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

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

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/  

“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. 

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/. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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! 

July 25 is National Intern Day, and we’re celebrating a remarkable group of interns – 73 students representing 21 different schools from 12 states and two countries! Our interns are working in a wide range of departments at 10 Pella locations across the U.S.  from Portland, OR to Gettysburg, PA.

Pella is proud to support this diverse group of interns on their career journeys. This summer, they’re supporting important work to move our business forward while taking part in mentorships, volunteer opportunities, social activities and much more. Pella interns create long-lasting connections while making a valuable impact.

"We’re dedicated to providing interns with hands-on, impactful projects that go beyond the ordinary,” said Louie Currier, Campus Talent Acquisition Specialist. “Through mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge work, we aim to inspire a passion that extends far beyond the internship. Our mission is to offer a transformative experience, where interns actively contribute to solving real-world problems and foster a genuine connection with our company.”

As part of the program, interns take part in a Case Competition activity that truly showcases imagination in action. Working in cross-functional teams, they develop and present their own unique ideas for driving innovation at Pella. Presentations will be held on August 5, and winners will be announced and awarded prizes at the Intern Farewell Banquet on August 6.

“Our goal is to not only shape future leaders,” said Louie, “but to create a bond that brings them back to Pella in meaningful roles, contributing to our shared success and building our talent advantage in a competitive market."

Want to know what it’s like to be a Pella intern? Here’s a deep-dive with three of them – who they are, what they’ve been working on this summer and what’s next. 

Ayo Atitebi – HR MBA Intern

• Meet Ayo: I was born and raised in Nigeria where I spent most of my young adult life before moving to the U.S. for my MBA at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. I’m majoring in Strategy and Organizational Leadership, and my career goal is to leverage my background as a corporate attorney and my HR experience at Pella to transition into a strategic HR leadership role where I can drive impactful initiatives that foster inclusive and thriving workplace culture and implement strategies that support both organizational growth and employee satisfaction.
• His Summer Project: I’m developing a new onboarding program at Pella that helps hiring leaders effectively integrate new team members and interns, creating a consistent onboarding experience across the enterprise, reducing the time to full productivity from 6 to 3 months for hundreds of new hires annually, and setting them up for success from day one. Additionally, I’m designing a strategy to optimize the use of invested learning resources to enhance team members’ personal and professional development, while also working on several HR Transformation projects on the Talent Acquisition side.
• Favorite Internship Moment So Far: Coaching the undergrad interns on their case competition, helping them refine their idea implementation strategies and structuring their presentations.
• His Pella Favorites: What I love most about Pella is the people and the culture. Everyone here deeply cares, and there is a genuine investment in helping team members learn continuously with a strong commitment to delivering outstanding results. It's inspiring to work in an environment where collaboration and personal growth are personalized and where we strive to make a meaningful impact every day.

Elyza Hoffman – Field Sales Team Intern

• Meet Elyza: I was born and raised in Dubuque, IA. This fall, I will be going into my senior year at the University of Iowa, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Spanish. After I graduate, I plan to move to Spain for a year with the goal of becoming fluent in Spanish and learning more about the culture. While I’m there, I hope to have a remote position in brand or product marketing to further my knowledge in that sector. After I return to the United States, I have interest in pursuing a sales or marketing position in a big city!
• Her Summer Project: I am not only part of the intern Case Competition project, but I’m also assisting the Open Field Sales Team to support the Lowe’s stores of the Gulf Coast Territory (Florida, Texas, Louisiana). I act as a resource to employees at these Lowe’s stores and solve any Pella-related problems they may have.
• Favorite Internship Moment So Far: Either my trip to Chicagoland to learn more about what the day-to-day looks like for trade and retail sales reps, or the intern business trip to Des Moines where I got to learn about the branch, meet some great leaders there and end the day having a blast at Adventureland with the other interns.
• Her Pella Favorites: My favorite thing about Pella is the culture, which is praised by everyone who works here. Every colleague that I’ve gotten to meet with 1:1 has been insightful, encouraging and so so friendly! I’ve met so many great people that I hope to stay connected with throughout my career journey. It is also very apparent how much Pella cares about their people. They invest so much time and money to make sure that their employees can grow and be truly happy here.

Cheyenne Tille – Product Management Intern

• Meet Cheyenne: I grew up in Knoxville, IA and have continued to stay in the area through William Penn University, where I am majoring in Business Management with minors in Economics and Accounting. Following my graduation in December, I hope to return to the Pella team!
• Her Summer Project: Creating a Commercial Market Position & Value Proposition Review within our vinyl portfolio.
• Favorite Internship Moment So Far: My favorite internship moment this summer has been connecting with and learning from previous interns who have entered into full-time roles. As a Department Manager intern last summer, my favorite moment was the ability to live in Illinois and experience offsite operations in Macomb, IL.
• Her Pella Favorites: I will forever be grateful for the opportunities the Pella internship program has provided to many young professionals like me. Louie and his team have given us the ability to interact with the executive team during roundtables and to connect with managers and mentors who advocate for us within every room they are a part of.

One Pella team leader received special recognition just in time for the Fourth of July. 

On July 2, Jacob Brown, a Technical Department Manager in Pella, IA, received a Patriot Award in recognition of his support of team members serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

Jacob was nominated for the award by Cody Stierwalt, an Electrical Machine Builder and member of the Iowa National Guard. As a member of Jacob’s team, Cody says the trust, flexibility and outreach he gets from his leader is important to recognize, explaining, “Jacob understands that a good work/life balance is extra important for someone serving who may only get 36 or so free weekends a year.”  

At the end of 2019, Cody’s unit was activated to serve in Kuwait. In less than two weeks, he was in pre-deployment training with the encouragement of his leaders at Pella. He received messages and care packages from his colleagues during his time overseas, and his toolbox was waiting for him at Pella when he returned to work two years later. He continues to serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year as a Guardsman, with full support from Jacob.

“I appreciate that Cody nominated me for the Patriot Award,” says Jacob. “I always try to show that I care about and respect my team members, even when it means making accommodations to support their lives outside of work. It meant a lot to me to hear about the ways that Cody has been positively impacted by my actions.”

To Cody, it’s important to see leaders like Jacob support service members working at Pella. “I’m not the only soldier working for this company who has drill throughout the year or who may deploy at any given time, but I can speak on behalf of all of us Citizen-Soldiers. We appreciate the flexibility, we appreciate the support from this company, and we appreciate having a manager who understands the sacrifices that our service members go through.”

“The ESGR Patriot Award is a beacon of appreciation, honoring supervisors and managers who support their military employees,” says Becky Coady, State Chair of Iowa ESGR. “Business leadership and coworkers are all vital in safeguarding our nation's strength by valuing and empowering those who serve. This award ensures they are recognized for their sacrifices when their employee is away on military duty.”

Congratulations, Jacob, on your Patriot Award, and thank you to all of the service members on the Pella team.

About the Patriot Award

The Patriot Award recognizes the efforts made by employers to support employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve. Service members nominate an individual supervisor for the support provided directly to the nominating service member and their family. The recognition is awarded to individual supervisors, not to an entire staff or organization. The award is presented by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office within the U.S. Department of Defense. ESGR promotes cooperation and understanding between reserve component service members and their civilian employers.

On July 1, nearly 85 Pella team members in Canada will join family, friends and neighbors as the country celebrates Canada Day.

In honor of the day, team members at our sales branch in Toronto hosted a potluck-style Multicultural Feast on June 28. Dressed in red and white to represent the colors of the Canadian flag, each brought a dish that represents their culture to share. 

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many flavors that make up our diverse team,” said Marcela D’Agostino, Human Resources Generalist in Canada.

Since April 2001, Pella has had operations in Canada with our Pella Windows and Doors of Ontario branch in Toronto. The sales subsidiary celebrated its golden birthday this year – celebrating 23 years on April 23.

National Skilled Trades Day is observed the first Wednesday in May to celebrate and honor the important work of skilled tradespeople. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the viable career opportunities in the skilled trades.

Pella understands the importance of skilled trades jobs. Our manufacturing locations rely on the expertise of team members who work in skilled trades positions – all of whom play an important part in keeping the production lines maintained and operating smoothly. Examples of these key positions include welders, electricians, machinists, tool and die operators, die builders and maintenance technicians.

At Pella, identifying, recruiting and training workers for roles in skilled trades-related positions is critical to meet our future growth projections.

For current job openings in the skilled trades at Pella nationwide, visit pella.com/careers.

Why Recognizing National Skilled Trades Day Is Important for Everyone

People working in the skilled trades are critical to keeping production lines running and operating at maximum capacity. 

A career in the skilled trades offers an alternative educational experience. You can get a good paying job without a traditional four-year degree.

The U.S. economy relies heavily on skilled trades workers in many different industries, not just for windows and doors. 

A lack of skilled trades workers can lead to production delays, negatively impact the ability of companies to deliver goods and services, and also have a negative impact on the overall economy as companies struggle to meet growing demand.

To help put a spotlight on the need for people of all ages to consider the skilled trades as a viable career path, visit this National Skilled Trades Day site for ideas on how you can get involved or show support in your community.

Don Van Vark is a beloved member of our Pella team, and on April 27, 2024, he achieved an incredible milestone – 60 years of service!

Don officially joined the Rolscreen Company in 1964 after his deployment in the U.S. Army ended. “I’d worked with Rolscreen engineers before,” remembered Don. “I contacted a Chief Engineer at Pella, and told him I was interested in joining the tool room.”

And the rest, as they say, is history!

Don got right to work, starting out as an apprentice, then a journeyman, then a draftsman. He’s spent his entire career in the same department, perfecting and elevating his trade. Today, Don is a Tool Die Designer and a key contributor to the Pella team. He primarily focuses on die designs, but he’s happy to help out with expense build design projects when needed. He’ll often do preliminary design work before his team officially kicks off a project with a business partner, which helps facilitate key discussions earlier in the project timeline. Don’s in-depth knowledge, flexibility and years of experience are invaluable.

As for retirement? “Don and I were talking recently about his upcoming 60th service anniversary, and I asked him if this was a major milestone he has been working toward in preparation for retirement,” shared Senior Project Engineer Todd Sheffield. “Don paused, a grin came across his face, and he replied, ‘Well … my wife thinks it should be.’ Then he chuckled and rolled his head to the side. Clearly, he is enjoying what he does and plans to keep at it.”

Congratulations, Don! Thank you for being part of the Pella team. You are a testament to our purpose of building for brighter futures and the success that comes from a lifetime of learning.

In this video, we spotlight three women team members at Pella:  

• Amber Kelley, Business HR Manager for Pella, IA Operations
• Jenn Tuetken, Director of Innovation, Design and Brand Experience
• Laura Phillips, Vice President of Engineering

 Each of them excels in their field while also supporting, engaging and inspiring those around them.

“We’ve been working to elevate Pella as the employer of choice in this area, which has a large population of Spanish speakers,” said Luke Francois, Plant Process Engineer. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve invested in translation services, bilingual trainers and other resources that support our English Language Learner (ELL) team members. The next logical step was to encourage ELL team members to share their ideas for improvement and inspire that ‘Pella Passion,’ which is so important to our culture.”

A Focus on Excellence: Insights from the All-Spanish Kaizen

With that in mind, Luke said the Continuous Improvement team at Sioux Center made the decision to conduct an all-Spanish Kaizen to engage Spanish-speaking team members and help them become more confident about sharing ideas while performing their daily work.

The Kaizen focused on Value Added (VA) Cleanliness, a critical aspect of our manufacturing processes. The team worked to identify areas for improvement in the overall cleanliness of the finished products we deliver to our customers.

“We know our customers have high expectations,” said Luke. “This Kaizen identified ways to reduce or eliminate dirt, dust and other grime and improve the customer experience. The team looked at many factors, from proper hand placement to the cleanliness of workstations, cleaning rags and more. We’re confident this effort will result in a cleaner final product for our customers.”

Cultivating Camaraderie: Beyond Process Improvement

The Kaizen not only yielded better understanding of the production process and ideas for improvement, but it also fostered a stronger sense of camaraderie among team members.

“I was honored to be part of this event,” said Maria Cortes, Multilingual Training Coordinator. “One of the biggest takeaways for me was how involved everyone was. We all had the same goal, which was to improve our own skills and make continuous improvements to the process. Everyone was very engaged.”

Maria’s experience underscores how our commitment to inclusion positively impacts our ability to achieve results that go beyond expectations. According to the team, excitement about the event and the suggestions for improvements quickly spread throughout the site.

Charting the Path Toward More Inclusive Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Moving forward, Sioux Center intends to look for additional ways to harness the input, ideas and innovations from all its team members. According to Judy Delperdang, Human Resources Manager, this initial effort has given ELL team members more confidence that Pella trusts them to share their ideas and opens the doors for others to participate in the future. “We will continue to encourage others to be on Kaizens and contribute to our continuous improvement efforts,” said Judy. “We want all team members involved.”

What is Kaizen?

It’s a business philosophy that is widely used in manufacturing and other industries. It emphasizes small, incremental changes in processes, encourages team member involvement, and strives for waste reduction – all in an effort to achieve continuous improvement.

Sioux Center team members recently participated in Pella’s first-ever continuous improvement project performed completely in Spanish. Front row: Maria Cortes, Ana Cruz, Miguel Reyna and Guadalupe Ramirez. Back row: Octavio Rodriguez, Tristan Hulstein, Ariel Gomes, Luke Francois, Ricardo Serrano and Juan Rodriguez

Miembros del Equipo de Sioux Center participan recientemente en el primer proyecto de mejora continua de Pella realizado completamente en Español. Primera Fila: Maria Cortes, Ana Cruz, Miguel Reyna and Guadalupe Ramírez. Fila de Atrás: Octavio Rodríguez, Tristan Hulstein, Ariel Gomes, Luke Francois, Ricardo Serrano and Juan Rodríguez.

El Primer Kaizen Totalmente en Español de Pella Eleva la Colaboración y La Experiencia del Cliente

Los miembros del equipo de Pella en nuestro sitio de Sioux Center lograron recientemente un hito emocionante que respalda tanto nuestra mejora continua como nuestros viajes de DEI: La finalización del primer evento Kaizen de la compañía realizado completamente en español. El evento mostro la dedicación de Pella a la mejora de procesos y reforzo el compromiso de la empresa con el fomento de un entorno inclusivo.

“Hemos estado trabajando para elevar a Pella como el empleador preferido en esta área, que tiene una gran población de hispanohablantes,” dijo Luke Francois, Ingeniero de Procesos de Planta. “En los ultimos dos años, hemos invertido en servicios de traducción, instructores bilingües y otros recursos que apoyan a los miembros del equipo de otro idioma (ELL). El siguiente paso lógico fue animar a los miembros del equipo de ELL a compartir sus ideas de mejora e inspirar esa ‘Pasión Pella’, que es tan importante para nuestra cultura.”

Un Enfoque en la Excelencia: Perspectivas del Kaizen en Español

Con eso en mente, Luke dijo que el equipo de Mejora Continua de Sioux Center tomo la decisión de llevar a cabo un Kaizen totalmente en español para involucrar a los miembros del equipo de habla hispana y ayudarlos a tener mas confianza para compartir ideas mientras realizan su trabajo diario.

Kaizen se centró en la limpieza de Value Add (VA), un aspecto fundamental de nuestros procesos de fabricacion. El equipo trabajo para identificar áreas de mejora en la limpieza general de los productos terminados que entregamos a nuestros clientes.

“Sabemos que nuestros clientes tienen grandes expectativas,” dijo Luke. “Este Kaizen identifico formas de reducir o eliminar la suciedad, el polvo y otras mugres y mejorar la experiencia del cliente. El equipo analizo muchos factores, desde la colocación adecuada de las manos hasta la limpieza de las estaciones de trabajo, los trapos de limpieza y más. Estamos seguros de que este esfuerzo dará como resultado un producto final mas limpio para nuestros clientes.”

Cultivando la Camaraderia: Mas Alla de la Mejora de Procesos

El Kaizen no solo produjo una mejor comprensión del proceso de produccion y las ideas de mejora, sino que tambien fomento un mayor sentido de camaradería entre los miembros del equipo.

“Me sentí honrada de ser parte de esta evento,” dijo Maria Cortes, Coordinadora de Entrenamiento Bilingüe. “Una de las cosas mas importantes para mi fue lo involucrados que estaban todos. Todos teníamos el mismo objetivo, que era mejorar nuestras propias habilidades y realizar mejoras continuas en el proceso. Todo el mundo estaba muy comprometido.”

La experiencia de Maria resalta como nuestro compromiso con la inclusión impacta positivamente en nuestra capacidad para lograr resultados que van más allá de las expectativas. Según el equipo, el entusiasmo por el evento y las sugerencias de mejoras se extendieron rapidamente por todo el sitio.

Marcando el Camino Hacia Una Innovación mas Inclusiva y la Mejora Continua

En el futuro, Sioux Center tiene la intención de buscar formas adicionales de aprovechar los aportes, las ideas y las innovaciones de todos los miembros del equipo. Según Judy Delperdang, Manager de Recursos Humanos, este esfuerzo inicial ha dado a los miembros del equipo de ELL mas confianza en que Pella confía en ellos para compartir sus ideas y abre las puertas para que otros participen en el futuro.

“Continuaremos alentando a otros a estar en Kaizens y contribuir a nuestros esfuerzos de mejora continua,” dijo Judy. “Queremos que todos los miembros del equipo participen.”

Que es Kaizen?

Es una filosofia empresarial que se utiliza ampliamente en la fabricacion y otras industrias. Enfatiza los cambios pequeños e incrementales en los procesos, fomenta la participación de los miembros del equipo y se esfuerza por reducir el desperdicio, todo en un esfuerzo por lograr una mejora continua.

Finding a career you’re passionate about isn’t always a straight path. Sometimes there are twists and turns, starts and stops, and complete path changes! This was the case for Allison Wiley, Manager of Talent Acquisition at Pella.

For 11 years, Allison thrived in sales for Pella, climbing from a sales representative to a sales trainer and eventually to a sales manager. Her competitive nature and drive for exceeding goals made sales a natural fit for her. As she started a family, though, she began to consider roles requiring less travel.

A mentor in Human Resources pointed out Allison’s ability to scout talent in her sales role and suggested she could use that skill in Talent Acquisition. With the support of her manager and the guidance of her mentor, Allison was able to achieve a career with the Talent Acquisition team.

“I decided to take a risk and see what happened,” she said. “It turned out to be a great fit. I continue to learn and evolve, channeling our shared vision of caring about each other and our business while always pursuing a better way.”

The transition became more than just a career change, allowing her to grow personally and professionally while finding the balance she needed.

"When you have an open mind and passionate spirit for what we do, you always want to improve and find ways to do better for both yourself and the company," Allison said, reflecting on her career journey.

Allison encourages everyone to keep their options open, embrace the unexpected and learn from every experience. "Don’t be afraid to fail," she said. “Surround yourself with people who care deeply about you, and always be open to embracing feedback because that’s only going to help you grow.”

It’s no small feat to juggle full-time work while pursuing education, but seven Pella team members rose to the challenge. This month they became graduates of the first Industrial Electrical Maintenance (IEM) program in Pella, Iowa. 

“As someone who continually seeks opportunities to broaden my skills, I saw the IEM program as the perfect chance to enhance my future. The technical skills I have gained have already been beneficial, and I’m hopeful that they will allow me to advance in my career,” said Bobbi Nichols, Pella team member and IEM graduate. “I am a firm believer that no matter where you are, it’s never too late to step out of your comfort zone and learn something new.”

The IEM program was brought to the Pella community through a collaboration between Des Moines Community College (DMACC), the Career Academy of Pella, WorkSMART Connector, and participating Pella area businesses. The program was part-time over the course of six months. In order to receive the IEM certificate students complete 144 hours of training in Principles of Electricity, Motor Controls, and Programmable Controllers (PLCs). 

“The skills learned in these courses are instrumental and critical for today’s industrial environment and our technology needs. These skills (industrial maintenance skills) often take many years to learn and develop, so we must start now to be set up for success as Pella Corporation expands and grows,” said Breonna Rogers, Pella Technical Trades Talent Development Specialist.

The instructor of the IEM program is also a Pella team member. Jerry Pitt, Engineering Support Technician at Pella’s lumber plant, was recruited to teach the program because of his knowledge and 40 years of experience in the industry. 

“It’s been a great opportunity to be a part of this program,” said George Grimm, Pella team member and IEM graduate. “Jerry is an insightful, influential teacher and I hope he gets to pass on his knowledge to more students in the future.” 

Congratulations to the below Pella Corporation Team members: 

• George Grimm, CI Tech, Logistics
• Jeremy Hackett, CI Tech, MES
• Harley (Morgan) Howe, Maintenance Technician, Lumber 
• Mathew Hynick, Operator II, Logistics
• Bobbi Nichols, Scheduling Specialist, MES
• Daryl Vander Molen, Paint Specialist, Lumber
• Jacob Whaley, Machine Builder, MES

If you are interested in learning more about the IEM program, contact Breonna Rogers at rogersb@pella.com.

To recognize Pride Month, we are shining a spotlight on team members who are actively championing inclusion and diversity. Denise Earley works as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Resource Officer at Pella. She is also an LGBTQ+ ally whose passion for fostering a more inclusive society has driven her involvement in Pride.

Denise's close-knit family has fueled her passion to create a world where everyone feels valued. 

“Opportunity for allyship surrounds me. My oldest brother is disabled and my step father is African American, my niece is Hispanic, and my daughter is gay,” said Denise. She added, “For me, human rights are absolutely vital.”

Denise's involvement in supporting LGBTQ+ rights began years ago. “I volunteered through work initiatives, such as an ally resource group at my previous company, but found an even deeper connection to the community when I started volunteering with Capital City Pride in Des Moines two years ago,” she said.  

As the volunteer coordinator for Capital City Pride, an Iowa-based nonprofit that brings together the members of the LGBTQ+ community along with their friends, allies, and supporters, Denise discovered dedicating her personal time to this organization and its mission was a fulfilling and impactful way to create positive change. She noted, "Inclusion is so incredibly important. We have an amazing opportunity as allies to help advance causes surrounding underrepresented groups that otherwise wouldn't move forward without our help.”

Denise encourages everyone to get involved with a cause that matters to them. “The magic happens when we’re willing to step outside of the things we do on a daily basis and use our talents to further a cause we’re passionate about.”  

You can find Denise using her talents to serve the community at this year’s 44th annual PrideFest, which will take place June 9-11 in the historic East Village of Des Moines, Iowa. To learn how you can get involved, visit PrideFest’s website, or visit your community’s Pride website. 

Keep an eye out later this month as we share Human Resource Manager Justin Ruegg’s first-hand experience at this year’s PrideFest in Des Moines.

As we celebrate graduations, we want to recognize team members pursuing their dreams through continuing education.  One team member living this journey is Alicia Henderson. A curious person by nature, Alicia loves learning and has had several roles across the organization during her 9 years working for Pella. Today, she is the marketing manager for the Luxury division. She is also a student at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, pursuing a Master of Business Administration – thanks to Pella’s Tuition Assistance Program. 

“I get plenty of on-the-job learning here at Pella, but for me, the external experience and hearing from others in the master’s program is a great way to explore and grow while still being able to do the job I love here at Pella,” said Alicia.

The Tuition Assistance Program is designed to encourage personal and professional growth by offering financial assistance for continuing education. The program has supported 30 team members since 2021. 

“The best way we can help our team members grow is it to provide opportunities to learn continuously – tuition assistance is one of those ways,” said Kristin Tague, Director of Talent & Leadership Development.

Alicia learned about Pella's Tuition Assistance Program from a mentor within the company. 

"After I had been in the workforce a few years, I wanted to do something that broadened my perspective and challenged me to consider new ideas and other methods of solving problems," said Alicia. 

She has been able to balance her full-time job, motherhood, and education by taking it slow and steady. She emphasized that she takes it at a pace that allows her to focus on the most important things, like her family. 

Pella's Tuition Assistance Program is open to all full-time employees who have been with Pella for at least one year and are pursuing an approved degree that can be applied to Pella’s business. For more information about the program, team members can get in touch with your manager or HR representative. 

Jen, a leader in the talent and organizational development space, has multiple developmental disabilities, including ADHD, dyslexia, a reading processing and comprehension difficulty; dysnomia, which affects short-term memory retrieval; and dyscalculia, a learning challenge that impacts numerical patterning and processing.

In her childhood, little was known, explored, or understood about learning disabilities, and Jen went undiagnosed until her adult life. Thinking back, Jen reflects on her experiences as a young student, where she was educationally shamed due to her learning challenges. She notes, "Very specifically in my earliest educational years, I was labeled as 'incapable,' 'lacking,' 'distracted,' 'a lazy learner,' or as one teacher put it, 'one who would not succeed in later life.'" 

Those early life experiences created a fear of not being equal or smart enough. For the majority of her life, Jen never said anything about her developmental disabilities – especially in the workplace -- for fear of being judged. "I didn't ever want people thinking that I was incapable – I still don't want that. As someone who daily overcomes these challenges, I don't want pity or people to feel bad that my brain processes differently. Throughout my life, I've learned how to work with the diverse way my brain takes in and sorts out information. I have also developed mechanisms to navigate the unique struggles these learning disabilities have created," says Jen.

The courage to speak about her learning challenges hasn't come easy for Jen. "As I was not clinically diagnosed until adulthood, I went throughout my educational years and into my professional career coping on my own – fearing judgment or assumptions people might make, so I kept these challenges to myself," says Jen.

By sharing her story, she hopes it will help spur open conversations and curiosity. "I hope that this inspires people to see that learning challenges don't need to define or box people in. Also, I don't want people to go through years of thinking there is something wrong with them or of being afraid to show up as their whole, genuine selves. I want people in these spaces to feel brave and not to see themselves as 'less than,' 'compared to,' or to allow any learning diversity to define their capability to shine.

Jenny offers three pieces of advice from her own experiences:

1. Get Insights. Work with people who can help you get personalized insights and who can advise on learning strategies that allow you to genuinely show and contribute your most authentic way.

2. Engage in open conversations. Don't hide it; don't let struggles limit or define you. Seek the support you might need.

3. Own it and show up proud. You have a unique lens to offer – leverage it and help create open space for others to do the same.

Today, Jen sees her learning disabilities as a way to ally, encourage, support, and advocate by asking, "How do we help make the world an equal space for all to engage and contribute, bringing their most genuine selves to the table?"

This month, we'll share personal stories from Chris Reilly, project engineer, and Jenny Sharp, senior manager of learning, talent and OD, about how their developmental disabilities have made them the people they are today.

What are Developmental Disabilities?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas, and include:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Learning or intellectual disabilities
• Hearing loss
• Vision impairment
• Other developmental delays

My Cerebral Palsy Gives Me Determination

​​​​​​​Chris is a father, husband, engineer, CrossFitter and so much more. He also lives with cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

“My parents found out about my disability because I was walking late. I couldn’t stand and walk independently until about the age of six. It’s been a battle to try to be ‘normal’ like others, but today, I like to swim, bike, hike, do CrossFit, and I enjoy just trying to stay active,” says Chris. 

Staying active can be challenging for Chris who typically spends up to two hours a day stretching and doing small exercises to improve his mobility and physical fitness. “My two girls are used to seeing their dad doing his stretches – sometimes they even participate!”

Since working at Pella, Chris has had the flexibility to take a longer lunch break so he can stretch and get in a good workout. That accommodation and willingness to understand hasn’t always been the case.

Before Pella, Chris faced workplace discrimination and endured the challenges of growing up differently. “Academics came easy to me, but I struggled in school with confidence because I was physically limited. I was always picked last for sports like kickball and basketball, and felt left out a lot.”

That feeling drove Chris to work harder to better himself physically. “I try to compare myself to my peers. I put a lot of work in, and I don’t give up. I would tell people with developmental disabilities to do the same. The road to your goals isn’t flat. It’s both uphill and downhill and it’s going to take a lot of work, but don’t give up. The road to success is never linear.”

Chris also encourages people to have honest conversations. “Not all disabilities are those that are easily seen. It’s important to approach people that may appear like they are acting differently with a sense of learning and humility versus a preconceived notion of what you think is happening.”

As we share stories from our team members this month, you can get involved too. Follow us on Facebook at Careers at Pella and Windows and Doors to learn more about our team members, the work we do, and the communities we serve. Consider following organizations like the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and sharing your thoughts and experiences using hashtag #DDAwareness2023.

Together, we can imagine, build and fight for a brighter future.