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Published: February 2008
Phil Frederick of Window Tech Systems gives us some insight into the world of vinyl and aluminum windows. He explains why these two materials provide an efficient alternative.
Success Magazine: What does success mean to you?
Phil Frederick: After 32 years with Allegheny Ludlum Steel and Altech Steel, I retired as a VP of Sales. Now, with over 21 years in Window Manufacturing, success is continuing to manufacture high quality products while providing an income to 25 people.
SM: How did WTS get started?
PF: With a desire to live in Saratoga Springs, in 1987 I purchased Stormaster Door & Window, who had been making storm windows and doors since 1973. The manufacturing facility was relocated into a new building in 1996 and the name was changed to Window Tech Systems to better identify the upgraded window products.
SM: How did you become interested in such work, and how did your education pave the way for your future success in this market?
PF: As a Metallurgical Engineer graduate from the University of Illinois, my initial employment at Allegheny Ludlum involved development of super alloys and specialty steels for the Aircraft, Automobile, and Petro-Chemical Industries. My background was useful in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high quality windows.
SM: What were your goals when you took over Stormaster Door & Window?
PF: In my so-called retirement, my goal was to improve the financial status of the corporation in 5 years.
SM: How did these goals play out over time, and were you immediately successful in your venture?
PF: As history indicates, this goal was attained several years later, after relocating into a facility specifically designed for window manufacturing. Fortunately, Dave Bangert moved his family from Illinois and became my V.P. of Operations in 1990. His contribution to the corporation has been and continues to be, enormous.
SM: At what point did Stormaster become Window Tech? How did this transition affect business?
PF: In 1996, the efficiency of manufacturing Stormaster windows in a 13,000 square foot area needed to be greatly improved for survival of the corporation. Thus, the transfer to a 30,000 square foot new facility in Malta took place. During the transfer and name change, sales for the year decreased 27%.
SM: Shortly after you became Window Tech, you were given a proposal to develop windows for state housing. What exactly did this project consist of?
PF: In response to a request of DHCR architects, WinTech was the first NYS manufacturer to develop commercial rated vinyl windows. In laboratory testing, double and single hung windows with the modified components, achieved the commercial structural rating, while maintaining the thermal Energy Star rating.
SM: How did this proposal affect your business?
PF: Although vinyl window production normally is 25% that of aluminum windows, this new product contributed to a rebound of sales the following year.
SM: What are the goals of Window Tech Systems?
PF: Being sociably responsible to our immediate geographical area, WinTech needs to generate profits to maintain a continuous operation that provides job opportunities and associated benefits to local businesses. From a simple economics standpoint, money that flows out-of-state drains the purchasing power of the local community. Keeping people employed reduces New York States expenditures for welfare and unemployment benefit. Buying local, therefore, is highly recommended to the Capital District construction industry.
SM: What sets you apart from your competitors?
PF: WinTechs service in respect to responses to customer inquiries, requests for information, and short term deliveries for custom-made high quality windows greatly exceeds the competition.
SM: What has been the biggest challenge in getting people to choose your vinyl and aluminum products over the more commonly used wood windows of the past?
PF: Many selectors choose wood windows, which can be painted to color match. Wood, however, swells and shrinks in moist climates resulting in a deterioration of the paint and operating problems of moveable components. Reference is made to the structural and thermal properties of wood, vinyl and aluminum windows in the accompanying bar chart.
In summary, wood and vinyl windows have equivalent Energy Star ratings. Aluminum windows possess the higher strength with a lower thermal capacity. The strength of the commercial vinyl windows surpasses that of the wood windows, while maintaining the same thermal Energy Star rating. Wood windows initially may be more beautiful, but incur more short and long term operating problems and maintenance than vinyl or aluminum windows.
SM: What are some of the largest projects that you have undertaken?
PF: Major Capital District aluminum window projects are: The Saratoga Springs Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Albanys Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Medical Center Hospital, Troys RPI Warren Hall Dormitory, and Saratogas Skidmore College Northwood Apartments.
Recent local vinyl window projects are: Albanys 11 story Executive House Apts., Maltas Steeplechase Apts., Maltas High Pointe Senior Apts., and Niskayunas Garden Apts.
SM: What project are you most proud of?
PF: WinTechs aluminum double hung and fixed windows with a specially designed panning system in white, black, platinum and beige, totaling 1500 in number, were installed in the new Jenkins Row Apartments on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, DC. Not only was the window production involving a multitude of components and colors totally on schedule, the finished 5-story apartments are magnificent.
SM: With the rising cost of fuel, energy efficiency concerns continue to grow. Just how energy efficient are your windows in comparison?
PF: Vinyl windows with sash glazed with LowE glass/Argon have thermal U-Factors in the 0.30-0.35 range, which meet the Energy Star rating. Aluminum windows also with LowE glass/Argon have U-Factors in the 0.40-0.50 range, which meets NYSERDAs requirements. The thermal ratings of both categories of windows are competitive with those of other manufacturers windows.
SM: What steps do you take to ensure the efficiency of your windows?
PF: WinTech is an NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) participating manufacturer, which requires laboratory testing and certification every 4 years. Also, an increasing number of building projects are subjected to field water and air testing to monitor the efficiency of the window and installation.
SM: Your clients enjoy the ingenuity and custom designs like the built-in blinds window. What do you see on the horizon for Window Tech?
PF: WinTech currently is in the process of structurally and thermally testing higher performance aluminum windows to the most recent AAMA specification. Vinyl window thermal testing is also being pursued. Such tests involve the latest glass developments to further improve the thermal properties.
SM: How did Window Tech Systems become Manufacturer of the Year in 2004?
PF: The September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers caused a severe negative impact on the window market and window manufacturers in the Northeast. Through expansion of the customer base and accelerated product improvements, WinTech maintained a profitable operation. For this reason, after 9/11, the company received a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration because of the negative economic impacts. We also expanded our customer base, accelerated product improvement, and increased profitability. For this reason, WinTech was named the New York State Small Business Development Centers 2004 Manufacturer of the Year.
SM: Window Tech is a close family with 25 employees. How has that benefited the past, present, and future of your projects?
PF: Employees are made aware of special and standard physical and quality requirements of the windows to maintain their level of workmanship. With this stimulated interest, new requirements are approached as a new challenge. With quality performance being the number-one priority, architects, contractors, and owners all benefit accordingly.
SM: Your Company is a success. What personal characteristics do you posses that can be attributed to such success?
PF: Dave and I practice good communication via documentation to associates, and customers. Where required, we are firm but friendly. Roll up your sleeves and contribute to problem resolution is our model. We compliment people for doing a good job, and express enjoyment in being associates. Stakeholders are our most important product.
SM: If you were to give advice to a new entrepreneur, what would it be?
PF: For your given field of endeavor, know in depth the requirements needed to be successful. Then measure your personal desire, financial, mental and physical capabilities to meet those requirements. Strive to be the best in your chosen field.
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