Episode 234: We Are Florida: Local Manufacturing, Team Culture, and Operational Excellence at PGT Windows and Doors

What does it take to build Florida’s manufacturing identity and deliver impact-rated windows with unmatched speed and quality? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, host Sherri Connor sits down with Chris Davis, Vice President of Operations at PGT, to explore MITER Brands’ unique approach to operational excellence, people-first culture, and pioneering impact-resistant products. Listeners will discover how PGT’s “We Are Florida” campaign is more than marketing—it’s a commitment to local manufacturing, workforce growth, and customer care that sets new standards for the industry.

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What You’ll Learn

• How MITER Brands integrates acquired businesses and transforms plant culture for operational excellence.
• The benefits of pioneering impact-resistant windows and doors engineered for HVHZ zones.
• Why insourcing glass production will reduce lead times and help dealers and homeowners finish projects faster.
• The importance of exceptional training, workforce development, and local community engagement in Florida’s manufacturing sector.
• What “We Are Florida” means for building relationships with customers, suppliers, and local talent.

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Episode Highlights

02:10 – Chris Davis shares his journey from the Pacific Northwest to Florida and his new leadership role
04:30 – Integration of CGI, PGT Commercial, Sparta, and Scout lines explained
06:55 – Culture change and leadership buy-in drive operational improvements
09:20 – Lead time sheet overhaul and customer-facing metrics
11:45 – Pembroke Pines glass plant: timeline, impact, and insourcing plans
13:30 – Retaining and relocating team members from Hialeah and Medley plants
15:00 – “We Are Florida” campaign and its meaning for local manufacturing
16:10 – Facility upgrades, parking improvements, and team benefits

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Meet the Guest

Chris Davis is Vice President of Operations for PGT and MITER Brands’ Florida division. With ten years at MITER, he brings deep experience in manufacturing leadership and is passionate about building local teams and delivering industry-leading products.

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Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

• Lead time sheet for operational transparency
• Integration framework for acquired businesses
• Single quoting platform (coming soon)
• “We Are Florida” campaign as a driver of local identity and differentiation

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Closing Insight & Call to Action

“Being based right here where our customers are installing the windows and doors is everything.”
Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more industry insights, and visit MITER Brands University to learn how you can grow your knowledge and impact in the window and door sector.