Clear Impact Podcast

What happens when a window and door manufacturer builds a product directly from customer feedback? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, Sherri Connor speaks with Monte Del Rio from Western Architectural Openings about the launch of the Vantage Series, the evolution of the Western brand, and how customer input helped shape the next generation of multi-slide doors. Monte shares insights into architectural design trends, indoor outdoor living, energy-efficient door systems, flush sill technology, operational excellence, and how collaboration across engineering, sales, marketing, and manufacturing drives product innovation in the window and door industry. What You’ll Learn ● How customer feedback directly shaped the Western Vantage Series ● Why energy efficiency and design flexibility are driving modern architectural openings ● The differences between the Vantage Series and Performance Series ● How flush sill systems improve indoor outdoor living experiences ● Why collaboration across departments improves product innovation and dealer success Episode Highlights 01:23 – Monte Del Rio shares his background in the window and door industry 02:47 – Why Western changed from Western Window Systems to Western Architectural Openings 04:28 – How customers are responding to the new Vantage Series 05:22 – Why energy performance matters in modern multi-slide doors 05:58 – How flush sill systems improve indoor outdoor living design 07:03 – The importance of cross-brand collaboration inside MITER Brands 9:01 – How customer feedback shaped the Vantage product launch 9:50 – Key differences between the Vantage Series and Performance Series 11:51 – Monte’s favorite MITER DNA principle and how it applies to sales leadership Meet the Guest Monte Del Rio is Regional Sales Manager for the Western United States at Western Architectural Openings. With more than 22 years of experience in the window and door industry, Monte leads sales and architectural consulting teams across California, the Pacific Northwest, Mountain States, and Hawaii. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned ● Western Architectural Openings ● Vantage Series multi-slide doors ● Performance Series ● Flush sill door systems ● Indoor outdoor living design ● MITER DNA principles ● Customer-driven product development Closing Insight “The Vantage product really just checks those customer requests.” – Monte Del Rio This episode highlights how customer collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence continue to shape the future of architectural openings and modern home design. To learn more about Western Architectural Openings, visit us here. To learn more about MITER Brands,

Could your business recognize a phishing email before it caused financial damage? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, Sherri Connor speaks with Matt Meyer, Director of Cybersecurity at MITER Brands, about how small businesses, dealers, suppliers, and customers can protect themselves from ransomware, phishing scams, business email compromise, and AI-powered cyber threats. Matt shares practical cybersecurity advice for organizations that may not have large IT departments but still need strong digital protection strategies. The conversation covers phishing awareness, multi-factor authentication, ransomware recovery, cyber insurance, and how to build a stronger cybersecurity culture. What You’ll Learn • How phishing scams and business email compromise attacks work • Why AI is making cyber threats more sophisticated • What “Stop, Think, and Report” means in cybersecurity • Why multi-factor authentication is essential • How ransomware attacks impact small businesses Episode Highlights 01:51 – Why small businesses are major cybersecurity targets 02:47 – How AI is changing phishing and cybercrime 04:03 – What business email compromise looks like 04:26 – How to identify suspicious email domains and scams 06:20 – Why cybersecurity training matters for every employee 08:48 – The importance of software updates and malware protection 10:38 – What to do immediately after spotting suspicious activity 15:01 – How ransomware attacks happen and how businesses recover 18:10 – Matt Meyer’s most important highlights regarding cybersecurity Meet the Guest Matt Meyer is the Director of Cybersecurity at MITER Brands and has more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity operations, cyber risk management, ransomware defense, and enterprise security strategy. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned • Stop, Think, and Report • Spot the Phish cybersecurity training • Multi-factor authentication • Cybersecurity insurance • Business email compromise prevention • Ransomware recovery planning Closing Insight “Every time you mature your security posture, the better.” – Matt Meyer Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University for more conversations focused on customer education, operational excellence, technology, and industry leadership.

What happens when a family facing childhood leukemia chooses to serve others in the middle of their own crisis? In this powerful episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, host Sherri Connor speaks with Scott Van Almen, founder of The InVINCEable Foundation, about his son Vince’s leukemia diagnosis, the emotional reality of pediatric cancer treatment, and how one family transformed fear and uncertainty into nationwide community impact. Scott shares how The InVINCEable Foundation now supports families across the United States through financial assistance, grief counseling, emotional support, and compassionate outreach. This conversation explores resilience, servant leadership, family advocacy, mental health, and the importance of people-first culture during life’s most difficult moments. Whether you are navigating hardship yourself, supporting a loved one, or looking for examples of meaningful community leadership, this episode offers perspective, empathy, and hope. --- What You’ll Learn ● What pediatric leukemia treatment really looks like for families over multiple years ● How Scott Van Almen and his family created The InVINCEable Foundation during Vince’s cancer journey ● Why emotional support and grief counseling are essential for families facing childhood cancer ● How MITER Foundation partnerships help expand community impact and nonprofit outreach ● Why service, empathy, and perspective can become anchors during uncertainty and fear --- Episode Highlights 01:15 – Scott shares the moment his family learned Vince had leukemia 02:49 – Why helping other families became part of the healing process 05:58 – How childhood cancer impacts parents, siblings, finances, and emotional health 08:12 – Vince’s remission, relapse, and second treatment journey 9:43 – How The InVINCEable Foundation has supported families across the United States 10:12 – The creation of InVINCEable Solace and grief counseling support for parents 12:18 – Scott explains how MITER Foundation and Jason Cecco became key supporters 18:04 – The role of empathy, perspective, and servant leadership during suffering 19:22 – Why Scott believes people are called to help others without expecting anything in return --- Meet the Guest Scott Van Almen is the founder of The InVINCEable Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting families navigating childhood cancer treatment across the United States. Inspired by his son Vince’s leukemia journey, Scott and his family have helped more than 100 families through financial support, emotional care, grief counseling, and community advocacy. --- Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned ● The InVINCEable Foundation ● InVINCEable Solace grief counseling initiative ● Pediatric cancer family support systems ● Community-based nonprofit outreach ● Compass...

What does military service teach about leadership, sacrifice, and purpose that lasts far beyond active duty? In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast from MITER Brands University, host Sherri Connor speaks with MITER Brands CFO and Navy veteran Joe Person about patriotism, military leadership, veteran support, and the life-changing impact of serving something greater than yourself. Joe shares how growing up in a military family shaped his values, how 9/11 influenced his decision to serve, and why the MITER Foundation’s commitment to veterans, military families, and community outreach continues to inspire him today. Listeners will gain insight into leadership development, service-driven culture, and the role organizations can play in creating authentic community impact. What You’ll Learn How military service helps develop leadership, resilience, and accountability Why family influence and patriotism shaped Joe Person’s path to the Naval Academy and the U.S. Navy What it means to support veterans and active military members through the MITER Foundation How purpose-driven organizations create meaningful community impact Why exposing future generations to military values and servant leadership matters Episode Highlights 01:29 – Joe Person shares his role as a Naval Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy 02:03 – Growing up in a military family and learning leadership through service 03:40 – How the events of 9/11 strengthened Joe’s commitment to serving the country 04:25 – Why military service builds future leaders and strengthens communities 5:15 – Passing military values and patriotism to the next generation 6:04 – Joe’s first experience with the MITER Foundation and why it became a defining moment 6:38 – How the MITER Foundation supports veterans, military families, and community causes in meaningful ways Meet the Guest Joe Person is the Chief Financial Officer at MITER Brands and a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Naval Intelligence Officer. His background in military leadership, national defense, and community service gives him a unique perspective on leadership, patriotism, and the importance of supporting veterans and military families. Tools, Frameworks, and Organizations Mentioned MITER Foundation MITER Brands University Clear Impact Podcast United States Naval Academy National Security Agency (NSA) Office of Naval Intelligence Veteran outreach and heroes support initiatives Leadership through service philosophy Closing Insight “The military provides such a great framework for the youth of our nation to develop into leaders of the future.” This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership begins with service, sacrifice, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves. Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations on leadership, community impact, workforce development, and the people shaping the future at MITER Brands.

What are the real warning signs of human trafficking, and how can parents and communities recognize them before it is too late? In this special episode of the Clear Impact Podcast presented by MITER Brands University and supported by the MITER Foundation, host Sherri Connor sits down with Sue and Mike Thompson of Shared Hope International to discuss human trafficking awareness, online grooming, child safety, and community education efforts across Florida and nationwide. The conversation explores how traffickers use gaming apps, social media, and emotional manipulation to target vulnerable children, and why education, collaboration, and awareness matter more than ever. What You’ll Learn - How online grooming often begins through gaming apps and social media - The warning signs parents, teachers, and community leaders should recognize - Why Florida remains a high-risk area for trafficking activity - How Shared Hope International supports prevention, education, and survivor advocacy - Practical ways families can improve digital safety and awareness Episode Highlights 02:37 – How Mike and Sue Thompson became involved with Shared Hope International 4:04 – The beginning of Shared Hope International 08:01 – Why airports and major sporting events are connected to trafficking activity 10:24 – Behavior changes to watch out for 15:42 – The warning signs parents should watch for online 16:05 – Why gaming apps and chat platforms create risks for children 17:03 – Why education and awareness are the strongest prevention tools 19:52 – A real trafficking story involving a teenager in Venice, Florida 26:30 – Resources, reporting tools, and how to support Shared Hope International https://sharedhope.org/ https://www.miterfoundation.org/ To Report Suspicious Activity - text 233-733 or Call 888-733-7888 Meet the Guests Sue Thompson is a Florida Regional Coordinator for Shared Hope International and a dedicated advocate for human trafficking awareness, prevention, and community education. Mike Thompson is a Shared Hope International ambassador and MITER Brands employee at PGT, who works alongside anti-trafficking organizations to educate communities and support prevention initiatives throughout Florida. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned - Shared Hope International Ambassador Program - Human trafficking awareness education - Parent digital safety monitoring tools - Bark parental monitoring app - Community outreach and prevention training - The “Five Whys” communication technique Closing Insight “Education is the key.” That message sits at the center of this important conversation about protecting children, supporting communities, and increasing awareness around human tra...