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.
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
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.
“Pride, unity, and a relentless pursuit of 100%—that’s what drives us forward every day.”
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