Clear Impact Podcast

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 about manufacturing leadership, engineering excellence, Product Innovation, and operational strategy across MITER Brands.

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.

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, safety systems, and manufacturing excellence.

Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned

• Continuous Improvement

• Behavioral-Based Safety Programs

• MITER DNA

• Experience Is Everything

• Manufacturers Leadership Institute (MLI)

• Standardization Processes

• Watch-and-Engage Safety Observations

• Every Detail, Every Day operational mindset

Closing Insight

“When other team members are looking out for each other, that’s when you know the safety culture is working.”

This episode is a practical conversation about leadership, safety culture, operational excellence, and creating a workplace where people can grow and succeed together.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations about manufacturing leadership, innovation, quality, and Continuous Improvement across MITER Brands.

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

Meet the Guests

LuAnn Shadle

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 willing to step forward for others.”

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more stories about leadership, workforce development, customer education, manufacturing culture, and community impact across the window and door industry.

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.

● 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

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

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.

● Strategic procurement

● Supplier collaboration

● SmartTouch lock innovation

● Cross-industry product development

● Supply chain optimization

● MITER DNA principles

● Product iteration and customer feedback loops

“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.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University for more conversations about innovation, leadership, operational excellence, and the future of the window and door industry.

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.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations on innovation, leadership, manufacturing, and the future of the window and door industry.

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, visit us here.

To learn more about MITER Brands University, visit us here.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University for more conversations focused on dealer education, product innovation, leadership, and the future of the window and door industry.

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.

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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

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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

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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.

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Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

● The InVINCEable Foundation

● InVINCEable Solace grief counseling initiative

● Pediatric cancer family support systems

● Community-based nonprofit outreach

● Compassion-focused leadership

● People-first culture and servant leadership

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Closing Insight

“Amidst the storm, there are blessings out there for everybody.” – Scott Van Almen

This episode of the Clear Impact Podcast is a reminder that resilience grows through connection, empathy, and service to others.

To learn more about The InVINCEable Foundation or support families facing childhood cancer, visit BeInVINCEable.org.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University for more conversations about leadership, community impact, and real stories that make a difference.

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

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

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.