Clear Impact Podcast

By MITER BrandsBusiness Education Courses Management

Clear Impact Podcast episodes

April 28Episode 230: We Are Florida: The Strategy Behind PGT’s Brand Evolution and Customer Experience
What does a brand refresh really signal to customers and dealers? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, we explore how PGT Windows and Doors is evolving through a strategic rebrand aligned with MITER Brands and what that means for performance, trust, and growth. You will learn how brand identity, regional expertise, and customer experience come together to shape the future of the window and door industry.
What You’ll Learn
How a rebrand can signal deeper operational improvements in quality, reliability, and customer experience
What the “Red Pledge” means and how it reflects a commitment to excellence and consistency
How PGT’s brand pillars guide messaging, product development, and dealer relationships
Why the We Are Florida campaign resonates with homeowners and industry professionals
How aligning with MITER Brands strengthens brand clarity and market positioning
Episode Highlights (Timestamps)
00:45 – Introduction to the Clear Impact Podcast and today’s guest
02:10 – The story behind PGT’s rebrand and shift to red
03:30 – What brand alignment with MITER Brands means for customers and dealers
03:55 – Understanding the “Red Pledge” and the promise of 100% commitment
05:20 – A breakdown of PGT’s four brand pillars and how they guide decisions
06:45 – The meaning behind the We Are Florida campaign and local expertise
07:40 – A powerful MITER DNA principle: why making decisions matters
Meet the Guest
Debbie Bondonzi is the Marketing Manager for the South at PGT Windows and Doors, with over a decade of experience shaping brand strategy, dealer engagement, and regional marketing in the window and door industry.
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned
The Red Pledge
A brand commitment to delivering consistent quality, service, and a relentless pursuit of 100%
PGT Brand Pillars
Experience Is Everything
Engineered for Here
Every Detail, Every Day
Confidence to Create
We Are Florida Campaign
A regional identity framework that connects product design, manufacturing, and customer experience to real-life environmental needs
MITER Brands DNA Principle
“The worst decision is making no decision at all”
Closing Insight
Strong brands are built through consistent action, clear values, and a deep understanding of the people they serve. This episode highlights how aligning identity with experience creates lasting impact for both customers and partners.
Call to Action:
Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more insights on brand strategy, customer experience, and innovation in the building products industry.
11 min
April 24Episode 229: How Dealer Partnerships and Impact Windows Protect Florida Homes
How do Florida’s top window and door experts help communities weather change—both in the market and in the climate? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, territory manager Teresa Saez shares a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when product lines shift, branding evolves, and hurricane season approaches. Listeners will learn how MITER Brands and PGT are leading with impact-resistant innovation, dealer partnerships, and a people-first culture rooted in Florida’s coastal expertise.
What You’ll Learn
Why “business is always personal” for MITER Brands and how this shapes dealer and homeowner relationships
How PGT’s product line consolidation and new branding are setting higher standards for hurricane protection and customer service
What every Florida homeowner should know about preparing for hurricane season—including choosing the right impact-resistant windows and doors
Episode Highlights
00:40 – Teresa explains the impact of product line changes and the move to the Venice facility
02:00 – Daily collaboration and transparent communication with Florida dealers
03:30 – “Business is always personal”: Building family-like partnerships
05:00 – New PGT branding and the excitement around MITER red
08:15 – How homeowners can prepare for hurricane season in Florida
09:30 – The meaning of “We Are Florida” for customers and the community
10:45 – Closing thoughts on workforce, customer education, and the future of impact-resistant windows
Meet the Guest
Teresa Saez is a territory manager for PGT serving Palm Beach County. She’s known for her hands-on approach to dealer support and her deep commitment to Florida’s homeowners and building professionals.
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned
The “We Are Florida” campaign for community and brand identity
Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors for hurricane safety
“Consistent, proactive communication turns challenges into stronger relationships.”
Stay prepared and connected—subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more insights on Florida’s window and door industry, or visit our website to find an authorized dealer near you.
12 min
April 21Episode 228: The Power of PGT Impact Windows: Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt on Safer, Smarter Homes
What happens when two HGTV stars bring their real-world design expertise to the world of impact-rated windows and doors? In this episode of The Clear Impact Podcast, host Sherri Connor sits down with Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt to share practical insights on elevating your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and style—especially for coastal living. Discover how the right windows and doors can transform your space, protect your investment, and enhance your daily life.
Listeners will hear firsthand stories from the field, get ahead of trends like indoor-outdoor living and photovoltaic glass, and learn why MITER Brands' PGT and MI Windows are top choices for hurricane and storm protection. This is essential listening for anyone who wants to make smarter, more resilient choices for their home or business.
What You’ll Learn
How Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt plan window and door choices from the earliest design stages to maximize natural light, privacy, and views
The benefits and real-world impact of hurricane-rated, impact-resistant windows and doors in Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zones
Actionable tips for balancing aesthetics, energy efficiency, and safety in your next renovation or new build
Why indoor-outdoor living, large sliders, and innovative glazing are shaping the future of home design
Episode Highlights
00:45 – Mika and Brian’s journey from fitness to HGTV and homebuilding
03:10 – Planning windows and doors: Natural light, privacy, and views
06:30 – The value of impact windows and doors for hurricane protection
09:05 – Design trends: Arches, black frames, and large “storefront” windows
12:40 – Indoor-outdoor living with sliders and privacy glass innovations
16:15 – Energy efficiency, sound reduction, and real-world homeowner stories
18:50 – Future innovations: Photovoltaic glass and the iLab experience
20:45 – MITER Brands’ commitment to education, dealer training, and community
Meet the Guests
Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt are award-winning HGTV hosts known for their expertise in new construction and creative home design. Their Florida-based projects showcase the power of smart, high-performance windows and doors to improve safety, comfort, and style.
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned
MITER Brands University (dealer and installer training)
MITER Foundation (community and ESG initiatives)
PGT and MI Windows (impact-resistant, energy-efficient products)
Closing Insight & Call to Action
“Windows and doors are often overlooked, but they’re the most important design decisions you’ll make.” – Mika Kleinschmidt
Ready to make your home safer, smarter, and more beautiful? Visit our website to explore our full range of impact windows and doors, and subscribe for future insights from The Clear Impact Podcast.
23 min
April 14Episode 227: The MITER DNA: How People-First Culture Drives Industry Leadership
What happens when a leading window and door manufacturer sets out to define its core identity during industry-changing acquisitions? In this episode, MITER Brands CEO Matt DeSoto shares the origin and impact of the “MITER DNA”—a cultural framework designed to unify teams, inspire dealers, and create lasting value for homeowners and professionals. Learn how a people-first culture, operational discipline, and community giving shape MITER’s leadership in becoming the most valued window and door brand in America.
What You’ll Learn
How MITER Brands’ people-first approach drives sustainable growth and innovation
The MITER DNA principles that guide every decision, from operations to philanthropy
Why “Controlling the Controllable” is essential for focus and performance
How the MITER Foundation and team philanthropy create lasting community impact
What window and door professionals can do to align with MITER’s culture for business success
Episode Highlights
00:45 – Why MITER Brands needed a new cultural framework after major growth
02:30 – How CEO Matt DeSoto wrote the first draft of the MITER DNA statements
04:20 – The process of refining the DNA with leadership and integrating it company-wide
06:10 – Using the DNA to set expectations with new hires, dealers, and partners
08:00 – Adding “Controlling the Controllable” and philanthropy to the DNA after the PGT Innovations acquisition
10:15 – How the MITER Foundation and team philanthropy empower local communities
12:00 – Real “DNA moments” and how MITER teams reinforce values in daily work
14:30 – Final thoughts on people-first leadership and the future of MITER Brands
Meet the Guest
Matt DeSoto is CEO of MITER Brands, a manufacturing leader in window and door industry. He is recognized for his commitment to people-first culture, operational excellence, and meaningful community engagement.
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned
MITER DNA (cultural framework)
MITER Brands University (dealer and industry education)
MITER Foundation (philanthropy and ESG)
“Controlling the Controllable” principle
Scout™ and Sparta™ windows
Closing Insight & Call to Action
“Hope is not a strategy—success comes from clear values, ambition, and investing in people.”
Subscribe to Clear Impact for more industry insights. Visit MITER Brands University for resources that help you grow with the industry’s top window and door manufacturer.
17 min
April 14Episode 227: We Are Florida: The Strategy Behind PGT’s Brand Evolution and Customer Experience
What does a brand refresh really signal to customers and dealers? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, we explore how PGT Windows and Doors is evolving through a strategic rebrand aligned with MITER Brands and what that means for performance, trust, and growth. You will learn how brand identity, regional expertise, and customer experience come together to shape the future of the window and door industry.
What You’ll Learn
How a rebrand can signal deeper operational improvements in quality, reliability, and customer experience
What the “Red Pledge” means and how it reflects a commitment to excellence and consistency
How PGT’s brand pillars guide messaging, product development, and dealer relationships
Why the We Are Florida campaign resonates with homeowners and industry professionals
How aligning with MITER Brands strengthens brand clarity and market positioning
Episode Highlights (Timestamps)
00:45 – Introduction to the Clear Impact Podcast and today’s guest
02:10 – The story behind PGT’s rebrand and shift to red
03:30 – What brand alignment with MITER Brands means for customers and dealers
03:55 – Understanding the “Red Pledge” and the promise of 100% commitment
05:20 – A breakdown of PGT’s four brand pillars and how they guide decisions
06:45 – The meaning behind the We Are Florida campaign and local expertise
07:40 – A powerful MITER DNA principle: why making decisions matters
Meet the Guest
Debbie Bondonzi is the Marketing Manager for the South at PGT Windows and Doors, with over a decade of experience shaping brand strategy, dealer engagement, and regional marketing in the window and door industry.
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned
The Red Pledge
A brand commitment to delivering consistent quality, service, and a relentless pursuit of 100%
PGT Brand Pillars
Experience Is Everything
Engineered for Here
Every Detail, Every Day
Confidence to Create
We Are Florida Campaign
A regional identity framework that connects product design, manufacturing, and customer experience to real-life environmental needs
MITER Brands DNA Principle
“The worst decision is making no decision at all”
Closing Insight
Strong brands are built through consistent action, clear values, and a deep understanding of the people they serve. This episode highlights how aligning identity with experience creates lasting impact for both customers and partners.
Call to Action:
Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more insights on brand strategy, customer experience, and innovation in the building products industry.
11 min
April 02Episode 226: We Are Florida: MITER Brands’ Playbook for Operational Excellence
Quick Summary
How do you lead a manufacturing transformation that impacts both people and performance? In this episode, Chris Ruff, Senior Director of Operations at MITER Brands, shares how Florida’s leading impact-resistant window and door manufacturer navigated intense operational change and built a “We Are Florida” culture focused on quality, resilience, and team unity.
Listeners will discover how MITER Brands consolidated facilities, moved product lines like the Sparta™ and Scout™ series, and elevated both efficiency and employee morale—all while anchoring its brand in Florida’s hurricane protection legacy. This episode is packed with insights for dealers, coastal homeowners, and industry professionals who want to understand what drives true operational excellence and a people-first approach.
What You’ll Learn
The inside story of MITER Brands’ “We Are Florida” transformation and how it strengthened team culture and product quality.
How impact-resistant windows and doors are designed to protect homes in Florida’s most demanding coastal environments.
Practical strategies for improving lead times, on-time delivery, and “as delivered quality” in manufacturing.
Why operational excellence, continuous improvement, and a relentless pursuit of 100% matter for both business success and customer trust.
Episode Highlights (Timestamps)
01:05 – The challenge and opportunity of integrating MITER Brands and PGT
03:18 – How the “We Are Florida” identity shapes the company’s mission
05:42 – Launching the Sparta™ and Scout™ aluminum lines for coastal protection
07:57 – Improving output, quality, and team morale through daily problem-solving
11:10 – Building a people-first culture and supporting the workforce
12:45 – The meaning of “relentless pursuit of 100%” and lessons from tough decisions
Meet the Guest
Chris Ruff is the Senior Director of Operations for MITER Brands’ Venice, WinDoor, and Fort Myers facilities. With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, Chris has led teams through major transitions and is passionate about building a culture rooted in quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned
MITER Brands University (workforce and dealer education)
Sparta™ and Scout™ aluminum product families
“We Are Florida” branded framework
On-time, in-full (OTIF) and “as delivered quality” (ADQ) performance metrics
Closing Insight & Call to Action
“Pride, unity, and a relentless pursuit of 100%—that’s what drives us forward every day.”
Subscribe to stay connected and never miss an episode packed with operational insights and industry leadership from MITER Brands.
14 min
March 31Episode 225: Inside Milgard's C700: How Collaboration Drives Innovation
Curious about how the next generation of windows is designed and built? This episode of The Clear Impact Podcast features Brent Wright, Project Manager for New Product Development, sharing the story behind the C700 fiberglass series. Discover how MITER Brands leverages customer insight, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development to deliver modern, energy-efficient window solutions.
Episode Summary
Host Sherri Connor from MITER Brands University connects with Brent Wright to explore the launch of the C700 fiberglass window series. Together, they reveal how collaborative design, rigorous testing, and automation drive innovation and quality in window manufacturing. The conversation highlights the importance of customer feedback, clean modern aesthetics, and practical energy-saving features. This conversation offers valuable takeaways for anyone interested in home improvement, architecture, or product innovation.
What You’ll Learn
How customer feedback shapes modern window design and performance
Key features and benefits of the C700 fiberglass series
The role of automation and operational excellence in manufacturing
Practical energy-efficient trends in window technology
19 min
March 26Episode 224: Building Community: Transparent Relationships in the Window Industry
How do industry leaders drive innovation and quality in the window and door business? This episode explores how collaboration, dealer feedback, and evolving company culture are delivering superior products and customer experiences. Listeners will hear firsthand about Milgard's C700 Fiberglass product line, dealer-driven improvements, and the unique relationships that fuel success.
GUEST: Jared Wright (Open and Close Windows and Doors, Tucson, AZ)
GUEST: Bryson Gunter (Utah Window Experts)
What You’ll Learn
How industry events strengthen dealer networks and business strategies
Why dealer feedback is essential for product innovation and quality control
The features and benefits of in-house flex screens, casement windows, and smart touch locks
How transparent, family-like relationships drive mutual success
The positive culture at MITER Brands
Episode Highlights
02:00 – Bryson and Jared discuss the value of industry events and networking
06:00 – In-house flex screen production: quality and speed improvements
08:30 – The importance of transparent dealer-manufacturer relationships
10:15 – MITER employee shares insights on cultural evolution and community focus
12:30 – First Impressions of the C700 product
16:30 - Product Improvements vs Previous lines
20:15 - Importance of Dealer feedback
23 min
March 24Episode 223: How Customer Feedback Shapes Window & Door Excellence
What if you could unlock the secrets behind the window and door industry’s most innovative products and the people who drive them? This episode explores how advanced manufacturing, customer feedback, and transformational leadership are shaping the future of impact-resistant windows and doors. Listeners will discover actionable insights from industry veterans, learn about the launch of the C700 series, and understand what sets MITER Brands apart in quality and customer experience.
What You’ll Learn
Why customer-centric retail models are changing the window and door landscape
How MITER Brands uses automation and RFID technology to elevate product quality
Key features of the C700 series and its impact in markets like Seattle, Portland, and fire-affected regions
Episode Highlights
02:10 – Lee Brohel’s journey from selling overruns to focusing on retail and customer needs
04:30 – Tai’s career progression at Milgard and the influence of legacy customer standards
06:15 – Factory tour: automation, RFID, and MITER’s upgraded facility
08:00 – Launch of the C700 product: slim design, large sizes, and regional impact
10:30 – John, Linda, and Tony share optimism about C700 in fire-affected and challenging markets
12:00 – Customer feedback leads to seamless screens and advanced packaging
Meet the Guest
Lee Brohel is the owner of Discount Windows in Oregon, known for his shift to a retail-focused model and commitment to serving both contractors and homeowners.
Tai Birch is a senior sales leader at Milgard, recognized for her dedication to customer excellence and leadership in the Pacific Northwest.
Jon and Linda from Jon's Window & Awning in Burbank, California, and Tony Quatraro, director of the Southwest for Milgard, share their perspectives on product innovation and market needs.
17 min
March 19Episode 222: Dealer Reactions to the Milgard C700: What Makes a Great Window?
When Milgard launches a product, they do it right. This episode captures real reactions from the C700 product pre-launch event in Tacoma. Hear how dealers, builders, and industry experts describe the features, installation, and market impact of MITER Brands’ newest fiberglass product line.
What You’ll Learn
What dealers and builders value most in the C700’s design and performance
How new features like Smart Touch locks and improved corners help with installation and durability
Why the C700 is seen as a top choice for custom, multifamily, and commercial projects
The importance of packaging, color options, and easy handling in product adoption
Episode Highlights
03:12 – First impressions of the C700 at the Tacoma event
09:30 – How the C700 enables bigger and more complex building projects
14:50 – The impact of Smart Touch lock and new corner technology
18:40 – Building strong marketing partnerships with Milgard
Meet the Guests
Nathan & Heidi Boos (Hillsview Building Windows & Doors), Eli Geschwentner (Westin Windows), Larry (Southgate Glass), Todd Ward and Anthony Scales (MITER Brands, Milgard) share their hands-on experiences with the C700.
21 min

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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…

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