Clear Impact Podcast

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/

To Report Suspicious Activity - text 233-733 or Call 888-733-7888

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 trafficking prevention.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations that inform, educate, and create meaningful community impact through MITER Brands University and the MITER Foundation.

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.

01:15 – Kevin Vilhauer explains his role in product engineering across MITER Brands

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.

“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

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.

---

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 caregiver support

- Community-based veteran reintegration

---

Closing Insight

“We build the homes for the veteran, but they affect the family, the caregiver, the kids, and the communities.”

This episode is a reminder that restoring independence requires more than construction. It requires partnership, compassion, and communities willing to show up and serve.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations about leadership, community impact, customer education, manufacturing excellence, and the people behind the mission.

What does it take to engineer a luxury aluminum door and window system that delivers both stunning design and market-leading thermal performance?

In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, host Sherry Connor sits down with Richard Mazur, Director of Product Engineering at Western Architectural Openings, to explore the innovation behind the new Vantage product line. Richard shares how Western is developing energy-efficient aluminum systems, custom multi-point locking hardware, and next-generation thermal performance solutions designed for modern luxury homes, indoor-outdoor living, and evolving building code requirements.

From custom engineering challenges to operational excellence and product innovation, this conversation offers valuable insight for window and door dealers, architects, builders, and anyone interested in the future of luxury residential design.

Episode Length: 19:14

---

What You’ll Learn

---

Episode Highlights

01:12 – Richard Mazur shares his engineering background and journey to Western Architectural Openings

03:08 – The origin of the Vantage product line and the push toward advanced thermal performance

05:41 – Why the engineering team created custom hardware and proprietary hinge systems

08:02 – Inside the development of Western’s new multi-point locking solution

10:27 – How California Title 24 requirements are influencing modern window and door design

12:18 – The challenge of balancing narrow sightlines with energy efficiency and large glass panels

14:06 – Western’s luxury brand evolution and focus on premium aluminum systems

17:02 – Richard explains his favorite MITER DNA statement: “We are comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

---

Meet the Guest

Richard Mazur is the Director of Product Engineering at Western Architectural Openings. He leads innovation initiatives focused on luxury aluminum window and door systems, thermal performance engineering, custom hardware development, and next-generation product design for modern residential architecture.

https://www.westernao.com

Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned

- Vantage Product Line

- Multi-point locking systems

- Thermal break technology

- Energy-efficient glazing

- Title 24 compliance standards

- Narrow sightline aluminum systems

- Luxury moving glass wall engineering

- MITER DNA principles

- Operational excellence and continuous improvement culture

---

Closing Insight

“We are comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

That mindset continues to drive innovation across Western Architectural Openings and MITER Brands as teams push the boundaries of luxury aluminum design, thermal performance, and customer-focused engineering.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations about window and door innovation, manufacturing excellence, customer education, and the future of the building products industry.

What does a rebrand really say about the future of a company? And how do you evolve a trusted name while staying true to the customers, products, and architectural vision that built the brand in the first place?

In Episode 246 of the Clear Impact Podcast, Brian Leizerowicz from Western joins the conversation to discuss the transformation from Western Window Systems to Western Architectural Openings. This episode explores the strategy behind the new name, the thinking behind the updated logo and identity, and how the rebrand reflects the company’s evolution within modern architecture, indoor-outdoor living, and premium architectural openings.

Listeners will gain insight into how architectural brands evolve, how naming impacts market positioning, and why design-forward companies continue adapting to meet the needs of architects, builders, dealers, and homeowners.

What You’ll Learn

Episode Highlights

Meet the Guest

Brian Leizerowicz is a sales leader at Western Architectural Openings and plays a key role in understanding the customer needs and commitment to innovative design solutions for modern living spaces.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

Customer-focused branding alignmen

Closing Insight

A strong brand evolves alongside the people, products, and experiences it represents. Western Architectural Openings reflects a broader architectural vision and a continued focus on modern design, innovation, and customer experience.

Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations on architecture, innovation, branding, and industry transformation.

How do industry leaders like MITER Brands and ABC Supply set a new standard for reliability and partnership? In this episode, discover how a people-first culture, rigorous training, and a commitment to community impact drive better outcomes for dealers, contractors, and homeowners. Learn how MITER’s experience-led approach and ABC’s expansive network create lasting value in the window and door industry.

What You’ll Learn

Episode Highlights

00:48 – Building a “business is personal” partnership

Meet the Guest

Rick Moyer is the National Account Manager for ABC Supply at MITER Brands, with more than 30 years in windows and doors and a passion for building strong, values-driven partnerships.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

Closing Insight or CTA

“Every detail, every day—our focus on quality and service is what sets MITER Brands apart.”

How do you build homes that thrive in hurricane-prone Hawaii? This episode explores how PGT’s Miami-Dade–tested impact-resistant windows and doors are transforming construction across the islands. Discover how MITER Brands, PGT, and HPM Building Supply deliver resilient, code-compliant solutions for Hawaii’s unique climate and construction needs—backed by robust logistics, education, and a people-first culture.

What You’ll Learn

Episode Highlights

Meet the Guests

David Flores (MITER Brands / Milgard) brings deep expertise in window and door solutions, helping shape MITER’s strategy for Hawaii’s market. Ian Wilson leads HPM Building Supply, a fifth-generation company with unmatched logistics and supply chain capabilities—ensuring products reach even the most remote Hawaiian locations.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

Closing Insights

Building for resilience means more than just meeting codes—it’s about creating homes that protect, connect, and endure.

How does a people-first culture transform the multifamily window and door industry? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Andy Brill of MITER Brands shares how MITER’s DNA, relentless focus on customer experience, and commitment to continuous improvement drive reliability and trust in every project. Listeners will discover why “Experience Is Everything” is more than a slogan—it’s a daily discipline that shapes every detail, every day.

What You’ll Learn

Episode Highlights

01:12 – Andy Brill’s journey from test lab engineer to multifamily segment leader

Meet the Guest

Andy Brill is Sales Leader and Multifamily Specialist at MITER Brands/MI Windows & Doors. With a background in engineering and two decades of industry experience, Andy leads MI’s multifamily segment, focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and customer success.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

Closing Insight & Call to Action

“Experience is everything: we deliver on our promises every day.”

Can you enjoy big, beautiful views and high performance in your home? In this episode, host Sherri Connor welcomes MITER Brands senior sales representative Micah Lynn to explore how today’s glass technologies—like insulated and laminated glass—deliver comfort, efficiency, and lasting value. Learn how glass choices affect everything from energy bills to UV protection and more.

What You’ll Learn

Episode Highlights

Meet the Guest

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

Closing Insight & CTA

How do today’s window and door glass options deliver comfort, safety, and peace of mind? In this episode, host Sherri Connor welcomes MITER Brands Senior Sales Representative Micah Lynn to explore the latest advances in residential glass. Learn how smart choices in glass technology can transform your homeowner experience.

What You’ll Learn

Episode Highlights

Meet the Guest

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

Closing Insight