Obituaries
Industry Mourns Larry Johnson
The industry is mourning the loss of Larry Johnson, vice president of sales, North American Fenestration for Quanex, who passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024. One of seven children, Johnson started working at Iron City Sash and Door in upstate New York in high school, unloading and assembling Andersen windows. He joined the industrial weather-stripping manufacturer Ultrafab in 1982 as a technical service manager before becoming a business development manager at VEKA. He became president of VEKA after it invested in the vinyl extruder Vinylsource. He joined Edgetech (now Quanex) in 2001, becoming executive vice president in 2002. He was appointed Quanex’s vice president of sales, insulating glass systems, in July 2010. Johnson had been battling bladder cancer since 2022 and passed away from complications of surgery he underwent earlier this year. Johnson is survived by his wife of 25 years and glass industry veteran, Erin, children, Kori (Rick Doherty) Tolbert, Alex and Ava, along with many extended family members and countless friends.
Former WDMA Chair Frank Marvin Passes Away
Former Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) chairperson and long-time board member Frank R. Marvin passed away on March 2. In a statement released by the association, officials said Marvin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and long-time executive at Marvin. A member of the third generation to be involved with the leadership of the company that bore the family name, he had a 42-year career at the door and window manufacturer, headquartered in Warroad, Minnesota. Marvin’s customer-centric mindset and dedication to people shaped cornerstones of the Marvin business that continue today, including the company’s Signature Services department, company officials said. Despite his successes, nothing meant more to Frank than his wife of 57 years, Margaret, their six children and spouses, and their 24 grandchildren, which represent part of the fifth generation and future of the company.
Retiremenets
Leone Set to Retire as WMA President and CEO
World Millwork Alliance (WMA) has announced the impending retirement of its president and CEO, Rosalie Leone. Leone, who has been with the organization for 27 years, will retire on December 31, 2024. Leone is credited for helping to evolve WMA into a “healthy and thriving association,” officials said. Her contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping its success and culture, they add, including as it underwent transformation—rebranding from the National Sash & Door Jobbers Association to the Association of Millwork Distributors, and finally WMA. Over the years, she led WMA’s establishment as an accredited ANSI standards development organization, one that’s recognized by the ICC and industry certification agencies. She also led the development of millwork education courses, embracing modern formats and technology to support skilled labor, and worked to connect and support women in the millwork industry through the creation of its first social media network and a Women in Millwork Roundtables series. As she prepares to retire from her role, WMA’s board chair, Jon Bayer, acknowledged her “indispensable efforts that have not only shaped WMA but also steered its course to the current heights of success.”
Eslick Retiring, Cooke Promoted at AmesburyTruth
Vince Eslick, vice president of sales for AmesburyTruth, has announced his retirement. Eslick spent more than 27 years in the fenestration industry. To fill Eslick’s spot, the company is promoting Philip Cooke to the executive leadership team as vice president of sales. Cooke has been with AmesburyTruth since 2015 and has served in various progressive roles, including channel management and product director for seals and extrusions. Cooke earned his bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport University and is finishing his MBA from Clemson University. Officials say his understanding of the company and its operations will bring valuable insights and strategies to the sales department.
Executives
Waudena Welcomes Basu as President
Waudena Entrance Systems, a brand of Wausau Supply Co., has announced the appointment of Sayanti Basu, Ph.D., as its new president. In her role as Waudena’s president, Basu leads the advancement of the business unit’s financial and operational performance. She has more than 15 years of business management leadership experience. Basu brings with her expertise gained as senior director at Honeywell and from leadership positions at various Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, including Jeld-Wen, Berry Global, and Celanese. She holds a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Carolina.
YKK AP Makes Key Leadership Appointments
YKK AP America Inc. has appointed Mike Turner as president of its commercial business group and Josh Jensen as president of its residential business group. Turner and Jensen will report to North American Group president and CEO Oliver Stepe. Turner is currently the senior sales and marketing vice president. He has worked for YKK AP for more than 30 years. Jensen joined YKK in January 2023. He has more than 25 years of experience in the door and window industries. Officials say he is an accomplished strategic leader with comprehensive knowledge.
West Shore Home Announces New COO
West Shore Home recently announced that Kedar Revankar has been named the company’s chief operating officer (COO). He brings nearly 20 years of supply chain management experience to the company. Revankar oversees operations, warehouse and inventory, and supply chain nationwide. He was most recently the vice president of global supply chain at Masonite International, where he oversaw teams in North and South America, Asia and Europe.
ODL Promotes Quinnette to EVP of Engineering and Product Management
ODL Inc. has announced the promotion of Denise Quinnette to executive vice president of engineering and product management. Quinnette will report to ODL’s president and CEO, David Klein, and manage a team of five. She joined ODL in March of 2023 as vice president of product and brand management and has nearly 30 years of experience and demonstrated success in engineering and product management.
Sales and Marketing
NuCoat Promotes Shelley Lee to Executive Director
NuCoat North America has promoted Shelley Lee to executive director of marketing and customer experience. Lee, who has been with the company for 12 years, oversees NuCoat’s client community on a strategic level and leads marketing activities for the North America region. She will spearhead the development and execution of marketing strategies, communications, and campaigns tailored to showcase the brand’s coating products and solutions. “During her 12 years with NuCoat, Shelley has proven herself to be a dedicated and results-driven team member. She holds a wealth of expertise in marketing, sales, quality assurance, and client services specific to our unique offerings,” said Torsten Krings, owner and founder of NuCoat.
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