“Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempest.”—Epicurus. We may not be able to control our current circumstances, but we can control our thinking, our actions and our use of innovation. First, however, we need to keep a reasonable outlook by looking to the near past. We have been challenged with difficulties many times […]

“Preparation is the cure for panic.” That’s a statement that’s ringing true this month! During our historic recommendations and requirements for isolation amid COVID-19, we should rely on preparation and the innovation that is needed therefor. Our ability to create new ways to remain safe, while still producing doors and windows requires new amounts of […]

The modern world has become anti-focus. All our devices and entertainment options pull us toward constant, relentless distraction. We see and read much more every day than we did just a few short years ago. Social media has upheld its promise to connect us, but the downside is too much information. Our workdays are full […]

Most true innovators are independent. They don’t fit well into the processes and procedures that are in play at most companies. They tend to be very interested in ideas and not very interested in developing the ideas. This is normal and must be recognized and even embraced to fully utilize the potential of innovation. Innovators […]

“Be like a postage stamp—stick to one thing until its delivered!” This statement by Josh Billings (the pen name of 19th century American humorist Henry Wheeler Shaw) is truer today than ever! Most of us are too familiar with the requirements for multitasking in the modern business climate. We all have 20 projects on our lists, along with […]

Being part of a trade organization is a great way to learn about innovation in our industry. There are 91,000 trade associations in the U.S. and these groups are responsible for $50 billion worth of volunteer time. That’s a lot of opportunity for learning! Every businessperson should owe part of his time and treasure to […]

Every January, we’re all offered a new start. I say, let’s make the most of it by increasing our personal value and the value of our products and services to consumers. Our value proposition as door and window innovators includes managing new ideas, as well as to improve our influence. The quantity and quality of those ideas, […]

What happens if your organization fails to innovate? As you can imagine, it’s not good. Let’s look at a few examples from just 2018. The companies under Sears Holdings were successful for 120 years and everyone had some buying connection to them. Sears retail was originally famous for its mail order catalog, which advertised thousands of items […]

We are all enjoying a great economy for our door and window products. As the run continues, the need for more innovation to help your competitive position grows. As this need grows, your need to hire innovators grows. So how do you hire the best innovators? A recent blog entry on “Board of Innovation” lists 10 […]

There are many ways to incentivize more innovation in your company. The normal methods of suggestion boxes and surveys may not be getting you the results that you wish. As we often discuss, innovation is the largest need in most companies. One example of a group that jump-started its innovation ideas is Adobe Systems. We […]