The Pella Rolscreen Foundation, the nonprofit foundation of Pella Corporation, has awarded $14,500 in grants to four organizations serving Carroll and surrounding communities. The funding reflects the Foundation's commitment to supporting programs and services that strengthen the communities where Pella team members live and work. 

The latest grants support projects that expand access to childcare, strengthen emergency response capabilities and provide resources for children and families across the Carroll area:   

• $10,000 to the Paton-Churdan Early Learning Center to support construction of a new facility that will expand access to child care, reduce waitlists and serve more families in the surrounding rural communities.
• $1,500 to the Carroll County Fire Department to purchase thermal imaging cameras that enhance firefighters' emergency response capabilities.
• $1,500 to Carroll County Ambulance to purchase MedVault systems that securely store medications on ambulances for emergency responders.
• $1,500 to the Family Resource Center in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The grant will support the purchase of parenting curriculum for classes designed to strengthen family relationships, encourage positive home environments and support the overall well-being of children and families. 

"Strong communities are built by people and organizations that show up for one another," said Danielle Leonard, Plant Manager for Pella Corporation in Carroll. "We're grateful for the work these organizations do every day, and we're proud to invest in efforts that help our neighbors, strengthen local communities and create lasting impact." 

To learn more about the Pella Rolscreen Foundation and its community giving initiatives, visit https://pellarolscreen.com/  

Pella Corporation was featured in an Elizabeth Vargas Reports segment spotlighting the company’s 100-year legacy and continued commitment to people, innovation and community impact.  

The national feature takes viewers inside Pella Corporation, spotlighting how the family-owned business, founded in 1925, came to be one of the nation’s leading window and door manufacturers.  

Elizabeth Vargas Reports recognizes Pella’s lasting contributions to American manufacturing and its role in helping shape the future of the industry.  

To watch the full Elizabeth Vargas Reports segment, click here:  https://www.newsnationnow.com/vargasreports/american-made-pella/#/questions/588279

Emily shares her story in a July episode of Pella-tively Speaking, a weekly podcast hosted by Pella Windows and Doors of Nashville, which explores topics like design, innovation and leadership. She sat down with host, Matt Bettinson, to discuss her expertise, Pella’s over 100-year legacy and what this next chapter means for herself and Pella.

She explains that Pella has invested heavily in company culture and innovation and that it starts with a commitment to caring, learning and delivering results. That commitment has led Pella to become a multi-generational company with an average employee tenure of 14 years, with some dedicating 30 to 40 years of their career to Pella.

“There is no better complement for this company than somebody who wants to invest in a long career with us,” said Videtto, “And is also an advocate for their children or grandchildren to come be a part of this company.”

Listen to the full episode to hear more about Emily’s journey and what’s next for Pella:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music

Pella Corporation has been named to Selling Power magazine's 60 Best Companies to Sell For list for 2026, recognizing organizations that invest in building high-performing sales teams through training, enablement and employee support.

“We're continually evolving our sales organization across Pella,” said JaNette Barnett, vice president of field sales at Pella Corporation. "When we invest in our people, align how we sell and give our teams the right tools, it shows up in the way we serve customers and grow our business. We're proud to see that commitment recognized by Selling Power."

Selling Power evaluated more than 200 companies using a proprietary methodology that considers factors such as company culture, compensation and benefits, hiring and sales enablement, inclusion and diversity, and the use of AI to support sales teams. The annual evaluation recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to developing and supporting high-performing sales organizations. 

"The 60 Best Companies to Sell For have demonstrated remarkable success and growth by elevating their sales teams to new heights,” said Gerhard Gschwandtner, Selling Power publisher and founder. “These companies have invested in comprehensive training programs, cutting-edge tools and supportive work environments that empower their sales professionals to excel. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, they have set a high standard in the competitive world of sales."

The recognition reinforces Pella's commitment to investing in its people and empowering its sales team to deliver exceptional experiences for customers across North America. The full list of the 60 Best Companies to Sell For in 2026 is available here: https://www.sellingpower.com/lists/2026/60-best-companies-to-sell-for/.

The partnership was recently highlighted during the WorkSMART Connector Signing Day at the Career Academy of Pella, where nearly 50 area students committed to apprenticeship and certification pathways. Several of those students will complete work-based learning experiences with Pella, earning wages and academic credit while developing skills that prepare them for future careers. 

For more than five years, Pella has participated in WorkSMART's Manufacturing Technologies Apprenticeship, helping connect students with careers in advanced manufacturing. This year, the company expanded its involvement by launching a new Manufacturing Experience Apprenticeship focused on foundational production roles. Pella also continues to support Business and IT apprenticeships, strengthening talent pipelines across multiple areas of the organization.

“I'm glad to see Pella Corporation and other large local employers contributing to the WorkSmart Connector program. It really demonstrates their dedication to local connection and their interest in hiring local individuals,” says Carson Uitermarkt, Finance IT Apprentice. “I'm honored to have received this opportunity from Pella, and I'm excited to be able to contribute to their organization.”

The impact goes both ways. Students gain real-world experience and a strong start to their careers, while Pella team members can mentor and develop emerging talent – strengthening both our teams and our connection to the communities we serve.

“We’re proud to invest annually in the WorkSMART Connector program in partnership with the Career Academy of Pella,” says Jessica Klyn de Novelo, Community Relations and Foundation Manager. “It’s an important workforce pipeline for skilled talent right here in our hometown.”

By investing in apprenticeship programs, Pella continues to create opportunities for local students while helping build the skilled workforce that will support the company's future.

To learn more about the program, visit: Apprenticeship and Certification Students Sign at WorkSmart Connector Signing Day | KNIA - KRLS

“Ultimately, the safety and well-being of our team members is our top priority. The climate control initiative represents a meaningful investment in our team members and the environment they work in every day," said Matt Mellema, Sioux Center Plant Manager.

Midwest Helicopter Airways, based in suburban Chicago, led the lift operation. The company brings more than 50 years of heavy-lifting experience, including similar work in Carroll. The aircraft used was a 1962 Sikorsky S-58JT helicopter, originally built for the West German army and later converted for civilian use.

Despite earlier concerns about rain and wind, weather conditions improved the day of the lift, allowing the operation to proceed under light winds and overcast skies.

Key Details:

• Midwest Helicopter Airways conducted safety training and a site inspection beginning at 8 a.m.
• The helicopter arrived on site around 10 a.m. and began lifting shortly after
• Crews averaged approximately two minutes per rooftop unit
• All 36 units were successfully placed in under 75 minutes
• Local contractor C.W. Suter prepared the site and supported the installation
• The City of Sioux Center assisted with barricades and temporary closure of 4th Avenue
   

The coordinated effort drew interest from employees, families, and community members, many of whom gathered to watch the operation.

“The Pella team is very excited for the climate control project. Once complete, these upgrades will help create a more consistent and comfortable atmosphere throughout the facility, especially during the hottest months of the year,” said Luke Francois, Sioux Center Engineering Team Leader.
 

What’s Next:

Installation work will continue ,the full system is expected to be fully operational in early July, improving interior temperature consistency and overall comfort across the facility ahead of peak summer conditions.

Pella Corporation is featured in the May 2026 cover story for Family Business Magazine, highlighting how five generations of family stewardship, governance and long-term thinking have shaped the company’s evolution over the last century. 

In the feature, Board Chair Adam Farver reflects on Pella’s founding, the company’s approach to leadership and the responsibility that comes with sustaining a family-owned, professionally managed business across generations. 

Long-term thinking from the beginning 

Pella’s story began in 1925, when Pete and Lucille Kuyper invested in a window screen invention with the goal of creating a manufacturing company that would provide strong jobs and support the Pella, Iowa, community. 

“He never set out to build windows and doors,” Farver says in the story. “He set out to create a company — a manufacturing company in Pella — that would create great jobs.” 

What began as the Rolscreen Company eventually expanded into windows and doors, growing into one of the nation’s largest window and door manufacturers while remaining family-owned and professionally managed. 

 A governance model focused on stewardship 

The article also explores Pella’s governance structure and the separation between ownership, board oversight and executive management. 

Unlike many family businesses, family members are not employed full-time within the company. Instead, stewardship and governance remain the family’s primary role, with professional leaders guiding day-to-day operations and strategy. 

“We demand world-class professional executives and independent directors; in return, we promise to be world-class shareholders,” Farver says. 

Preparing future generations 

The feature highlights how Pella prepares future generations for  

shareholder responsibility through mentorship, governance development and shared experiences designed to reinforce stewardship and long-term thinking. 

Farver noted that successful family businesses must balance preserving what previous generations built while maintaining the flexibility to evolve over time. 

“What we see going forward is doing what we have done, but in all new ways,” Farver says in the article. “One of our values is learning — always be learning, always be looking for the next opportunity. That's what's brought us to where we are today and what will keep us thriving through the next 200 years.” 

As Pella enters its second century, the story reflects on how the company continues balancing innovation, culture and long-term responsibility while preparing for the future. 

To read the full Family Business Magazine feature, click here: https://familybusinessmagazine.com/legacy/stewardship/framing-the-future/  

Pella Corporation's Steady Set™ interior installation system was named a final four finalist in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition, organized by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI). 

The winner was announced June 3 at ABI's Taking Care of Business Conference, following a months-long contest that drew nominations from across the state and thousands of votes from Iowans and supporters nationwide. Pella congratulates this year's winner and is proud of the recognition Steady Set earned throughout the competition. 

"Making the final four of the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa is an honor," said Emily Videtto, President & COO, Pella Corporation. "But more than the contest, this journey was about our people – the team members who innovated and built Steady Set from the ground up, and the thousands of supporters who voted for us every day. We're incredibly grateful." 

Built for the people who build homes 

The Pella Steady Set™ interior installation system is the industry's first installer-inspired window system designed for interior installation of new construction windows. Developed after extensive field research, Steady Set enables a single installer to work entirely from inside the home – eliminating dangerous ladder work and reducing the need for a two-person crew.  

Key performance stats: 

• 3.15x faster than standard installations

• 64% of the installation process completed from the interior 

• Up to 72% less outdoor exposure 

• Pre-attached components that reduce errors, improve consistency, and cut callbacks for builders and homeowners 

The system is available on select Pella Reserve® and Pella Lifestyle Series® windows. 

Congratulations to the finalists, we’re proud to share this recognition with you. 

Incredible things are made in Iowa.  We're honored to be part of that story. 

Pella Corporation is proud to announce that Jenn Tuetken, Director of Innovation, Design & Brand Experience, has been named the 2026 innovationLEADER of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record. The award recognizes an Iowa leader who demonstrates originality in innovation, measurable impact on their organization and industry, and a commitment to fostering innovation in others.

Tuetken is recognized for her ability to bring together human-centered design, engineering insight, and business discipline to solve meaningful problems for homeowners and professional installers. Over the past decade, she has helped shape and scale Pella’s innovation strategy – building a disciplined, repeatable approach that turns insight into impact.

Under her leadership, Pella has introduced a series of category-defining innovations, including the Integrated Rolscreen®, Easy-Slide Operator, Hidden Screen, and most recently, Steady Set™ — the industry’s first interior installation system for new construction. Steady Set™ enables faster installation, reduces the need for multiple installers, and improves jobsite safety by significantly limiting exterior ladder work.

“Jenn has built something rare: an innovation capability that is both highly creative and deeply disciplined,” said Keith Mann, Chief Marketing Officer. “She has helped transform how we approach innovation at Pella, ensuring that great ideas translate into meaningful solutions for our customers and measurable impact for our business. This recognition reflects not only her leadership, but the culture she has built and the teams she continues to elevate.”

Tuetken’s leadership has also contributed to broader recognition for Pella as a leader in innovation. The company has been named to Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators and has received honors for innovation, design, and partnership from organizations including Lowe’s.

While the award recognizes Tuetken’s individual leadership, it also reflects the collaborative culture that supports innovation at Pella. Cross-functional teams across the organization contribute to developing solutions that deliver meaningful value to customers and solve real problems for real people.

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful, not just for me, but for the teams I have the privilege to work with every day,” said Tuetken. “Innovation at Pella is truly a team effort, grounded in understanding our customers and pushing ourselves to find better ways to serve them.”

The innovationIOWA awards, presented annually by the Business Record, celebrate innovation happening across the state. Recipients are nominated by members of the community and selected by Business Record leadership based on their impact, leadership, and commitment to advancing innovation.

Following this year’s April 19–25 observance, 11 employees were selected to direct $500 grants to nonprofits they actively support. One recipient was randomly chosen after logging volunteer hours, while 10 others were nominated by peers in recognition of their outstanding commitment to giving back this year. 

This year’s grant recipients include:

• Andrew Bauer (Pella Operations), who mentors and supports children in need of positive role models
• Dallas Barrett (Shenandoah Operations), whose work with local wrestling programs helps empower youth
• Ashley Boehlen (Medford Operations), who supports families through the Taylor County Giving Tree program
• Lisa Fox (Murray Operations), a volunteer with the Marshall County Humane Society, who cares for animals awaiting adoption
• Brandon Grandgenett (Carroll Operations), a coach and board member with Ace Soccer who supports youth development through sports
• Lindsey Hofmann (Gettysburg Operations), who volunteers with equine therapy programs that support individuals of all ages
• Amber Kelley (Manufacturing Talent Leadership Development), a dedicated youth sports coach and community leader
• Jan Martin (Ladysmith Operations), a 27-year volunteer firefighter and first responder
• Mike McCoy (Murray Operations), a volunteer with Crusaders for Children, supporting abused and terminally ill children in Western Kentucky
• Stephanie Weaver (Human Resources), whose work with her local school district supports students, teachers and families

So far in 2026, Pella team members have contributed more than 5,500 volunteer hours, supporting over 100 nonprofit organizations nationwide.

Supporting Communities Beyond the Workplace

Volunteer Week efforts extended beyond individual recognition. In Ocala, Florida, Pella employees participated in the Kimberly Center Foundation annual 5K fundraiser, which supports child abuse prevention programs.

“The 5K is one of Ocala’s major community events, and our team made a strong, intentional effort to show up and support this initiative,” said Brian Bliek, Ocala Plant Manager. “It was great to see team members from across the plant representing us so well.”

The Ocala team has partnered with the organization for several years and, in 2026, was recognized as the largest corporate group participating in person.

These stories are a reminder that small actions can create meaningful change. To learn more about Pella’s volunteerism and community relations efforts, visit https://pellarolscreen.com/. 

The students were recognized during a banquet held April 28 at Pella’s corporate headquarters in Pella, Iowa. This year’s class was selected from a competitive pool of applicants representing 57 high schools across 15 states, and eight recipients will be the first in their families to attend college. 

“These scholarships reflect who we are as a company—committed to growth, opportunity and the belief that education creates bright futures,” said Karmen Gardner, executive director of the Pella Rolscreen Foundation. “We’re proud to support our team members’ children as they take the next step toward becoming future leaders, problem solvers and innovators.” 

Applications were evaluated based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, community service and written essays, and recipients were selected through a competitive process led by external judges.   

Students pursuing four-year bachelor’s degrees received $10,000 scholarships, distributed as $2,500 annually. Those enrolled in two-year programs received $2,000, awarded as $1,000 annually. 

Since 1979, the Pella Rolscreen Foundation has awarded over 900 scholarships through the Brighter Futures program. The scholarship initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader giving efforts, which also include community and education grants, a Matching Gifts Program and a Volunteer Recognition Program that supports causes important to team members and their families.

Pella Corporation has been named the PRSA Iowa PRIME Award winner for Communications/PR Team of the Year, with an additional Merit recognition in the Event/Observance category for the company's Founder’s Day event, Pella Lives Purpose: 100 Years and Beyond. The awards, presented by the Public Relations Society of America Iowa Chapter, recognize outstanding achievement in public relations and communications across the state. 

Pella's centennial year presented a once-in-a-century opportunity and challenge, to share 100 years of purpose, innovation and community with audiences across the country while celebrating internally at 47 Pella locations. The communications team, alongside colleagues across the organization, rose to that challenge, executing a comprehensive, nationwide effort to honor the milestone in a way that was both far-reaching and deeply personal. That effort spanned months of coordinated planning across internal and external channels – from traditional mailers and save-the-dates for retirees, to enterprise-wide communications on Pella Connect, Yammer and Microsoft Teams for team members.  

On Founder's Day itself, more than 8,000 attendees gathered across 47 locations nationwide, with programming running across three shifts to ensure every team member could participate. Media outreach extended the celebration far beyond company walls, with a national wire release generating 557 published stories and a potential reach of over 213 million.  

The launch of Pella's new brand ambassador program added an authentic, employee-driven dimension to the moment, with ambassadors generating enthusiastic social engagement within just days of enrollment. What could have been a single day became a reflection of the company's culture: inclusive, purposeful, and built to last. 

"This recognition is a testament to the incredible people at Pella who made our 100th anniversary something truly special," said Karmen Gardner, Vice President, Corporate Communications & Employee Experience, Pella Corporation. “Our communications team and so many others across the company worked tirelessly to ensure that Pella's centennial story reached every corner of the country and resonated within every one of our locations. To be recognized by PRSA Iowa for that work is an honor that belongs to all of them." 

The Founder’s Day merit recognition highlights the team's centerpiece event of the centennial celebration: a purposeful, company-wide observance that brought Pella's history and future into focus for team members, community members and stakeholders alike. The event exemplified the collaboration and creativity that defined Pella's entire 100th year communications effort.  

The PRSA Iowa PRIME Awards recognize excellence in public relations and communications throughout Iowa. The Communications/PR Team of the Year award honors teams that have delivered stellar results and achieved meaningful goals. The Event/Observance category recognizes communication programs built around special events, commemorations and celebrations. 

Gifts to the Bridging the Gap Campaign will help fund the South Central Iowa Radiation Center and support the partnership between PRHC and KHC to bring radiation therapy closer to home for patients across the region. This gift represents more than financial support – it reflects belief in our mission, confidence in our collaboration, and compassion for the patients and families we serve.

“At Pella, we believe caring for our community means showing up when it matters most. Supporting this new cancer treatment center will touch the lives of our families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, and we’re honored to help bring expanded care and healing closer to home.” — Karmen Gardner, Executive Director, Pella Rolscreen Foundation.

“We are deeply grateful to Pella Corporation for its generous support of our Radiation Center Capital Campaign,” said Bob Kroese, CEO of Pella Regional Health Center. “Their dedication to our community is reflected in their craftsmanship and care for area residents. This support ensures that patients and their families have access to advanced care close to home, enhancing community well-being and bringing hope to those in need.”

“I am very thankful for the generosity and partnership of Pella Corporation in supporting our radiation center campaign. Their investment reflects a meaningful commitment to the health and well-being of our community, helping ensure access to high-quality, compassionate cancer care for patients and their families across the region. Together, we are building something that will make a lasting difference for generations to come,” said Kevin Kincaid, CEO of Knoxville Hospital & Clinics.

The South Central Iowa Radiation Center is projected to cost $14.3 million, with the majority of funding to be raised through the Bridging the Gap Campaign, led by the hospital foundations of PRHC and KHC.

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is a non-profit community hospital serving Marion County and the surrounding area. Named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, KHC’s highly skilled medical staff and specialists provide personal, compassionate, and innovative quality health care to patients. For more information regarding this release and other happenings at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, call the Public Relations Department at (641) 842-1418.

Pella Regional Health Center is a not-for-profit provider of healthcare that is accredited by The Joint Commission. It is recognized by Wellmark Blue Cross^® and Blue Shield^® as a Blue Distinction^® Center+ for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program, it is also recognized by Wellmark Blue Cross^® and Blue Shield^® for Knee and Hip designations. The health center was also awarded the Clean Facility Certificate from the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) for its commitment to infection prevention strategies and preparedness for biological events. Pella Regional Health Center’s mission is to provide healthcare and healing services with Christian compassion. Information on Pella Regional Health Center and its clinics is available by calling Public Relations at 641-621-2362 or visiting the website, PellaHealth.org.

Pictured: Karmen Gardner, Executive Director, Pella Rolscreen Foundation and Jessica Klyn de Novelo, Community Relations and Foundation Manager are pictured alongside representatives from Pella Regional Health Center and Knoxville Hospital & Clinics: Kevin Kincaid, KHC Chief Executive Officer, Jan Meyer, KHC Chief Nursing Officer, Katrina Nelson, KHC Foundation Director, Bob Kroese, PRHC Chief Executive Officer, Jody Van Veen, PRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Lezlie Morris, PRHC Chief Operating Officer, Jenny Hesseltine, PRHC Foundation Coordinator. 

Presented by the National Association of Manufacturers, the awards recognize companies driving digital transformation and continuous improvement across the industry. Pella is a finalist in three categories. 

• Revolutionizing Patio Door Design and Manufacturing: Pella’s Smart, Agile, and Automated Transformation (Engineering and Production Processes): Pella reimagined its patio door production by replacing a traditional assembly line with a flexible, cell -based system powered by autonomous guided vehicles and connected digital tools. The transformation improved product quality by 30 percent, increased labor productivity by 25 percent and significantly enhanced on-time delivery.
• Intelligent Manufacturing: Driving Operational Excellence (Operational Excellence): Applying AI directly within its manufacturing processes to identify issues earlier, improve consistency and reduce defects, helping teams focus on the areas that have the greatest impact on product quality and customer experience.
• Supercharging the Future: Pella’s Industrial AI Strategy for Quality and Efficiency at Scale (Artificial Intelligence Vision and Strategy): Pella’s enterprise AI strategy is building the foundation for more connected, data-driven operations, enabling faster decision-making, improved efficiency and scalable innovation across manufacturing. 

“At Pella, our teams are focused on solving complex challenges through better systems and more connected processes—whether it’s improving outcomes for our customers or creating a better experience for our team members,” said Laura Phillips, Vice President of Engineering and Procurement, Pella Corporation. “Being named a finalist across multiple categories reflects the breadth of that work and the progress we’re making across the business. We’re proud of our teams and the way they continue to apply innovation in practical ways that move our capabilities forward.” 

This recognition builds on momentum from 2025, when Pella received the Future of Manufacturing Award for its voice-guided work instructions. 

Pella will be recognized along with other award finalists at the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala, which will take place on June 24, 2026, at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, AZ. Winners in all project and individual categories will be announced at that time, along with the Manufacturers of the Year and Manufacturing Leader of the Year.  

Details about the awards are available at https://www.manufacturingleadershipcouncil.com/leadership-awards/. 

Learn more about careers at Pella by visiting pella.com/careers  

“Safety starts with how a window is designed and how it performs over time,” said Dustin Katje, Sr. Plant Manager at Pella. “That’s why we put our products through repeated cycles and real-world conditions to help ensure they operate as intended long before they ever reach a home. For homeowners, that means products built to stand up to both daily use and more extreme conditions over time.” 

In Pella’s test lab, products undergo accelerated and extreme testing to simulate real-world conditions — from temperatures as low as -40°F to heat up to 160°F, as well as intense wind, rain and repeated operation cycles. These tests help validate that windows can perform consistently through everyday use and more demanding conditions. 

While testing helps validate performance before a product reaches a home, installation plays a critical role in how that performance carries through in everyday use. The Pella® Steady Set™ Interior Window Installation System is designed to support more consistent installation, helping ensure windows perform as intended once in the home.  

What this Means for Homeowners 

While much of window safety happens behind the scenes, a few considerations can help support performance in the home: 

• Choose products designed and tested for your local climate and conditions
• Work with experienced professionals to ensure proper installation
• Regularly check that windows open, close and lock as intended
• Use window safety features and be mindful of placement, especially in homes with young children or in multi-story areas
• Keep windows closed and locked when young children are present, and avoid placing furniture near windows that can be climbed
• Remember screens are designed to keep insects out, not prevent falls
• Look for design options that reduce hazards, such as cordless or between-the-glass blinds 

“Even with well-designed products, how windows are used in the home still matters,” said Nicole Willits, Design Trend, Product and Sustainability Manager at Pella. “Simple steps like checking functionality, understanding safety features and being mindful in spaces with children can make a meaningful difference.” 

A Shared Responsibility 

Window Safety Week is a reminder of the role everyone plays, from the teams who build and test products to the homeowners who rely on them. 

To support awareness, organizations like the National Safety Council provide resources such as a Window Safety Checklist and a Kids’ Activity Book, offering practical guidance for parents, caregivers and children. 

Hougland has broad experience managing large portfolios and go-to-market strategies. Most recently, he managed a multi-billion-dollar North American business unit at Whirlpool Corporation, overseeing multiple brands, product lines, and manufacturing operations with full profit and loss accountability. His expertise spans product development, sales, merchandising, operations, finance, and corporate strategy. Prior to Whirlpool Corporation, Hougland held roles in mergers and acquisitions investment banking at UBS and private equity at Hammond Kennedy Whitney. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Taylor Hougland to Pella Corporation. His proven leadership and expertise in managing multi-brand portfolios make him the ideal fit to build on our momentum and drive our growth strategy forward. I’m confident that under Taylor’s guidance, our family of brands will continue to deliver innovative, high-quality products and services for our customers and communities,” said Emily Videtto, President & COO, Pella Corporation. 

As EVP & Group President, Business Units, Hougland will be responsible for the growth strategy along with the financial performance of Pella’s family of brands including Pella, Avanti, Bonelli, Burris, CWS, Weather Shield, and Win-Dor. He will champion a cohesive approach across the portfolio, ensuring each brand thrives in its market and consistently surpasses customers’ expectations while advancing the company’s overall performance. 

Hougland earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He and his family plan to relocate and reside in Pella, Iowa. 

 “The EPIC Awards celebrate the creativity and commitment of our team members,” said Roger Marin, Vice President of Manufacturing & Logistics. “At Pella, productivity and continuous improvement are The Work. It enhances safety for our team members, strengthens product quality and improves reliability across our operations—reducing lead times and delivering more consistently for our customers. When we do this well, it creates opportunities to reinvest back into the business which is the fuel for growth! 

 2025 EPIC Award Winners 

Each Pella manufacturing plant nominated an individual and a project across four key award categories, including Hourly Team Member, Department Manager, Support Team Member and Project. Three finalists were then selected in each category with awards presented to the top submissions in both Wood/Fiberglass and Vinyl/Aluminum product categories.  

Team Member 

• Wood/FG – Alex Landau (Sioux Center, IA)
• Vinyl/Alum – Jason Smith (Gettysburg, PA) 

Department Manager 

• Wood/FG – Anthony Handlos (Carroll, IA)
• Vinyl/Alum – Adam Farrar (Reidsville, NC) 

Support Team Member 

• Wood/FG – Allan Wickard (Carroll, IA)
• Vinyl/Alum – Dianna Cassiday (Reidsville, NC) 

Project 

• Wood/FG – Wood Partsmaking Kata (Sioux Center, IA)
• Vinyl/Alum – Green Trailer Project (Macomb, IL) 

2025 EPIC Plant Award Winners 

In addition to individual and project recognition, Pella honored its plants in five critical areas of operational excellence: Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity and People, along with the Most Improved Plant. 

• Safety – Sioux Center, IA
• Quality – Carroll, IA
• Delivery – Portland, OR
• Productivity – Shenandoah, IA
• People – Sioux Center, IA
• Most Improved – Shenandoah, IA 

  2025 Best Plant Award Winners 

The Best Plant Award, the highest honor of the evening, recognized the manufacturing facility that demonstrated strong, balanced performance and leadership across all key pillars: Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity and People.  

• Wood/Fiberglass – Sioux Center, IA
• Vinyl/Aluminum – Portland, OR 

Pella congratulates this year’s nominees and finalists for their contributions to continuous improvement and innovation. Their work reflects a culture where team members are empowered to share ideas, solve problems and make a meaningful impact across the business.  

Learn more about careers at Pella by visiting pella.com/careers. 

When Tim and Cindy began imagining their “forever home,” they were thinking about the feeling they wanted the home to create. 

Nestled in the wooded landscape of Rosman, North Carolina, the couple envisioned a home where natural light, forest views and thoughtful design could create a sense of calm and retreat. 

To bring that vision to life, the Wilkies partnered with The House Designers to create a contemporary home that would fully embrace the property’s wooded setting. Every design decision focused on bringing the outdoors in. 

At just over 2,100 square feet, the home was intentionally designed to feel open, bright and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling windows became a defining feature of the architecture, framing the surrounding trees and flooding the interior with natural light throughout the day. 

Achieving that vision meant finding a window partner that could match the design ambition with quality and craftsmanship. For Tim, who spent his career in the woodworking industry, that choice was an important one.

“One of the biggest decisions we had to make was who our window supplier would be,” said Tim Wilkie. “Pella has phenomenal brand recognition. I spent my career in the woodworking industry, wood products specifically, and I know back then they had extremely high-quality control and expectations from their vendors.” 

Pella Lifestyle Series windows were installed throughout the home, helping turn the couple’s vision into reality. The expansive glass allows light to move freely through the home while highlighting the surrounded wooded landscapes.

This project also reflects the ongoing collaboration between Pella and The House Designers, who have partnered for more than four years to help homeowners across the country bring their dream homes to life. By combining thoughtful architecture with high-end performance windows and doors, the partnership helps homeowners create spaces that are both beautiful and built to last. 

For the Wilkies, the result is a home that feels connected to the environment around it and designed for the years ahead.

Watch a full tour of the home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChwFD-iPih8.

Learn more about Pella’s award-winning, industry-leading products: https://www.pella.com/. 

Pella Corporation proudly announces that two of its leaders have been recognized nationally through the STEP Ahead Awards (formerly the Women MAKE Awards) by The Manufacturing Institute.

Rebecca Hicks, Director of Digital Transformation, has been named a STEP Ahead Honoree. Hillary Cooper, recently promoted to Regional General Manager overseeing the Chicago, Rockford and Detroit sales subsidiaries, has been named an Emerging Leader Honoree.

The STEP Ahead Awards recognize outstanding women and their allies in manufacturing who demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation and mentorship while strengthening the future workforce.

Transforming the Digital Future of Manufacturing

As Director of Digital Transformation, Rebecca Hicks plays a central role in Pella’s multi-year digital evolution. 

Her decisions shape digital capabilities that touch hundreds of thousands of customers and partners. At the same time, she has built and mentored a high-performing team – many of them women – helping expand representation and opportunity within a traditionally underrepresented space.

“Rebecca is helping redefine how our industry connects with customers in the digital space,” said nominator Keith Mann, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Pella. “She brings together customer insight, technology and business strategy in a way that drives real results today while shaping the future of how Pella serves customers and partners.”

Driving Growth and Developing Talent Across Regions

Hillary Cooper represents the next generation of manufacturing leadership. Recently promoted to Regional General Manager, she now oversees operations across Chicago, Rockford and Detroit – three strategically important markets.

Since joining Pella, Hillary has delivered double-digit growth in a challenging economic environment while building a sustainable talent pipeline to prepare for future expansion. She relaunched the Sales Associate Program, reintroduced the Associate Trade Representative role and strengthened partnerships with Northern Illinois University to encourage more students – particularly women – to consider careers in manufacturing.

“Hillary represents the next generation of leadership in manufacturing and sales,” said Matt Kiernan, Vice President and General Manager, PDSN and Sales Subsidiaries for Pella. “She delivers results while building strong teams and developing the talent that will sustain our business for years to come. The systems she’s put in place to mentor and develop future leaders are already shaping the future of our organization.”

Leadership Beyond the Business

Both Hicks and Cooper extend their leadership into their communities. Rebecca mentors youth through the Ankeny Girls Softball Association and supports single-parent families through volunteer initiatives. Hillary leads volunteer engagement efforts across her region and supports organizations that uplift women and families in Chicago-area communities.

Their combined recognition reflects Pella’s commitment to developing leaders who drive innovation, strengthen culture and contribute meaningfully beyond the workplace.

Hicks and Cooper will be recognized at the STEP Ahead Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in April 2026.

Learn more about this year’s STEP Ahead Awardees: https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Profile-Book.pdf

Pella Corporation recently welcomed its top-tier contractor partners to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the ninth annual Pella Platinum Certified Contractor Summit — an exclusive event designed to recognize achievement, strengthen partnerships and equip leaders for the year ahead.

Pella is the only major window and door manufacturer to host a national conference exclusively for its contractor partners, a summit that has grown more than 400% since its inception and represents the top 1% of contractors nationwide.

Built to Lead

The theme, Built to Lead, highlighted the role contractors play not only as builders but as leaders within their businesses and communities.

Contractors earn their invitation by achieving Platinum status within the Pella Certified Contractor Program, which requires annual certification and qualifying Pella product purchases. The summit serves as both a reward for performance and a space to align on priorities for the year ahead. Attendees received updates on brand, product innovation and digital initiatives, along with insights from industry experts.

This year’s event welcomed 75 companies and 145 attendees from across the country, including 15 first-time participants. Representatives from Pella branches were also in attendance to support their Platinum partners.

Recognizing Excellence

The summit concluded with the Pella Platinum Contractor Awards ceremony, recognizing excellence across growth, sales performance, peer leadership and craftsmanship. Honors included Contractor of the Year distinctions by tier, Premier and Sales Achievement awards, the Pella Platinum Project & Service Award and Community Impact recognition.

Among the honorees was Buresh Home Solutions of Clive, IA, named Premier Contractor of the Year and recipient of the Community Impact Award. The company donates more than $30,000 annually to local Iowa charities, invites customers to nominate causes and commits hundreds of volunteer hours to community projects, including work with Ronald McDonald House.

“We are incredibly honored and grateful to have been recognized at this year’s Summit,” said Brian Buresh, Owner, Buresh Home Solutions. “Thank you to Pella for the recognition, the collaboration, and for continuing to raise the standard in our industry. We’re proud to be part of the Platinum network and excited for what’s ahead.”

De Huizen Carpentry, based in Pella, IA, also earned national recognition as Platinum Contractor of the Year and Installation Excellence Award winner.

As part of the Community Impact recognition, the Pella Rolscreen Foundation provided financial contributions to support award recipients’ chosen charitable organizations.

A partnership beyond products

The Platinum Contractor Summit reflects Pella’s broader commitment to partnership beyond windows and doors. In addition to celebrating performance, the event creates space for peer collaboration, business development discussions and leadership growth.

“The Platinum Contractor Summit is one of my favorite events we host each year because it gives us the chance to hear directly from our customers and chart the year together,” said Ryan Lindsley, Head of Brand Marketing & Growth, Pella Corporation. “Our Platinum partners are leaders in their markets, and when we bring them together to share priorities, exchange ideas and challenge each other to think differently, it strengthens our partnership and sets the tone for the year ahead.”

Through a combination of recognition, industry insight and shared purpose, the summit reinforces the long-standing relationships that help contractors grow, and positions both Pella and its partners to lead the home improvement industry forward.

To learn more about becoming a certified contractor, visit here. 

Intelligent Operations is Pella’s cross-functional model that brings together Engineering & Procurement and Information Technology teams to identify challenges on the plant floor, design practical solutions and scale them across the company. These integrated team "pods" focus on development, data insights and expansion, enabling ideas to move from observation to implementation without silos.

One example is “Voice,” Pella’s voice-directed work system used across manufacturing facilities.

In a recent conversation with IndustryWeek, Laura Phillips, Vice President of Engineering & Procurement, and Travis Turnbull, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, discussed how Voice replaces written instructions with headset-guided workflows that confirm accuracy in real time.

Customer-first problem solving

The idea emerged through plant-floor observation and continuous improvement practices, where teams identified inefficiencies in paper-based processes and asked how technology could remove friction while improving reliability for customers.

“How do we help our employees be more efficient and reduce the cognitive load and the decisions that they have to make? Because if they make a wrong decision, that impacts our customer. It was a great use case to help our team members not only identify what to pick, but where to pick it,” Turnbull says.

With highly customized products and complex part variation, even small picking errors can impact quality and delivery.

Measurable impact on the floor

Operators receive verbal prompts, confirm parts aloud and move to the next step, reducing errors in complex processes. After piloting the system, new operators reached proficiency in days rather than months, and long-term picking errors dropped by 90 percent.

Phillips noted that even subtle differences between parts can create risk. The technology removes that margin for error while reinforcing training and traceability.

“The Pella team, broadly, at all levels, is really invested in getting better and continuous improvement, and so there isn’t a fear of, ‘You’re going to catch me doing something wrong.’ It’s ‘We want the insight so that we can go solve problems,” says Phillips.

Built for scale

Intelligent Operations relies on cross-functional IT and operations pods dedicated to scaling proven solutions across plants. The team avoids custom, one-off builds in favor of standardization so innovations expand efficiently and consistently.

“We have a data and insights pod. We have a pod for scaling known solutions and pushing them out further through the manufacturing system. And then we have a pod that’s dedicated to creating new things, new solutions,” says Phillips.

Voice now operates in half of Pella’s U.S. manufacturing plants — one example of how Pella’s culture of continuous improvement turns frontline insight into enterprise-wide impact.

To read the full IndustryWeek article, click here. Please note that a free IndustryWeek account is required for access.

In a year marking its 100th anniversary, Pella Corporation contributed more than $2.2 million in grants and employee matching gifts in 2025 to organizations strengthening communities across the country. Support was provided through the Pella Rolscreen Foundation, the company’s charitable arm, reflecting a century-long commitment to giving back. 

Honoring 100 Years through Community-Centered Initiatives 

To celebrate its 100^th year, Pella introduced community-focused initiatives centered on recognition, volunteerism and lasting local impact. Key efforts included: 

• Pella Trolley: A commemorative community gift providing free transportation during Tulip Time to the Pella Corporation Museum grand opening and helping launch fundraising for a new trolley station near the Scholte House, scheduled to open in during the 2026 summer.
• Pella Plaza at the Iowa State Fair: Enhancements recognizing more than 3,000 Chairman’s Club members through illuminated archway pillars and new window-inspired public art.
• Joan Kuyper Farver Spirit Awards: An expanded program awarding more than $100,000 to 20 honorees across nine locations, with new categories recognizing team members, family members, retirees and a plant award.
• Volunteer Recognition Program Challenge: Drove the highest participation in the program’s history since its inception in 2002.
• Additional centennial efforts: Supported military families, local arts organizations and downtown businesses, including assembling 2,500 care packages for deployed Iowa service members and sponsoring community events in Pella. 

“Giving back has always been driven by care at Pella—care for our communities, our neighbors and the team members who make our company what it is,” said Karmen Gardner, Executive Director, Pella Rolscreen Foundation, Pella Corporation. “Expanding our charitable giving in our 100th year gave us the opportunity to lean into that passion and make an even greater impact in the communities we serve.” 

Investing in Critical Community Needs  

In addition to its centennial initiatives, Pella supported causes spanning health and emergency services, public safety, basic needs, workforce awareness and cultural spaces—addressing critical needs across the communities it serves. Highlights include:  

• South Central Iowa Radiation Center ($500,000 multi-year in partnership with the Kuyper Foundation & shareholder family), Pella, IA: A joint project between Pella Regional Health Center and Knoxville Hospital & Clinics to expand regional access to cancer care for communities, team members and their families.
• Shenandoah Medical Center – EMS ($50,000), Shenandoah, IA: Supporting ambulance vehicle and equipment upgrades to meet critical rural emergency response needs.
• Murray Art Guild ($25,000), Murray, KY: Advancing the permanent facility capital campaign to establish a dedicated space for arts and cultural programming.  

Team Member Service Drives Record Community Impact 

In 2025, Pella team members completed nearly 30,000 community service hours, reflecting a strong commitment to the communities where they live and work. Nearly $100,000 was awarded through Volunteer Recognition Grants in honor of team members, retirees and spouses—a record-breaking year for the program. In addition, the Foundation matched more than $300,000 in donations made by team members and retirees to organizations important to them, further extending the reach of their generosity. 

Together, these efforts reflect a record year of giving driven by Pella team members, the Pella Rolscreen Foundation and the company’s continued commitment to strengthening communities. 

Pella Corporation's manufacturing plant in Sioux Center, Iowa, recently presented a $15,000 grant to Orange City Area Health System to support its surgical center remodel project. The grant, awarded through the Pella Rolscreen Foundation, will help expand and modernize the health system's surgical facilities, strengthening access to high-quality, close-to-home care for families across northwest Iowa.

The surgical center remodel is designed to meet growing demand for services in rural communities and includes expanded operating and procedural space, upgraded technology, and improved patient-centered amenities. The project is expected to be completed in May 2026.

"At Pella, we believe strong communities are built through caring and partnership," said Matt Mellema, Sioux Center Plant Manager. "Supporting the surgical center remodel is an investment in the health and well-being of the families who live and work here. We're grateful for the opportunity to help ensure that world-class care remains close to home."

This grant reflects Pella's longstanding commitment to building brighter futures in the communities where team members live and work.

Pictured: Judy Delperdang, Business HR Manager, Pella Corporation; Marty Guthmiller, CEO, Orange City Area Health System; Matt Mellema, Plant Manager, Pella Corporation; Sarah Jungers, Foundation Director, Orange City Area Health System; Andy Riskedahl, Surgery Manager, Orange City Area Health System

, offering a forward-looking view into how shifting consumer expectations, climate considerations, and performance demands are influencing window and door decisions across the industry.

Developed by Pella’s innovation, design, and product teams, the report identifies four key trends shaping residential design and construction in the year ahead: Selective Retreat, Resilient Choices, Soulful Spaces, and Curated Where It Counts. Together, these themes reflect a broader industry shift toward homes that prioritize longevity, intentional design, and solutions tailored to how people live today.  

“Trends are truly a design response to our changing modern life,” said Jenn Tuetken, Director of Innovation, Design and Brand Experience at Pella. “Our annual Trends Report translates cultural and industry signals into thoughtful design. This year’s themes reflect a shift from what’s trending today to what endures — windows and doors that support well-being, adapt to regional climate challenges, and play a meaningful role in modern everyday life.” 

Homeowners and professionals are asking deeper questions to achieve architectural solutions that feel authentic while still being luxurious, value quality over quantity, and are mindfully planned for longevity and long-term well-being.  

The 2026 Trends Report draws on a wide range of inputs, including industry research, design and architecture conferences, macro trend forecasting, and insights from Pella’s product and field teams. Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, the report connects broader societal and environmental forces to practical implications for window and door performance, materials, installation, and customization. 

Key takeaways from the report include: 

• A growing emphasis on purpose-driven spaces that support focus, rest, and daily rituals
• Increased demand for resilient, durable solutions that address climate, energy performance, and long-term use
• A shift toward intentional customization, where personalization feels curated rather than overwhelming
• Greater recognition of the role windows and doors play in shaping comfort, protection, and connection to the outdoors 

The 2026 Trends Report reflects Pella’s continued investment in innovation and the teams behind it. As a century-old manufacturer, Pella brings deep industry experience together with forward-looking insight — helping move the window and door category forward through thoughtful design, performance, and leadership. 

The full Pella 2026 Trends Report is available here.

Pella Corporation, a leading manufacturer of windows and doors, announced that the Pella Corporation Wellness Center, powered by Premise Health, will celebrate its grand opening on Jan. 20, 2026. The comprehensive healthcare facility is designed to provide team members and their families with convenient, high-quality care. Located on Washington Street in Pella, the center is part of the company's long-term strategy to improve team member wellbeing and enhance care experience. 

The wellness center takes an innovative approach to healthcare delivery, focusing on advanced primary care that goes beyond traditional annual checkups. Using a team-based care model, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, licensed mental health specialists, and health coaches work together to support whole-person health – emphasizing prevention and long-term wellbeing, not just treatment.

“We’re excited to announce the opening of the Pella Corporation Wellness Center right here in our hometown,” said John Bollman, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Pella Corporation. “Our legacy has always been shaped by our people. That’s why we’re going the extra mile to focus on our team members, investing in their long-term health and wellness, so they can continue to grow and support our mission of fostering bold, innovative ideas and creating brighter futures for generations to come.”

The wellness center will serve approximately 2,500 team members in the Pella area, along with their spouses and children – the company’s largest concentration of employees in a single location. Services include primary care, pediatrics, care management, care navigation, behavioral health support, and an on-site pharmacy. The center also offers 24/7 virtual care, helping ensure continuity of care for team members and their families.

This investment aligns with Pella’s wellbeing pillars and reflects the company’s team member-focused culture and commitment to innovation. The wellness center is part of a broader health and wellness strategy designed to improve population health, enhance the team member experience, and support long-term financial sustainability.

Pella Corporation has partnered with Premise Health to staff and operate the wellness center. Premise Health, a leading direct healthcare provider for employers, will provide a dedicated care team to deliver personalized, preventive care.

“Our partnership with Pella Corporation is a representation of our commitment to providing whole-person care for communities across the nation,” said Beth Ratliff, COO, Premise Health. “By bringing high-quality, value-driven services such as primary and preventive care, behavioral health, pharmacy, and care navigation together under one roof, we are delivering on a vision to help people get and stay healthy, not just when they are sick.”

While the Wellness Center opens in Pella, Iowa, it represents Pella’s ongoing commitment to supporting their national workforce.
 

They each share what they love most about working in engineering at Pella and the impact they make every day.

“Pella has this never-ending thirst to be the best,” said Shanti Moorthy, Process Engineer in Product Quality. “That makes me proud to be part of a company that’s investing in developing not just our technology, but the people themselves.”

From detailed planning to tackling day-to-day challenges, engineers continuously evaluate programs, processes, and procedures to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.

“There are so many different opportunities that you can pursue and explore,” said Ben Van Zante, Senior Team Leader in Product Engineering. “It could be product design, process engineering, manufacturing, intelligent operations, or even working with our IT systems.”

At Pella, every role may look different, but all come together with one purpose: building a culture where collaboration thrives and relationships truly matter.

Watch the full video here or or visit pella.com/careers to learn more about the careers available at Pella.

The Pella Corporation Sioux Center team has awarded $25,000 in grants to three local nonprofits following the plant’s recognition as the inaugural Spirit Award Plant Winner by the Pella Rolscreen Foundation.

The Joan Kuyper Farver Spirit Awards program recognizes Pella team members leading change through volunteering and community service initiatives. The program reflects Pella Corporation’s commitment to supporting the communities where team members live and work.

As the Spirit Award winner, the Sioux Center team was given the opportunity to select local nonprofit organizations to receive the $25,000 grant. The team chose to support Siouxland Habitat for Humanity, Hope Food Pantry, and Mid-Sioux Opportunity — three organizations making a meaningful impact on the community.

“I’m incredibly proud of our Sioux Center Operations team for the caring spirit they demonstrate every day — both in our plant and throughout our community,” said Matt Mellema, Sioux Center Plant Manager. “Receiving the Joan Kuyper Farver Plant Spirit Award is an honor, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support these three outstanding community partners through these grants.”

Nonprofits to Direct Funding to Significant Community Needs

Hope Food Pantry ($10,000)
Hope Food Pantry, which provides free grocery services to those living under the federal poverty line, will use its grant for equipment and supply upgrades, as well as food purchases.

“We would like to thank Pella for their generous donation,” said Marianne Sjaarda, Director at Hope Food Pantry. “Their community support of many entities truly makes a difference in the Sioux Center area.” 

Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc. ($10,000)
Mid-Sioux Opportunity assists low-income families in Northwest Iowa to become self-sufficient through educational, health, and financial assistance. Mid-Sioux will direct its grant to the Sioux County Food Pantry, Emergency Crisis Funds, and essential operations of the Sioux County office.

“This support allows us to continue meeting the critical needs in our community and strengthens our ability to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the families we serve,” said Laura Benson, Outreach Director at Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc.

Siouxland Habitat for Humanity ($5,000)
Siouxland Habitat for Humanity transforms the lives of Siouxland individuals and families in need of affordable housing. The organization will use the grant to help fund a new home build in Orange City in 2026.

“We are grateful and blessed for the Pella Sioux Center plant awarding us this grant and congratulate them on being the Spirit Award Plant Winner!” said Kurt Franje, Sioux County Director at Siouxland Habitat for Humanity. “Thank you for helping our mission!” 

In addition to the Spirit Award grants, Pella’s Sioux Center plant gave $1,000 each to Habitat for Humanity and Hope Food Pantry in October 2025.

Matt Mellema, Sioux Center Plant Manager, discusses the impact of volunteerism, alongside Pella’s nonprofit partners.

Throughout the week, Team Members were recognized through a series of events and activities, while also taking time to reflect on Pella’s 100-year legacy and look ahead to the future of design, technology and process innovation. 

Engineers participated in hands-on tech training, tested their knowledge in a specialized Engineering Jeopardy and toured the Engineering Hall of Fame, which showcased a century of engineering excellence at Pella. 

A highlight of the week was the annual 3D Prix competition, which challenged teams to co-design and 3D-print a custom car capable of navigating an obstacle course that featured glass, sand, water, hills and a ramp. The first-performance winners were Tank SHEN-anigans, led by Pella Members, Tim Vette, Jed Falck and Beau Armstrong.

Throughout the year, Pella focused on advancing engineering excellence across its Family of Brands. This year’s specialized recognition categories included:

• Leadership
  • Trailer Loading KPI Management System: Coached warehouse teams at every Operations site on how to implement and sustain best practices for loading trailers with established metrics and goals. –  Kent Leckband, Lori Gotta, Chris Pudenz, Joseph Watson
  • Macomb Erdman Line Install & Startup: Relocated, installed and launched an insulated glass production line at the Macomb facility seven months ahead of schedule. – Chad Rhoads, Ben Hitz, Jim Richardson, Wes Seward, Patrick Lyle, Chris Wagner, Jason Vander Werff
• Excellence
  • Sioux Center Automated Robotic Accessory Assembly: Developed and programmed robotics in-house to build accessories for Sioux Center, Carroll, Shenandoah and Service Parts. – Eric Steiger, Neil Oldenkamp, Al Miller
  • Digital Acceleration with Data Manager: Developed production-ready solutions that lowered costs and sped up the delivery of big-name initiatives like No Issues (Vision AI), Wood Partsmaking, Door Automation and Intelligent Operations. – Alex Shaw, Lyle Fischer, Drew Fruin, Ben Coady, Richard Russell, Logan Huinker, David Jaramillo Ayon, Michael Rossbach, Rey Rodriguez
  • CWS Hinge Door Relaunch: Moved with extreme speed to develop and launch an impact-rated hinge door in only 10 months. – Adam Walker, Bruce Zetty, Mary Rukashaza-Mukome, Stephen Smith, Levi Dutterer, Pat Mink, Brian Giddings, Ginny Campbell, Jesse Morales, Brad VanderLaan, Jonathan Nieves
• Innovation
  • Full Unit Chain of Custody and Vision AI: Brought new AI inspection technology from concept and development to broad scaling in Pella plants, creating a foundational quality capability. – Sarah Kempker, Hannah Bennett, Matt Blom, Micheal Rossbach, CJ Estal, Chad Blink, Aaron Houtz, Alex Shaw, Vijay Kalivarapu, Gavin Swartz
  • Patent Recipients: Added 13 patents in the past year. With over 200 patents in total, Pella continues to be one of the industry leaders. 

Pella continues to bridge industry gaps by fostering a people-first culture that values innovation, collaboration and craftsmanship. By celebrating the achievements of its Team Members and creating meaningful opportunities to recognize their contributions on a large scale, Pella reinforces its commitment to the people who power its success and shape the future of the industry.

Pella Corporation, leading window and door manufacturer, announced today that it has been named a 2026 Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award winner for its Pella Lifestyle Series Wood Casement Window with integrated, room-darkening shades.  

Pella Lifestyle Series wood casement windows are the #1 performing wood windows for combination of energy, sound and value. The product offers homeowners and pros an easy-to-operate option with a variety of customizable grilles, finishes and hardware. The series offers optimized energy and sound solutions, built-in blinds and shades that help in noise reduction, comfortability and privacy of the home.  

“We’re grateful to Good Housekeeping for recognizing Pella Lifestyle Series and our commitment to creating solutions that make life at home better,” said Laura Heims, Director of Commercialization Strategy at Pella Corporation. “Pella has built a legacy of turning bold ideas into solutions that solve customer problems. Pella Lifestyle Series continues that tradition — blending energy performance, sound control and integrated design features like room-darkening shades to help homeowners create spaces that are both comfortable and functional.” 

Every year, engineers and product experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute, in addition to outside experts, test and evaluate thousands of entries for products and services specific to home remodeling and maintenance. All submissions are vetted by a panel of expert judges who evaluate the quality, value, efficiency, sustainability and design of the product.  

To read the full list of the 2026 winners, visit the website here: goodhousekeeping.com/homereno2026. 

The Pella Rolscreen Foundation named Zach Dupre the 2025 recipient of the Joan Kuyper Farver Spirit Award, granting $25,000 to the organization of his choice, The Chris Norton Foundation.  

Zach Dupre, 2025 winning recipient of the Joan Kuyper Farver Spirit Award

Zach Dupre was nominated by his manager for his lasting, positive impact on those around him. His passion for community service is demonstrated through his commitment to the Chris Norton Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by his brother-in-law, Chris, dedicated to uplifting individuals and families affected by neuromuscular injuries. Zach is an active board member, as well as a devoted volunteer supporting their fundraising and events.  

“Community is an integral part of Pella’s culture and we take great pride in celebrating the team members who embody that spirit of service,” said Karmen Gardner, VP and Executive Director of the Pella Rolscreen Foundation. “Zach embodies this principle, and it shows through his unwavering ability to build lasting relationships with those around him and how he gives 100% not just to his work through Pella but to the different projects he supports throughout the community.”  

Pella team members surpassed their 20,000 volunteer-hour goal in this year’s $100,000 Volunteer Recognition Program Challenge, marking the highest volunteer hours since the program began in 2002. The Pella Rolscreen Foundation also presented the inaugural, Spirit Award Plant Winner, granting $25,000 to our Sioux Center team’s organization of choice.  

Sioux Center, 2025 Spirit Award Plant Winner; from left - right, Adam Farver (Chairman), Matt Mellema (Sioux Center Plant Manager), Tim Yaggi (CEO)
 

In celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary, Pella expanded this year’s Spirit Award nominations to include immediate family members of team members and retirees, recognizing three family members as finalists and two retirees as honorable mentions. In addition to the two $25,000 grants, nine additional finalists were each awarded $5,000 and 10 honorable mention recipients received $1,000 for their selected nonprofit organization.  

The remaining nine finalists of the Joan Kuyper Spirit Award included: 

• Joel Bennett (spouse of team member Kristi Bennett), The Well Resource Center
• Gina Champoux, Pay It Forward Christmas Charity
• Kim Nedder (spouse of team member Kenny Nedder), South East Aquatics
• Amy Nesbitt, Make-A-Wish Iowa
• Emily Van Gent, Pella Community Food Shelf
• Doug Van Gorkom (family member of team member Kim Doschadis), City of Pella Fire Department
• Jaron Vos, Pathways of Pella
• Catti Willenborg, Carroll SuperDraft
• Josh Wood, Mid-Iowa Council of Boy Scouts of America, Pack 348 

To learn more about the Pella Rolscreen Foundation, visit the website here: https://pellarolscreen.com/. 

The PVN's inaugural Stars & Strides Virtual 5K Walk/Run, which runs through Nov. 11, has united dozens of Pella team members in support of Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. To date, the effort has raised approximately $3,000, including matching funding from the Pella Rolscreen Foundation.

“Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and it’s our privilege to give back,” said John Bollman, Chief Human Resources Officer, Pella Corporation, and one of the Executive Sponsors of the Pella Veterans Network. “We are incredibly proud of our PVN team and the way our company has rallied around this cause. Supporting our veterans, their families, and our communities isn’t just something we talk about at Pella — it’s who we are.”

The virtual format has allowed Pella team members to participate at their own pace and location over the past three weeks. The final fundraising total will be announced at Pella's Veterans Day recognition events on Monday, Nov. 10, during which the company will honor veteran team members at its manufacturing facilities across the United States.

The PVN Business Resource Group has nearly 400 employee members, including veterans, spouses, family members, and supporters. The group's mission is to promote inclusion, development, and connection for veterans, spouses, and allies through mentorship, engagement, and community involvement at Pella.

Pictured: Bethany Coop, Cory Meyers, Lorena Meyers, Greg LeMastus, Stephen Sawatzky

“We are excited about the advancements that Pella is making with technology, helping to create pathways that improve the lives of our team members and create elevated experiences for our customers," said Laura Phillips, Vice President of Engineering & Procurement at Pella Corporation. “We have our eyes set on the future and continuing to innovate with technology will unlock growth and enable amazing manufacturing careers. Today's manufacturing careers require creativity, technical skills, and collaborative problem-solving – skills that are perfect for the next generation of leaders.”

 In addition to winning AI Breakthrough of the Year, Pella Corporation was also a finalist for Manufacturing Innovation of the Year. John Baldwin, Director of Cybersecurity at Pella Corporation, was also a finalist for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of the Year. 

AI Breakthrough of the Year

Pella Corporation was honored with the AI Breakthrough of the Year Award for its creation of the AI Maintenance Doctor, an agentic AI system that leverages over 20 years of historical equipment and maintenance data to build a dynamic world model of Pella’s diverse manufacturing environments. Using that deep contextual understanding, the AI Maintenance Doctor actively monitors machinery, diagnoses faults, prescribes fixes, and even recommends needed parts based historical fixes. 

At more than 14 Pella manufacturing plants across the U.S., AI Maintenance Doctor has delivered significant improvements in machine uptime. This has directly reduced costly production delays, improved workflow stability, and elevated throughput across plants.

 “The AI Maintenance Doctor marks a transformative milestone not just for Pella, but for the entire building materials manufacturing sector,” said Jacey Heuer, Sr. Manager of Data Science & AI at Pella Corporation. “At a time when many companies are still piloting AI, Pella has operationalized it at scale across multiple factories, across states, and across machine platforms—demonstrating a level of AI maturity rarely seen in the industry.” 

Recognitions Build on Award-Winning Year

As the nationally renowned window and door manufacturer celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, Pella Corporation has also received several awards and honors highlighting recent design and manufacturing innovations as well as achievements in workplace culture. 

Additional awards that Pella Corporation has received this year include: 

• Named to Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators
• Honorable mention in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards in the Product Design category for Steady Set™
• Named by Yello as one of the Top 100 Internship Programs of 2025
• National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Leadership Council’s Future of Manufacturing Award for Pella’s voice-guided work instructions
• Industrial design magazine Core77’s 2025 Core77 Design Award for Steady Set™
• Software company WalkMe’s 2025 WalkMe Realizer Award for Best Employee Experience
• Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies List for 2025 for Steady Set™ and as the eighth most innovative company for manufacturing
• Pro Builder Magazine’s Gold Most Valuable Product Award for Steady Set™
• mHub’s Honorary Manufacturer of the Year
• RippleMatch’s 2025 Campus Forward Award for excellence in tech innovation, recruitment strategies, internship programming, and inclusion and diversity
• The Manufacturing Institute recognized JaNette Barnett, Vice President of Field Sales at Pella Corporation, with the 2025 Women MAKE Award

Century of Innovation

These recognitions underscore Pella’s continued commitment to innovation as the company marks its centennial year. Founded in 1925, Pella Corporation has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovative solutions in the window and door industry. 

The triple recognition spans the company’s dedication to user-centered product design, advanced manufacturing practices, and employee support — demonstrating Pella’s comprehensive approach to excellence across all aspects of its business.

Aligned with The Manufacturing Institute’s theme, “Collaborate to Innovate,” Pella is emphasizing how the right blend of people and technology has enabled the 100-year-old manufacturer to continue to innovate and problem-solve for customers. 

“Technology is empowering our team members. We are equipping them with smarter tools so they can focus on what matters most, which is delivering quality and care to our customers,” said Travis Turnbull, Vice President and CIO at Pella Corporation.

Changing the Perception of Manufacturing

Manufacturing has long been viewed through the lens of the “4Ds” – dirty, dark, dangerous, and dingy – but today’s factories are hubs of technology and innovation. Pella’s Innovation Incubator houses robots, laser cutters, CNC machines, 3D printers and engineers and product developers who work to succeed – and sometimes fail fast, learn and adjust – in quick succession, to better the customer experience. Pella’s factory floors are outfitted with smarter tools, too. By embracing automation, AI and digital tools, Pella is showing that a career in manufacturing can be smarter, safer, more collaborative and deeply connected to customers. 

Delivering Better Customer Experiences

Technology like AI and automation is helping Pella deliver a better experience for both customers and team members. By improving speed and quality, customers receive products they can trust, while team members benefit from safer, smarter tools that reduce repetitive tasks and allow them to focus on innovation and craftsmanship.

• Empowering Talent through Smarter Training and Retention Tools: AI-powered digital assistants and chatbots support Pella team members with on-the-spot troubleshooting while also serving as living knowledge libraries, preserving expertise across generations of team members.
• Redefining Work through Automation: Robotics handle repetitive, difficult tasks freeing up team members to focus on innovation and problem-solving while tools like voice-to-pick technology alleviate mental fatigue allowing team members to rely on voice to select the right part for the product in front of them. Pella’s voice-to-pick technology has led to a reduction in team member training time and improved retention.
• Driving Quality for Customers through AI: Cameras and computer software provide AI-driven product assessments leading to improved customer experience. Team members receive real-time updates to help them master complex processes faster.

Advancements like AI and automation are transforming the manufacturing floor from a place of production to a place of innovation. Pella is proud to celebrate Manufacturing Month by showcasing what modern manufacturing looks like at a 100-year-old company: smarter, connected and customer driven. 

Pella Corporation’s Steady Set™ Interior Installation System has earned an Honorable Mention in the Product Design category of Fast Company’s ​​2025 Innovation by Design Awards, which honor designers and businesses solving today’s most pressing problems and anticipating the challenges of tomorrow. Entries are judged on functionality, logic, impact and beauty, making this recognition one of the industry’s most respected design distinctions.  

Steady Set™ is the industry’s first interior installation system for wood windows, designed to make installation safer, faster and more precise through smart, intuitive components. Born from months of jobsite observations, Pella’s design team discovered that 85% of installers were setting windows from the interior, despite products being designed for exterior installation. This insight led to a redesign guided by Pella’s human-centered design principles, putting installers at the heart of the innovation and creating a solution that redefines what’s possible in window installation.  

“Great design starts with deeply understanding the customers who experience our products,” said Jenn Tuetken, Director of Innovation, Design & Brand Experience, Pella Corporation. “By observing installers on jobsites across the US, we identified unseen opportunities to remove complexity and design a new installation process that is safer, faster and more intuitive. Steady Set embodies Pella’s belief that inspired design can solve real challenges for our customers, and we’re honored that Fast Company has recognized that vision.”  

Since its launch, Steady Set has gained rapid adoption among builders and installers nationwide, earning praise for improving jobsite safety, installation consistency and crew confidence. The system has already been recognized with multiple industry honors and is influencing how professionals think about window installation.  

Explore the full list of honorees in Fast Company’s 2025 Innovation by Design Awards at fastcompany.com/innovation-by-design/list, and discover how Steady Set™ is redefining window installation at pella.com/professionals/steady-set.  

“For a company with more than 100 years of history, embracing new ways of thinking is what keeps us industry leaders,” said Travis Turnbull, Vice President & CIO, Pella Corporation. “Our team members are encouraged to explore new ideas and empowered to innovate. From IT and operations to engineering and beyond, teams are integrating new AI tools that encourage bold thinking and collaboration to deliver meaningful solutions for our customers.”  

Pella was recognized for its investment in modernizing manufacturing processes, embracing emerging technology to improve efficiency, and creating opportunities for employees to contribute ideas that shape both products and operations. With a century of experience, Pella continues to lead the window and door industry through bold innovations and a workplace culture that empowers its people. 

This latest honor builds on Pella’s strong track record of innovation. Earlier this year, Pella was named to Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies list for Pella Steady Set™—the industry’s first interior window installation system. Additional honors include Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024 and 2022, Most Innovative Company in 2023, and Most Innovative Design Company in 2022.  

Now in its seventh year, Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators recognizes companies that foster a culture of innovation and creativity from within. Each year, editors and a global research partner evaluate submissions through a two-stage process, looking at factors like innovation culture, employee empowerment, resources and real-world impact. 

For more information, visit: pella.com.  

As Pella Corporation celebrates its centennial year, its long-standing internship program has been selected as one of Yello’s Top 100 Internship Programs of 2025. This recognition spotlights organizations that deliver outstanding experiences for their intern class and provide young professionals with an encouraging environment that allows them to build their careers.  

“Being named one of Yello’s Top 100 Internship Programs is an honor that reflects a core part of Pella’s culture—investing in people,” said Allison Wiley, Manager of Talent Acquisition at Pella Corporation. “Our interns contribute to projects that make a real impact while building skills and perspective for their careers. With support from mentors across Pella, these experiences build the pipeline of innovators and leaders who will shape the future of our industry and communities." 

This summer, 60 interns representing 17 schools and 10 states spent 10 to 12 weeks at Pella facilities, contributing to projects, building professional skills, and working with mentors across the company. The program also offers opportunities such as a case competition, executive roundtables, community service events, and facility tours that give interns broad exposure to the business. 

As Pella celebrates 100 years of business, the recognition underscores a legacy built on people. Uplifting the next generation of talent has long been part of the company’s culture, and its internship program reflects the commitment of providing meaningful opportunities today while helping shape the leaders and innovators who will carry Pella, the industry, and communities forward.  

Yello’s 2025 ranking drew more than 100 submissions and nearly 115,000 votes. To view the full list of recognized programs, visit https://yello.co/blog/2025-top-internship-programs/. 

As Pella celebrates 100 years of innovation, the company is investing in the people who will shape its future – today’s emerging talent. This summer, Pella welcomed 60 interns from 18 different schools, each working across a range of departments from engineering and R&D to sales, manufacturing and product marketing. Many are returning for a second summer, drawn back by the culture and the trust they’re given to take on real work.

Interns gain perspective from executives during Pella’s 100th anniversary panel

Pella hosted a special leadership panel for its intern class, offering students a chance to hear directly from leaders who once sat where they do now.

The panel featured four senior executives who all began their careers as interns: Nick Cross (SVP & GM of Business Units), Karmen Gardner (VP of Corporate Communications & Employee Experience), Jason Jiskoot (SVP & Chief Financial Officer) and Travis Turnbull (VP & Chief Information Officer).

“I’ve had 14 different roles, 13 different leaders,” said Gardner. “And that’s not because I job-hopped. I raised my hand for the assignments that stretched me, taught me the business and gave me the chance to make an impact.”

She also spoke about the importance of humility in leadership and the power of trusting your team. “One of the things you learn as you grow in leadership is that everyone has something really valuable to contribute,” Gardner said. “When you're willing to step back and say, ‘I don't know it all—and I don't have to,’ you create space for brilliant people to do great things together. That’s what really matters. That’s what makes an impact.”

The message across the panel was clear: every intern’s path may be different, but with curiosity and ambition, there’s no limit to what’s possible.

“We need individuals like yourselves to join our team, learn our business, build relationships and help us continue to grow for the next 100 years,” Jiskoot said.

In honor of National Intern Day, interns reflect on their time at Pella

As National Intern Day approaches on July 31, Pella is proud to recognize this year’s cohort of emerging professionals. Their energy, ideas and ambition are already making a difference—and shaping the future of the company.

• Jason Chaney, returning Plant Process Engineer intern, Troy, OH: “I chose to intern again with Pella for many different reasons. Personally, I have never had an internship or co-op that gave such respect and responsibility as Pella did. It truly felt like a full-time position. I was included on business trips and key projects, like launching a new manufacturing line and improving MES programming. The knowledge and experience I gained last summer will be with me for the rest of my career.”
• Allie Singer, R&D intern, Caroll, IA: “Last summer, I was at a plant in Carroll. This year, I’m doing validation testing and chemical analysis at the corporate R&D level. It feels like an entirely new experience, but under the same great Pella brand. The consistency in values and support made returning an easy decision.”
• Taylor Sutton, Plant Process Engineer intern, Wood Door team: “It’s been valuable to compare how my role changes across locations. Last year I worked on vinyl doors in Macomb; now I’m focused on the flow of wood sliding and hinge doors through production in Pella. Each has its own rhythm, and both experiences have helped me grow.”
• Perla Núñez, Product Management intern, Vinyl Team: “The energy, passion and people here made it an easy decision to return. From working on a vinyl security feature to traveling with the sales team to Nashville last year, I’ve always felt supported. It’s the people who truly make this organization such a meaningful and special place to be.”

Each story underscores what makes the internship program more than a summer job: opportunity, mentorship and a culture that invests in people from day one.

Weather Shield is known for its distinctive architectural design expertise and high-end product offerings, serving the unique needs of discerning architects, builders, and homeowners. By joining the Pella family of brands, both companies are positioned for accelerated growth — offering expanded capabilities and even more value to customers in the future. 

“With 70 years of experience in the window and door industry, Weather Shield has demonstrated an outstanding understanding of architectural design and consistently delivers on quality and customer expectations,” said Tim Yaggi, Chief Executive Officer of Pella Corporation. “Their reputation for innovation and precision engineering makes them a natural strategic fit. Together, we’ll build on our complementary strengths to create even more compelling solutions for the customers we serve.” 

Weather Shield launched the VUE Collection at the International Builders’ Show in 2023 — an ultra-modern, all-aluminum product line designed for unparalleled customization and visual impact. The collection underscores Weather Shield’s commitment to pushing design boundaries and elevating the customer experience. 

“We are thrilled to join the Pella family,” said Bob Foote, President of Weather Shield. “This partnership represents a powerful strategic and cultural alignment that will allow our people and our business to thrive. Pella Corporation’s century-long legacy of market leadership, operational excellence, and customer-first mindset makes them the ideal partner for our next chapter.” 

About Pella Corporation: 

Pella Corporation has been making life brighter for its customers, communities, and team members since 1925. Recognized as an industry leader in innovation, Pella designs and manufactures windows and doors for residential homes and commercial applications. The company is headquartered in Pella, Iowa, and employs 11,000 team members across 21 manufacturing sites and 250 showrooms throughout the country. For more information, visit pressroom.pella.com. 

About Weather Shield: 

Weather Shield Windows & Doors is intelligent design. Weather Shield combines artistry and engineering to create high-end windows and doors that help architects, homebuilders and homeowners push the boundaries of what’s possible. Founded in 1955, Weather Shield is based in Medford, Wisconsin.  

From morning phone calls to generating customer quotes, follow Ben Ferkin, Trades Sales Consultant at Pella Corporation, as he journeys through his day in the latest installment of A Day in the Life at Pella series. This ongoing video installment celebrates the many roles and unique talents that make up Pella Corporation.

While helping homeowners find the right product is an important part of the role, it’s the relationships that truly matter—whether with customers, teammates or builders, those lasting partnerships make all the difference.

“I really get to build relationships with customers and my coworkers and get to meet and help people build out their dream houses,” said Ben Ferkin, Trades Sales Consultant at Pella Corporation, “It’s great!”

Watch the full video here or visit pella.com/careers to learn more about the careers available at Pella. 

In conversation with Alice Norsworthy, President of Global Marketing at Universal Destinations & Experiences, Mann highlighted the importance of building emotional resonance early in the customer journey. He emphasized that brands must move beyond product functionality to create meaningful human connection. “If we’re constantly peppering the market with very functional product-specific messages, we lose an entire audience,” said Mann. “But when we connect our product to core human desires—trust, safety, comfort—we seed awareness and ultimately build preference.”

Mann shared insights from Pella’s emotionally driven “Make Life Brighter” campaign, which broke category convention by showcasing the protective and comforting role windows and doors play in the home. The campaign featured a young girl dancing confidently through her house as extreme weather rages outside, reflecting Pella’s belief that feeling safe and secure is central to how people experience their homes. “We’ve broken with a lot of the conventions that exist in our space—and we’re trying to play more with narrative and tone, and create emotional reactions that most people don’t expect from a window ad,” Mann added.

Beyond storytelling, Mann discussed how Pella is leveraging AI to simplify the complex decision-making process of purchasing windows and doors, products with up to eight octillion possible configurations. “We’re spending a ton of time thinking through tools that make the process less daunting,” said Mann. “We’re not abandoning function—we’re reframing it. We bring people in with emotional storytelling, and then we give them the tools and the clarity to feel confident about making the decision.”

In March, Fast Company recognized Pella on its 2025 Most Innovative Companies list for Pella Steady Set™—the industry’s first interior window installation system. This recognition builds on a series of recent honors from Fast Company, including Best Workplaces for Innovators (2024, 2022), Most Innovative Company (2023), and Most Innovative Design Company (2022).

Watch the full panel discussion here.

Pella Corporation has been named a 2025 Core77 Design Award winner in the Professional Tools category for Steady Set™ Interior Installation System. The Core77 Design Awards, organized by the influential design publication Core77, celebrate excellence and innovation across the design industry, from consumer products to industrial tools. 

Developed through years of research, including hundreds of hours of field observation and direct feedback from builders and installers across the U.S., Steady Set reimagines a long-standing construction process. Designed for installation from inside the home, it brings new levels of safety, simplicity and consistency to the jobsite.  

“Steady Set is the result of our team’s focus on human-centered design,” said Jenn Tuetken, Director of Innovation, Design & Brand Experience, Pella Corporation. “We observed installers in the field to identify and address their challenges. These insights shaped Steady Set to simplify installation, enhance efficiency, and ensure quality. Recognition by Core77 reinforces the importance of designing with the user at the center.”  

This recognition highlights Pella’s focus on solving real challenges through innovative, user-centered design — and reflects the company’s 100-year legacy of innovation and commitment to the professionals who bring its products to life. 

To browse the full list of winners and finalists, visit  https://www.core77.com/Core77-Design-Awards. To learn more about the Steady Set™ Interior Installation System, visit  https://www.pella.com/professionals/steady-set.

Pella Corporation was honored with the Future of Manufacturing Award at the 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala, a national program hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Manufacturing Leadership Council.

The award recognizes Pella’s voice-guided work instructions, developed by the company’s Intelligent Operations team to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and communication on the manufacturing floor by delivering instructions in multiple languages to support a diverse workforce and strengthen talent retention. 

The Future of Manufacturing Award is a special honor selected solely by MLC leadership and granted to a small group of standout projects each year. It celebrates significantly forward-thinking innovations with the potential to shape the future of the industry that are aligned with the vision of Manufacturing 4.0.

“It’s an honor to be recognized in our 100th year for the work we’re doing to move manufacturing forward,” said Laura Phillips, Vice President of Engineering and Procurement at Pella Corporation. “This award reflects the creativity and dedication of our teams, and the meaningful ways innovation supports our team members. I’m proud of the progress we’re making together.”

In addition to this recognition, three of Pella’s digital transformation projects were named finalists among more than 200 entries submitted across the industry—underscoring the depth of innovation happening across the company. 

For more information about Pella, visit pressroom.pella.com.

Pella Corporation has been named the 2025 WalkMe Realizer Award winner for Best Employee Experience, recognizing the company’s thoughtful use of digital adoption tools to support employees through a major systems transition.

The Realizer Awards spotlight organizations that are using and championing digital adoption to unlock the full potential of technology in the workplace. The Best Employee Experience category honors companies that leverage digital tools in innovative ways to support their workforce and deliver measurable business value.

Pella was selected for its approach to guiding more than 1,200 customer service team members through the shift from Oracle Service Cloud to Salesforce Service Cloud last fall. By embedding WalkMe’s in-platform guidance, training access, and helpful prompts directly into the new system, Pella reduced disruption and made it easier for team members to get support in real time.

“We’re proud to be recognized for the way we supported our teams through such a major transition,” said Storm Wagner, Digital Adoption Specialist at Pella Corporation. “This award is a reflection of the collaboration, planning and user-first mindset that made our digital adoption strategy successful. It’s exciting to see that work honored.”

This recognition reinforces Pella’s commitment to innovation and team member support as the company celebrates 100 years in business.

Pella’s full submission for the WalkMe Realizer Awards can be viewed here. To learn more about Pella, visit pella.com.

Shared Values, Safer Jobsites

When Pella began working with Chathambilt Homes, it quickly became clear that the relationship was about more than timelines and product delivery—it was built on shared values of quality, safety and reliability. 

“There’s a lot of pride and value in this partnership,” said Gabe Chatham, Vice President of Chathambilt Homes. “We’ve exclusively partnered with Pella for our own builds and neighborhood developments because of the quality of both the product and the local Georgia team. Having a premium product we can trust makes a difference with our focus on high-end custom homes.”

That shared commitment shows up on the jobsite, too. Pella’s install crews come prepared with tools, training, and a strong focus on safety. “One thing we value with Pella is that their installers are well-trained, not just on installation, but on safety too,” Chatham said. “They show up ready, and that gives us peace of mind.”

He added that safer jobsites often lead to stronger morale and better retention among trade partners. “When trades know a jobsite is clean and safe, they’re more likely to want to come back,” he said. “We want everyone on-site to know we have their best interest at heart—and that we want them to do great work, comfortably and safely.”

Chathambilt Homes has trusted Pella products since 2018—shown here in a custom home in Alpharetta, GA.

Safety in Action: The Impact of Steady Set

Window installation is often one of the more complex and risk-prone aspects of the build process, especially on second- or third-story homes. Recognizing this, Pella developed Steady Set, a first-of-its-kind interior installation system designed to reduce ladder work and streamline the install process.

Steady Set cuts down exterior install time by up to 72%, allowing crews to work from inside the home, improving both safety and speed. Since its launch in 2024, the system has been implemented across thousands of job sites nationwide, and builders like Chatham have quickly adopted it as a safer way to install. 

“Steady Set is safer, faster and smoother for installers,” said Chatham, adding that the improved workflow and reduced installer risk have even helped his team maintain competitive pricing. "Everyone benefits when crews can get in and out quickly, from the window installers to the next trade in line," he said. "That kind of efficiency may even help us with pricing long-term, because partners know they can count on a smooth jobsite."

For Chatham, that kind of performance isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about delivering peace of mind to homeowners who expect both speed and quality. 

“We haven’t had a single callback tied to a Steady Set install, and that gives us and our homeowners tremendous peace of mind,” he said. “There’s definitely a demand for speed and efficiency, especially in the luxury market where clients want high quality but don’t want long waits.”

An installer uses Pella’s Steady Set Interior Installation System, designed to reduce ladder work and improve jobsite safety.

Trust That Builds Beyond the Jobsite

“We’ve referred other builders to Pella—not because it benefits us directly, but because we believe in the partnership,” said Chatham. “We’ve had them visit our sites to see the install process and the quality of the product firsthand.”

That kind of peer-to-peer recommendation speaks to Pella’s long-standing relationships and its active approach to innovation. This combination has fostered a culture of care and collaboration, helping create safer, more productive jobsites across the country with Steady Set. 

“When our trades feel safe, they do better work,” said Chatham. “And when we’ve got a supplier who gets that, it makes a real difference.”

Left to Right: Lance Chatham, David Chatham, Gabe Chatham, and Myles Chatham of Chathambilt Homes.

This year’s scholarship recipients, including three first-generation college students, were chosen from a talented pool of applicants representing 55 high schools in 14 states.

“These scholarships reflect who we are as a company—committed to growth, opportunity and the belief that education creates bright futures. We’re honored to support our team members’ children—the next generation of leaders, dreamers and doers,” said Karmen Gardner, Executive Director of the Pella Rolscreen Foundation.

The Rolscreen Foundation provides these scholarships through a competitive process with external judges selecting the recipients through an application process that includes academic performance, participation in high school activities, community volunteerism and essay responses.

Students pursing four-year bachelor’s degrees were granted $10,000 scholarships ($2,500 annually), while those pursuing two-year degrees received $2,000 scholarships ($1,000 annually). All recipients will be honored at a banquet on May 6 at Pella’s corporate headquarters in Pella, Iowa. 

The Pella Rolscreen Foundation has awarded 882 scholarships through the Brighter Futures Scholarship Program since 1979. The scholarship program is part of the Foundation’s charitable giving, which includes community and education grants, a generous Matching Gifts Program, and a Volunteer Recognition Program that rewards team members and their spouses for volunteerism by providing a grant to an approved organization of their choice.

In a special preview event for team members and media on April 30, 2025, Pella Corporation revealed three significant centennial projects: an elaborate new parade float, A Day at the Tulip Factory, created for the 90th Annual Tulip Time Festival, the inaugural Pella Trolley No. 1925 and the grand reopening of the renovated Pella Corporation Museum. These initiatives represent Pella Corporation’s investment in preserving local heritage while creating new community touchpoints for generations to come. 

Pella Corporation also unveiled its brand-new parade float, A Day at the Tulip Factory. From firing pots in the kiln to planting and growing each tulip, the float is inspired by Pella’s manufacturing teams who imagine what’s possible and bring it to life. 

In addition, as a special commemorative gift to Pella Historical Museums, the Pella Trolley No. 1925 made its debut. The free public shuttle ran between the parades, offering transportation services between downtown Pella and Pella Corporation Museum. 

The Pella Corporation Museum in the depot featured a century of company and shareholder family history, showcasing Pella’s spirit of innovation and commitment to manufacturing quality products for its customers. Favorite items were on display, along with never-before-seen vintage sales tools, marketing artifacts and original windows.

Looking ahead

Throughout its centennial year, Pella Corporation will continue hosting a dynamic series of commemorative events. Later this year, Pella Corporation will welcome visitors to experience the newly revamped Pella Plaza at the Iowa State Fairgrounds—a reimagined space that showcases the company's century of innovation and community partnership.

Each plant was invited to nominate standout individuals and projects in the following categories: Hourly Team Member, Department Manager, Support Team Member, and Project. On March 12, the three finalists were recognized, and awards were presented to the top Wood/Fiberglass and top Vinyl submissions in each category.

2024 EPIC Award Winners:

• Neil Fluit – Sioux Center, IA
• Kyle Kuhn – Gettysburg, PA
• Jim Berning – Carroll, IA
• Norm Kemper – Ocala, FL
• Jim De Jong – Carroll, IA
• Adam Walker – Ocala, FL
• IG First Pass Success – Murray, KY
• VPXD – Portland, OR

In addition to the individual and project awards, plant awards were given recognizing the best plant in each of the 5 key areas for Operations: Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity and People. A Most Improved Plant Award was also presented.

2024 EPIC Plant Award Winners:

• Safety: Ocala, FL
• Quality: Carroll, IA
• Delivery: Portland, OR
• Productivity: Murray, KY
• People: Sioux Center, IA
• Most Improved Plant: Murray, KY

The highest recognition—a Best Plant Award—was given to the top-performing Wood/Fiberglass and Vinyl plants. This award honors locations that demonstrated a strong, balanced performance across all five operational categories.

• Best Plant – Wood/Fiberglass: Carroll, IA
• Best Plant – Vinyl: Gettysburg, PA

Congratulations to all of the EPIC Award nominees, finalists and winners! 

Pella Steady Set™ Interior Installation System has been awarded Gold in Pro Builder Magazine’s 7th Annual Most Valuable Product (MVP) Awards, a testament to the company’s game-changing innovation.    

The MVP Awards recognize standout products that solve industry challenges, improve efficiency, and elevate construction practices. This year’s competition was tougher than ever, with a record-breaking 205 product entries. A panel of 11 respected industry professionals evaluated each submission, scoring products on a 1-10 scale through two rounds of reviews.  

Steady Set earned one of the highest scores in the Doors & Windows category, securing its place as a Gold-level winner. As the first interior installation system of its kind, Steady Set makes window installation easier and more efficient without sacrificing quality. Designed for new construction wood windows, the system was built with builders and installers in mind—ensuring a high-quality, repeatable and reliable window installation every time.  

“This award is a proud moment for all of us at Pella. Steady Set wasn’t just about creating something new—it was about listening, understanding, and delivering a solution that truly makes a difference for builders and installers,” said Emily Videtto, President and Chief Operating Officer, Pella Corporation. “At Pella, innovation is deeply rooted in who we are. This recognition is proof of that commitment, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the impact Steady Set is making in the industry.” 

For more information about Steady Set, visit pella.com.  

A Seamless Blend of Performance and Style

With home trends emphasizing health and wellness, sustainability, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, Pella’s redesigned sliding patio doors check every box: 

• Durability That Lasts: The exterior aluminum cladding on Pella’s wood sliding patio doors protects them from the elements, helping to resist fading, chalking, rot and corrosion.
• Contemporary Aesthetics with Maximized Light: A narrow bottom rail, standard across all Pella wood patio doors, allows more light into the home and delivers a contemporary look​.
• Enhanced Security & Ventilation: A secondary lock on the venting panel increases security without compromising beauty.
• Modern Design Options: Available in a variety of finishes and sizes, Pella’s wood sliding patio doors allow customizable solutions that appeal to today’s homebuyers. 
• Effortless Installation: Innovative features like a continuous head and sill save time, ensuring installation stays on schedule and within budget. 
• Excellent Energy Efficiency: Pella Lifestyle Series’ patented triple-pane glass design offers energy-efficient options that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® guidelines in all 50 states. 

“As homeowners continue prioritizing natural light, ventilation, and energy efficiency in their living spaces, we designed our new sliding patio doors to bring both beauty and performance into the home,” said Nick Cross, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Business Units, Pella Corporation. “Builders and homeowners alike will appreciate the improved installation process, thoughtful design, and seamless indoor-outdoor connection.”

The redesigned Pella Reserve and Pella Lifestyle Series Sliding Patio Doors are now available nationwide through Pella retail stores and Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. 

This year, Fast Company recognized Pella’s newest innovation, Pella Steady Set™—the industry’s first interior window installation system. The revolutionary system allows installers to set and attach window units from the interior of the home, instead of the traditional exterior installation. Using Steady Set, builders reduce complexity, variability, risk, callbacks, wasted labor and lost time. The result is a dramatically faster, safer and easier-to-use install process that ensures consistency, efficiency and high-quality installation, every time.

“Steady Set reflects Pella’s commitment to deliver innovations that truly serve the customer by addressing a real need. Innovation at Pella isn’t about one big idea—it’s about a mindset, a culture, and a commitment to solving problems in new ways,” said Keith Mann, Chief Marketing Officer, Pella Corporation. 

Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list spotlights organizations that are transforming industries and driving meaningful change. For a century, Pella has been at the forefront of change in the window and door industry, introducing more than 150 patented innovations. Fast Company has recognized Pella for its culture of innovation naming the company among the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024 and 2022 and a Most Innovative Company in 2023. Additionally, Pella was recognized as a Most Innovative Design Company in 2022. 

“Every bold idea and every new solution has been rooted in understanding real customer needs and delivering products, services, and experiences that make a difference. To be recognized by Fast Company during our 100th year is such an honor and a wonderful recognition of our enduring commitment to innovation and finding a better way for our customers,” said Emily Videtto, President and Chief Operating Officer, Pella Corporation. 

As Pella looks ahead, it remains focused making investments that position it for long-term growth, including advancing its innovation pipeline, implementing cutting-edge technology, building a talent advantage—all in the name of serving the customer better than ever before.