Now What? A Residential Guy Goes Commercial

Hi there. I’m the new guy to the USGlass blog lineup. So, what makes me worthy of reading? Well, here is the “back story” on why I’m posting.

Over the last eight years, I was with GED Integrated Solutions (formerly Glass Equipment Development). They manufacture machinery for the door and window business. As the head of marketing and information technology, I learned a lot about the construction business and what customers wanted and needed. I enjoyed my time at GED and in the residential world. I met a lot of great folks and think we did some good things. I am sure many of you have their equipment.

So, why did I leave? Like many of you, I did pretty well working for a series of companies in several industries. I have been able to support my family and have some fun along the way, but (here comes the “BIG BUT”) I have always wanted to run my own business. I had many of the known American entrepreneurial traits – desire to build something, impatience with corporate cultures and customer-driven thoughts.

For a long time, I had tried to think of the “next big thing” that would propel me into a start up venture. I thought the path for me was to become the next Bill Gates, Thomas Edison or at least Richard James or Stan Honey.

About a year ago, finally came to the realization that I was not an inventor, but better suited to growing an existing business with new products, new markets and improved operations. So, I started to hunt for a business where I could use my background and door and window experience.

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