Steve Chen Named Crystal Window Executive VP

Though only in his late 20s, Steve Chen has already acquired a significant background in window manufacturing and installation.

Crystal Window & Door Systems recently named Steve Chen, son of company founder Thomas Chen, executive vice president for company operations. The title represents a significant promotion for Steve and a transition from the company's founder to the next family generation. To facilitate the further transformation of the company, seasoned executives are being brought on board.

As executive vice president, Steve directs the efficient integration of sales and marketing strategy with production and customer service for the parent company and its domestic fenestration subsidiaries. This move enables the company's founder, entrepreneur Thomas Chen, to focus more on business development opportunities overseas, direct Crystal's international subsidiaries and explore a wide range of innovative building products.

Though only in his late 20s, Steve Chen has already acquired a significant background in window manufacturing and installation. "I grew up in the business," Steve said. "As a child, I helped out at the factory on Saturdays, in the office, or accompanying my father to customer business meetings. In high school and college, I worked each summer wherever I was needed, on the factory floor making windows, helping in accounting or with computers, even loading trucks. I got to see the entire business from every department."

The challenge for any family-owned and

operated business that grows from the entrepreneurial stage to a larger corporation is how to manage the growth carefully, create a well-functioning organizational structure, and plan for succession and continual growth. Many companies falter while going through these growing pains and some fail completely. Especially difficult can be the transition from the first generation, the entrepreneur that started the business, to the second generation that will manage the established company. "These types of transitions don't take place overnight," Thomas Chen explained. "We want to move thoughtfully, and put in place the right skills and experience to effect the changes we envision."

To assist specifically with its transition, Crystal engaged David Ewing, a seasoned manufacturing industry executive with experience in the building products industry at the chief executive officer level. Ewing was previously with Four Seasons Sunrooms, Rockwell International and other industry leaders. His role is to facilitate change and provide guidance for Thomas, Steve and other senior personnel.

The transition has progressed well for the past several months. The first phase has been to establish Steve and Ewing as "coleaders", jointly running operations and collaborating on major decisions. In the next phase of transition, Steve will take more of the lead, with Ewing continuing to provide consulting and guidance.

Steve is an alumnus of the Bronx High School of Science and graduated with a degree in economics from Penn State University. Upon graduation, Steve joined First Union Asset Management as leader of a team of investment account managers. There he was responsible for portfolio accounting, working with pension and investment plan brokers and their customers and honing his skills in client relations.

"I always knew I would return to Crystal, but I wanted some experience in other businesses first," Steve explained. He joined Crystal as a project manager in 2003, gaining experience in marketing, sales, accounting, product design, aluminum extrusion and manufacturing processes before taking his current role, overseeing the entire window and door operation.

Crystal is establishing a team of senior management personnel, essential to give the company a solid organizational structure with experience and skills that will also provide the framework for Crystal's continued growth in the future. The company expects to announce more information on senior personnel appointments in the coming months.

Crystal Window & Door Systems is one of the top 65 manufacturers of replacement and new construction vinyl and aluminum window and door products and high-end fenestration systems in North America. Crystal offers a full product line, rapid order-to-delivery times, quality workmanship, innovative product features and outstanding value. Crystal markets products throughout the East Coast and in the Midwest. For more information about Crystal and its products, call 718-961-7300, or visit www.crystalwindows.com.