Simonton Windows’ Leadership Development Program Ranked in Top Five

Simonton Windows’ leadership development program was ranked among the top five in North America, according to a recent survey. Simonton Windows, a national vinyl window and door manufacturer based in West Virginia, tied with fast food giant McDonald’s for number five.

The rankings have been published in the September issue of Leadership Excellence Magazine. “That our program ranks at the top among the largest corporate leadership training programs in North America really says something for the value Simonton places on its people,” explained Pete Rawlings, Simonton’s Corporate Training Director.

Simonton’s program, called the Simonton University Leadership Challenge, was created in partnership with the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. It is a 10-day certificate program that involves a number of unique projects designed to provide current and emerging company leadership with the tools they need to be successful.

“Lake Forest has been an outstanding partner with us and played a key role in the development and ongoing execution of the program,” Rawlings said. The program rankings are based on seven different criteria, including the depth of participation for the individuals in the program, the credibility and resonance of the program’s design, the effectiveness of the presentations, and how meaningful the program’s vision is for both the participants and the corporation.

“The curriculum is unique and varied, with a mixture of traditional classes and experiential learning—for example, a high ropes course, meant to encourage participants to discover their own capabilities. Participants were also responsible for the individual projects they presented to the group on the last day of the challenge,” Rawlings said.

The individual projects vary, and have included business-oriented topics like finding ways to reduce manufacturing lead time, and community-oriented topics like publicizing the need for donations at a shelter for abused and neglected children.

Named the “best overall national vinyl window manufacturer” in a 2005 industry study, Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® compliant replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of Dade County-approved hurricane-resistant products. Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in seven days or less.

Author Notes:

Pete Rawlings contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com.  Everything you need for replacement windows; sizing, purchasing, installing and maintaining.