explore how to turn traditional knowledge into systems, reduce error at the edges, and unlock self-serve quoting that speeds deals without sacrificing accuracy. Rick’s “hull speed” analogy anchors the conversation: like a boat, every business has a sustainable pace. Push faster than your structure allows and you don’t grow, you break. We talk through how to design for the speed you want, from clean data and clear roles to measured implementation and empathetic selling. You’ll hear how to read timing in complex deals, when to ease off and when to nudge, and why steady progress beats short-term sprints that burn trust. We also look ahead at talent and training. With a generation of industry pillars nearing retirement and AI changing workflows, the opportunity is wide open for students, tradespeople, and technologists to build meaningful careers. Associations like WDMA and NGA can bridge the gap with seminars, school outreach, and content that shows how fenestration fuels safer, more affordable homes. To close, Rick shares practical ways to reset a slump: step away, take a break, or help someone else, so you return focused and effective. Topics we cover: • Tech fear reframed through the tractor analogy • AI used to capture tribal knowledge and cut errors • People and process as the real leverage, not tools • Trust, clear paths, and win-win as project accelerants • Software reducing friction and enabling self-serve quotes • Patience in sales cycles and timing the push • "Hull speed" as a guide for sustainable growth • Habits for breaking slumps and sharpening skills • Recruiting next-gen talent via schools and media 👉 Subscribe to Built to Win Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie. 👉 Book a Strategy Call Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk. Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com YouTube: Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com 👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry. Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry. We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.
