Rich Allen is the National Account Manager for MI Windows and Doors. His company works with vinyl windows and patio doors, and he has been involved with AAMA since 2017. We spoke with Rich about his career and what he is proudest of accomplishing so far.

What is a typical day like for you?

I host product and installation training at Window World locations throughout the U.S.

What is your professional background and how did you become involved in the industry?

When I was leaving the Army in 1985, my parents were living in a town that had a window manufacturer and they encouraged me to apply for a sales position. My first job was selling and servicing Hechinger stores in Virginia and North Carolina. At that time, vinyl windows were just being introduced to the DIY market. I really enjoyed giving sales presentations to anyone who would listen.

What accomplishment are you most proud of regarding your work as an AAMA member?

I have conducted AAMA InstallationMasters^® Certification – Replacement classes for over 500 Window World installers in the last 18 months.

Where do you see the fenestration industry in the next 10 years?

Products will have more selections in style: colors, appearance, design enhancements, etc.

How can the industry work together to be more successful?

In our AAMA class, we promote that a window and door is only as good as it is installed. We need to develop and promote standardized practices for installation across the industry so that the public benefits from better installations to reduce callbacks and failures.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you as you began your career?

Learn more about how the products that you sell are properly installed in different applications.

What is the best advice you’ve received in your career so far?

Learn all you can about your products, their performance and how you can help your customer.

Who has been most influential for you in your professional life?

Pete DeSoto at Metal Industries [now MI Windows and Doors]. He gave me my start in the industry and always encouraged me to work hard and share my wins.

Anything else you’d like to share (i.e., what you like to do outside of work, something people wouldn’t know about you or what you see for the industry in the future)?

I usually leave Monday, come home Friday and have been doing this for 30 years traveling to all 50 states. When I have time off, I usually travel outside the U.S. to learn more about the cultures in our world.